Kelsey

=**Picture Books** =

**#1** **Book: Way Far Away on a Wild Safari** **Author: Jan Peck** **Illustrator: Valeria Petrone** The book Way Far Away on a Wild Safari is a story that children and adults alike will love. Written in a sing-songy and catchy poem form, this story takes you on a literal safari to the continent of Africa where a young boy is in search of a lion. This boy runs into various animals on his adventure where he meets, greets, and politely leaves the animals he stumbles upon by exclaiming, “Hike away!” In the end, he does find his lion and makes it home safely to his grandmother. This heartwarming story reminds me of the zoo kindergarten class I work with every Friday. The children there go on their own “safaris” everyday and can definitely relate to the little boy in the story. I can’t wait to take this to the zoo kindergarten classroom to share it!

**#2** **Book: The Scarlet Stockings Spy** **Author: Trinka Hakes Noble** **Illustrator: Robert Papp** The children’s story The Scarlet Stockings Spy is a fantastic add to a children’s repertoire of literature selections. This book takes complicated historical facts and puts them into words that children can follow and understand. Set during the Revolutionary War time period, this children’s story brilliantly illustrates the story of a young girl—a secret spy for the Patriots. In subtle ways, this story explains some of the more difficult topics associated with wartime and really gets down on a level that children can understand. While the story itself, is longer than your typical children’s story, it is a good read that will really get kids focused on the realities of history. I actually read this story aloud to my 5th and 6th grade reading club kids today at work. They really seemed to like it and picked up on the many metaphors and symbolisms in the story. It took about 20 minutes to read, as it is longer and more detailed than a typical children’s story, however it is a fantastic book that easily illustrates the dynamics of the Revolutionary War.

**#3** **Book: Zen Shorts** **Author: Jon J. Muth** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Jon J. Muth** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Zen Shorts is a set of extremely clever stories within one big story. Stillwater—the friendly panda and main character of the story appears in the backyard of Michael, Karl, and Addy’s house one day, and the four of them become instant friends. Each one approaches the panda by his or herself, and he tells each of them a story that helps them to figure out a life skill or lesson. This book is charming from the first page to the last—and is one that kids will surely appreciate. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I read this story to my 7th and 8th grade reading club students today, and they certainly got a kick out of it. I had them complete a “important events” flowchart, illustrating four main events that happened in the story. All of them included the three moral stories the panda told his friends, as they concluded that those stories were important to understanding the entire book as a whole.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#4** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Corduroy** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Don Freeman** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Don Freeman** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The story of Corduroy has always been a childhood favorite of mine. An oldie and yet still a goodie, this charming story of the bear with the missing button has truly warmed the hearts of many people of all ages. Poor Corduroy lives in a huge toy department store and has been there for quite some time. No one ever paused to look at him—let alone even consider purchasing him. All of that changed when little Lisa came along. She loved Corduroy the moment she laid eyes on him but was unable to take him home because of his appearance; he was missing a button. After a late night adventure in the mall, Corduroy sadly returns to his spot in the toy department store—thinking that no one would ever want him. Fortunately, Corduroy was wrong and ends up in a very good home.

Words cannot describe how much I love this book; it definitely is one of my all-time favorites. To this day, I even have a little bear that reminds me of Corduroy. I cannot wait to be able to share this story with my future students and children someday.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#5** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Standing on My Own Two Feet** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Tamara Schimtz** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Tamara Schimtz** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The book Standing on My Own Two Feet is an interesting read that really puts life into perspective—even for an adult. This story seeks to illustrate the troubles, trials, and affirmations children often experience in the midst of a divorce. Author Tamara Schimtz does a wonderful job of carefully painting the delicate picture of what a divorced family situation looks like. Her message to the children—it’s not your fault. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While this book may not be your first choice to read to your students, it is definitely one that should be considered. In this day in age, we have to learn how to adapt (without compromising our values) to what the students are going through, and this book would be an excellent addition to any classroom.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#6** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Market Day** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Lois Ehlert** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Lois Ehlert** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Children’s book Market Day is a wonderful tale that illustrates different cultural happenings. The story takes place in a few different countries and demonstrates how various cultures go to the market. No matter where you are in the world, going to the market is a huge ordeal and often takes up an entire day—from sunup to sundown. The beautiful illustrations truly entice the reader and give great insight to what people might see or do on market day. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I enjoyed this book—mostly because it was different. The illustrations were pictures that I had never seen before; the artwork was so intriguing! This book would be a good one to tie into social studies lessons, and it’s one that children will really enjoy.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#7** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Aliens are Coming!** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Meghan McCarthy﻿** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Meghan McCarthy﻿** While perhaps the book Aliens are Coming! is meant for a slightly older audience, it sure is a clever one. Set in the 1930’s (when radios were one of the main forms of entertainment), this story takes the reader on an adventurous “alien scare.” It’s all over the news—“Aliens are coming!” shout reporters from around the country. People are terrified and left wondering what they are supposed to do. As it turns out, the silly radio broadcasters completely made everything up—thus sparking the interest in author H.G. Wells and director Orson Welles to run with the idea of “alien invasions.”

This book was adorable and so incredibly clever! I would recommend this book for upper elementary students because of the hidden humor and ideas of scary “aliens.”

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#8﻿** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: The Disappearing Alphabet﻿** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Richard Wilbur** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: David Diaz** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The story of The Disappearing Alphabet is a real crowd-pleaser. Author Richard Wilbur poses the question, “What if the alphabet were to disappear?” and it really takes a serious toll on how the reader views the alphabet. Set up in a sing-songy, rhyme format, this story takes you letter by letter on an adventure that will truly knock your socks off. Amidst Wilbur’s cute humor and honest fact, this story will forever change the way you (and a child, especially) think of learning the ABC’s.

I loved this story so much! I could totally see myself using this story in my primary classrooms as I teach the basics of the alphabet and phonics. It was cute, memorable, and to the point. I love, love, loved it!

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#9** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: The Deaf Musicians** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Pete Seeger & Paul Dubois Jacobs﻿** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: R. Gregroy Christie﻿** The children's story, The Deaf Musicians, is a very fascinating tale. The book tells the story of a man who played in a jazz band but who is asked to leave due to his hearing loss and near deafness. This poor man resigns from the band, and one night, while taking the subway home, he meets a fellow musician who is also deaf. The two decide to form their own band and seek out other deaf or hard of hearing people to join. Needless to say, they become quite the musical group and gain their fame through their uniqueness.

I was drawn to this story because I am such a big fan of music. The story was somewhat out of the ordinary, which, in my mind truly set this story apart from other "music-themed" books I have read. The illustrator did a fantastic job of filling in the pictures, as well. All-in-all, this was a fantastic read and would be good for kids of all ages.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**# 10** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Garmann's Summer﻿** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Stian Hole** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Stian Hole** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Garmann's Summer was a very interesting read, to say the least. I still really haven't decided if I enjoyed the story or not. It was a little difficult to determine what exactly the main point of the book was, as I was reading it; however, I believe the story's message had to do with fear. Young Garmann is gearing up for the school year and he really doesn't want to go back yet. His aunts come to visit for one last little "hoorah" for the summer, and they all give him some good advice. They explain their fears, one by one--as do his parents in the end. Garmann realizes that his fear is that of going back to school, and that's where the story leaves you. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I just wasn't a big fan of this story. It didn't make a whole lot of sense in that there was no specific plot line. I must say that the illustrations were awesome, and definitely did not look like any typical pictures that I've seen before.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#11** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: An African Princess** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Lyra Edmonds** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Anne Wilson** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The story, An African Princess, was one that I greatly enjoyed. The little girl in the story is an African American, who has always been told that she comes from “royalty” in Africa. She is extremely proud of her heritage and gets super excited when she finds out that she and her family are taking a trip to Africa to see her grandmother. When she arrives in Africa, however, she quickly realizes that her family isn’t royal, at all. Feeling depressed by this, the little girl decides to speak with her grandmother. Her grandmother reminds her that her family’s heritage is so important that it should be treasured and treated just as if she were royalty. This is a great culture-friendly book. It isn’t overbearing with tolerance, and yet it teaches a valuable lesson to all people—where you come from and who you are, are what truly matters. Hold on to that; it’s so precious.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#12** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Always Remember Me** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Marisobina Russo** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Marisobina Russo** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The book, Always Remember Me, is a real tearjerker. While it is classified as a children’s story, I would say that students in junior high would even appreciate this book. The story takes place in the present day, as the grandmother tells her granddaughter of the terrible things of the Holocaust. This grandmother suffered through it all and lost many loved ones. One thing that remained constant during this terrible time, however, was the faith she and her family had. This grandmother wore a gold, heart necklace and passed it on to her children, as one-by-one, they were taken from her. She hoped that one day she would see her girls again, and sure enough, they all survived. The story ends with the grandmother giving this precious gold necklace to her granddaughter—a true miracle, in itself. Again, I would probably rate this book as one for upper elementary or even junior high students. There is a lot of print on each of the pages and the content was fairly blunt with the violence that took place during that often time in history.


 * 13**
 * Book: The Big Box**
 * Author: Toni Morrison & Slade Morrison**
 * Illustrator: Giselle Potter**

This story is essentially about three children—all of which have been put into a box with all of the things they could possibly ever want or need. Their parents visit them and bring them games and toys—whatever it is that they want. The reason these kids are in this box, however, is the fact that they are different and can’t handle their freedom. People around them (their teachers, their neighbors, even their families) get together and decide that these kids need to be taken out of the real world until they can behave and handle themselves. Authors Toni and Slade Morrison use a rhyme format and end each child’s personal story with “and he/she just can’t handle their freedom.”

This particular children’s book was a lot different than I thought it would be. In fact, I would say that this book isn’t really a children’s book at all; I even had a hard time trying to figure out what it meant. I was a little disturbed by the idea of taking children and putting them in boxes until they figure out how to act “normally.” I found it very stereotypical and anti-creative.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: John Archambault** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Suzanne Tanner Chitwood** This children’s story is sure to have your toes tapping and put a smile on your face. A take off of author John Archambault’s previous alphabet book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Boom Chicka Rock seeks to help students tell time. Utilizing his infamous and fun rhyme style, Archambault creates a fun and unusual story that teaches students to tell time in a way that is definitely memorable. Its colorful pictures and repetitive nature invites students to participate as the different characters interact with a clock.
 * 14**
 * Book: Boom Chicka Rock**

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I loved this book—hands down—awesome. I love all of the “Chicka chicka” books and plan to use these in my classroom someday. They are fun, interactive, and memorable. What a great teaching tool!

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#15** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Pie in the Sky** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Lois Ehlert** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Lois Elhert** Pie in the Sky, by Lois Elhert is simply adorable. Quite characteristic of her other works, this children’s book has super illustrations, fun pages (with the holes cut out and fun lines), and a very simple—yet to the point story. The father of the story tries to convince his daughter that cherry pies grow on trees. When she wouldn’t believe him, he showed her, step-by-step, how a cherry pie grows on a tree. Essentially, this story takes the reader on a life journey of a cherry pie. The cherry tree grows, buds, blooms, and produces cherries. Then people go out and pick the cherries and go through the process of making a pie in the end.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This incredibly fun tale can be used for various lessons in the classroom—whether you are going through the life cycle of a tree, learning how to measure and bake, or if you are wondering if cherry pies really do grow on trees.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#16** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Just Like Me** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Marjorie Newman** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Ken Wilson-Max** The children’s story, Just Like Me, is a story about becoming a big brother. Mom and Dad are expecting their second child and the first child is absolutely distraught. His world is completely rocked when they come home from the hospital. And he doesn’t know what to do, now that Mom and Dad are busy paying attention to this new little bundle of joy. He gets frustrated when they dress his baby brother and feed him and bathe him; it’s like they forgot about their first kid! Not to worry, Mom and Dad assure the older; they console him by telling him that when he was first born and new to the world, they did the same for him, and that one day, the two boys will get to play together and be friends.

This story was so cute. The illustrations were great and the simple, yet somewhat complex story of this poor first-born child is a great lesson for many young kids—especially if they are first-time big brothers or sisters.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Paper Crane** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Molly Bang** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Molly Bang** Paper Crane is a story that old and young alike are sure to enjoy. The story takes place in a lonely restaurant; no one cares to stop in anymore and the owner hardly has any business. Then one day, an old man stops by. He orders, eats, and when he has finished, he takes his napkin and folds it into a paper crane. Soon after, the crane comes to life and is the most beautiful creature that the restaurant owner has ever seen. Suddenly, business is very good again for the owner and the restaurant bounces back to life. A long time after, the old man reappears at the restaurant, hops on the crane, flies away, and is never seen again.
 * 17**

This book is definitely an interesting story—but a good one, nonetheless. This interesting plot makes for a good read and really is a rather heart-warming story.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#18** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Willy and Max** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Amy Littlesugar** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: William Low** The charming story of Willy and Max, is one that almost brought tears to my eyes. Set during the Holocaust time period, this book is the story of two friends—one Jew, one German who are brought together and bound by love. The two grow up together and promise to always be friends. When it comes time for the Jews to be cut off from the rest of society, the two are separated for forever and are never able to see each other again. It isn’t until years later that one of the grandsons finds the other family and a sense of closure is felt.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is probably a story that only older elementary kids should read. It’s got a lot of tough life issues that children shouldn’t have to deal with just yet. It is a great read, but it is rather sad.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#19** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Crow Call** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Lois Lowry** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Bagram Ibatouline** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lois Lowry’s Crow Call is a wonderful children’s story about a little girl and her dad. He has recently returned from the war and he wants to take his daughter out to go crow hunting. She’s excited and nervous at the same time. She’s never really “hung out” with her dad—let alone gone hunting with anyone. They get out in country and talk a little. She feels bad about shooting the crows, and her dad tries to explain that they are a nuisance and do more harm than good. She understands, but still feels sad for taking their lives. Her dad seems to understand exactly where she is coming from when she says this, as he is so fresh out of the war. In the end, they don’t shoot any of the birds, and instead enjoy their afternoon together out in the country. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This story was quite a bit longer than I expected. I would say that upper elementary students would appreciate this book more than younger students, as the illustrations are pretty real-to-life, and the plot is kind of complicated.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Christmas in the Trenches** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: John McCutcheon** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Henri Sorensen** The story, Christmas in the Trenches, is one that I had never heard of before. The grandfather of the story pulls his grandchildren up on his lap and tells them the story of his favorite Christmas. He was a soldier during WWI and he and his group would not be going home for Christmas. Instead, they were going to be stuck in the trenches, fighting the Germans. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a German soldier walked out onto the battlefield holding a white flag and brought small gifts that the German and American soldiers exchanged. They ended up sharing a small meal, dancing, and enjoying the Christmas night together. In the morning, though, they each returned to their sides and began fighting again. But for one night, they were able to put their differences aside and enjoy a time of joy and thankfulness together.
 * 20**

Apparently this story is based upon an actual event that happened during the First World War. Because it is non-fiction in nature, I would recommend that this book be one for upper elementary students.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#21** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Fish Eyes** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: Lois Elhert** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Lois Elhert** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The children’s story, Fish Eyes, is a cute one for the younger grades. Again, this is a typical Lois Elhert story—lots of color and fun shapes and lines. Also, the story, itself, isn’t very complicated and basically counts different kinds of fish in the sea. This is a great teaching tool when teaching primary students their numbers and colors. There are many different projects and lessons that can be done with Lois Elhert’s work and this book is another great example of a story that can be used.

=**Intermediate Books**=

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**#1** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Book: Stone Fox﻿** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Author: John Reynolds Gardiner** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Illustrator: Greg Hargreaves** <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The story of Stone Fox is one that will warm the hearts of some and touch the hearts of many. Set out in the back woods of Wyoming, Little Willy is forced to grow up rather quickly. Willy’s grandfather is dying and the farm is failing, and it is up to Willy to try to make all things right again. Willy’s grandfather hasn’t paid his taxes in over ten years and owes a lot of money, so he decides to spend all of the money he has saved up for college to enter a dog-sled race—and if he wins, he will be able to pay off the taxes and keep the farm. A charming tale that truly keeps you on the edge of your seat, Stone Fox will absolutely blow your mind with its surprise ending. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I had to read this book for work and write eight corresponding lesson plans that went with it. I feel like this book is an excellent piece of literature for the middle elementary grades and should be implemented into every reading curriculum. It’s an easy read and the message in jaw dropping. Long story short—I loved this book.

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 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">#2 **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Book: The Shadows of Ghadames **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Author: Joëlle Stolz **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I blindly picked up the book The Shadows of Ghadames, written by Joëlle Stolz and was extremely impressed. The book wasn’t more than 120 pages long, but the story was absolutely fantastic. This story takes place in the country of Libya, in a Muslim community. I’m not sure of the time period, but much of the story led me to believe that it took place in the past. The storyline is centered on one family—the father and head of the household, his two wives, and their two children—a boy and a girl, each from one of the wives. The father leaves on a trade journey and the wives and children are left to be at home. One night, a strange and injured man ends up near their home and he is taken in under the wives’ wings. This is unacceptable, as the father is out on a journey, but they decide to take care of him regardless of the consequences. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Because this book is a Muslim-centered story, the content is extremely different from what we are used to. However, it was very eye opening and shed some light on some of the beliefs they have. It wasn’t overly pushy, as in, it didn’t carry a Muslim agenda, and for that, I was very impressed. For a quick read and a good story line, I would say that even a fourth grader could pick this book up and do well.


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">#3 **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Book: Friends and Enemies **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Author: Louann Gaeddert **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The book, Friends and Enemies is one that will truly knock your socks off. This story takes place in rural Kansas during World War II and tells the story of William Spencer—“preacher’s boy” and war fanatic. During his first few days in his new town, Will makes a friend named Jim Reimer, who is a Mennonite and does not believe in or support war of any kind. The friendship takes several, bumpy twists and turns—especially as Will works to support the war and Jim and his family do not--even to the point of being beaten for their beliefs. What a testimony! And what an interesting time period in history!

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This book is an incredible reenactment of what it would have been like in America during the 1940’s. What’s interesting to note is the involvement (or lack of involvement, for that matter) of those claiming Mennonite faith and tradition during this time period. I had no idea that the conflicting beliefs of the “Americans” and “Mennonites” were so different, and this story does a fantastic job of unpacking all of the baggage that goes along with these two points of view.


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">#4 **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Book: The Broken Blade **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Author: William Durbin **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The chapter book, The Broken Blade is an awesome, adventurous tale of a young French-Canadian named Pierre La Page. Pierre signs on as a voyageur for the North West Company during the Great Fur Trade of the 1800s and makes the long trip across the Great Lakes to deliver goods from Montreal to Grand Portage. During his long journey, Pierre learns many life lessons during his time in the canoe and in the wilderness. He goes away as a boy but definitely returns home as a man.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I absolutely loved this book and so did my 7th and 8th grade students at Campfire. I ran a reading club these past six weeks, and the curriculum in this club revolved around The Broken Blade. This story is actually a super fast read, is extremely clean, and leans toward the historical fiction genre. At any rate, I enjoyed it and so did my kids.

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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Gregor the Overlander was definitely not on my list of books to read this year, but I have to say that if I had to pick up a fantasy book, I’m glad I chose this one. Gregor is a young boy who, along with his sister, falls through the laundry shaft into a mysterious “Underland” where he is both welcomed and somewhat despised by the inhabitants there. Gregor’s goal is simple: to get out. However, the people of the Underland have other plans. Gregor, with the help of the Underlanders, embark on a long journey to fulfill a mysterious prophecy that has plagued the Underland for years. ======

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This book was another Campfire-related selection, as I also have been in charge of a 5th and 6th grade reading club these past six weeks. Although I’m not big on fantasy, this book has been pretty good! I’m a little surprised at the violence in this book, but the story line is decent and fairly easy to follow. My students love it, and that’s what’s important.


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">#6 **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Book: Over the River **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Author: Sharelle Byars Moranville **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The book Over the River is a fantastic story about a girl growing up in small-town Illinois, before electricity, running water, and porcelain bathtubs. Willa Mae lives with her grandparents and aunt, and life was developing into a simple rhythm of going to school, making new dresses, and helping Grandpa with the livestock. One day, Willa Mae’s long-lost father comes knocking at the door, and her life is completely turned upside-down.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This story was an extremely easy read and was a very clean book. I enjoyed it, as it told the story of a mid-twentieth century “family” trying to make things work the way they are supposed to. It is more of a historical fiction story, but I don’t think that it was necessarily based on something that really happened. I loved it, and I think many kids would, too.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Young Adult Books

 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">#1 **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Book: Waiting for Normal **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Author: Leslie Conner **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The book, Waiting for Normal is a fantastic read and tells the story of main character, Addie, and her family’s troubles and trials in life. Her family isn’t exactly “normal” as her real father passed away, her step-father has moved away and took his two girls (who are Addie’s half sisters) with him, and whose mother stays out late and often doesn’t come home for many days. Addie feels torn between her mother, whom she loves dearly, and her stepfather and his semi-normal lifestyle. Addie is only twelve but acts and carries herself well beyond her years.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The author of this book does a fantastic job of putting the reader right there next to Addie, as she goes about her days, having to play the grown up. Unfortunately, this type of thing happens—more often than we’d like to think about. I definitely was able to relate to this story, as this sort of thing actually happened to me, except I was only ten years old. My mom left my dad and me, and essentially, I got stuck having to raise myself. Thankfully things have worked out since then, but from the time I was ten until I was almost nineteen, my life reflected much of Addie’s life in the story.


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">#2 **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Book: High Dive **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Author: Tammar Stein **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The book, High Dive, by Tammar Stein is a decent contemporary realistic fiction story of a girl just trying to make it through life alive. Arden is a freshman at Vanderbilt and leaves on a European trip to take care of some family business in Sardinia. Her father died in a tragic car accident and her mother has been deployed and is serving as a trauma nurse in Iraq. Arden is alone. She feels alone and that no one really cares about anything she’s gone through. This girl is simply trying her best to keep her head above water, but life for her just has a way of taking unexpected twists and turns.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This book is definitely a read for young adults only. There is some language and the “life problems” are set for older audiences. While I enjoyed the story, I don’t think everyone will, as it starts pretty slowly and doesn’t really ever pick up speed. Aside from that, the storyline was good and definitely true to life.


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">#3 **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Book: Crossing Over: One Woman’s Escape from Amish Life **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Author: Ruth Irene Garrett **

The story Crossing Over: One Woman’s Escape from Amish Life is one that rocked my world. My mom actually recommended this book for me, and I sat down and read it in less than two days. The story is actually a true story of a woman who left her Amish colony and assimilated into modern, American culture. What gets me is that this story actually took place less than ten years ago. Author Garrett is that girl, and she does a phenomenal job of unpacking everything she experienced while in the colony and with what happened when she left. It was a real tearjerker and unfortunately true to life, as these people and places do exist.