KNEA Reading Circle Catalog

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KNEA Reading Circle Catalog
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KNEA Reading Circle Catalog 2008

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1001 Kansas Place Names: An alphabetical listing of 1,067 Kansas locales with spelling, pronunciations, name origin, post office dates and population figures for each entry. Anecdotes for each location are included with historical background and some geological information.
Adventures of Thor, the Thunder God: Adventures of Thor the Thunder God, the biggest, strongest and bravest Norse god. Each chapter-length adventure stars another god that Thor gets the best of.
Ain't Nobody a Stranger to Me: A little girl's grandfather tells her of his travels through the underground railroad and how he carried apple seeds to freedom. He is so content and blessed he doesn't see a stranger.
Albert Einstein: Scientist and Genius: One of a series on famous Americans. Each book includes a glossary, index, timeline, fun facts and other resources. Other titles in the series include: George Washington Carver, Cesar Chavez, Amelia Earhart, Soujourner Truth, Martha Washington, Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglas, Thomas Edison, and Harriet Tubman.
All of the above: Four urban middle school students, their teacher and other community members relate how a school project to build the world?s largest tetrahedron affects the lives of everyone involved.
American Flag, The: This entertaining book about the American Flag offers surprising facts. Each page could be used to explore multiple text features. Exceptional pictures and easy to read text on every page make this book eye-catching.
Ancient Greece: Health and Disease: Part of Changing Times series. Development of new scientific beliefs about health and disease, replacing the traditional belief of gods as healers. Includes timeline, glossary and index.
Animals in the House: a History of Pets & People: An entertaining and well-organized book that explores pet ownership and the history of the domestication of pets. Colorful, flashy pages filled with photos, drawings, and fun graphics accompany a wealth of information. Includes a source list and index.
Another Book About Design: Art teachers will love this book about design. Simple colors, designs, and shapes are used to get complex concepts across.
Archer's quest: Twelve-year-old Kevin Kim helps Chu-mong, a legendary King of ancient Korea, return to his own time.
Arctic Thaw: The People of the Whale in a Changing Climate: The effects of global warming are examined here, particularly in relation to the Alaskan Inupiag whaling tradition. This is a sobering look at the possible consequences of global warming, while laced with hopeful notes. Wonderful photography included.
At the Controls: Questioning Video and Computer Games: Part of the Fact Finders: Media Literacy series, this book explores aspects of video and computer games, particularly marketing. The book prompts the reader to think critically about the messages the games reflect. Includes related websites, additional reading, index and glossary.
Aunt Minnie and the Twister: After a tornado rearranges a Kansas house, Aunt Minnie and her nine nieces and nephews add a much needed room. A humorous and affectionate look at an unusual family.
Babies In the Bayou: As usual, Arnosky has produced an enticing story about nature that is real enough to be used in science class and readable enough for story time.
Baby Can: Illustrated by Maxine Chambliss. What is the place of a big brother when the baby is learning to grow? And who will be the one the baby wants to impress? A sweet story of siblings with a truthful ring.
Babysitting Activities: Fun with Kids of All Ages: Good information for babysitters. Covers from babies to lower elementary children. Hints on what to do instead of watching TV. Others in the series include: Babysitting Basics, Babysitting Jobs, Babysitting Rules, Babysitting Safety, and Babysitting Skills.
Backyard Laboratory: Simple experiments, detailed explanations about what is happening and how to complete each experiment. Excellent text features.
Badger's Fancy Meal: Badger wants more than just the staple food he has in his den. He goes out to find a fancy meal but each animal he wants runs from him. He learns that a fancy meal isn't always better than what you have. Wonderful chance for listeners to join in the fun.
Bad Luck Chair, The: Addison Darby's worst nightmare is to have people staring and laughing at her. When she winds up with the infamous Bad Luck Chair at her desk one day, Addy knows that her nightmare is about to come true. Every kid in her school that has sat in the Bad Luck Chair has been cursed. Yet there may be hope if Addy has faith in herself and a few not-so-nice classmates. A very funny tale that will appeal to kids.
Baker's Dozen, The: Simple rhyming counting book with illustrations and color that fill the entire page. Illustrations have a bit of nostalgic feel. Readers would have to understand the definition of a Baker's dozen as 13 instead of 12 before this would make sense.
Bar Graphs: Simple text and colorful photos explain how bar graphs are made and used. Illustrated in such a way that even the very youngest learner will understand and remain interested. Features graphing of common objects that younger children will relate to. A great teaching tool with fun graphing scenarios that could easily be reproduced in the classroom. Part 4 of a four book Making Graph series. Other titles: Pictographs, Pie Graphs, and Tally Charts.
Bearwalker: Eighth grade Mohawk, Baron signs up for the fall bonding experience at Camp Chuckamuck. He senses an evil presence upon arrival and the suspense quickly builds. Fast-paced thriller. Addresses the balance between man and nature.
Best of Both Nests: When mom and dad split, Stanley learns it's okay to have two nests.
Big Bug Surprise: After a swarm of bees comes into the classroom, Prunella surprises and amazes her class when she saves them for a colony. Prunella becomes the show and tell surprise. Great problem/solution for teaching young children.
Big One-Oh, The: Charlie Maplewood does not want to be weird all his life like his reclusive special-effects whiz neighbor. To be "normal," Charlie sets about to plan his own big "10" birthday party, but realizes he will have to first make a few friends. Funny, tender and entertaining, this would make a great read-aloud.
Billy Creekmore: A Novel: Billy Creekmore is a ten-year-old orphan living in the Guardian Angels Home for Boys. Rescued from the home by a long-lost uncle, Billy ends up in a mining town in West Virginia with a chance for schooling and a healthy family life. Through the many twists and turns, this shocking historical fiction exposes the lives of children at the turn of the century making history come alive for today's readers.
Birds in Kansas Vol. 2: These volumes cover the many hundreds of species of birds in Kansas. Individual information for each type of bird includes status, period of occurrence, breeding, habits and habitat, field marks and food. Index included.
Birthday at the Panda Palace: Animal story in rhyme, two verses per spread. Last word omitted on last line to text prompts reader to fill in appropriate rhyming word as they turn to the next page where it is revealed. Would make a cute read aloud emphasizing prediction and rhyme for early readers.
Black Sheep, The: Be careful what you wish for?fed up with her straight-laced boring parents, Kendra fires off a letter to a reality TV show. Before she knows it she is snatched up and sent to live with an aging hippie family in California.
Blue Whale: The world's biggest mammal: One of a fourteen title set, SuperSized! Features fabulous photos and simple controlled vocabulary with age appropriate cues and clues in expository text: headlines, captions, bold type, factoids, graphs, info-graphics. Includes table of contents, glossary, index and further reading and research.
Book of Lies, The: When Marcel arrives at the orphanage Lord Alwyn erases his memory of is previous life, except for, thanks to Bea, his name which ties him to two other orphans and the politics of the royalty. With help from the Prince they escape, but still have to sort out the lies and treachery of those who want power and with help from the Book of Lies to secure the future of the kingdom.
Book of Time: Fourteen-year-old Sam is searching for clues to his father's eccentric disappearance when he discovers a totem or voodoo object and a dirty coin with strange lines and symbols engraved on it. Putting the two pieces together allows him to time travel beginning with the era of the Vikings. This time-travel adventure moves from one time period to the next quickly but effectively, often narrowly escaping.
Bounce: Evyn's father remarries and they move to Boston. She gains four sisters and two brothers. She tries to bounce back from all the changes in her life as she moves into womanhood.
Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians, The: Visit the Livingston Public Library and join Melvin, a ?geeky? but endearing young boy whose innate curiosity and insatiable thirst for knowledge unite him with a trio of librarians who are willing and anxious to help him find, sort , categorize and use information of every imaginable variety (all the way from Kindergarten through college graduation!) Brad Sneed?s characteristically raucous watercolor renderings of the library and all its inhabitants keep you turning the pages to see how this little geek and his library family will fare as he grows into adulthood. Based on a true story, this tribute to libraries and learning comes full circle when 20 odd years pass and Sterling, another ?little geek,? walks through the doors of LPL to meet the newest librarian on staff...
Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians, The: Visit the Livingston Public Library and join Melvin, a ?geeky? but endearing young boy whose innate curiosity and insatiable thirst for knowledge unite him with a trio of librarians who are willing and anxious to help him find, sort, categorize and use information of every imaginable variety (all the way from Kindergarten through college graduation!) Brad Sneed?s characteristically raucous watercolor renderings of the library and all its inhabitants keep you turning the pages to see how this little geek and his library family will fare as he grows into adulthood. Based on a true story, this tribute to libraries and learning comes full circle when 20 odd years pass and Sterling, another ?little geek,? walks through the doors of LPL to meet the newest librarian on staff?
Break up Bible, The: Jen Lewis thinks her life is over when she is dumped by her perfect boyfriend. With the help of family, friends, and a self-help book from her grandmother, Jen discovers you can survive the pain of a break-up.
Broken Bike Boy and Queen of 33rd Street, The: Fifth-grade Queen Rousseau is bright, sassy and pampered. Her superior airs don't win her many friends after being home schooled and indulged by her family. When Leroy, a smelly projects boy moves into the neighborhood, he wins the hearts of Queen's classmates and her warm, kind parents. It is Leroy and his agoraphobic actor friend Cornelius who gradually lead Queen to the realization of true friendship and self-worth.
Bronzeville Boys and Girls: Gwendolyn Brooks celebration of African-American childhood gets a new suit of clothes as it is paired with artist Faith Ringold's exuberant, colorful illustrations. This collection of poems was first published in the 1950s and this new edition should be grabbed up for all poetry collections.
Buffalo Storm, The: Hallie leaves all she knows to travel west with her family. During a storm of stampeding buffalo, she learns to conquer her fears and accept change.
Bugs: Poems About Creepy Things: Forty short poems describing bugs of all kinds. The short, silly poems include some for two voices. Amusing black and white drawings add to the fun.
Bunnies' Picnic, The: In this rhyming story, a family of eight bunnies work together to make a stew only to see it spilled. They give a lesson on perseverance by then making a salad together.
Bust to Boom: An outstanding visual record of a most crucial period in our American Midwest history. This 110 pictorial display can stand alone on its own merits but the enlightening text provides valuable commentary to understanding the composition of the state?s population and its inevitable shift away from rural life toward today?s urbanization and industrialization.
Butterflies: This book is a great early reader about the life cycle of the butterfly. Photos enhance the story.
By the Sword: A Yound Man Meets War: A fictionalized account of the memoirs of Benjamin Tallmadge, a school teacher who felt compelled to join Washington's army at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. This is a lavishly illustrated picture book. Oil on canvas paintings by Bill Farnsworth, a timeline and additional resources make this book a nice addition to any collection.
Callie Cat Ice Skates: Callie Cat loves to skate more than anything else. When she enters a contest she wants to win. What could be more important than winning?
Campy: The Story of Roy Campanella: Easy to follow biography of the first African-American major league baseball player.
Caring for Cheetahs: My African Adventure: Hansen has produced a beautiful photo-essay chronicling her story at the Cheetah Conservation Fund reservation. Conservation efforts are discussed as well as vast amounts of zoological information about the lives of the cheetahs themselves and the education of area farmers and ranchers so that they can help in the conservation efforts. Beautiful photography and an engaging layout are included as well as websites and glossary.
Cat Master: The elderly and infirm Cat Master, the spiritual leader of all cats has a message to his successor, Buddy, intercepted. A chain of events causes Buddy to leave his pampered life indoors to return to the Outs and a feral lifestyle. A strong cast of supporting characters keeps the action moving. Some language.
Cesar Chavez: Crusader for Social Change: Signature Lives series. Biography of outstanding minority. Includes glossary, index, source notes, selected bibliography, index. Timeline tied to world events.
Challenger Space Shuttle Explosion, The: The Code Red series explores the events in this book as well as the following titles: Nightmare on the Titanic, The 2001 World Trade Center Attack, The Texas City Disaster, The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, The Great Chicago Fire, The Exxon Valdez's Deadly Oil Spill, Emergency at Three Mile Island, and The Hindenburg Disaster.
Chase: Phin Chase witnessed a murder and then flees trying to evade the people who think he killed the man and the actual murderer. Someone is tracking him on a black stallion, which seems to be able to track like a bloodhound. Fast paced action. Historical facts accurately woven into the novel. Horse lover appeal, also.
Cheese, The: Illustrated by Johnson and Fancher. Why does the cheese stand alone? Inquiring minds want to know?just ask Margie! Stunningly expressive, humorous characters each lend a unique voice and exuberance to this "riff" on the classic Farmer in the Dell nursery rhyme. So much waits to be discovered in the illustrations kids will read it over and over.
Cheyenne Again: Bunting has recreated an experience shared by many Native Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Young Bull is taken from his home and placed in the white man?s boarding school. His culture is gone, and he fails to understand why they bring him back and punish him when he runs away. His plight is vividly illustrated in acrylic and oil pictures that are realistic and detailed. The Haskell School is mentioned in the afterward.
Childhood on the Farm: Good resource. Author retells the stories--both nostalgic and realistic--about the children in the heartland raised on farms.
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness: #3 Soul Eater: Torak, now thirteen summers old, must travel to the frozen far north to rescue Wolf from unknown evils. Renn shows her strength and loyalty as they battle the Soul Eaters to protect the Clans.
Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites: Vladimir Tod is a partial. Partial human and partial vampire. Three years after his parents die in a mysterious accident, he finds out his father had a history he didn't know about that has come back to haunt him. The story adds a new twist to the vampire lore. Light fun, such as blood capsules in his sandwich, are mixed with the dark side of vampirism.
City Lullaby: A baby sleeps through city noises of horns, motorcycles, and jack hammers. A chirping bird causes the baby to wake.
Civil War Kansas: This title is considered one of the best written texts about Kansas during the Civil War. It is easy to read and gives insight into issues, leaders, places and villains that helped establish the state of Kansas during the Civil War. This well researched book contains a bibliography and an index.
Clancy the Courageous Cow: You can't judge a cow by its color! Clancy and Clanga are memorable characters that "moo"ve the reader through a great story with funny, expressive, cartoonish illustrations kids will love. Clancy is a misfit because he doesn't look like the rest of his herd. His only friend is Clanga, a misfit from the herd in the "grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" pasture. Think of it as the Romeo and Juliet of the cattle world, but with a happy ending and a wonderful positive message about how differences can be real strengths that unite instead of divide us.
Clementine: While sorting through difficulties in her friendship with her neighbor, Margaret, eight-year-old Clementine gains several unique hairstyles while also helping her father in his efforts to banish pigeons from the front of their apartment building.
Click: One Novel, Ten Authors: Novel tied together from ten different authors who have contributed a chapter to the story of George "Gee" Keane, a famed photographer. After Gee dies he leaves his grandchildren gifts that they use to discover who their grandfather really was.
Cobra King of Katmandu: Twelve-year-old djinn twins Philippa and John embark on a journey to Northern India and Nepal in search of the long-lost and powerful talisman, the Cobra King of Katmandu. It is believed that the talisman holds the answers to mysterious deaths. Humorous fast-paced fantasy adventure that takes the reader into the world of djinn society.
Comets, Stars, the Moon and Mars: Short, lively poems about each of the planets (and, of course, Pluto) as well as other sky phenomena.
Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes: The lonely child's search for home is the center of this touching picture book about Langston Hughes. There are close-ups of his strong grandmother (who told him family stories of pride and glory) as well as views of his loving foster home and the streets of Kansas City, where the child heard the "jazzy old blues music that drifted down the alleys and tickled his soul." Children like Hughes who dream about a "real home" will take heart from the story of the boy who found community and grew up to write astonishing poetry about it.
Confessions from the principal's chair: After participating in a cruel prank, her mother moves them to Oklahoma, where fourteen-year-old Robin is mistaken for the substitute principal and gets to see a new perspective on bullying.
Counting on Grace: It?s 1910 in Pownal, VT. At twelve Grace and her friend Arthur must go to work in the mill, helping their mothers work the looms. Together Grace and Arthur write a secret letter to the Child Labor Board about underage children working in the mill. A few weeks later, Lewis Hine, a famous reformer arrives undercover to gather evidence. Grace meets him and appears in some of his photographs changing her life forever.
Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: Cocoa, the horse, does not want Cowgirl Kate to go to school and leave him. They both come full circle to realize you can make new friends and still need each other.
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy: In this sequel to I'd Tell You I Love You, but I'd Have to Kill You, it's clear that Cammie Morgan's life hasn't calmed down. Gallagher Academy will soon be infiltrated by male students from Blackthorne, a spy school for boys. Interesting characters and missions around every turn will keep readers interested.
Curious Adventures of the Abandoned Toys, The: A wonderful tale of the secret lives of toys. Richly imagined and filled with clever, sophisticated dialogue, this story will be treasured by kids and adults alike. This would be a tremendous read-aloud.
Curse of the Campfire Weenies: David Lubar continues to draw readers into this collection of warped and unusual stories. Even without the campfire you may be watching over your shoulder.
Daemon Hall: Five lucky aspiring teenage horror writers, finalists in a writing contest sponsored by world-famous horror author Ian Tremblin, have been invited to spend a night with the author at an old haunted mansion, Daemon Hall. After a night of sharing stories, the winner of the contest will get his/her story published. However, Daemon Hall has an agenda of its own, and an unending night of terror results in death. Horror fans will be quickly drawn to this fast paced novel.
Daltons!: Smith's book cuts through the myth to present the gang as nothing more than common hoodlums. He utilizes primary sources while applying reasoned analysis to provide a comprehensive account of their exploits and especially their climactic escape, which took place at Coffeyville, Kansas.
Dance by the Light of the Moon: This story of barnyard animals shows them getting ready to go out to "dance by the light of the moon," the old chorus to Buffalo Gals.
Dandelions: t would be hard to come up with a tale of western settlers that?s not a clich?, but Bunting has done it. She takes a look at a pioneer woman, seen through the sympathetic eyes of her daughter, Zoe. She creates scenes that makes this family larger-than-life; they capture the baked yellow heat of summer, and the golden weed that represents home. A memorable book for the way its characters struggle with unhappiness and slowly overcome it.
Day the Stones Walked, The: Pico's father spends too much time carving the enormous moai, the faces of Easter Island. Pico knows that his father believes in the tales from the ancestors that tell of the help that the moai will give when needed. But when the tsunami hits, it is Pico himself who comes to believe in the power of the great stone faces. A beautifully illustrated glimpse of what might have happened on Easter Island.
Dear Author: Letters of Hope: A collection of letters received and answered by some of today's most popular young adult authors. It even includes great bio information on the authors and recommends some super reads! Recommended use in writing and literature classes.
Dear Deer: A Book of Homophones: The animals at the zoo have really strange behavior. The behavior is a fun way to introduce homophones. Easy reading and young children will "get it."
Deep and Dark and Dangerous: A Ghost Story: Ali finds a photograph in one of her mother's old Nancy Drew books with a girl torn out of the photo. When Ali asks her mother about the photo, however, she denies any knowledge of a girl whose name starts with T, or any memory of the photo. A quick and compelling read, this is sure to be a hit with fans of ghost stories.
Demon Keeper: When Nat, the weirdest boy in Seattle, leaves for a date with the plainest girl in town, chaos breaks out in the house full of demons of which he is the sole guardian. Blend of fast paced action and humor.
Derby Girl: Bliss Cavendar does not fit in at her tiny high school in Bodeen, Texas. She is an outrageous individual with a beauty pageant loving mom. Bliss finds her perfect niche on a roller-derby team.
Dinosaur Babies: Excellent photo-like illustrations have "kid appeal." Special text features, informational graphics, pronunciation guides, informational expository text clues. An eight book series from I Love Reading: Dino World.
Dinosaurs: The perennially fascinating subject of dinosaurs has a new addition to books librarians and teachers will reach for first. Simple explanations of the dinosaur family tree and the characteristics that were unique to dinosaurs found on various continents are the book's foundation. Excellent illustrations, fact boxes, glossary, timeline and index are included as well.
Dog Diaries: Secret Writings of the WOOF Society: A secret meeting of a group of entertaining and literate dogs serves to combine a collection of short stories that share WOOF (words of our friends). The collection offer stories from history (Abu: the dog who ruled Egypt) and humorous stories, such as the one about Tidbit, the dog who sang with Johnny Cash at the Grand Ole Opry. This book should have good kid appeal.
Dogs: Part of the Smart Animals! Series. Information is shared about the animal with glossary and resources listed. Other titles include Chimpanzees, Crows, Dolphins, Elephants, Gorillas, Octopuses, Parrots, Pigs, Sea Lions, and Wolves.
Do Rabbits Have Christmas?: Illustrated by Sarah Fox-Davies. A collection of fifteen poems laced with figurative language that highlights the natural wonders of winter and the Christmas season. The lyrical verses are illustrated with pencil and water color paintings depicting beautiful scenes of frost coated windowpanes, animal tracks in the snow, and drift surrounded trees decorated with carrots for yes, rabbits do have Christmas!
Do the Math: Secrets, Lies, and Algebra: This is a fun mystery involving main character Tess, whose unique view of life has her imagining everything around her as it relates to math. Tess's life is filled with interesting teachers, annoying boys, frustrating parents, and just about any other typical teen problem readers can imagine.
Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners: Lively, golden rule pun book. Characters cute and appealing. Would work as a read aloud in small group settings or with the counselor.
Dramarama: Best friends Sayde (Sarah Paulson) and Demi (Douglas B. Howard) are both accepted to a summer theater camp. Tables are turned and the friendship is tested when Demi becomes the star of the show and even lands the boyfriend of his dreams.
Drita, my homegirl: When ten-year-old Drita and her family, refugees from Kosovo, move to New York, Drita is teased about not speaking English well, but after a popular student named Maxine is forced to learn about Kosovo as a punishment for teasing Drita, the two girls soon bond.
Duck at the Door: It was a quiet night until?there was a knock on the door and a perfectly comfortable existence in a perfectly comfortable house was turned upside down by the arrival of the Duck at the Door?aka MAX. Dynamic illustrations make MAX and all his new friends memorable. MAX is only there for a while but readers will want him to come back, and he does, with friends!
Edenville Owls: After World War II, fourteen-year-old Bobby Murphy and his friends start a basketball team without a coach. Coming of age story as he deals with romance and fear for his teacher who has a mysterious stranger threatening her. Numerous references to post-WWII radio and movie personalities.
Elephant Run: In 1941 London, fourteen-year-old Nick Freestone loses his apartment in a bombing raid. His mother sends him to Burma to live with his father on the family's teak plantation. Japanese capture their village and his father is taken prisoner. Nick and Mya his friend plan an escape for their families using wild timber elephants. Action-packed novel.
Elijah of Buxton: In 1860, eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman is the first freeborn child born in the Canadian town of Buxton. He helps his friend track down a thief who stole the money to set a family free. Welcome addition to historical fiction genre and wonderful choice for classroom study.
Ema Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree: Hyper-rational Emma Jean doesn't often understand her seventh grade classmates. When she decides to put her analytical mind to work to solve some of their problems, it seems that Emma Jean's own begin. A wonderful story of acceptance and belonging.
Emma Dilemma and the Two Nannies: A sequel to Emma Dilemma and the New Nanny opens with the prospect of a three week vacation for their nanny. Faced with the thought of the uncool Mrs. Potts substitute nanny, the five children plot to make sure their parents don't keep the new nanny.
Eoin Colfer's Legend of the Worst Boy in the World: Will Woodman has a hard time finding someone at home to listen to his problems. So he decides to rely upon his grandfather, the lighthouse keeper. However, it always seems that his grandfather's woes are much worse than Will's.
Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy: Return of Meteor Boy: Ordinary Boy, a fifth grader at Watson Elementary, is the only one in the city of Superopolis who has no super powers. Twenty-five years earlier, Meteor Boy disappeared and now they are holding auditions for the character on a TV show. Will appeal to superhero and comic-book readers. Silly book with fun black and white cartoon illustrations.
Families in Many Cultures: Life is different around the world. Take a peek into the lives of families from around the world. Striking photos are accompanied by a world map that shows where each family lives. Simple text with large font make this appropriate for beginning readers as well as younger listeners. Word count and reading level also listed at the back. Part of the four book series, Life Around the World. Other titles included are: Clothes in Many Cultures, Homes in Many Cultures, and Schools in Many Cultures.
Family for Old Mill Farm, A: The Raccoon Realtor easily finds animal families to inhabit Old Mill Farm. The human realtor, as a last resort, shows Old Mill Farm to a human family that thinks it is perfect. Illustrations are adorable, lots of detail in illustrations. A delightful read.
Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy: Illustrated by Robin P. Glasser. Fancy Nancy is ecstatic because her parents are getting her an puppy. Of course, she is interested in the fancy sort. This is another fanciful adventure that will delight readers.
Father's Day Thank You, A: Harvey's siblings give dad neckties, golf balls and nails for Father's Day. Harvey creates a very unique gift for his father.
Firefighters! Speeding! Spraying! Saving!: Race along with the firefighters to a fire. See them rescue people from a burning building. Great vocabulary.
Fire from the Rock: Sylvia is ecstatic and confused when she is chosen as one of the first black students to integrate all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. This historical fiction is riveting and realistic to what was really going on during the civil rights movement.
Fishes in Kansas: second edition, revised This is the revised second edition of Fishes in Kansas which was reviewed in a previous KSRC catalog. This edition features full-color drawings and photographs for the first time. This revised guide describes and illustrates the 135 common and not-so-common, native and introduced fishes found in Kansas.
Florida Manatees: Part of the America's Animal Comebacks series, this book discuses the Florida manatee and the efforts made to keep it from extinction. Includes an appended glossary and a bibliography. The other titles in the series are: Bald Eagles, Black-footed Ferrets, Florida Panthers, Gray Wolves, American Bison, American Alligators, Southern Sea Otters, and Grizzly Bears.
Follow the Line Through the House: The text invites the reader to move from room to room in the house to find hidden objects. Along the way the reader will count, match colors, and identify shapes.
Football Genius: The one thing that separates Troy from every other 12-year-old is his ability to predict what football plays are going to be before they even happen. His ability attracts the attention of star linebacker, Seth Halloway. Could Troy's gift and Seth's playing abilities give Atlanta Falcon's fans and the players what they have wanted for years--a winning season?
Forever Dog: Illustrated by Dan Anderson. Mike gets a puppy and they grow up doing everything together and even shake on a promise to be forever friends. But Corky gets sick and dies at the Vet's and Mike is angry that Corky broke the promise of forever. A touch of motherly wisdom helps Mike work through his loss and anger to see that a change in focus from anger to happy memories lets him keep his friend in his heart forever. A compassionate story that is classic Cochran complemented by illustrations that reinforce the quirky character traits and special bond of Mike and Corky.
Free baseball: Angry with his mother for having too little time for him, eleven-year-old Felix takes advantage of the opportunity to become batboy for a minor league baseball team, hoping to someday be like his father, a famous Cuban outfielder.
Friendship for Today, A: Twelve-year-old Rosemary Patterson is among the first African American students to an all white school. Ultimately, she overcomes the racism of Grace Hamilton and they develop a friendship.
From Emporia: The Story of William Allen White: Kansas librarian Bev Buller gives us this appealing biography of William Allen White. It begins with White's birth and early life and follows him through his admirable career as a newspaper editor. Includes many primary source documents as well as vintage photographs and documentary illustrations.
Full House: Boys will love these ten stories about poker compiled by YA author, Pete Hautman, an avid poker fan. Humor, drama, fantasy, and clever plot twists make this compilation a page turner. Included is a glossary of poker terms as well as a short biography of each contributor.
Gabriel's Horses: Racing to Freedom Trilogy. In the first book of the trilogy, twelve-year old slave Gabriel Alexander longs to earn his freedom and become a famous jockey. While his father serves in the Civil War, Gabriel cares for Master Giles' horses and saves them from a band of Confederate thugs. The action continues in Gabriel's Triumph and concludes in Gabriel's Journey. These books are excellent choices for horse lovers.
Gabriel's Triumph: Racing to Freedom Trilogy. In the first book of the trilogy, twelve-year old slave Gabriel Alexander longs to earn his freedom and become a famous jockey. While his father serves in the Civil War, Gabriel cares for Master Giles' horses and saves them from a band of Confederate thugs. The action continues in Gabriel's Triumph and concludes in Gabriel's Journey. Excellent choices for horse lovers.
Games: A Tale of Two Bullies: Mick Sullivan and Boot Quinn have a long history of fighting. So they are surprised when, after a fight, their principal wants them to play board games together instead of giving them suspensions. They discover that they are both trying to cope with alcoholic and abusive fathers. Each protagonist tells part of the story in alternating chapters. Gorman captures the middle-school mind set.
Genghis Khan: A Wicked History series. Book covers birth to death. Includes timeline of terror
George Washington Carver: Scientist, Inventor, Teacher: Signature Lives series. Biography of outstanding minority. Includes glossary, index, source notes, selected bibliography, index. Timeline tied to world events.
Ginger and Petunia: Petunia is a pampered pig when her pet sitter fails to show up. Petunia pretends to be Ginger, her mistress, with great success.
Girl, a Boy and a Monster Cat, A: Brandon's mom has made arrangements for him to spend three afternoons a week at Hannah's house--not Brandon's idea of fun. He would like to be watching TV each day, but instead he finds himself the unwilling participant in a series of riotous, imaginative roll-playing games with Hannah and her large cat. And Brandon never gets to good parts in the games! Funny and fast-paced.
Girl at Sea: Clio is being sent off to Italy to spend the summer with her father, his new girlfriend, and her family. Odd behavior makes Clio curious about the nature of their yacht trip and she becomes determined to solve the mystery herself.
Giving Up the Ghost: Thirteen-year-old Davia Peters accompanies her parents to Louisiana to care for her terminally ill great-aunt Mari. Burdened with the knowledge her great-aunt Mari will die soon and that her own mother is fighting cancer, too. Davia befriends the plantation's resident ghost and is able to find some answers to the dilemmas in her own life.
Golden Dreams of Carlo Chuchio: Carlo Chuchio is a dreamer who lives in a busy seaport. Adventure comes in the form of a map hidden in an old book. As he begins his journey he collects a number of companions with impossible dreams.
Good Citizen Sarah: An unexpected snow storm cuts electricity forcing Sarah to help her neighbor with cleaning up after the storm.
Gossamer: While learning to bestow dreams, a young dream giver tries to save an eight-year-old boy from the effects of both his abusive past and the nightmares inflicted on him by the frightening Sinisteeds.
Great Smelly, Slobbery, Small-Tooth Dog, The: Illustrated by Julie Paschkis. A read aloud of this retelling of a British Beauty and the Beast tale will have young readers chiming in on each repetition of the "Great Smelly, Slobbery, Small-Tooth Dog" refrain. Less violent and more upbeat than most traditional versions, the "GSSSTD" rescues a rich man from bandits, claims his daughter as a reward, and after two near misses GSSSTD is transformed, through words of true love, into a prince.
Grumpy Bird: Grumpy Bird goes for a walk collecting other animals along the way. When he figures out that they are copying him, he no longer is grumpy.
Guide to Kansas Architecture: A one-of-a-kind guide to Kansas architecture that is a handy reference invaluable to the well-versed architect but assembled so the merely inquisitive reader will appreciate state history and its people. Well written text of localized architecture supported with 601 black-and-white photographs gives this selection a strong place in all Kansas collections.
Gym Candy: Mick's love of football was instilled in him at the ripe old age of 4. As he realizes his high school career hinges not on his speed or agility but his lack of power, Mick is convinced to use "gym candy" or steroids. Bigger, stronger, faster comes at a price. An honest look at an ugly addiction.
Hair Dance: Girls love hair. This gives it to them in stunning photos of African-American girls of varying ages combined with easy text. Positive upbeat message says take joy in you. Definitely urban setting and appeal with good introduction.
Halloween Book of Facts and Fun, The: History, activities, riddles, crafts, traditions and websites are combined in this colorful book about Halloween.
Harlem Summer: Sixteen-year-old Mark Purvis will never forget the summer of 1925 in Harlem. In just a month's time, Mark will get to meet the best and the worst people of New York City. The root of Mark's troubles is his desire for money--the easier, the better.
Hattie big sky: After inheriting her uncle?s homesteading claim in Montana, sixteen-year-old orphan Hattie Brooks travels from Iowa in 1917 to make a home for herself and encounters some unexpected problems related to the war being fought in Europe.
Heat Wave: Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. What did people do before air conditioning to keep cool during a heat wave? The yellows and oranges in the fun illustrations let you know how hot it really is. When the town comes together to cool off, in tones of blue, they all have the same dream?which comes true!
Henry's Freedom Box: When Henry Brown was a child his master gave him to his son, so he was taken from his family. Henry grew and had his own family. When his wife and children were sold and taken away, he had had enough.
Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush: A delightful presentation of the traditional song and dance. Includes ten action packed verses of the song with darling illustrations of children from four different cultures. A history of the song and dance is also included at the back, as well as a wonderful CD featuring Fred Penner. A fantastic choice for getting little ones up and moving during story time.
Hey, You! Poems to Skyscrapers?: A collection of fun poems written by well-known poets, addressed to things, as the title suggests, such as a skyscraper or a fly. The gentle watercolor illustrations add visual appeal.
Hickory Dickory Dock: Count off the fun filled hours (and learn telling time basics) with a busy mouse and animal friends who buzz, nibble, kick, buck and wind away the hours from noon to midnight in this expanded version of the classic nursery rhyme. Colorful illustrations feature detailed actions of mouse on every spread with other characters bussing, kicking, slithering and nibbling their way across the page.
Hiroshima Dreams: This coming-of-age novel about Lin who has psychic abilities, a gift she shares with her grandmother, who has recently come from Japan to live with Lin's multi-racial family. Lin can't explain the knowledge she has of the future, but her grandmother teaches her to develop her gift through meditation. The family's unspoken past is always in the background, and when the facts are revealed, they are captivating.
Holiday Stew: Fun word play and clever illustrations abound in this collection of poems that celebrate practically every holiday. Organized by season, and offering poems of varying length, this volume of poetry will make a good resource for teachers.
Hollywood Dogs: Part of the Dog Heroes series, this slim volume discusses how Hollywood dogs are "discovered" and trained for their careers. Photos of famous dogs and their films are included, along with a reading list, websites, bibliography and glossary. There are fourteen titles in the series.
Hoofbeats: Silence and Lily: A young girl named Silence lives during the tense time right before the Revolutionary War. She and her family must decide where their loyalties lie while learning more about themselves as well. Part of the Hoofbeat series.
Hooray Jose!: Written in verse, this is a story of a very short mouse that wants to play basketball but no one will choose him. He practices and waits for his chance.
Horace Pippin: A look at a simple man who was a great painter. Illustrations in the book are mainly made up of his paintings. Fun cartoons throughout to hook the reader.
Hot Hand: Lupica's series of well-executed, fast-paced sports novels will have great appeal to middle-graders who gravitate to sports books. In Hot Hand, 10-year-old Billy and his siblings are having trouble adjusting to their parents separation. Their dad happens to be Billy's hot-headed basketball coach and pays little attention to Billy's younger brother Ben's talent as a piano player. It seems that Billy is the only one to notice how badly things are unraveling and he has an important championship game himself to concentrate on.
Houdini: the Handcuff King: This graphic-novel biography is creative and suspenseful and gives great insight into the life of Houdini. This story focuses on the events of a single day, May 1, 1908, and a single publicity stunt, in which Houdini leapt into the near-frozen Charles River in Cambridge, Mass., wearing only a bathing suit and shackled at the wrists and ankles.
House of a Million Pets, The: Hedgehogs, prairie dogs, voles, rabbits, rats, ducks, bats and sugar gliders have all called Ann Hodgman's house their home. Entertaining and informative, this book is a delightful account of the blending of Ann's human family with her animal one. Kids can only dream of having the kind of house the Hodgmans enjoy.
How Big Is It?: Double-page articles on 22 incredibly large creatures, objects, and plants. Perfect for a short read aloud. Fantastic pictures.
How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-boyfriend: Giovanna's twin brother, Dante, decides to run for class president against the mayor's son and in a heat of the moment incident, Giovanna breaks up with her boyfriend Jesse because he is supporting the opponent's side. She regrets the break up and goes on a mission to get Jesse back. The book is absorbing, entertaining and hilarious.
How Underwear Got There: Here is a very clever and funny look at a very private topic--underwear. Examining the functions and styles of all manner of undergarments throughout history, this book is filled with interesting bits of history, hilarious drawings, and vintage illustrations. This is a worthy addition that should circulate well.
Hunted: Sequel to Dogboy. Rural and townsfolk alike fear the unknown which includes the plague progressing across the countryside. Eager for a place to put blame, they are quick to single out Brind and Aurelic as the devil's own as the two youth fight for their lives as they try to help Sir Edmund.
Hurry! Hurry!: It's a big day in the barnyard! All the animals hurry to greet the newest member of the community whose just pecking his way out of the egg. Vibrant colors and simple text make this a delightful read.
Hush, Little Puppy: Illustrated by Susan Winter. Easy text and darling illustrations - both boy and puppy are adorable. Hush Little Baby Piggy Back song/text with very appropriate illustrations. Good bedtime story/song for early primary.
I'm Exploding Now: Sixteen-year-old Max's life is very frustrating. Nothing and no one appreciates him. The turning point is the death of the family cat. Max takes the dead cat back to his Aunt Ginny. He meets Zini who turns his life around.
I'm Going to Grandma's: A young girl spends the night with her grandparents for the first time. Feeling homesick at bedtime, grandma explains the special quilt she is sleeping with which gives the granddaughter comfort for the night.
I'm Not Scared: Baby Owl insists that he is not scared when he roams the woods at night. The other animals think differently. Simple, childlike text and expressive childlike illustrations make this a joy to read and share.
Igraine the Brave: Igraine wants nothing more than to be a brave and noble knight. When her family's castle is besieged by Osmund the Greedy and her magician parents are out of commission, she puts her skill and knowledge to the test. Magic, chivalry, and loveable characters make this book a treat.
I Love Cats: Illustrated by Anne Mortimer. Easy, limited, repetitive text/vocabulary, mostly adjectives, describing cats. The illustrations make the book. The cats are absolutely adorable!
Inconvenient Truth: The Crisis of Global Warming, An: Al Gore writes a very informative book over global warming which is filled with color photographs. Includes easy to read graphs and websites listed for further research. Companion volume to the documentary film. Adapted for younger readers.
In Search of Mockingbird: On the eve of her 16th birthday, Erin's dad tells her he is getting married. He also gives her a book, her deceased mother's diary. Armed with the diary, Erin takes off on a cross-country pilgrimage to Harper Lee's hometown, the author her mother most admired. Along the way she meets up with an assortment of odd characters.
Invention of Hugo Cabret, The: A work of genius combining elements of the illustrated novel, wordless storytelling and minimal, brilliant text, The Invention of Hugo Cabret is the story of an orphan with a precious secret to protect and a family mystery to solve. Set in a Paris train station in the 1930s, we see Hugo's secret life intersect with a shop owner and his goddaughter who each protect secrets of their own. Beautiful and memorable.
I Remember Avelito: Bilingual explanations of preparation for the Day of the Dead. A young child wonders if grandfather's spirit will find his way to each.
Iron Thunder: the Battle Between the Monitor and the Merrimac: First book in Avi's I Witness series. Thirteen-year-old Tom Carroll becomes his family's breadwinner when his father is killed soon after the start of the Civil War. To earn money, Tom is hired to work at the iron works in Greenpoint where inventor John Ericsson is in a race against time to build the first iron clad ship that will do battle with the Confederate iron clad, the Merrimac. Based loosely on historical events.
It's Probably Penny: Excellent characters, illustrations and story line that introduces the basics of probability. Can use some examples in the book to use hands-on with kids.
I Wish I Had Freckles Like Abby: I Wish I Had Glasses Like Rosa. (978-0-9724973-7-4) Engaging pictures and text make these bilingual books fun stories for library or classroom. Paired reading would be an obvious use.
Jack Plank Tells Tales: Park yourself on your sea chest and sit for a spell. You don't want to miss one of Jack Plank's stories. A pirate to begin with, Jack just didn't have the heart for pillaging and plundering. He's found himself on shore in a town called Saltwash, finding where he fits and looking to make a living. But just what can a pirate like Jack do to earn his way? Natalie Babbitt spins another good yarn. Good choice for read-aloud.
Jayhawker Book: n response to continued demands, this title has been reissued in the special revised edition. This book about the state of Kansas, the state flower, bird and tree, products and people, can be read with ease by boys and girls in the second and third grades. Teachers looking for easy material about Kansas for the primary level will welcome the fifth reprint of this book with its original illustrations.
Jazz on a Saturday Night: Some of the greatest jazz artists are mentioned as you swing through a Saturday night full of jazz.
Jeannette Rankin Political Pioneer: Jeannette Rankin, first U.S. Congresswoman, worked for women's right to vote, social justice, and peace. Forgotten for a time she re-surfaced in the 60s to work with feminists and Vietnam peace activists. Photos, sidebars, index and timeline.
Jim Thorpe: Greatest Athlete in the World: Part of the Graphic Library: Graphic Biographies series, this is the story of Jim Thorpe, the American athlete who won both the pentathlon and the decathlon in the 1913 Olympics.
John F. Kennedy: Easy to read biography. Students will be hooked by the fun cartoons. Actual photos enhance the text.
Johnny and the Bomb: Having stumbled upon a way to time travel, Johnny knows exactly when a German bomb will be dropped on his English village. Johnny and his friends make several trips to alter history enough to save the town but also to make sure modern time remains the same. Story alternates between 1990s Britain and World War II. Funny dialogue, fast-paced and quirky sidekicks keep the plot moving.
Julia's kitchen: When her mother and younger sister are killed in a house fire, eleven-year-old Cara struggles to find a way to deal with her emotions and to reach out to her grieving father.
Jumping the scratch: After moving with his mother to a trailer park to care for an injured aunt, eleven-year-old Jamie Reardon struggles to cope with a deeply buried secret.
Kansas Breeding Bird Atlas: This book focuses on 203 species of birds located while nesting in Kansas over a period of six years. Two pages are devoted to each bird and includes a description, drawing and distribution data.
Kansas--The History of the Sunflower State, 1854-2000: A great Kansas resource book. It treats the past history as well as history about Kansas that has not been found in previous history books. A wonderful addition to a Kansas collection.
Kansas Wetlands: A Wildlife Treasury: A crisp, clear wildlife presentation, featuring color photos (by seven photographers, taken over a period of seven years) with explanatory captions, following an introductory essay.
Kansas Wildlife: Photographs by Bob Gress, Gerald J. Wiens, Suzzanne L. Collins and Joseph T. Collins. One hundred and twenty-one extraordinary photographs with text by Kansas Zoologist at the University of Kansas, Joseph Collins. The text provides little-known information about the habits and habitats of Kansas creatures.
Keeping Corner: Set in 1918 India, Leela worries little about her future or world events. Tragedy strikes when her betrothed is killed and she must spend a year in mourning. Only allowed lessons by her teacher, Leela discovers the real world around her while being confined to her home.
Kimchi & Calamari: Joseph Calderaro's life if complicated by his growing awareness of the gulf between his Korean ethnicity and the Italian heritage of his adoptive family. A school assignment is the catalyst for his search for information about his birth family. His status as an honest guy is jeopardized when he claims a famous Korean marathoner as his grandfather. His confusion is handled in a touching and humorous way.
King Puck: What's the solution to loneliness in the remote Irish countryside? Good books, a close friend to read and talk to, and a frequent sprinkling of fairie dust. Thanks to the fairies magic Seamus's goat, Finny, develops the ability to talk, is crowned King at the Puck Street Fair and wins a special prize that will warm the hearts of book lovers everywhere.
Klipfish Code, The: It's 1942 Norway. The Nazis have invaded and twelve-year-old Marit and her younger brother are sent to the island to stay with their grandfather. Shortages, secrecy and fear are vividly portrayed as the resistance tries to protect the homeland.
Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World: The amazing story of Knut the orphaned polar bear born at the Berlin Zoo and the dedication of his keeper, Thomas Dorflein who saved his life.
Kurt Warner and the St. Louis Rams: A six title set, Super Bowl Superstars, with each book devoted to an individual Super Bowl star. Primary age boys and girls will recognize these famous and favorite athletes and love to take them home to read to parents and siblings. Close up, live action photos pop off the pages. Signature text features, cues and clues in non-fiction: headlines, captions, bold type pull quotes and kickers, glossary and post reading extenders. Real emphasis on positive role model of each athlete: community service, family commitment, charity work, etc.
Lady Friday: Fifth book in the Keys to the Kingdom series. The plot is complex and readers need to read the four previous books to follow the story. Arthur's friend, Leaf, has been captured by Lady Friday. Witty and entertaining.
Langston's Train Ride: This poetic tribute to Langston Hughes as he reaches the point where he knows that he really is a poet, is expressed in rich language narrative and brilliant illustrations by Leonard Jenkins. Also included is Hughe's famed poems "The Negro Speaks of Rivers."
Larger-than-life Lara: Using the writing techniques she has learned in school, fourth grader Laney relates how an obese girl new to the class changes the lives of those around her, despite being bullied by her peers.
Last of the Roundup Boys, The: This companion book to Grasslands is set in Kansas in 1885. Tom is now seventeen and is hired as a cowhand to work on the Parson's cattle ranch. Tom is smitten with sixteen-year-old Evie, the ranch owner's daughter. Narrated in interchanging voices of Tom and Evie, it tells of the iffy romance between the two. This historical fiction has substance with women's rights, the legacy of slavery, tension between cattlemen, railroad men, and farmers, and class differences and sex roles on the Kansas prairie.
Laura's Album: This book is a lovely tribute and chronicle of the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Included are photos, reproductions of original communications and keepsake treasures accumulated by Laura. The historical research represented by this work will capture young and older fans of the Little House saga.
Leap of Faith: Abigail is forced to attend a Catholic high school, because she's been expelled from her old school for stabbing a boy in the arm. Just to irritate her parents, she tells them she's converting to Catholicism, then finds she doesn't mind the required religion classes and services. As she studies the traditions and beliefs of the Church, Abby finds that forgiveness of the people who have mistreated her is the most difficult obstacle to overcome.
Leaves: A book about the seasons as seen through the eyes of a bear. He follows the leaves while going through his own changes.
Lemonade War, The: Evan and his very smart younger sister find out they will both be in the same 4th grade classroom. As the end of summer approaches they battle it out through lemonade stands trying to be the first to earn $100. The basic economics takes a backseat to the realizations about themselves and their relationship.
Let's Add to Ten, Again and Again: Illustrated by Joan Michael. An interesting way to look at the basic addition facts that equal ten. Photos used to engage children.
Letters from Rapunzel: Cadence feels like a modern Rapunzel, stuck away in an after school program while her dad is battling depression and her mom is busy picking up the slack. Cadence feels certain that she can save her dad if she can only get the unknown "someone" that her dad has been sending letters to write back and shed some light on his illness.
Light: In this easy non-fiction reader, we take a look at light; what it is; what it does; what we can use it for. Photos match the text.
Lightning in a Drought Year: Love and politics collide to make feminist history in Gilded Age Kansas. A forbidden friendship turns to love amidst the social and economic turmoil of the Populist Uprising and, as women seek political equality with men, an unlikely heroine steps forward to make history. "In this charming novel, Michelle Black has displayed a hero and heroine worthy of one another. Her descriptions and strong voice are a symphony to the eyes.
Listen!: During her solitary convalescence from a crippling accident, twelve-year-old Charley finds a wild dog, and the arduous process of training him leads her to explore her feelings about her mother?s death two years earlier.
Little (Grrl) Lost: TJ is fourteen-years-old and upset about her family moving. She meets and befriends Elizabeth, a run away who is sixteen-years-old and only six inches tall, living in the walls of TJ's new home.
Little Rat Makes Music: Little Rat wants to make music with her new violin, but she hates to practice. Her teacher finds a fun way for Little Rat to practice.
Little Trucks with Big Jobs: Great photos and format that makes excellent use of colors and shapes throughout. Some truck names are new and difficult for primary, but text is clear, well spaced for easy reading. Stresses that big isn't always best or most important. Will probably be of special interest to PreK-1 boys.
Living Color: A colorful book showing how animals use color to warn predators, signal friends, attract mates or hide from enemies.
Living Landscapes of Kansas: Kansas? unexpected beauty is presented in text and photographs. It is a wonderful addition to Konza Prairie and A Tallgrass Natural History by the same author. Known and unfamiliar forests, prairies, rivers, and lakes are depicted, which reveal a beautifully diverse state.
Love, Meg: The only constant in Meg's life are her fan letters to Jennifer Aniston after being drug from place to place by her older sister. When she discovers her sister is really her mom, Meg goes to New York to find out about her family and track down her long lost father.
Lungs: Your Respiratory System: Full-page color illustrations and clear text detail the intricacies of the respiratory system. Excellent resource for reports.
Magic Cane: A prophecy and cane from his childhood enable Karmelo and his family to overcome evil. Maria Celeste Arraras is an award-winning journalist and investigative reporter.
Magin in the Margins: A Medieval Tale of Bookmaking: A talented orphan boy joins the noblemen's sons at the monastery and quickly becomes a master at capturing images for illuminated manuscripts.
Mailbox, The: When twelve-year-old Gabe tries to hide his uncle?s death from the local authorities, he is not prepared for what happens when this secret is discovered.
Make Your Mark, Franklin Roosevelt: An illustrated biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the adults who influenced him. Extremely readable with fun, full-page illustrations.
Manatee Calf Grows Up, A: An interesting easy reader about the growth of a manatee. Photos help enhance the story. One of the Scholastic Life Cycle series.
Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale: Illustrated by Michael Austin. A wonderful rendition of a Cuban folktale about the real nature of people and grandmothers. The story bounces along with repetition galore for early readers. Don't miss this one!
Max and Buddy Go to the Vet: Max has his own series of books and is a busy character. He visits a variety of places and has a diverse group of friends. Join Max in a variety of adventures in this 18 book series. Easy to read leveled text make this set especially appropriate for beginning readers. Many titles available in Spanish as well.
Maybelle in the Soup: Maybelle the cockroach and Henry the flea live under the refrigerator and want to venture out to taste more than just "crumbs and spills." A tickle to the bone read that children will love.
May I Pet Your Dog?: Common sense guidelines for children meeting new dogs. Ask the dog's owner if you may pet his/her dog and listen to their suggestions.
Mokie & Bik: Mokie and Bik are rambunctious twins living aboard a houseboat with their mother and nanny and awaiting the return of their seafaring father. A good read-aloud or a treat for confident readers, this book might confuse struggling readers with its occasional nonsensical text and rollicking pace.
Monsters & Water Beasts: A well-researched account of legendary sea creatures and strange animals presented in an entertaining format. Anecdotal information is included in the chapters and room is given for future "what if" additions to what is known of these creatures of legend. This will be a welcome addition for the non-fiction crowd.
Monster Who Did My Math, The: A dream come true?or is it? A boy who hates math makes a deal with a monster to do his math homework. But when his teacher asks him a question, he gets a different perspective.
Mouse Shapes: What can the three mice make with shapes that might save them from the cat?
My Big Rig: Illustrated by Viviana Garofoli. While playing with his truck, a little boy imagines what it would be like to drive a big rig across the country. Young boys would enjoy reading this one.
My Dog Lyle: Laugh out loud antics of Lyle will be a favorite read again book for primary children. The repetition of descriptive words will have listeners chiming in with the adult reader.
My First Ramadan: Karen Katz has written a sweet little book explaining the Muslim observance of Ramadan. Informative, yet easy to understand, a great way to introduce the diversity of the Muslim faith.
My Heart is a Magic House: Mom has room in her heart to love both the new baby and her first born child.
My Last Best Friend: A delightful tale of the emotional drama of fourth grade friendships. Mean girl bullying, cafeteria shenanigans and "cooperative" group projects paint a funny, realistic picture. Ida thinks she'll never have another best friend after Elizabeth moves away, especially when the new girl, Stacey, is swept into the popular group. True character eventually shines and real friendship wins.
My Life as a Chicken: A rhyming text of a chicken's adventure escaping being in the frying pan to ending up living in a petting zoo. Great text and colorful illustrations.
My Mother the Cheerleader: Louise Collins, 13, lives in New Orleans in 1960 and attends the same school as Ruby Bridges. Louise's mother belongs to a group of mothers called "the cheerleaders" who harass Ruby each morning. When New Yorker, Morgan Miller, checks into the Collins' boarding house, Louise stumbles onto his mysterious past.
My Way: A mi manera: Large, easy bilingual text and simple illustrations depict two preschool friends, one English speaking and one Spanish speaking as they move through an ordinary day, each doing things "my way" until they discover that sometimes a mix can be fun.
Nic Bishop Spiders: This book has incredible close up photos of spiders as well as detailed descriptions of their lives.
Nightrise: Book three of The Gatekeepers. When Scott is kidnapped and taken to an isolated juvenile detention facility in the desert, Jamie begins his rescue attempt with the help of a mother who thinks that her son has been kidnapped as well.
Nikki and Deja: Delightful story of two friends who go through the growing pains of expanding their "best friend group" to include the new neighbor.
Not in Room 204: A young girl gathers the courage to tell her teacher she has been abused by her father.
Not Like You: Kayla can't really trust her mother to stay sober, to not pull her out of school and uproot them yet again. Things are different when they move to New Mexico, but Kayla can't quite convince herself that it will last. Very touching story, well done. Teens can identify with the pain and uncertainty and trust issues Kayla experiences.
Nutcracker Doll, The: Kepley has a dream of dancing in the Nutcracker. What a sweet dreams come true story!
Off Season, The: The story of D.J. Schwenk continues as she begins her 11th grade as a member of the varsity football squad. Her friendship with Brian the rival school quarterback has taken off. Then tragedy hits when her older brother Win sustains a spinal cord injury while playing football in college. A good follow-up to The Diary Queen.
Off to Kindergarten: A little boy gets ready for kindergarten by putting many things together that he thinks he will need for his first day at kindergarten. His mother has other ideas.
Oh, Theodore! Guinea Pig Poems: A young boy brings home a guinea pig for a pet. Charming poems about his pet.
Old Penn Station: Beautiful full-page luminous paintings take the reader back in time to the early 1900s when New York's Penn Station was at the height of its glory. Minimal, easy to follow text discuses craftsmanship and artistry of the train station as well as the demolition of the famous structure in later years.
One-handed catch: After losing his hand in an accident in his father?s butcher shop in 1946, sixth-grader Norman uses hard work and humor to learn to live with his disability and to succeed at baseball, art and other activities.
One O'Clock Chop, The: Fourteen-year-old Matt is spending his summer digging clams trying to earn money to buy a used boat. When his cousin, Jazzy, comes from Hawaii to spend the summer she turns out to be more an a beautiful distraction.
One-Room Schools of the Middle West: An Illustrated History Both as social history and as an archival source, this work is an important contribution to the history of American education. Fuller?s commentaries are dimensionally rich sociohistorical vignettes on the school children, the schools, the teachers, rural aspirations, and other topics set in a pictorial and archival album. Fuller is not incorrect in observing that ?The little one-room schools of the Middle West offer important lessons in education, even in our own times of sophisticated educational theory and large, professionally dominated schools.?
One Thousand Tracings: Healing the Wounds of World War II: Author/illustrator Judge discovered tracings of feet in her grandparents attic. She then learned the story of her American family's quest to help the homeless and starving Europeans after World War II and the quest to find shoes for them. Illustrated with full-page watercolors as well as collages of black and white photos and newspaper clippings.
One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps to His Death: Alastair is a teen with a prosthetic leg and an attitude: he's determined to make his own jokes about his disability, but a summer visiting his father in California is challenging his sense of humor. Stump struggles with the hostility and anger he feels toward his dad whom he blames for the accident that left him handicapped.
On Meadowview Street: Can one little girl make a difference? When Caroline moves into her new house on Meadowview Street she finds rows of houses and flat mown lawns - and one wild flower in the middle of their lawn. She asks her dad to mow around it. She marks the one flower and soon discovers another flower, and another, and soon dad sells the mower and plants trees to provide shade for Caroline to relax in as she enjoys her "meadow" view. An environmental tale about changing city scapes with all the rows of little houses on the hillside.
On the Wings of Heroes: Davy Bowman learns about sacrifice and "eight to five orphans," children left alone when their mothers join the war effort by working in factories. Explores the relationships between fathers and sons during the early days of the U.S. involvement in World War II. Lightness throughout keeps the shadow of war at a distance.
Opposite of Love, The: Madge is a seventeen-year-old girl of mixed race growing up in a small bigoted community. Trying to bring about a positive change in herself and maybe even her town, Madge brings four-year-old Timmy, a neglected boy from Harlem, home to raise.
Ordinary Ghosts: Emil is a non-existent entity at home and at his elite prep school. After his brother disappears, Emil finds a master key to the high school in his bedroom. Now, not being noticed is just what Emil needs as he prowls the school at night where he meets another person wandering the halls after hours.
Our 50 United States and Other U.S. Lands: Organized in chronological order by the date each state joined the union, each page is filled with maps, facts, history, geography and trivia. Nicely illustrated, this book includes illustrations of state flags and includes an index.
Our Kansas Home: Charlie and his family first introduced in Pioneer Summer become involved with helping runaway slaves. An early chapter book that provides good background on this area of history.
Our Town on the Plains: The narrative and reprinted photos of Junction City, Kansas, by J.J. Pennell provide a unique view of life in Midwest America during the early 1900s. The narrative is thorough yet entertaining, and this book truly must be included in every Kansas collection.
Owen & Mzee: the Language of Friendship: This second book about Owen and Mzee tells about their first year and a half together. Photos show their home and how they communicate.
Paint the Wind: Orphaned Maya has been raised in a very solitary, aristocratic home by a domineering grandmother. When the grandmother dies, Maya is catapulted to relatives she doesn't know in the Arizona wilderness. Distrustful and fearful, Maya soon sees the beauty that had been the hallmark of her mother's life and the foundation of family love that is Maya's inheritance. The book's first pages are difficult to navigate, however, it is worth the effort.
Papa and the Pioneer Quilt: Rebecca's family travels west on the Oregon Trail through Kansas! Along the way she begins collecting pieces of cloth to mark different memories, some happy, some sad that will become a keepsake of their amazing journey.
Patience Wright: America's First Sculptor and Revolutionary Spy: When her husband dies, Patience leaves most of her Quaker ways behind and becomes a fine sculptor of wax. Soon she is so famous that all the rich in England want her services. This allowed her to become a spy for the U.S. during the Revolutionary War.
Peak: Peak Marcello is taken by his father to be the youngest to climb Mt. Everest after getting in trouble with the law in his hometown of New York for climbing the sides of skyscrapers. Peak would be the youngest climber ever to reach the summit. Peak is asked to make several choices and must show loyalty, courage, trustworthiness, and empathy in order to survive.
Penguins, Strange and Wonderful: These birds that cannot fly will capture the attention of all young readers. The text introduces all seventeen species of penguins and includes illustrations that clearly depict the descriptive text.
Pennies in a Jar: Illustrated by Ted Lewin. A World War II story set in the American home front about a boy whose father is serving overseas. The boy's fear of horses bothers him as he searches for a birthday present to send his father. He manages to find the best of both worlds in the satisfying conclusion. A real humdinger! The notes on the home front are wonderfully written.
Peopling the Plains: Both the immigrant experience and the influx of Yankees, Midlanders, and Southerners shaped the character of present day Kansas. Many maps chart the demographic structure of the state. While it is definitely an adult book, usage in high schools is probable. Some of the maps may be difficult for young adults to decipher.
Perfect Girl: Perry, Ruthie's best friend since they were toddlers, is now her total crush, but Jenna, the perfect in every way girl has just arrived at school and caught his attention. She needs help fast and it won't come from her ordinary mother, but Aunt Marty, alias Martine the House Goddess, saves the day.
Pete and Fremont: Pete is a circus star. He is having to deal with feelings for his circus colleagues. Fremont, a grizzly bear, is captured from the wild. The friendships, feelings, jealousy are all part of this adventure story.
Peter and the Secret of Rundoon: Those who haven't read the first two books might have trouble following this one. This is an exciting tale that brings you back to the Island of Rundoon. It is a fast-paced book with dramatic turns in this action packed conclusion.
Phineas L. MacGuire?erupts!: Fourth grade science whiz Phineas L. MacGuire is forced to team up with the new boy in class on a science fair project, but the boy's quirky personality causes Phineas to wonder if they have any chance of winning.
Physik: Septimus Heap is a young apprentice yearning to move from Magyk to Physik, an ancient form of healing. He gets his chance when he is kidnapped back in time to help develop a tincture for everlasting youth. Characters from the earlier books search for ways to bring him back. Quirky story with does of humor, suspense and lots of vivid details.
Picture Book of Amelia Earhart, A: This volume on Amelia Earhart highlights her unconventional childhood, her independent spirit, her caring heart, her determination to fly, and her courage as a trailblazer in aviation. The illustrations convey the look of the times and the drama of Earhart's adventurous life.
Piece of the Sky, A: This is an adventure story told in alternating narratives, 150 years apart, as two different boys each search for a hidden meteorite in the Oregon hills. Much of the action takes place during a multi-day hike through the woods searching for a meteorite while facing serious danger along the way.
Pigs Love Potatoes: This counting book begins with one small pig and potatoes and ends with a party of pigs and everyone helping to prepare the meal.
Piper Reed, Navy Brat: Unlike her sisters, Piper likes the life of a Navy brat. Her dad, the chief, and Piper's mom always make the best of their frequent moves, but it's hard to continually have to make new friends. A surprise from mom and dad and some unexpected special sister moments just might make this latest move one of the best ones yet.
Pip Squeak: Illustrated by Jane Manning. When a friend comes to visit, Pip Squeak spends time and effort cleaning. But, Max, his friend is not as careful as he would like. Short, exciting sentences will engage early readers and have them laughing.
Playground Day: A young child enjoys a day at the playground imitating animals.
Pledge of Allegiance, The: Describes the history of the Pledge, including the meaning, changes and purpose. Perfect for helping younger students understand just what they are reciting. Especially appropriate for ESL students, too. One of the very popular American Symbols series of ten books.
Pluto! A Dwarf Planet: Interesting updated information about the dwarf planet, Pluto. The book features large text and illustrations as well as numerous text features, all of which are appealing to early readers.
Poems in Black and White: A collection of poetry and simple, elegant monotypes which explore the world in terms of black and white. "Who would have /thought darkness/could be so cheerful?"
Polar Animals: Children will enjoy reading about the polar bear and other arctic animals in this easy reader. Photographs will enhance the learning. Text is written in easy to read rhymes.
Polar Bear, Arctic Hare: Poems of the Frozen North: Poems about the flora and fauna of the Arctic Circle. Nice rhyming poems. A section of "arctic facts" include pictures and interesting material.
Police Horses: Horses serve in many ways as is shown in these titles in the Horse Power series. Other titles include: Military Horses, Working Horses, Show Horses, Race Horses, and Therapy Horses.
Portrait of Pia, A: As her older brother's schizophrenia gets worse, seventh grader Pia's world also begins to fall apart. Pia is determined to find out about her mysterious Italian father, her best friend seems to be moving on and her mother has a new boyfriend.
Prairie Birds: The author blends recent science and years of personal experience to give readers a pleasant account of 33 grassland bird species that emphasizes their behaviors within their natural habitats.
Pretty Is: The summer between sixth grade and middle school, Erin feels she is being compared to her awkward, dorky older sister. Fear of negative comparisons she seeks revenge on her former friend Kayla.
Pretty Salma: Salma goes for groceries with instructions not to talk to strangers. Mr. Dog tricks her and returns to Grandma's as Salma. Grandpa, dressed as the bogeyman, saves grandma.
Priceless Gifts: What makes a gift priceless? Is it the same for everyone in every place, time or culture? Get serious answers spiced with a touch of humor from this retelling of an Italian folktale. There's an obvious moral as an honest trader gets a royal reward for his favor to the King while a greedy trader gets his comeuppance. The short text sports large jewel toned illustrations laced with funny details. Includes author's end notes with facts on the spice trade.
Princess Pigsty: Illustrated by Kerstin Meyer. Once upon a time three little princesses lived in a castle. Princess Isabella declared one morning, "boring, boring, boring!" She found a way to be happy.
Punished!: Logan and his friend Benedict are playing tag in the library. Logan gets caught when he runs into a mysterious man. When Logan doesn?t apologize sincerely, the mysterious gentleman punishes him by causing him to speak in puns. Only finding seven examples each of oxymorons, anagrams and palindromes within the time limits will return Logan to normal.
Puzzling World of Winston Breen: Winston Breen is a puzzle addict. He purchases a birthday gift for his ten-year-old sister. It leads to many puzzles, a mystery, and possibly a treasure.
Quad: A school's worst nightmare is unfolding when a student opens up fire in the building. Six very different students take shelter inside the Muir High School store. Each student thinks about the possible identity of the shooter.
Ready, Set, Skip!: A little girl longs to skip like the other children at school. She is already a whistler, soap bubble blower, and skater but it just isn't enough. Mom comes to the rescue in this darling celebration of accomplishing the little things in life.
Reality Leak: Mr. Keen drops out of a semi in a wooden crate and strange things start happening to Bryan. Tea bags that turn into mice, money that sprouts wings and flies, planting popped kernels of corn that turn into huge dandelions and it's up to Bryan to figure it all out.
Red, Red, Red: As turtle rushes through town, all of his friends think they know what has caused the rush. The only thing turtle can say is "red, red, red." His neighbors want to know what he wants and follow him. What they find is worth the trip.
Red Moon at Sharpsburg: In this historical novel set during the Civil War and told from the Southern perspective, India Moody observes all of the pain, suffering, loss, a complete change in her valley and in her life--all because of the war. India's personal drive to get an education, to be a scientist, adds another dimension to her story.
Red Thread, The: An ancient Chinese tale that shares the story of adoption. The long read thread connects those who long for a child to the child they were meant to have.
Remembering Grandpa: Illustrated by Layne Johnson. Daysha the bunny has happy memories of her Grandpa, but Grandma has "a bad case of sadness" one year after Grandpa died. Daysha takes her wagon and sets out to gather objects that help recall each happy memory (flowers, rocks, feathers?.). When she brings a full wagon back to share with Grandma sadness is replaced "with the right kind of remembering." A gentle story about love, loss, and grief with attractive illustrations of dessert habitat and sunsets. Animal characters allow children to identify with a situation without having to be identified as grieving.
Revolution is Not a Dinner Party: This novel is a vivid portrayal of the nightmare one Chinese family lives through during the revolution. In this historical fiction, based on the author's own experiences, the main character learns the importance of family and loyalty.
Rich Man and the Parrot, The: A colorful look at the idea that freedom is the only true gift.
Right Fine Life, A: Carson knew the West was opening up and he wanted to be part of it. At age 16, he ran off to join a wagon train heading over the Santa Fe Trail. This journey was the beginning of a life of high adventure that would make him famous throughout the world. Additional information about the Santa Fe Trail and Kit Carson is given at the end of the story.
Road to Paris, The: Inconsolable at being separated from her older brother, eight-year-old Paris is apprehensive about her new foster family but just as she learns to trust them, she faces a life-changing decision.
Roanoke: The Mystery of the Lost Colony: Dispels the mystery that all the colonists died at the Roanoke. Explanations are provided on what actually happened to the survivors. Excellent use of primary documents. Many of the book's illustrations were done by John White, grandfather of Virginia Dare, first English child born in the new world.
Rose's Journal--The Story of a Girl in the Great Depression: The year is 1935 and Rose is eleven-years-old. She lives on a farm in Kansas. Her journal tells the story of the hardships caused by the drought and terrible dust storms.
Rover: Captured by Vikings, young Hekja is taken as a slave to Greenland by the daughter of Erik the Red, and accompanied by no one from her homeland but her loyal dog, Riki Snarfari, the Mighty Rover. She shares the adventures with her new mistress, who is determined to make a name for herself as her father and brother have. Full of historical detail. Captivating read about a feisty and resourceful heroine.
Rucker Park Setup: Mackey sells out his best friend JR which leads to his death. Now mackey is playing in the big championship street ball game. He must decide whether to throw the game or come clean and confess to his coach, JR's dad.
Rules: Frustrated at life with an autistic brother, twelve-year-old Catherine longs for a normal existence but her world is further complicated by a friendship with a young paraplegic.
Sallie Gal and the Wall-a-ee Man: Money is tight for Sallie Gal's family since Papa is away fighting in Vietnam. But Sallie Gal desperately wants some bright hair ribbons and Momma won't take charity of any kind. The money they make chopping cotton doesn't go far enough for extras like hair ribbons. When Sallie Gal accepts a gift from a kind salesman, she struggles with the values instilled in her by her close-knit family. Short chapters and admirable, loveable characters make this book a winner.
Sam Tells Stories: When Sam moves to a new school, he tells the kids his dad is an astronaut and flies to the moon and Mars. He later decides to tell his school friends the truth and finds out they still like him.
Samurai Never Fears Death: Returning home to investigate the possible connection of his family's tea shop with smugglers, Seikel, now a Samurai in eighteenth-century Japan, becomes involved in murder at a local puppet theater and saving the life of his sister's accused boyfriend. Based on historical Japanese figures. Puppetry is used to convey the politics and class system of the time.
Sarah's Little Ghosts: Illustrated by Phillipe Goossens. A little white lie means a little white ghost, and one leads to another until Sarah feels like she is living in a haunted house. Ghosts pop up between her and her parents, her teacher, her classmates--Yikes! Can she discover how to make them go away?
Saturn: Ever want to know what Saturn's rings are made of? What are the names of Saturn's moons? Read this true book about Saturn and find out. Includes resources of books, web sites, places to visit as well as index and glossary.
Scarecrows: Very simple text and photos provide basic information about scarecrows. One of six titles in the All About Fall series. Also in the series: Animals of Fall, Apple Harvest, Leaves in Fall, People in Fall, and Pumpkin Harvest.
Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney, The: Sparrow lives in a town well known for its psychics, which include her own family. When Sparrow begins tenth grade at a huge new school, she thinks her dreams of anonymity and a fresh start are finally coming true. Her life begins to unravel when Luke, a teenage ghost, appears and insists she help him resolve issues that are preventing him from reaching the other side. Wit, dialogue and surprising turns make for a quick moving plot.
Secret of Whispering Springs, The: Cassie and her family purchase an old stone mansion on a farm outside Topeka, KS. Fourteen year old Cassie discovers a ghostly counterpart from the past and a threatening stranger at the heart of a mystery that revolves around the rumors of hidden treasure on the haunted farm. A great mystery, ghost tale and coming of age story. Hauntingly believable!
Section 27: A Century on a Family Farm: In this collection of brief vignettes, Penner traces the influence of pioneer roots on the present generation in McPherson County, Kansas.
Seer, The: After growing up in a colony where blindness is imbedded genetically in its citizens, thirteen-year-old Jacob is suddenly stricken with the gift of sight. Being forced out of the colony, Jacob sets off for the land of the Seers. On his journey, he decides to look for Delaney, a past friend who was also removed from the community after getting sight.
Shante Keys and the New Year's Peas: When Grandma forgets to buy black-eyed peas, she sends Shante around the neighborhood to find some. Shante learns about New Year's customs besides her own when the neighbors join them for a meal.
Sight: Warriors fictional empire continues with the Power of Three series that follows up the end of the New Prophecy series. Focus is on three characters -- Hollypaw, Jaypaw, and Lionpaw. Action-packed.
Silenced, The: After her mother was murdered for her political views and rebellion, Marena and her family are forced to live in a prison-like environment in which they are closely monitored. Spurred by entries in her mother's diary, Marena decides to start a secret rebellion called "the White Rose."
Singing hands: In the late 1940?s, twelve-year-old Gussie, a minister?s daughter, learns the definition of integrity while helping with a celebration at the Alabama School for the Deaf ? her punishment for misdeeds against her deaf parents and their boarders.
S Is for Sunflower: A Kansas Alphabet: The culture of Kansas is explored in a colorful alphabet format with rhyming descriptions accompanied by detailed expository text. Realistic paintings portray both familiar and less familiar aspects of Kansas history. One of a series of state alphabet books. Appropriate for all grade levels.
Skinny Brown Dog: Illustrated by Donald Saaf. A simple, yet profound, book on friendship and caring. Perfect for a unit on what makes a friend.
Skullduggery Pleasant: When Stephanie's Uncle Gordon dies suddenly her quiet only-child life drastically changes. The walking, talking skeleton, Skullduggery, enters her into the realm of magical powers, dangerous adventures she'd never imagined and the answers to her uncle's death.
Slam: Skaterboy, Sam, uses his hero, Tony Hawk's biography as his guide to life, but even that doesn't help when his girlfriend tells him she's pregnant. Sam tries to do the right thing and not repeat the mistakes his own parent's made.
Sleep, Black Bear, Sleep: Illustrated by Brooke Dyer. What is hibernation? How many creatures can you name that hibernate? What might they look like snuggled into their winter hibernation homes? Rhyming lyrical text and adorable watercolor illustrations are as comforting as a bedtime lullaby.
Small Camel Follows the Star: Balthazar was preparing for a journey. Small Camel goes along to carry a special package. The caravan traveled a long and far to visit the baby Jesus.
Small Sister: Big sister overshadows little sister. Little sister releases her sister's parrot, then runs away. She discovers that her older sister is afraid to climb a tree to rescue the parrot.
Snakehead: Scorpia is back and working with gangs operating across Southeast Asia. Alex Rider is drawn in by the Australian Secret Service. This is the seventh installment in the Alex Rider series. A must buy.
Snow Day!: Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. Everyone loves a snow day off from school. When the forecast comes on the TV, everyone makes plans for the fun they will have tomorrow. But when tomorrow comes?! Surprises abound in this bouncy story.
Someone Like Summer: Star-crossed lovers, Annabel from Long Island and Esteban from Santiago meet and fall in love. Neither family is happy and even more complications arise when a local veteran decides to crack down on illegal immigrants.
Someone Named Eva: Matilda is a child in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. When the Nazi's converge upon her town, she is separated from her family and taken to a Lebensborn center in Poland for girls who have been deemed candidates to become perfect Aryans. Upon reaching the Nazi center, Matilda's name is changed to Eva and she and the other girls are forced to speak German.
Song for Harlem, A: Twelve-year-old Lilly Belle spends the summer at a writer's workshop in Harlem, hosted by Madam C.J. Walker's daughter, A'lelia Walker, and taught by none other than the gifted writer Zora Neale Hurston. A beautiful little story that chronicles those hopeful years known as the Harlem Renaissance.
Sophisticated Ladies: Great Women of Jazz: Lively collective biography of 14 singers beginning in the 1920s through current performers. Full page portraits open each chapter. Discography point readers to the best known songs of each artist.
Sorta Sisters, The: Anna and Mica each need a friend, but have little hope of finding one due to their family life. When the two of them begin corresponding, they discover they have a great deal in common.
Sorting by Color: A bright introduction to the concept of sorting. Observe children sorting shoes, food, toys, games, arts and crafts and socks by color. Includes a short explanation of Venn diagrams and two very well illustrated examples. Includes interesting facts about color at the back as well as further resources, a glossary and index.
So Totally Emily Ebers: In a series of letters to her absent father, twelve-year-old Emily Ebers deals with moving cross-country, her parent's divorce, a new friendship, and her first serious crush.
Soul in the Stone: Cemetery Art from America's Heartland: The illustrations are the most valuable part of this book, which deals with cemetery art found in Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico. Most of the monuments date from the late 19th century to the present day. They range from traditional images such as weeping angels and mourning maidens to highly idiosyncratic subjects. The text is general and elementary, offering some basic information on modern funerary monuments.
Squishy Sponges: This six title set, No Backbone!, is on marine invertebrates and has out of this world photography that pulls young readers into full featured expository text for emergent and primary readers. These books will make young readers feel like grown ups as they browse headlines, captions, bold type, factoids, table of contents, glossary, index, and lists for further reading and research.
Stargazer's Alphabet: Night-sky Wonders from A to Z: This is a catchy, colorful introduction to planets, stars and other celestial wonders as told through the alphabet. Simple poetry guides the way through pages filled with factual paragraphs, photos, diagrams and interesting notes.
Stranded: Amy Racina's Story of Survival: The story of a woman's survival in the wilderness against all odds after a terrible fall.
Strange Day, A: Jack wonders if he has won a drawing contest. Anticipation, hope and doubt leave him in a daze. Oblivious to his surroundings, Jack isn't aware of just what he has won. Alert readers, however, catch all the details in the panoramic illustrations that fill each double page spread and complete this picture story of Jack's wonderfully strange day!
Stuff: The Life of a Cool Demented Dude: Fifteen-year-old Stuff, has to deal with his new step-family and his crush on the new girl in school. To help him cope he creates a comic strip for the school newspaper. Very humorous.
Summer Ball: No matter how good a basketball player you are, it's tough being the son of a former star especially if you are short. Danny lives for basketball and this summer at camp it's no different except all the cards are stacking up against him as all the top players are there to win and Coach Powers doesn't think he can hack it in this sequel to Travel Team.
Summer of the Crow, The: This novel is set in the drought-stricken farmlands of Kansas during the summer of 1935. The main character is thirteen-year-old Brady Lee Foster, who is a typical kid who loves baseball and his dog Taggert. What makes Brady atypical, however, is that he must face hardships and challenges most children his age will never know. Aside from the financial struggles all Midwest farm families faced during times of drought, Brady's personal conflicts also include his mother's severe asthma and his little sister's autism. When his parents are forced to seek a healthier climate for his mother, Brady and his sister are sent to live with their grandfather in Sentinel, Kansas. This is a coming-of-age story that gains its strength through realistic yet memorable characters and action.
Sunflower Sal: Sal is a big girl whose size is an advantage in some situations, but she?s frustrated while quilting because her ?needles won?t thread and her squares won?t square.?