Hail to the Chief

I love a good bit of historical fiction, just like the next mom!  So this week, with President's Day ahead, I thought I would share some of my favorite books about Lincoln and our Founding Fathers.  For younger kids, it is a great time to introduce them to some famous names in history, sprinkled with fun and educational facts.  For older kids, there are some great books that show just how exciting true stories can be.  Who needs fiction when the real story of the assassination of Lincoln is an edge of your seat thriller!

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Title:          Looking at Lincoln

Author:     Maira Kalman

Target:       Kindergarten and up

What this book is about:
A young girl goes on a journey to find out more about Abraham Lincoln.  Along the way she discovers he likes vanilla cake and tall hats where he can put his notes.  She also learns about his beliefs in freedom, his encounters with Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglas, and the terrible cost of war.  Finally she learns that “a great man is never really gone.”

Why I love it:
Ok, the end of this picture book made me cry, but in a wonderful way, and if you have ever been to the Lincoln Memorial and been awed by that statue, you too will tear up  I am afraid.  If you have ever read my blog you will know that I am a devotee of Maira Kalman and this book is another beautiful work by her.  It interweaves whimsy with history and poignancy in a way that no other book on the subject has done.

Who this book is for:
All children will find something to like in this book, and it doesn’t feel like a history lesson, although it is.

Final thoughts:
There is a reason that there are 16,000 books written about Lincoln.  He is a man worth knowing about.

To purchase this book, visit your local bookstore or click here: Looking at Lincoln

Title:          John, Paul, George & Ben

Author:     Lane Smith

Target:       Grade 1-4

What this book is about:
Lane Smith takes well known facts about our founding fathers and shows us how they manifested themselves when these men were boys.  John Hancock's large handwriting in school, Paul Revere’s booming voice as he repeats a customer’s order “Here they are.  Great big extra-large underwear!”  In the back of the book there is also a nice little review of each founding father along with a true or false section that was a blast for my kids.

Why I love this book:
Hilarious!  Not only did my kids learn some fun facts about some very important men in our history, they did it with smiles on their faces.  This is not a history lesson per say, but it will acquaint them with these historical figures and the roles they played.

Who this book is for:
Kids who want a fun introduction to the founding fathers

Final thoughts:
What parent wont enjoy the clever Beatle references throughout!

To purchase this book, visit you local bookstore or click here: John, Paul, George & Ben

Title:          Chasing Lincoln’s Killer

Author:     James L. Swanson

Target:       Grade 5-8

Series:         No

What this book is about:
This is a historical account of the assassination of President Lincoln and the twelve day manhunt for his killer.  It was adapted from Swanson’s adult book “Manhunt.”  

Why I love this book:
Wow, this was a true historical thriller.  It had action, suspense and intrigue!  While I knew the basic story, this book filled me in so much more on the plot, the other intended victims and the lack of organization surrounding John Wilkes Booth.  The fact that it was true made it all the more amazing and I didn’t want to put it down.  I read it non stop in one afternoon!

Who this book is for:
This book is not for squeamish kids.  The author makes a note in the back that he left in enough blood and gore so that kids would love it, but not so much that parents would “flip out!”  But be warned, it is graphic in it’s depictions.

Final thoughts:
This inspired me to learn more, which the best books will do!

To purchase this book, visit your local bookstore or click here: Chasing Lincoln's Killer

When Did Princess Become a Dirty Word?

Ok, I admit it.  I was thrilled when I had a daughter that I could revisit all the princess stories I loved so much as a child.  What's more, she loved the princesses as much as I had at her age.  But all the messaging I was getting as a parent now was that girls shouldn't be victims to the princess mindset.  "It limits their imagination,"  "they will think they need to be rescued," and "we want girls to know they can be anything."

I also fear that Disney has created a princess mentality which caters to a very young audience, and turns girls off to the princess theme as babyish.  Princesses are simply marketing to a preschool set, instead of the complex characters and stories of the original fairytales, which often times did not have a happily ever after!

The authors whose books I have profiled today have created princesses who are intelligent, funny and human.  These princess are limited only by their own aspirations, and if they get to wear a tiara at the same time, more power to them!   I hope some of the magic of the original princess fairytales are not lost in our current environment, and these books are a great start!

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Title:          Falling for Rapunzel

Author:      Leah Wilcox

Target:       Preschool-Grade 2

What this book is about:

Told in rhymes, this book is a funny take on the tale of Rapunzel.  The prince thinks Rapunzel’s bad hair day is a cry for help, and he tries repeatedly to save her by asking her to throw down her hair.  Our hard of hearing Rapunzel throws down just about everything else, in an attempt to understand the fellow.

Why I love this book:

“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, throw down your hair!”

“She thought he said “Your underwear.””

Ok, what kids (or frankly kid at heart) wouldn’t laugh at that!  Each attempt to rephrase his request sends something funnier down from the tower.  Since it is rhyming, kids have a wonderful time guessing what is next.  Inspired illustrations just add to the humor.  

Who this is for:

Any kids who love silly stories.  Fun for early readers as they guess the next word in the rhymes.

Final thoughts:

Not everything in life turns out as you expect!

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Falling For Rapunzel

Title:          The Ordinary Princess

Author:     M.M. Kaye

Target:      Grades 3-5

Series:        No

What the story is about:
What would happen to a princess, if on her christening day, she was given the gift of  being “ordinary.”  Well, unlike her six gorgeous and princess like sisters, she is not confined to the palace and is able to develop all her own interests.  When her parents try unsuccessfully to marry her off, she goes out on her own and finds hard work and adventures she never imagined.

Why I love this book:
This book is absolutely charming and funny!  It’s one of those books that I pick up and wonder why I have never heard of it before.  Despite the fact that it was written 30 years ago, the story is so heartwarming that it never feels dated.  There is also intelligent humor sprinkled throughout so the story never feels too sappy.

Who this book is for:
Any girl who loves a good fairytale and needs to be reminded how special she is!

Final thoughts:
This book is the opposite of ordinary, it is a precocious little gem!

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: The Ordinary Princess

Book:          Princess Academy

Author:     Shannon Hale

Target:      Grades 5-8

Series:       No 

Newbery Honor Book

What this book is about:

The story is set in the fictional territory of Mount Eskel, a mountain village that revolves around a quarry.  When the prince of the land declares he will chose a bride from their village, all the eligible girls are sent to attend a special academy to learn the customs of the “lowlanders.”  It is here they discover the freedom that education can provide for them.   They also confront what it means to be selected by the prince, the effects of friendship, the power of competition and the ability to lead

Why I love it:

Don’t let the title of this book put you off, because it is the only flaw in this story.  It is not a fluffy book about girls becoming stereotypical princesses.   It is a complex story about girls discovering their values, defining home, their relationships and the value of education.  

It took a few chapters for me to get into the story.  The main character, Miri, didn’t appeal to me at first, but  stick with it, as my appreciation of her grew tremendously throughout the book.  The book has enough action and suspense to keep the reader engaged through the larger life lessons.  

Who this book is for:

Girls will appreciate the characters in this book and also enjoy the fact that it has plenty of action!

Final thoughts:

A true surprise of a book!

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Princess Academy

Conquering the Early Chapter Book

Early chapter books are the biggest struggle for new readers and parents.  Kids want to move up to chapters to feel more grownup, but some early chapter books are too hard and some are too easy.  This is a critical time when kids are first learning to read and parents are afraid that a book that is too hard will turn kids off, but some of the easier books have such simple stories that they don't inspire your child.  What is a parent to do?

First don't give up.  We are fortunate that some great authors have made the leap to early chapter books, such as Newbery winner Kate DeCamillo, with her Mercy Watson series profiled below.  There is also a greater interest by publishers in this age group, so the selection and quality has grown.

I hope you find a few contenders among this weeks offerings!  Don't forget to "like" One Great Book on Facebook!

Title:          The Cat on the Mat is Flat

Author:     Andy Griffiths

Target:      Grades K-2

Series:       Yes, but there are only two books

What this book is about:
Nine silly tongue twisting rhymes about a cat, a rat and a baseball bat, or Bill and Phil and the Very Big Hill to name a few

Why I love it:
Silliness abounds in this easy reader book.  The writing is for new readers but the book looks like a chapter book, so kids will feel quite grown up reading it! Each rhyme is a story with a funny ending, so kids will be engaged to see how the story ends.

Who this book is for:
Early readers, but reluctant readers or older children who are having difficulty reading will especially like this book.  While the words are simple, the humor can be a little more sophisticated.  

Final thoughts:
”Nine silly rhymes, and a pig that slimes, from a writer voted BEST by the New York Times!”  Enjoy.

To purchase this book, visit your local bookstore or click here: The Cat on the Mat Is Flat

Title:          Mercy Watson to the Rescue

Author:     Kate DiCamillo

Target:      Grade K-2

Series:        Yes

What this book is about:
Mercy Watson is a pig, who also happens to be a beloved member of the Watson family.  When she decides to crawl into bed with the Watsons, the floor boards break under the weight and only Mercy can get out.  When Mercy ambles over and incites the neighbors she is unwittingly deemed a hero for saving the day, when in fact, she was just looking for a snack.

Why I love this book:
This is a fun adventure with a lovable pig and a big series of misunderstandings which the reader is in on!  The illustrations are perfect and capture the essence of the story.  Our villain, the neighbor Eugenia, runs around throughout the book in a bathrobe and curlers only to be outwitted by a delightful pig.  Each book in the series is a charm.

Who this book is for:
This is for children just starting chapter books.  Illustrations are plentiful and the big type and spacing make the pages feel manageable.

Final thoughts:
A delightful beginning chapter book!

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Mercy Watson to the Rescue

Title:          Alvin Ho

Author:     Lenore Look

Target:      Grade 2-3

Series:        Yes

What this book is about:
Alvin Ho is afraid of everything including elevators, tunnels, substitute teachers, wasabi, shots and school.  In fact when he is at school he can’t seem to talk at all.  In this book he tries to face his fears and find friends with very funny and clever results.  

Why I love this book:
Alvin is a wonderful character and the author has given us a rare glimpse into how his brain works!  Despite being afraid of everything, he is intelligent and clever.  His absolute innocence makes him even funnier as he curses in Shakespearian verse and puts together his PDK (personal disaster kit!)  This book is so well done, and I am always impressed when books at this level can create complete characters who have charm and humor.

Who this book is for:
This book is for children who are comfortable with chapter books.  There are illustrations throughout, but the pages are substantive so they will be overwhelming for a child just starting chapter books.

Final thoughts:
Alvin Ho is a boy you should get to know!

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

Name:          Franny K. Stein:Lunch Walks Among Us

Author:      Jim Benton

Target:       Grade 1-3

Series:         Yes

What this book is about:
Franny is not a normal little girl, she likes bats, tarantulas and test tubes.  In fact she considers herself a mad scientist!  But even a mad scientist needs friends and she finally discovers that friends don’t have to like all the same things.

Why I love this book:
This book is funny and I love that there is nothing typical about Franny.  The lessons in the book are nice, but they are never at the expense of a fun and entertaining story!  I like that a girl character can be so appealing and not fall into the stereotypical typecasting for girls

Who this book is for:
This book is absolutely great for boys and girls.  In fact it was my older son who first discovered the series.  The vocabulary is advanced in some places, so it could be frustrating for a first grader, depending on their reading level, but there are plenty of illustrations so the pages never seem overwhelming.

Final thoughts:
A fun read for kids wanting to start chapter books.

To purchase this book, visit your local bookstore or click here: Lunch Walks Among Us (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist)

Balls, Bats and Boys

Maybe it's the 49ers loss, maybe it's because I see all the kids in their basketball jerseys, maybe it's because I just need to get my kids outside more, but I have been thinking sports.  One of my sons would only read sports books when he started chapter books, so I have developed a soft spot for this genre.  Matt Christopher and Mike Lupica are wonderful authors and they have dominated the world of sports books, so I thought I would share a few from some other authors that are also great reads.

Hope your sports obsessed child enjoys them as much as mine!  Don't forget to "like" One Great Book on Facebook!

Title:          Airball, My Life in Briefs

Author:      L.D. Harkrader

Target:       Grades 3-6

Series:         No

What this book is about:
Kirby Nickel loves basketball, he just isn’t a very good player.  However, Kirby jumps at the chance to join the middle school team when hometown hero and NBA star Brett McGrew invites the team to his college alma matter.  The team has to improve before the big meeting and the new coach’s radical plan to improve the kids involves playing in their briefs.  Kirby sticks with it, hoping to have the chance to meet Brett, who he secretly thinks may be his long lost father.

Why I love this book:
Middle school boys have to play basketball in their underwear!  Really, how can you not giggle at that!  Some of the scenes that Harkrader has written are laugh out loud funny.  Kirby is also such a likable character.  His perseverance, and how the whole team works together, give some good life lessons from sports.

Who is it for:
Boys who like sports but are also ready for a good story.  Basketball is simply the vehicle for this piece of fiction, and is not the sole focus of this book.  Basketball may get them to pick the book up, the touching and funny story will keep them engaged.

Final Thoughts:
A slam dunk

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Airball: My Life in Briefs

Title:          Honus and Me (A Baseball Card Adventure series)

Author:      Dan Gutman

Target:       Grade 4-6

Series:         Yes

What this book is about:
Joe Stoshack lives for baseball.  Imagine finding the most valuable baseball card in the world when cleaning your neighbor’s attic, and then discovering that the card can not only bring the player here, but take you back in time to the 1909 World Series!  What would you learn from this ballplayer, and would you return the card to your neighbor, or keep it for yourself?

Why I love this book:
This is a fabulous book for baseball lovers.  I was amazed at how much information about baseball (playing the game, stats, players, equipment) was fit into a 127 page book!  Not only that, but you get a lesson on doing the right thing!  It felt like I was at the 1909 World Series, and I really was able to understand the differences between baseball back then and today.  Also loved that the author gives a little tutorial at the end about what is fact and fiction in the story.

Who this book is for:
Baseball lovers will eat this book up!

Final thoughts:
Home run (you just knew I had to write that!)

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Honus and Me: A Baseball Card Adventure

Title:          Heart of a Champion

Author:      Carl Deuker

Target:       Grades 6-10

Series:        No, but this author has written many sports books

What this book is about:
Seth, a middle school boy whose father passed away, befriends Jimmy, a boy who is baseball obsessed.  The book covers their friendship through high school where Jimmy is the team star and Seth continues to love and struggle with the game.  Their friendship endures despite the differences in their talent, the breakup of Jimmy’s family due to alcoholism, and testing their limits as teenagers.

Why I loved it:
This book is extremely good.  I loved the messages it sent about working hard and being committed to something.  I loved the fact that this book was set just out side of Los Altos.  I loved that the baseball in the book is compelling and that I got completely wrapped up in how the game is played.   But most of all I loved that the book does not have an easy ending with everything wrapped up with a neat little bow.  It challenges our ideas of success.

Who this book is for:
This is a middle school book!   The situations the characters find themselves in are mature.  Additionally, there is limited swearing and drinking in this book, and while it is in no way glorified, quite the opposite, you need to decide what is appropriate for your child and when.

This book is also for any child who loves the game of baseball!

Final thoughts:
Being your best doesn’t always mean being the best.

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Heart of a Champion

Newbery Award Winner 2011

They just announced the Newbery Award winner this morning and the title goes to...drum roll please.... "Dead End in Norvelt."  I read this book a few months ago and thought it would be fun to post my review for you today.  It will be apart of a longer post on books for boys in the upcoming months.

What do I think of this winner...well, it is a good book, so for that I am grateful, but I was still rooting for OK for Now, one of the most powerful and heartfelt books I read this year.  I have posted that one again as well, funny how similar their jacket covers are!

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Name:          Dead End in Norvelt

Author:       Jack Gantos

Target:         Grades 5-8


What this book is about:

This is a semi autobiographical book about a boy names Jack Gantos.  It takes place in 1962, and Jack is grounded for the summer.  He is loaned out by his mother to the next door neighbor to help write obituaries for the local paper, which sets a series of adventures in motion.  There is a possible rash of murders, Hells Angels who make their way through town, bloody noses, and a WWII shotgun that all play a role in the story!

Why I love this book:

I had no idea this book would be so funny, and not funny in a ha ha sort of way, but a funny that just kind of creeps up on you and all of sudden you are laughing when you least expected it sort of way.  A nice coming of age story for a boy with a series of quirky characters.

Who this book is for:

I worry a little about this book because it is not a face paced adventure.  While I liked it, I was concerned that a kid would not find it as intriguing. I asked my 7th grade son to read it to get a kid view and he read it in two days straight and gave it 8 1/2 out of 10 stars.  So while it may not have some of the intrigue and action of other books, it is still a strong story that sucks you in.  The one thing that still bothers me is the rather creepy picture of the author on the back cover.

Final thoughts:

Boys can like a quieter story .....really!

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Dead End in Norvelt

Title:          Okay for Now

Author:      Gary D. Schmidt

Target:       Grades 6-10

Series:         No

What this book is about:

Doug is an eighth grade boy whose family has just moved to “the dump.”   His father is abusive, his brother is suspected of robbery and his oldest brother returns from Vietnam in a fragile state.  Still Doug finds refuge in the library, not with books but a set of Audubon prints, he gets involved in the community with his Saturday delivery job (where he is known as Skinny Delivery Boy) and finds a teacher who understands that he is not his family, but his own person.

Why I love it:

Wow, I was blown away by this story.  The writing is superb and I was thoroughly invested in this character.  This book made me laugh, it made me cry - sounds silly I know but it is just that good!  I could not put it down.

Who this is for:

I am really hoping that boys will love this book!  It is absolutely fabulous and draws you in pretty quickly, with a middle school boy facing family strife during the Vietnam era.  It is a character driven book and not action focused which makes me nervous, but I am hoping that this character is so compelling that boys will also get lost in the story, since this story is written for them.   However, don’t be afraid to give it to a girl.  It is just that well done, that both genders will get caught up in this amazing story.

I would recommend that children wait until sixth grade to read this book.  While there is minimal violence and no sexual content, the issues of abuse, coming home from war and the subtleties of the relationships are not appropriate for a younger age.  

Final thoughts:

Ok for Now is better than ok (too punny?)  

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Okay for Now

Reading Aloud Is a Gift We Give Our Kids

We're all busy, and reading a book to the family is often one of those things that I put off in favor of dishes, prepping for tomorrow or just playing a game of suduko!  But once I get started, I usually have so much fun I wonder why I ever dragged my feet.  The benefits are indisputable.  You have a better chance of raising kids who love to read if they see that it is not only important to your family, but it's a fun, bonding activity as well.

I love it when my kids remind me during the day of something that happened in one of the books we read.  It is a fabulous shared experience that we get by reading together.

So get off the computer and get out there and read aloud to your kids!  Here are some fabulous books to get you started!

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Title:          Zorgamazoo

Author:     Robert Paul Weston

Target:      Grades 2-5

Series:       No

What this book is about:
”I’ll warn you, of course, before we commence, this story is eerie and full of suspense, brimming with danger and narrow escapes, and creatures  of many remarkable shapes.”   Welcome to story of Katrina Katrell, Morty and the lost zorgles of Zorgamazoo!

Why I love this book:
Imagine a whole book written in the most delightful rhyme!  Take it one step further and imagine Dr. Seuss and Roald Dahl collaborating on a book, and you would have Zorgamazoo.  This book has won handfuls of awards, but that is no surprise.  It is a fun story, with wonderful villains, heroic deeds and  the most original verse you will ever read!

Who this book is for:
A family that loves to read books aloud!  My daughter looked forward to the next chapter EVERY night (well lets be honest, I did too!)  It is also one of the few read alouds that both younger and older children will enjoy together!

Final thoughts:
This book just begs to be read aloud - so what are you waiting for!

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Zorgamazoo

Title:          Toys Go Out

Author:     Emily Jenkins

Target:      Grades 1-4

Series:       Yes

What this book is about:
This book is about three toys, Sting Ray(a plush sting ray), Lumphy (a buffalo) and Plastic (well you will have to discover that one out for yourself) who are best friends and live with the Girl!  Each chapter is an adventure in their lives.  Some of the chapters are laugh out loud funny, and some are poignant, as these three friends learn their strengths, weaknesses and the importance of friendship.

Why I love this book:
I think this book is written on two levels, with some more obvious humor for younger children and sophisticated humor for older children.  This is what makes it such a fun read aloud for a family.  This book is engaging because the concerns of the toys are representative of all children’s fears and hopes.

Who this book is for:
Families that enjoy a book full of clever humor.

Final thoughts:
A surprisingly sophisticated book that is poignant but never obvious.

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Toys Go OutMrs. Piggle-Wiggle

Title:          Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle

Author:     Betty MacDonald

Target:      All ages

Series:        Yes

What this book is about:
You can’t find a child in the neighborhood who doesn’t love Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle (or a parent for that matter.)  She is the eccentric lady down the street who loves children and has a cure for some of the most common childhood illnesses, “Won’t-Pick-Up-Toys,” “Never-Want-to-Go-to-Bedder,” and “Slow-Eater-Tiny-Bite-Taker” to name a few.  In each chapter she takes on a different challenge to the delight of the reader!

Why I love it:
My children begged me to read this book to them every night!  Each story is laugh out loud funny, and because they follow a predictable pattern, my kids knew just what fun to expect each night, as they looked forward to the next “cure!”  Even though the book is 50 years old, children’s problems remain the same, as do parent’s challenges!

Who this book is for:
Any family who loves to read aloud

Final thoughts:
This is a timeless classic that every family should read!

To purchase this book, go to your local bookstore or click here: Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle