Friday, January 28, 2005

I Like Myself


Beaumont, Karen. 2004. I LIKE MYSELF. Ill. David Catrow. New York: Harcourt. ISBN 0152020136 [Suggested Grade Levels K-2]

REVIEW

This fun, silly ode to self-esteem follows a young African American protagonist as she dances across the pages proclaiming the many qualities that she likes about herself, and simultaneously convincing the reader to feel the same. Rhyming text with lines such as “I may be called a silly nut / or crazy cuckoo bird - so what? / I’m having too much fun, you see, / for anything to bother me!” maintains silliness at the forefront and keeps the professions of positive self-esteem from becoming trite or overly sentimental.

The zaniness of the text is equaled by Caltrow’s brightly hued watercolor illustrations which jump off of the page and inspire thoughts of Dr. Seuss and Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Frequent alterations in the characters’ proportions, changes in the use of space on the page, and vividly changing background colors give the illustrations a sense of action and movement while also making each picture unique and original, just like the protagonist. It is a wild and crazy romp that is sure to resonate with readers as it entertains and amuses them.

CONNECTIONS
Children can share what they like about themselves and follow that up by drawing a picture of their favorite thing about themselves. Use the illustrations on the page with the text “I like my eyes, my ears, my nose. / I like my fingers and my toes,” to serve as a model for their own drawings.

Beaumont’s text is so amusing and fresh, share some of the passages again after you’ve finished the book. Then, invite children to make up short rhyming poems about themselves - the sillier the better! They can also illustrate their work or have fun reading and performing their compositions for their friends.

RELATED BOOKS
Other stories about self-esteem:
Appelt, Kathi. INCREDIBLE ME! ISBN 0060286229
Carlson, Nancy. I LIKE ME! ISBN 0140508198
Curtis, Jamie Lee. I’M GONNA LIKE ME: LETTING OFF A LITTLE SELF-ESTEEM. ISBN 0060287616

By Erin Miklauz

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Peter and the Starcatchers



Barry, Dave, and Ridley Pearson. 2004. PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS. New York: Hyperion. ISBN: 0786854456. [Suggested Grade Levels 4-6]

REVIEW
PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS is a fast-paced prequel to J.M. Barrie’s PETER PAN. Peter is one of five orphans on his way to the faraway kingdom of Rundoon on the rundown ship The Never Land where they will enter the service of a cruel king. As the leader of his gang, Peter takes his responsibilities seriously. He’s determined to find a way to save them all from an unpleasant fate. But even Peter couldn’t predict how the trip would end. Other ships in on the adventure are the British ship The Wasp and the pirate ship The Sea Devil, which is commanded by the dreaded Black Stache known for his thick black mustache that is over a foot long. While some felt that Black Stache had no heart—the reader knows differently—after all “he had a real soft spot for his ma, and was truly sorry for the time he’d marooned her” (47). The pirates are after the “greatest treasure” that ever sailed on the seas which is hidden away on the ship The Never Land. Molly, a young girl, is a Starcatcher trying to prevent the trunk of Starstuff (a magical dust that falls from the heavens with some falling stars) from falling into the wrong hands. This exciting game of hide and seek takes place on several ships and one small inhabited island full of angry natives and one hungry crocodile (Mr. Grin) who has cultivated a taste for human flesh.

Full of bad guys, good guys, and countless chase scenes, PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS never fails to entertain. Its short chapters complement the changing narration and the quick pace of the novel. The black and white illustrations by Greg Call capture the tone—particularly his rendering of the evil pirate Black Stache found on page 81. And I think children will find the pirate vessel’s sails particularly amusing—the sails are based on a woman’s brassiere (page 103). An audio book is available as well.

CONNECTIONS
Many characters in the book have unique nicknames (Black Stache, Slank, Leatherface, etc). Have children invent their own “pirate” nicknames.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books about pirates:
Lincoln, Margarette. THE PIRATE’S HANDBOOK. ISBN 9780140559880.
Walker, Richard. THE BAREFOOT BOOK OF PIRATES. ISBN 0901223795.

By Becky Laney

Monday, January 24, 2005

Boom Chicka Rock


Archambault, John. 2004. BOOM CHICKA ROCK. Ill. by Suzanne Tanner Chitwood. New York: Philomel. ISBN 0399235876 [Suggested Grade Levels K-2]

REVIEW
BOOM CHICKA ROCK is a captivating picture book that introduces the various ways numbers are used in everyday life. Though the book has a bewildering premise, the rhythmic language and funky illustrations will excite an audience. The text includes tremendous elements of rhythm, rhyme and repetition, though maybe overwhelmingly so. Any awkwardness is overshadowed by a fun, musical sound. For example,

Let’s all tango, do the fandango, tip-toe, tip-toe, rickety-rock
Sock Hop back to the kitchen clock. Zing! Zang! Boomerang!

The story is centered on adventurous kitchen mice that try to escape the house cat while they “dance” their way around the kitchen at night in search of left over birthday cake.
One feature that BOOM CHICKA ROCK does not include is predictability. Readers will not expect what comes next, especially when Max the cat paws at the clock. Although this is a counting book, the story is somewhat complex, especially how the numbers are related to telling time. The collage type illustrations do not have exact lines and seem to be free form. They work very well with the eccentric story, as does the font type, which is similar to handwriting. Because the illustrations, text and language mold so well together, this book is fascinating to read and share aloud.

CONNECTIONS
Readers could share their memories about staying up late or imaginative stories about what might happen at night when the rest of the house is sleeping; such as what “games” the family pets might play.
The book references several dances, such as the tango. Invite a dance instructor to teach children some of these oldies but goodies.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books about counting and telling time:
Harper, Dan and Barry Moser. TELLING TIME WITH BIG MAMA CAT. ISBN 0152017380
Carle, Eric. THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR ISBN 0399226907

By Lisa Erickson

Saturday, January 22, 2005

Buildings in Disguise: Architecture That Looks Like Animals, Food, and Other Things


Arbogast, Joan Marie. 2004. Buildings in Disguise: Architecture that looks like animals, food, and other things. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press. ISBN 159078099X [Suggested Grade Levels 4-8]

REVIEW
Arbogast pays tribute to strange and exotic buildings along the American roadside in this captivating nonfiction title. Fabulous buildings in unusual shapes that are meant to grab your attention are called mimetic because they imitate other objects. Because these structures are not on main thoroughfares, chances are students will not have seen these whimsical structures. Extensive photographs with accompanying text produce a fascinating look at American architecture of a bygone era. The photographs are mostly color with some black and white. There are also charts that detail the specifications of the featured buildings. Students will gawk at these charming structures and delight in reading the behind-the-scenes narratives of how the buildings were designed and built.

The most detailed account is of Lucy, the Margate Elephant, who was designed to attract people to buy land along the Atlantic coast. Tourists may still climb the inside spiral staircase and climb out on her back.

The overall design of the building is also enchanting – with endpapers that feature a map of the United States with a dot where each of the mimetic buildings is located. The well-organized book is broken down into chapters that highlight the various kinds of buildings built, as well as a bibliography and index. There is just enough text to explore the features of the buildings and put them in historical context, with the main focus on the charming photographs. Students and adults will be poring over the attractive pictures and trying to plan road trips to see their favorites.

CONNECTIONS
Invite children to design a mimetic building and reveal what its possible function might be.
Write a concrete poem in the shape of one of the mimetic buildings featured.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books about buildings:
Ames, Lee J. draw 50 buildings. Isbn 0385417772
Crosbie, Michael. Arches to zigzags. isbn 047114357x

By Cay Geisler

Thursday, January 20, 2005

My Father's Summers



Appelt, Kathi. 2004. MY FATHER’S SUMMERS. New York: Henry Holt. ISBN 0805073620 [Suggested Grade Levels 7-12]

REVIEW
MY FATHER’S SUMMERS is a recollection of the author’s childhood in the 1960s and 70s Houston. The memories are told through appealing, short verse chapters. Family photos are also included throughout the book. Kathi Appelt shares how her family dealt with her father’s job that took him out of the country, the parents’ subsequent divorce and their remarriages. For years Kathi spends much of her childhood with out her father while he is in Arabia. When he comes back to America, it is for another woman across town. Even though he was not the perfect father, Kathi is aware that he always loved her.

The memories are not in chronological order, which is enjoyable since this is the way memories are often thought of. Appelt’s writing style is concise and chapters are titled and often dated, so the reader is never confused. Appelt’s verses are modest, but powerful (e.g. “You remove the small e and have blam. The word shows up in comic books, where the super hero zooms in, sees the girl…tied down on a railroad track or a conveyor belt that’s headed toward a giant saw blade, the villain hovering over her with a haughty sneer, and blam, right in the poker. Saved again. It’s different from blame”). Though Appelt’s story takes place over 30 years ago, her feelings are relevant and easy to relate to. For example a one-sentence chapter is titled There It Was, it states: “I loved the boy with brown hair.” The verses are consistently not romanticized, yet stay positive, “He’s looking at me looking out, looking toward the camera. His face is shining, his smile is sweet. It’s clear he’s happy to be holding me.” Readers will appreciate how Appelt ends with a mature and self-assured outlook towards her father.

CONNECTIONS
Ask readers to bring in a photograph from their childhoods or take pictures. Allow children to write a poem about a memory from their childhood. Display the photos and poems.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books about family life:
Thomas, Rob. RATS SAW GOD. ISBN 0689802072
Johnson, Angela. THE FIRST PART LAST. ISBN 0689849222

By Lisa Erickson

Saturday, January 15, 2005

Bubba and Beau Meet the Relatives



Appelt, Kathi. 2004. BUBBA AND BEAU MEET THE RELATIVES. Ill. By Arthur Howard. New York: Harcourt. ISBN 0152166300 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK-1]

REVIEW
In Bubba and Beau’s third adventure, the baby and the dog (respectively) are on the sidelines for the cleaning, cooking and preparation as the relatives spring a visit on Big Bubba and Mama Pearl. Appelt’s writing deftly deals out Southern-isms with homespun flare (“Sister, that mud hole was better than pickled eggs”) and Arthur Howard’s ink and watercolor illustrations reflect the unpretentious warmth of a rural family gathering. Of course, the babies and dogs (including Cousin Arlene and her dog Bitsy) find their greatest joy in a nearby mud hole, but the family takes it in stride in true laid-back country fashion. Fairly unique here are also the book’s chapter divisions. Though a rare addition for what is essentially a picture book, they give the story a slightly more episodic sense of pacing than is usually found in this format. Howard’s matter-of fact art style lends an approachable feel to the book that reinforces its farm-raised roots. This book is written with a front porch sensibility and a casual ease that makes the characters and their environment comfortably accessible. From pickup trucks and cowboy hats to bouffant hair and boot-kickin’ Bodacious Banana Buttermilk Pie, BUBBA AND BEAU MEET THE RELATIVES is a friendly slice of country life that is sure to please.

CONNECTIONS
This is a great book to use in preparation for relatives coming over as a simple read a loud and to show how much fun relatives can be. A child could be lead to talk about their relatives or to write them a letter and send pictures.

The mud factor can also come into play. Mud can be made with playdough and food coloring, and a mud family can be easily shaped by children’s fingers. Or real mud in the activity of planting can be discussed. Play in a sand box would also be fun after reading this book.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books by Kathi Appelt that could be compared to this one:
BUBBA AND BEAU GO NIGHT-NIGHT. ISBN 0152045937
BUBBA AND BEAU, BEST FRIENDS. ISBN 0152020608

By Melissa Neece

Monday, January 10, 2005

Librarians' Choices 2004

Librarians’ Choices 2004
Master List

1. Appelt, Kathi. 2004. BUBBA AND BEAU MEET THE RELATIVES. Ill. By Arthur Howard. New York: Harcourt. ISBN 0152166300 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK-1]

2. Appelt, Kathi. 2004. MY FATHER’S SUMMERS. New York: Henry Holt. ISBN 0805073620 [Suggested Grade Levels 7-12]

3. Arbogast, Joan Marie. 2004. BUILDINGS IN DISGUISE: ARCHITECTURE THAT LOOKS LIKE ANIMALS, FOOD, AND OTHER THINGS. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press. ISBN 159078099X [Suggested Grade Levels 4-8]

4. Archambault, John. 2004. BOOM CHICKA ROCK. Ill. by Suzanne Tanner Chitwood. New York: Philomel. ISBN 0399235876 [Suggested Grade Levels K-2]

5. Barry, Dave, and Ridley Pearson. 2004. PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 0786854456 [Suggested Grade Levels 4-6]

6. Beaumont, Karen. 2004. I LIKE MYSELF. Ill. David Catrow. New York: Harcourt. ISBN 0152020136 [Suggested Grade Levels K-2]

7. Bolden, Tonya. 2004. WAKE UP OUR SOULS: A CELEBRATION OF BLACK AMERICAN ARTISTS. New York: Harry N. Abrams. ISBN 0810945274 [Suggested Grade Levels 6 and above]

8. Borden, Louise. 2004. THE GREATEST SKATING RACE. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN 0689845022 [Suggested Grade Levels 3-6]

9. Bredsdorff, Bodil. 2004. THE CROW GIRL. Farrar, Straus & Giroux. ISBN 0374312478. [Suggested Grade Levels 4-7]

10. Brisson, Pat. 2004. MAMA LOVES ME FROM AWAY. Ill. By Laurie Caple. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press. ISBN 1563979667 [Suggested Grade Levels Pre-K -3]

11. Browne, Anthony. 2004. INTO THE FOREST. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763625446 [Suggested Grade Levels 3 and up]

12. Bruchac, Joseph. 2004. JIM THORPE’S BRIGHT PATH. Ill. by S.D. Nelson. New York: Lee & Low Books. ISBN 158430166X [Suggested Grade Levels 2-5]

13. Bryant, Jen. 2004. THE TRIAL. New York: Knopf. ISBN 0375827528 [Suggested Grade Level 7-10]

14. Buzzeo, Toni. 2004. LITTLE LOON AND PAPA. Ill. by Margaret Spengler. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 0803729588 [Suggested Grade Levels K-3]

15. Carle, Eric. 2004. MISTER SEAHORSE. New York: Philomel. ISBN 0399242694 [Suggested Grade Levels Pre-K -1]

16. Child, Lauren. 2004. I AM TOO ABSOLUTELY SMALL FOR SCHOOL. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763624039 [Suggested Grade Levels Pre-K-1]

17. Cook, Sally. 2004. GOOD NIGHT PILLOW FIGHT. Illus. by Laura Cornell. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0062051903 [Suggested Grade Levels Pre-K-1]

18. Cowley, Joy. 2004. HUNTER. New York: Philomel. ISBN 0399242279 [Suggested Grade Levels 5-7]

19. Crews, Nina. 2004. NEIGHBORHOOD MOTHER GOOSE. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0060515732 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK-2]

20. Cronin, Doreen. 2004. DUCK FOR PRESIDENT. Ill. by Betsy Lewin. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689863772 [Suggested Grade Levels K-3]

21. Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2004. BUCKING THE SARGE. New York: Random House. ISBN 0385901593 [Suggested Grade Levels 7 and up]

22. Delaney, Mark. 2004. PEPPERLAND. Atlanta: Peachtree. ISBN 156145317X. [Suggested Grade Levels 7-12]

23. Dessen, Sarah. 2004. THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER. New York: Viking. ISBN 0670036390. [Suggested Grade Levels 9-12]

24. Downey, Lynn. 2004. MOST LOVED MONSTER. Ill. by Jack E. Davis. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 0803727283 [Suggested Grade Levels K-3]

25. Dunbar, Polly. 2004. DOG BLUE. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763624764. [Suggested Grade Levels Pre-K-1]

26. Dunrea, Oliver. 2004. PEEDIE. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618356525 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK-1]

27. DuQuette, Keith. 2004. COCK-A-DOODLE-MOOOO! New York: Putnam. ISBN 0399238891 [Suggested Grade Levels K-4]

28. Durbin, William. 2004. THE DARKEST EVENING. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 0439373077. [Suggested Grade Levels 6-8]

29. Ehlert, Lois. 2004. PIE IN THE SKY. New York: Harcourt. ISBN 0152165843. [Suggested Grade Levels Pre K - 1]

30. Farmer, Nancy. 2004. THE SEA OF TROLLS. New York: Atheneum. ISBN 0689867441 [Suggested Grade Levels 6 and up]

31. Fearnley, Jan. 2004. WATCH OUT! Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763623180 [Suggested Grade Levels Pre-K - 3]

32. Fleischman, Paul and Kevin Hawkes. 2004. SIDEWALK CIRCUS. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763611077 [Suggested Grade Levels K-2]

33. Freedman, Russell. 2004. THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARIAN ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS. New York: Clarion. ISBN 0618159762 [Suggested Grade Levels 6 and up]

34. Funke, Cornelia. 2004. DRAGON RIDER. Trans. by Anthea Bell. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0439456959 [Suggested Grade Levels 4-8]

35. Giblin, James Cross. 2004. SECRETS OF THE SPHINX. Ill. Bagram Ibatoulline. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0590098470 [Suggested Grade Levels 4-6]

36. Gleitzman, Morris. 2004. TOAD RAGE. New York: Random House. ISBN 0375827625 [Suggested Grade Levels 3-6]

37. Goodman, Susan E. 2004. THE TRUTH ABOUT POOP. New York: Viking. ISBN 0670036749 [Suggested Grade Levels 1-5]

38. Grandits, John. 2004. TECHNICALLY, IT’S NOT MY FAULT: CONCRETE POEMS. New York: Clarion. ISBN 061842833X [Suggested Grade Levels 3-6]

39. Hale, Shannon. 2004. BURNING ENNA. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 1582348898. [Suggested Grade Levels 6 and up]

40. Hannigan, Katherine. 2004. IDA B. New York: Greenwillow. ISBN 0060730250 [Suggested Grade Levels 4-7]

41. Henkes, Kevin. 2004. KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON. New York: Greenwillow. ISBN 0060588284 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK-1]

42. Hesse, Karen. 2004. THE CATS IN KRASINSKI SQUARE. Ill. Wendy Watson. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0439435404 [Suggested Grade Levels 3-6]

43. Ho, Minfong. 2004. PEEK! A THAI HIDE-AND-SEEK. Ill. by Holly Meade. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763620416 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK -1]

44. Janeczko, Paul. 2004. WORLDS AFIRE. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763622354. [Suggested Grade Levels 6-12]

45. Jeffers, Oliver. 2004. HOW TO CATCH A STAR. New York: Philomel. ISBN 0399242864 [Suggested Grade Levels Pre K-1]

46. Jenkins, Steve. 2004. ACTUAL SIZE. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618375945 [Suggested Grade Levels K-4]

47. Kadohata, Cynthia. 2004. KIRA-KIRA. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689856393. [Suggested Grade Levels 5-8]

48. Kimmel, Eric A. 2004. WONDERS AND MIRACLES: A PASSOVER COMPANION. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0439071755 [Suggested Grade Levels 5-10]

49. Koertge, Ron. 2004. MARGAUX WITH AN X. Cambridge. MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763624012 [Suggested Grade Levels 7 and up]

50. Kratter, Paul. 2004. THE LIVING RAIN FOREST. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge. ISBN 1570916039 [Suggested Grade Levels 2-6]

51. LaRochelle, David. 2004. THE BEST PET OF ALL. Ill. Hanako Wakiyama. New York: Dutton. ISBN 0525471294 [Suggested Grade Levels K-3]

52. Lawton, Clive A. 2004. HIROSHIMA: THE STORY OF THE FIRST ATOM BOMB. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 076362271 [Suggested Grade Levels 5-12]

53. Leedy, Loreen. 2004. LOOK AT MY BOOK: HOW KIDS CAN WRITE & ILLUSTRATE TERRIFIC BOOKS. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823415902 [Suggested Grade Levels 1-4]

54. Mackler, Carolyn. 2004. VEGAN VIRGIN VALENTINE. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763621552 [Suggested Grade Levels 8-12]

55. Marchetta, Melina. 2004. SAVING FRANCESCA. New York: Knopf. ISBN 0375929827 [Suggested Grade Levels 8 and up]

56. Matthews, L.S. 2004. FISH. New York: Random House. ISBN 1400085217 [Suggested Grade Levels 4-8]

57. Medina, Jane. 2004. THE DREAM ON BLANCA’S WALL. Ill. by Robert Casilla. Honesdale, PA: Boyd’s Mill Press. ISBN 1563977400. [Suggested Grade Levels 4-8]

58. Micklethwait, Lucy. 2004. I SPY SHAPES IN ART. New York: Greenwillow. ISBN 0060731931 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK-2]

59. Montgomery, Sy. 2004. THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618147993 [Suggested Grade Levels 2-6]

60. Moriarty, Jaclyn. 2004. THE YEAR OF SECRET ASSIGNMENTS. 2004. Scholastic. ISBN: 0439498813. [Suggested Grade Levels 6 and up]

61. Myers, Walter Dean. 2004. ANTARCTICA: JOURNEYS TO THE SOUTH POLE. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0439220017 [Suggested Grade Levels 5 and up]

62. Myers, Walter Dean. 2004. HERE IN HARLEM: POEMS IN MANY WORKS. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823418537. [Suggested Grade Levels 7-12]

63. Noyes, Deborah. 2004. HANA IN THE TIME OF THE TULIPS. Ill. by Bagram Ibatoulline. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763618756 [Suggested Grade Levels 2-5]

64. Noyes, Deborah ed. 2004. GOTHIC! TEN ORIGINAL DARK TALES. Cambridge. MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763622435 [Suggested Grade Levels 7-12]

65. Odanaka, Barbara. 2004. SKATEBOARD MOM. Ill. by JoAnn Adinolfi. New York: Putnam. ISBN 0399238670 [Suggested Grade Levels K-5]

66. Palatini, Margie. 2004. MOO WHO? Ill. by Keith Graves. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0060001062 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK-3]

67. Pennac, Daniel. 2004. DOG. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763624217 [Suggested Grade Levels 3-6]

68. Prelutsky, Jack. 2004. IF NOT FOR THE CAT. Ill. Ted Rand. New York: Greenwillow. ISBN 0060596775 [Suggested Grade Levels 1-5]

69. Raimondo, Joyce. 2004. IMAGINE THAT! ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES IN SURREALISM. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications. ISBN 0823025020 [Suggested Grade Levels 1-6]

70. Rascol, Sabina, Trans. 2004. THE IMPUDENT ROOSTER. Ill. by Holly Berry. New York: Dutton. ISBN 0525471790 [Suggested Grade Levels 1-3]

71. Raven, Margot Theis. 2004. CIRCLE UNBROKEN. Illustrated by E.B. Lewis. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux. ISBN 03743122893 [Suggested Grade Levels K – 2]

72. Ray, Deborah Kogan. 2004. THE FLOWER HUNTER: WILLIAM BARTRAM, AMERICA’S FIRST NATURALIST. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux. ISBN 0374345899 [Suggested Grade Levels 3-6]

73. Robinson, Sharon. 2004. PROMISES TO KEEP: HOW JACKIE ROBINSON CHANGED AMERICA. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0439425921 [Suggested Grade Levels 5-9]

74. Roemer, Heidi. 2004. COME TO MY PARTY AND OTHER SHAPE POEMS. Ill. by Hideko Takahashi. New York: Henry Holt. ISBN 0805066209 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK-2]

75. Rosen, Michael. 2004. SHAKESPEARE’S ROMEO & JULIET. Ill. by Jane Ray. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763622583 [Suggested Grade Levels 5-10]

76. Rosoff, Meg. 2004. HOW I LIVE NOW. New York: Random House. ISBN 0385746776 [Suggested Grade Levels 8 and up]

77. Runyon, Brent. 2004. THE BURN JOURNALS. New York: Knopf. ISBN 0375826211 [Suggested Grade Levels 8 and up]

78. Ryan, Pam Munoz. 2004. BECOMING NAOMI LEON. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0439269695 [Suggested Grade Levels 5-8]

79. Schmidt, Gary. 2004. LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY. New York: Clarion. ISBN 0618439293 [Suggested Grade Levels 6-10]

80. Sheth, Kashmira. 2004. BLUE JASMINE. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 0786818557 [Suggested Grade Levels 4-8]

81. Sierra, Judy. WILD ABOUT BOOKS. Ill. by Marc Brown. New York: Knopf. ISBN 037582538X [Suggested Grade Levels Pre-K - 2]

82. Sis, Peter. 2004. THE TRAIN OF STATES. New York: Greenwillow. ISBN 0060578386 [Suggested Grade Levels 2-5]

83. Sobol, Richard. 2004. AN ELEPHANT IN THE BACKYARD. New York: Dutton. ISBN 0525472886. [Suggested Grade Levels K-3]

84. Sones, Sonya. 2004. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689858205 [Suggested Grade Levels 6-10]

85. Spinelli, Eileen. 2004. SOMETHING TO TELL THE GRANDCOWS. Ill. By Bill Slavin. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. ISBN 080285236 [Suggested Grade Levels K-3]

86. Steckel, Richard, et al. 2004. THE MILESTONES PROJECT: CELEBRATING CHILDHOOD AROUND THE WORLD. Berkeley, CA: Tricycle Press. ISBN 1582431325 [Suggested Grade Levels 3-8]

87. Swanson, Julie. 2004. GOING FOR THE RECORD. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. ISBN 0802852734 [Suggested Grade Levels 6 and up]

88. Taylor, Debbie A. 2004. SWEET MUSIC IN HARLEM. Ill. by Frank Morrison. New York: Lee & Low Books. ISBN 1584301651 [Suggested Grade Levels 2-6]

89. Thomas, Eliza. 2004. THE RED BLANKET. Ill. by Joe Cepeda. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0439322537 [Suggested Grade Levels K-3]

90. Thompson, Lauren. 2004. POLAR BEAR NIGHT. Ill. by Stephen Savage. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0439495245 [Suggested Grade Levels Pre K -2]

91. Turner, Pamela. 2004. HACHIKO: THE TRUE STORY OF A LOYAL DOG. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618140948 [Suggested Grade Levels 1-4]

92. Updale, Eleanor. 2004. MONTMORENCY: THIEF, LIAR, GENTLEMAN? New York: Orchard. ISBN 0439580358 [Suggested Grade Levels 6-8]

93. Vecchione, Patrice. 2004. REVENGE AND FORGIVENESS: AN ANTHOLOGY OF POEMS. New York: Henry Holt. ISBN 0805073760 [Suggested Grade Levels 7 and up]

94. Warren, Andrea. 2004. ESCAPE FROM SAIGON. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux. ISBN 037432244 [Suggested Grade Levels 5-8]

95. Weeks, Sarah. 2004. SO B IT. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0066236223 [Suggested Grade Levels 5-8]

96. Werlin, Nancy. 2004. DOUBLE HELIX. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 0803726066 [Suggested Grade Levels 9-12]

97. Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 0786818700 [Suggested Grade Levels Pre-K- 3]

98. Winter, Jeanette. 2004. SEPTEMBER ROSES. New York: Farrar Straus & Giroux. ISBN 0374367361 [Suggested Grade Levels 1-5]

99. Woodson, Jacqueline. 2004. BEHIND YOU. New York: Putnam. ISBN 039923988X [Suggested Grade Levels 8-12]

100. Wright, Randall. 2004. HUNCHBACK. New York: Henry Holt. ISBN 0805072322 [Suggested Grade Levels 5-8]