We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball

 Nelson, K. (2008). We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. New York, NY: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children. 

The informative story is a historical nonfiction book which is about the United States National Negro League of Baseball. During the time of segregation many of the Negros had their own teams to play baseball with, and a few colleges who allowed Negros to play ball with white people. As war was drawing near many of the black players decided to sign up for the war, and those who did come back from war eventually joined back up again. At this point one of the most famous Negro baseball players was Jackie Robinson who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers team starting in 1945. Even though, he was consider to be a great player and who broke through racial barriers he did face some challenges due to people who were ignorant. Read about the others Negro players and how the league started.

I must admit that I've never been a fan of baseball, and it was a struggle to even read this book since it had baseball in it. The only things that I like was the great illustrations, the coloring of the pictures, and the historical parts of the story. I may not have read this book, because I truthfully would have chosen it since it had to do with baseball. As a teacher I would have this book in my class to showcase it during black history month and for the baseball worthy fans in my class. 

It's so Amazing! A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families

 Harris, R. H., & Emberley, M. (1999). It's so Amazing! A book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. 

This informative book is about the life cycle of humans, but it's explained in simpler terms for the young children to understand. Have you ever been asked, "Where do babies come from? or How do women have babies?" then this book is the right tool to help explain some things to your curious little ones. I must admit the book has a lot of information about how boy's and girl's go through different changes in their bodies, and what bodily functions develop as they grow from young children to preteen/teenager. Be prepared for an overload of information over physical developments, sex, and sexual diseases.

As I read this book uses a mix array of illustration and even comic book forms of writing this story. Even though, I would be hesitate to have this in the classroom it would be a great addition for a library after some consideration. I enjoyed reading the section that covers twins and more which is very informative about how identical and fraternal twins appear to happen. Consider this book carefully when using it to talk to children about bodily changes. 

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

 Willems, M. (2003). Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. 

This humorous story is about a pigeon who really wants to drive the bus, but the bus driver in the story is speaking to reader to not let the pigeon drive the bus. It's a funny way of making the reader more involved in the story, and as the driver of the bus moves away the pigeon comes and ask if he can drive the bus. As the reader we refuse to let the pigeon to drive the bus no matter how much a begs us and screams at us. Read and find out if the pigeon drove the bus or not.

This remarkable story was fun to read and it was a different form of literature where the characters are talking to the reader. Many young readers will find this entertaining to read. The pictures show a creativeness that the author use to tell the story. 

It's A Book

 Smith, L. (2010). It's a Book. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press. 

This story is about how reading books seems to be an outdated concept since technology seems to taking over how we do the simplest things like reading a book. The monkey who is reading the book keeps telling his friend who is a donkey that books can do everything like a computer can, but it can tell a great story if you just sit and read. The donkey finally got the idea and gave monkey's book a try, and eventually monkey needed to get a new book since donkey was reading his book. Find out what monkey decides to read next.

This short book would be ideal for struggling readers because of it short sentences and phrases. The monotone coloring works well with the pictures, and the story is told in a great way. The only thing I disliked is the other term for donkey was used for the story which some may find inappropriate. 

This is Not My Hat

 Klassen, J. (2012). This Is Not My Hat. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. 

This humorous picture book is about a little fish who happens to steal a little blue hat from a big fish. The little fish believes that the big fish will not notice his hat is missing since he was asleep. Though, the little fish didn't realize the big fish  had awoken from his sleep and noticed his hat was gone. Little fish was on his way to the tall plant area where he felt the big fish couldn't find him. Read to find out if the big fish caught up with the little fish and got his hat back. 

The monotone colors set an underwater scene which provides a great detail to support the story. The story is very short and mostly you have to interpret the illustrations to complete the story. Young and beginning readers will like this book and it'll be great for teaching predictions and summarizing. 

Last Stop on Market Street

 Peña, M. D., & Robinson, C. (2015). Last Stop on Market Street. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA). 

This delightful tale is about a young boy, CJ, and his grandmother who ride a bus to head across town to serve the homeless food. CJ always asks questions about why they take the bus, and his charming grandmother responds with delightful wisdom about the seeing those who ride the bus and meet new people. CJ watches the new people coming and going off the bus, and when they leave the bus he notice how dirty the area they were walking to. Of course, his grandmother says that he must see the beauty in everything. Does CJ learn to accept the beauty in things or not? Read to find out.

The story was a good read and would offer many opportunities to teach lessons over acceptance and viewpoints. The pictures were great since they were done in bright colors which made everything seem to pop out. This awarded book would be good part of any collection.

Where the Wild Things Are

 Sendak, M., & Sendak, M. (1963). Where the Wild Things Are. New York, NY: Harper & Row.

This enchanting tale is about a mischievous little boy, Max, who has a great imagination that creates a magical place where the monsters roam. At first, Max sees the monsters roaring and clawing for him, and it's at that time Max does a trick to settle the monsters. The monsters believed him to be a powerful little monster and crowned him king of where the wild things are. Max and the monsters enjoy a good amount of rumpus and fun, but Max begins to get homesick and wishes to go back home to the people who love him. Can Max leave or will the monsters make him stay?

This is an older story and no matter how old the reader is the story will always provide a great sense of entertainment. The pictures done by Maurice Sendak really brings the story to life, and I like how he created different types of media to show the different kinds of trees. This is really a good story by far.  

The Three Pigs

 Wiesner, D. (2001). The Three Pigs. New York, NY: Clarion Books. 

This twisty unusual tale about the three pigs is something completely different from the more traditional three little pigs story. The story starts just like any traditional beginning where the wolf huffs and puffs to blow down the straw and stick house's, but the pigs who lived there escaped out of the story to avoid getting eaten by the wolf. The two pigs go to their other brothers house to rescue him from the wolf, and to show their other brother how they jumped out of the story. Now that all three pigs are out of their own story wandering into other stories. Read to find out what stories they jumped into.

I found this story to be a delightful tale and the illustrations were very appealing which made the story feel real. I believe young children will find this story amusing and interesting. This will definitely go into my library.  

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale

 Deedy, C. A., & Austin, M. (2007). Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree. 

This enchanting Cuban folktale is about a beautiful cockroach, Martina, who is looking for a husband. The women in her family give her small trinkets to prepare her for her coming out. Her grandmother gives her some advice to find the perfect husband, and even though it seems ridiculous she follows her grandmother's advice. Suitor after suitor comes to ask for Martina's hand in marriage and when each suitor comes she does what her grandmother told her to do. The "Coffee Test," will let her know if the suitor will be a good husband, and as she serves coffee to the suitor she accidentally spills the hot coffee onto the suitor's shoes. By doing this test she will know how the suitor will react and how their temper will be. Does Martina find her husband or will she be a lonely cockroach.

This Cuban folktale was a charming story and I enjoyed the reading the story. The illustrations and text really made the story come to life. Young readers will enjoy this short story, and teachers could use this folktale to display some multicultural folktales so students could be well diverse in other cultures.  

Mirror Mirror

 Singer, M., & Masse, J. (2010). Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse. New York, NY: Dutton Children's Books and imprint of Penguin Group. 

This enchanting story is composed of reverso poems that retell fairy tales in different way. A reverso poem is a form of poetry where the reader reads a poem from top to bottom, and the other side of a page shows the poem in reverse from bottom to top. This inventive form of poetry shows a creative twist to read poetry. For example, the Beauty and the Beast part of the book uses a great sense of imaginary to express "how a soft heart stirs with longing, longing stirs a soft heart." This is an example of the top and bottom reverse.

Mirror Mirror will be a great book to teach students and young readers about the different forms of poetry. I enjoy the Beauty and the Beast part of the book, because it reminds me of the movie. The poems and illustrations really make a story come to life, and is quite pleasing to the eyes. 

Rosa

 Giovanni, N., & Collier, B. (2005). Rosa. New York, NY: Henry Holt. 

Rosa is a great historical nonfiction book about the activist, Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat for white Americans. This story takes place in Montgomery, Alabama during the time of desegregation (where separate is not equal), and Rosa Parks happened to be in the section of the bus that was neutral which means anyone could sit in that section regardless of the color of your skin. When Rosa was asked to move she finally decided enough was enough, and this kind of treatment was not showing equality among the races. Her refusal to move out of her seat had her arrested and the black community responded to Rosa's arrest by refusing to ride the buses to support Rosa's cause for equality among the races. Read to find out if Rosa's cause had made any impact in the story.

Rosa has always been one of my favorite picture books to read during Black history month or to teach a lesson in equal rights. Rosa Parks was a inspirational woman whose nonviolent resistance helped a movement to develop for those who still resisted to change when it came to equal rights for African Americans. The way that the illustrator, Bryan Collier, put together the imagines really make the story stand out and come to life. Many of our young readers probably wouldn't believe how the American citizens treat their fellow Americans in the past. Always remember separate is not equal. 

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade

 Sweet, M., Newborn, R., & Paquette, C. (2011). Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. 

Ever wonder how the Macy's Parade started? Well, this entertaining nonfiction story tells the reader a about a special boy who wanted to become a puppeteer and have his little puppets perform. Of course, the young boy grew up to be a young man, Tony Sarg, who moved to London to showcase his puppets who had lifelike movements. Tony became famous for his work and he moved to New York to perform on Broadway. The R.H.Macy's department store had heard about the great work Tony was doing and they asked him to make a brilliant display for their holiday window. Tony didn't disappoint his employer and the people who looked into the holiday window display were mesmerized by Tony's puppet work. Macy's really liked Tony's work and asked Tony to come up with a parade to display other great works. This is was how the Macy's Day Parade began. Find out how Tony got the inflatables to move and work.

This was such an enchanting tale full of bright colors and mixed media that really made the story even more special. Personally, I didn't know how the Macy's Day Parade came to be and this book provided some great information that young readers would find interesting. 

Frogs

 Bishop, N. (2008). Frogs. New York, NY: Scholastic Nonfiction. 

🐸 This nonfiction book is about frogs and how frogs can be found on every continent except Antarctica (Too cold). This book is very informative and it gives readers information and interesting facts about frogs. For example, the biggest frog, Goliath, is from Africa and it's as heavy as a newborn baby. That's a very big frog by the way, and I can't even imagine holding the frog like a baby. Nic Bishop who is the author of the book even clears the misconception of how toads are like frog but they just have dry skin and can live father away from the water. Another interesting fact that Mr. Bishop states that there was a pet toad from England that lived for thirty-six years. That's just crazy cool. One particularly cool frog is the dart poison frog (yes, they're poisonous), because their skin contains enough poison that can kill ten people. 

I like nonfiction books because there's always something to new to learn. I also loved all the pictures and interesting facts about some of the frogs. I know for a fact some of my students will really like this book for it's details and pictures.

 Schlitz, L. A., & Byrd, R. (2007). Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. 

The book is a dramatic representation of medieval times told is poetic verse to express the hardships that young maidens faced and certain royal groups who believe their more superior to the poor. Not only did the poor servant groups find their lives hard but some sought to find love and that was no easy task. Other characters like this Jew boy and a Christian girl who bonded over skipping rocks on the little stream that separated both parties. Before they bonded the Christian girl was going to throw rocks at Jews, because she had seen others do that to the Jews. Luckily she decided to follow her own ideas and befriend the boy. Read about the other character told in this medieval setting. You may like the girl who was raised by sheep or the sisters who want to marry a handsome lad. 

This is by far the worst book I read and I wouldn't recommended it to anyone. I like poetry but the setting of medieval times just didn't appeal to me. I believe drama teachers would benefit greatly using this book in drama club. This book just wasn't the right fit for me.

Wonderstruck

 Selznick, B. (2011). Wonderstruck: A Novel in Words and Pictures. New York, NY: Scholastic.

This enchanting story is about two individuals who are searching for a missing family member, but strangely these two people who are on the same quest are from different points in time. There is a 50 year gap for both Ben and Rose who happen to be searching for that missing piece in their lives that will make them feel complete. The story is written in both text and visual representation to illustrate how both Ben and Rose  on the journey to  the same thing, and they even go to the same museum to find clues to help them find their missing family members. Another strange similarity is that both characters happen to be deaf, and I find that to a weirdly ironic. Will these characters meet at some point in the near future or will they pass each other unbeknownst? 

When I read this book I found the who 50 year timeline gap to be too much to keep up, and I had to keep rereading to make sense of what I read. I liked how the illustrations add a sense of adventure and mystery, but the lack of color seemed to make the story boring. Perhaps younger readers will like this book, but the timeline gap and everything else didn't keep my interests while reading this book.

 

Rapunzel's Revenge

 Hale, S., & Hale, D. (2008). Rapunzel's Revenge. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Children's Books.

This hilarious comic book story about a young girl, Rapunzel, is an enchanting tale full of adventure, suspense, and a golden egg. Our young princess was taken from her real parents and when our princess finds out the truth her evil stepmother holds her hostage in a giant tree that acts as a prison. Rapunzel is trapped up high in her tree tower and as the years past her hair grows so long she uses it to escape her prison. Who needs a prince when you have long hair to save yourself. During the story, Rapunzel meets a boy named, Jack, who offers to help Rapunzel get back to her stepmother's villa to rescue her real mother. As they journey back to Rapunzel's home they experience many adventures and meet new people who they help along the way home. Does Rapunzel make it home and rescue her mother, or does she get stopped along the way by her evil stepmother's henchmen? Read to find out what our princess does.

I enjoyed reading this graphic novel and see a different version of Rapunzel's story. The use of color really brings the story to life and I believe many young readers will enjoy reading this story.

Babymouse: Queen of the World!

 Holm, J. L., & Holm, M. (2005). Babymouse: Queen of the World! New York, NY: Random House Children's Books.

This delightful-comic style about a girl mouse known as Babymouse, and she really wants to go to the popular girl's sleepover. Babymouse tries everything to get an invitation to the slumber party, but nothing works until its time to turn in their book report. The most popular girl, Felicia Furrypaws, didn't do her assignment and she's asking Babymouse if she can have her report. At first Babymouse isn't sure if she should until Felicia says she'll invite her to the slumber party, and soon as Babymouse heard that she gave Felicia her report. Even though, Babymouse got in trouble she was still excited about the sleepover until her best friend mentions that he'll be seeing her tonight at his house for cupcakes and movies. What is Babymouse going to do? Will she go to Felicia's slumber party or go to her friends house? Read to find out what Babymouse does.

I liked how the story was written in a comic-book style and I think young readers will enjoy a story like this, because of how easy it is to read. The one thing I would have liked to see is more color instead of the pink, white, and black which made it kind of dull after awhile.  

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

 DePaola, T. (1983). The Legend of the Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers.

This is a folktale is about how the great state of Texas came to have bluebonnets and some believe that it was the sacrifice that created a sea of bluebonnets that we see in the early spring time. It all started with a group of Native Americans who are experiencing a terrible drought and many of the people are dying of thirst and starvation. It's during this time a little girl, She-Who-Is-Alone, is observing the hardship of her people and she thinks about her parents and grandparents who died because of the drought and famine. She listens to the Shaman of the tribe explaining that the Great Spirits say the people have been selfish and they must make a sacrifice their most valued possessions in order to end the drought and famine. The members of the tribe seem reluctant to do what the Great Spirits have asked except She-Who-Is-Alone knows she must sacrifice her one and only doll that her parents made for her in order to end this drought and famine. She bravely makes the sacrifice and prays that the Great Spirits will expect her offering. Find out if the Great Spirits accepted the offering and what happened afterwards.

This story has been one of my favorites since I was a little girl, and now that I'm a teacher I keep a copy of this story for my students to read. It's quite special and many young readers will enjoy this tale. Another aspect that I liked is the illustrations that Tomie DePaloa does to tell the story. 

Out of My Mind

 Draper, S. M. (2010). Out of My Mind. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 

Out of My Mind is a story about a young girl, Melody, who can't talk or walk at all but she can remember anything she sees and hears. Melody was diagnosed with a serious case of cerebral palsy, but that doesn't stop her from trying to be like the other students. At a early age, a helpful neighbor and babysitter taught Melody that being different is okay, and it's from that very moment that Melody believes that with all her heart. Her neighbor, Mrs. Valencia aka Mrs. V, begins to  teach Melody all sorts of words, phrases, numbers, and so much more. Melody absorbs it like a sponge want to learn more, and even though she can't talk which can drive anyone crazy who just wants to be heard must learn to be patient when using her talking board. Melody gets lucky enough to get a computerized talking machine which allows her to finally to talk and be understood by others. Read and find out about Melody's journey.

This was one of my favorite reads that I immensely enjoyed with all my heart. Sharon M. Draper really developed the character Melody and everything that happened in the story. I believe this is a great teachable story that has a great lesson to share to students and other readers. I will just say this story did make me cry, because I developed such a connection with the character. So, be prepared and keep Kleenex close by.   

The Crossover

 Alexander, K. (2014). The Crossover. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 

 This story is about twin brothers Josh and Jordan who are both great basketball players and enjoy playing the game. The story is told from Josh's perspective and he uses a free verse form of poetry to illustrate his story. Josh begins to tell how their dad is their inspiration in basketball, because their father was a great international basketball player who was all-star in the states. During the story Josh and his brother begin to notice their father seems to be sick and not himself, but their dad refuses to see the doctor. Not only is Josh worried about his dad but at the same time his brother is dating a girl that Josh happens to like too. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place, but Josh tries to focus all his energy into basketball and not his brother's girlfriend. Josh and his family unfortunately end up in some sad and hard times when their father ends up having a massive heart attack. Even though, Josh is upset by what's happening to his dad he still goes to the basketball final without his brother who rather stay with there dad, and while Josh is playing his heart out their father ends up having major complications and dies before Josh can get back to see him again. Do you think Josh blames himself for leaving his dad to play a basketball game, or do you think Josh is selfish? Read and find out the outcome of the story.

This was tear and heart jerking kind of book which you feel for each character. The free verse form of writing was well done, and even though I had to reread a few passages to understand the textual meaning it was worth it. I feel like older readers in the middle to high school range will enjoy this story.

The Unfinished Angel

 Creech, S. (2009). The Unfinished Angel. New York, NY: Joanna Cotler Books an Imprint of HarperCollins. 

This angelic tale is about a helpful angel who watches over a tiny a little village in the Swiss Alps. This angel has had a simple life filled with easy going work of watching her charges in the village, and at times it seems like nothing will wake the sleepy village or its villagers. One day a girl, Zola, and her father come to the sleepy village in hopes of opening a school for children and live there. It's when Zola sees the angel that everything starts to change in the sleepy village and for the angel too. The angel helps Zola when they discover orphaned children who are in need of a good home and love. The discovery of the children brings life into the once sleepy village and neighbors come to help with the children. Read to find out what happens to the angel and the children.

The story started out kind of a slow pace, but I eventually moved passed it to the good parts. Sharon Creech is a very good author and the tale offered some unusal Italian insights in the way she wrote and how the characters spoke. For example, the angel would use the word peoples instead of people and I had to get use to the way the characters spoke. I found one older neighbor to be quite funny with her Italian antics and her need to make delicious ravioli. 

George

 Gino, A. (2015). George. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. 

This creative story is about a boy who's name is George, but George has a secret that no one knows. On the outside everyone sees George as a boy, but George sees himself as a girl. This story is about a young boy who appears to have an identity crisis but George truly believes he is really a she on the inside. For such a young character to know that they should have been a girl since they were born is truly something amazing to witness and read. George feels like he will never be able to tell anyone his secret until there's a chance to play Charlotte in Charlotte's Web. He believes that if he plays Charlotte that everyone will begin to see him as a girl instead of boy. Read to find out if that outcome happens and how people feel about George after the play.

I believe this story can be somewhat controversial due to that issues of gender identity and the transgender issues that may confuse young readers and parents may be offended. Personally, in the society we live in I believe this book may help those confused children who may feel like how George felt. It's always something to ponder about.

Brown Girl Dreaming

 Woodson, J. (2014). Brown Girl Dreaming. New York, NY: Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA). 

This poetic story is about a young girl who journals about being raised between South Carolina and New York. She writes in long stanzas, free verse, and occasionally short stories about her family and how her father left her mother and siblings behind. This story takes place during the 1960's-1970's which is a very difficult time for African American's in the United States because they had to face racism in the south when they visited her South Carolina relatives. Her one escape from the harsh racist world filled with inequality was her writing and retelling events of her life through her words. Eventually, the world was slow to change and many African American's received their equal rights, but it took time for people to change their views and beliefs.

This is story astounded me because of they she wrote just show how much passion and hope she has. I know the U.S. has a bad history when it comes to racial issues, and being of mixed race I always felt like I'm in between to different worlds. I believe this would be a great book to use in the classroom to teach students about equal rights, Jim Crow laws, and the many things that hinder the African American community from succeeding in the past. Though, I will admit it may make you cry or get emotional so have some Kleenex available. 

Dear Mr. Henshaw

 Cleary, B., & Zelinsky, P. O. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York, NY: W. Morrow and Company. 

This delightful tale is about a boy, Leigh Botts, who belongs to divorced parents and is still dealing with not seeing his father anymore. During the story Leigh reads a book, Ways to Amuse a Dog, authored by Mr. Henshaw that he begins writing to the author. Each grade level that he passes he continues to write to the author for class assignments and eventually continues writing as a form of an outlet for his anger. While he continues to write to Mr. Henshaw the author sends him a list of questions to help him learn how to become an author, because Mr. Henshaw said there's a lot of writing involved when your an author. Leigh continues to answer each of Mr. Henshaw's questions which allows him to cope with his parents divorce, moving to a new school, and having no friends either. As the story continues Leigh decides to journal about his days, what he does, and how he feels about the thief who keeps stealing his good lunch snacks. This continued writing allows Leigh to write a short story about driving with his father in his dad's big rig truck, and he gets to meet another famous author who appreciates the cleverness of his story. Read to find out about Leigh's short story and what else takes place.

I liked this book for its style letter/journal writing which really makes it feel more realistic and in the moment. This book touched me in way that made me remember when my parents had separated for a short time, and what it felt like to miss your dad and always wonder when he was going to come back home. I think many young readers in our society can relate to Leigh and what he felt during his parents divorce and that after part. 

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963

 Curtis, C. P. (1995). The Watsons go to Birmingham--1963. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. 

This fictional tale of a the Watson family who have some amusing children. The Watson's have two sons Byron and Kenny, and the youngest member is Joetta the daughter. Kenny is the middle child and as the middle child he tends to get over looked, because his brother Byron is the oldest and a bit of a juvenile delinquent. Byron tends to get Kenny's parents worked up with all the antics he gets into, and Joetta is just the annoying, obedient sister who tends to bug Kenny. The Watson's decide to go down to Birmingham to visit Grandma and possibly leave Byron behind to get his attitude straighten out since Grandma doesn't put up with that like Kenny's parents do. When they are visiting Grandma something terrible happens that causes Kenny to become shell-shocked for what he saw made him afraid. Find out what happened to Kenny and see if he overcomes his fear.

Even though this story is fictional some of the events that took place in Birmingham, Alabama really did happen. I enjoyed the story mostly for its historical input and how the Watson family came together to help Kenny towards the end of the story, and it surprised me the most that Byron was the one who really helped Kenny. I thought Byron was very selfish and at times kind of rude child during the story, but at the end of the story I really saw his true character . I guess some bad apples may appear bad on the outside but on the inside they're still sweet. 

Bridge to Terabithia

 Paterson, K. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York, NY: Scholastic.

 This tearful-dramatic story is about a boy, Jess Aarons, and a girl, Leslie Burke, who become friends after a short time of meeting each other. Their friendship booms into something quite splendid as well as their imagination that creates a beautiful land called, Terabithia. Both kids create this magical land to escape the realities of their own lives. Jess one day goes on a trip without Leslie to Washington and he considers this day to be the best day of his life, but sadly when he comes home he must face some unbearable news. The unbearable news is that his best friend Leslie Burke died using the rope swing to cross the stream. Jess feels extremely guilty for not being there for Leslie and he blames himself for not inviting her to go to Washington with him. Will Jess ever forgive himself for what happened to Leslie or will he continue to blame himself? 

This tear-jerking story tore at my heart when I read this story. This story reminded me of Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls , because of that strong bond of friendship between Billy Coleman's dogs and himself. The bond that Jess and Leslie had is very similar to how Billy felt for his dogs. I admit I cried when I learned what happened to Leslie just like I cried when Billy lost his dogs. After the tears were shed and my mind made clear I thought about the author's message. I believe the author was trying to tell young readers when we lose those who we love we will never forget them, because they will always be in our hearts and memories. 

How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous

 Bragg, G., & O'Malley, K. (2011). How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous. New York, NY: Walker &.

This humorous-informational tale is chalk full of how the famous historical figures of our history ended up dying and what happened to their bodies after many years. For example, Julius Caesar was a hard ruling dictator who many in the Roman Senate didn't like and wanted Julius dead. Julius was a superstitious man and was given a warning by a fortune-teller who warned him to "Beware the ides of March." Julius took the warning very serious and he would have stayed home if it weren't for his friend and fellow Senate member, Brutus, who convinced him to come to the Senate meeting. At this meeting Julius realized that his own friend betrayed him and he slowly was stabbed to death. Eventually, all the Senate representatives were killed a year after Julius Caesar's death. The rest of the book covers other deaths like Edgar Allan Poe's, Cleopatra, Albert Einstein, and more.

The way the author, Georgia Bragg, wrote these historic deaths in a amusing and informative way. In truth, our history books do not go into details about why these people  died and what caused their death's. Not only does she provide the cause of death but she also tells the readers what happens to the person's family and things they left behind. She also describes the leading cause of death during that person's era. It seemed like lead poisoning and gout caused many deaths, and the occasional beheading. The story also has a comic like illustrations which adds to the stories tone and over theme. I believe young readers will enjoy this creepy-informative book. I know I enjoyed the illustrations of each of the famous figures and their story.

 

Skulduggery Pleasant

 Landy, D. (2007). Skulduggery Pleasant. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

Skulduggery Pleasant is a enchanting mysterious tale about a young girl, Stephanie Edgley, who is left with a handsome estate by her deceased uncle. She decides to check out her new home that her uncle left her, but during the stormy night she is harassed by a scary, threatening man. Who will save young Stephanie from her untimely demise? No other than her uncle's friend, Skulduggery Pleasant, who happens to be a skeleton man with magic wielding powers. After the dramatic duel with the dangerous felon Skulduggery begins to change Stephanie safe world to a dramatic world filled with magic and mystery. As the story continues Stephanie and Skulduggery must solve her uncle's murder and find out why he was murder. This grand mystery is packed with adventure, fun, friendship, and a good dose of danger. Will Stephanie and Skulduggery find out who killed Stephanie's uncle, and will they be able to stop the impending doom that is about to fall upon Scotland?

I really enjoyed this story and I also had a chance to listen to the audible version of this story which allowed me to get a better visual of how the story was. Both Skulduggery and Stephanie are great characters that really made the story suspenseful, and I was rooting for the dual to figure out the mystery the whole time. Give this book a chance and if you enjoyed reading it then continue reading Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant series. 

 

Theodor Seuss Geisel Awarded Book

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