Butterfly Boy by by Virginia Kroll. il Gerardo Suzán

The Chicken Chasing Queen of Lamar County by Janice N. Harrington. il Shelley Jackson

A Cool Drink of Water by Barbara Kerley

Dreamland by Roni Schotter. il Kevin Hawkes

Flotsam by David Wiesner

Imagine a Night by Sarah L. Thomson. paintings by Rob Gonsalves

John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith

Marven of the Great North Woods by Kathryn Lasky. il Kevin Hawkes

Me, All Alone, at the End of the World by M. T. Anderson. il Kevin Hawkes

Morris the Artist by Lore Segal

My Little Sister Ate One Hare by Bill Grossman. il Kevin Hawkes

The Three Silly Billies Margie Palatini. il Barry Moser

Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly by Alan Madison. il Kevin Hawkes

Walt Whitman: Words for America by Barbara Kerley. il Brian Selznick

Zen Ties by Jon Muth

Years ago I compiled a list of books to read for a unit study on the American Civil War. I haven’t posted it yet, because I made the list before I started reviewing books. I wanted to reread and review first. Somehow this book escaped my notice at the time. Odd, considering Meltzer is one of my favorite historians.

REVIEW

I didn’t finish my November Reading Dangerously book until the end of the month, so I’m a little late here. I read Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible. I had seen the play as a one-act production in high school. It is powerful and emotional, and I wanted to see if it would have the same strength reading it as seeing it. It very nearly does. The writing itself is engaging. I liked it so much, I intend to read more of his plays, starting with Death of a Salesman, and watch movies to go with them.

The selection for December is Morris the Artist by Lore Segal, illustrated by Boris Kulikov. The pictures and title drew me to the book. The pictures are different and eyecatching. I especially enjoy the ones while the painting is going on. I also do love the concept of the story.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

The book is as good as Shabanu, which is a Newbery Honor book, maybe even more complex. Both deal with the theme of arranged, unwanted marriages. Shabanu is a strong character in both. Independent spirit that she is, she has found an acceptable way for herself, but plans for better for her daughter’s sake. It is interesting that she has retained her strength despite the life forced on her, and even more, that she is helping Zabo to avoid a fate worse than hers.

Best to read Shabanu first, if you haven’t already, though maybe not necessary.

Rest of Review

From the title, reminiscent of the Beatles, to the satirical references to the lives of John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, this is a book for the older picture book reader. Humor for those who already have an understanding of the American Revolution. Maybe to be read side by side biographical books.

Read More

This book falls into the category of unique, like my Knock Your Socks Off Books. It is half social issues and half fantasy/alchemy. There is a little discussion of the science and philosophy behind the alchemy, rapt up in the mystery of Jess’s situation.

Read More

The 3rd Echo Falls mystery by Peter Abrahams was released this year, Into the Dark. Ingrid, a Sherlock Holmes fan, has a knack for getting into trouble with her sleuthing. The mysteries are all connected to her family; she’s not looking for trouble. It is a good investigative series with a strong, determined, and astute female character. The series starts with Down the Rabbit Hole.

Had a hard time coming up with a selection this month, since I’ve had less chance to read. Luckily, I just finished a good one. Something Rotten by Alan Gratz, a new mystery based on a Shakespearean play. It was as good as I hoped and has a sequel out this fall, Something Wicked.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

There are three books in the Farmer Brown series by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin that I enjoy tremendously: Click, Clack, Moo, which started it all. Giggle, Giggle, Quack, in which the farmer goes on vacation and has left notes (which Duck has changed) about the care of the animals. And now Thump, Quack, Moo. There are four more: Duck for President, Dooby Dooby Moo (cows on stage), Click, Clack, Splish, Splash (counting book), and Click, Clack, Quackity-Quack (ABC book). I was happy to read the newest, since I felt the last few were not as good.