Juana is pronounced WHO-AH-NAH

Posted on 10/23/2016

I wonder if young readers have ever considered how hard it might be for a child from another country to learn English. Very hard, if you believe Juana, the young, feisty heroine of this charming chapter book. Written and illustrated by Colombian-born Juana Medina, Juana & Lucas (Candlewick Press 2016) is chock full of the kinds of details any child will identify with. Juana loves drawing and Astroman and Brussels sprouts, but she “strongly dislikes” the itchy uniform she has to wear to school. Playing futbol while wearing it is the worst. She loves Lucas, “the most amazing perro ever born.” He walks her to and from the bus and he’s great at the game of spies – no matter where Juana hides, Lucas finds her. He listens to all of Juana’s stories, too, even if they’re long, and he eats math homework “like a pro.” She also loves her Mami, who is very brave and strong and smells “fresh as mint and warm as cinnamon.” But most of all, she loves Bogotá, Colombia, the city in South America where she lives. “I love Bogotá. LOVE. IT.” No wonder. It’s a city of parks and bike trails and beautiful weather and trees. Best of all, according to Juana, “Everyone speaks ESPAÑOL!” That’s Spanish, which is what Juana speaks.

So imagine how Juana feels when her teacher tells the class on the first day of school, “Today we are going to begin learning the English!”

The English?? Juana wants nothing to do with the English. It’s too hard! Her tongue tickles with all the Th sounds. Words like read and read are spelled the same but pronounced differently. It’s hard to remember LEFT and RIGHT. UP and DOWN. And what about left hand and left the room? Rarely has watching a child grapple with a tough subject been as much fun as following Juana in her struggle. But learn the English she must, if she wants her grandparents to take her to Spaceland in Florida to meet the real Astroman!

By the end of this funny, lively story, Juana has learned a healthy amount of English and discovered that knowing how to speak it – or knowing how to speak any language used around the world – will open doors to her that would otherwise remain shut. Young readers who have come to appreciate that children who live in other countries and speak other languages are exactly the same as they are, might discover they’ve learned a healthy amount of Spanish, too.

I DISSENT, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark

Posted on 10/19/2016

I DISSENT, RUTH BADER GINSBURG MAKES HER MARK (Simon & Schuster, 2016)

“Speak purposefully and carry a big legal pad. . . . Read this and be inspired to work for justice through the legal system.” (Kirkus Reviews)

About this picture book biography of Ruth Ginsburg, I don’t dissent, I agree. This is a powerful, important book written by Debby Levy and illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. This biography is an excellent, visual way to introduce young readers to our judicial system and the power of an individual committed to honesty and justice. I DISSENT is also a timely introduction to older readers of the importance of meaningful debate and the third branch of our federal system, the Supreme Court. How timely!

Enjoy this sampling of  Ginsburg’s quotes:

My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.

The state controlling a woman would mean denying her full autonomy and full equality.Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.

Debbie Levy has written several other powerful nonfiction narratives for children: We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song, Dozer’s Run: A True Story of a Dog and His Race, plus a variety of other books. She is a former lawyer and newspaper editor.

Elizabeth Baddeley has illustrated several biographies of strong women who have made an important mark: A Woman in the House (and Senate) and Women Who Broke The Rules: Mary Todd Lincoln.

One reviewer of I DISSENT wrote “Reading this to my daughter was so great, so powerful- thank you so much to both author and illustrator for this portrayal of an American treasure. This book is simply lovely.” From Amazon

I DISSENT inspired me to read more, more, more about this strong amazing woman who has been committed to upholding the best of our American values described by our laws and constitution. Next book I shall read is MY OWN WORDS by Ruth Bader Ginsburg herself,  and just out this month.

One more review to think about – and then request this book from your local library or independent bookstore:

“Baddeley and Levy [. . . .] demonstrate how disagreement can lead to meaningful discussion and doesn’t have to be personal. This lively, inviting, and informative biography of a historic woman will empower young ones to bravely voice their opinions.” (Booklist, STARRED REVIEW)ginsburg

Pug Meets Pig by Sue Lowell Gallion

Posted on 10/16/2016

 

PUG Meets PIG (Beach Lane Books/S&S, 2016) by Sue Lowell Gallion, illustrated by Joyce Wan

Life is good. Pug has a nice home, a bowl with his name on it, and a yard where he works. He even has a soft bed all his own.  It’s everything he needs and a little bit more.  Until one day, the door opens and out trots Pig. Uh oh! Things are about to change.

Sue Gallion’s charming debut about navigating change and solving conflict is a gem! Sue joins us today to talk about the inspiration and revision of PUG Meets PIG.

***

DIANNE: Kids don’t always believe that story ideas hide in all sorts of places. If not in our own homes, stories may hide as close as next door, somewhere in the neighborhood, or even at school.

I know your dog, Tucker, isn’t a pug. And Tucker’s never met a pig. So if the story isn’t based on YOUR pug or pig . . . where did the idea for PUG meets PIG come from?

SUE: The idea for this story showed up in a very unusual place – a swimming pool! At my water exercise class, a friend told me that her daughter’s family had just adopted a rescue pig. They already had a pug, named Charlotte, and a baby, named Zachary. They loved animals and wanted to help out a pig that needed a home. They named the pig Wilbur, just like the pig in one of my favorite children’s books, CHARLOTTE’S WEB.

The idea of a pug and pig playing together made me laugh. Both are roly-poly and round, with curly tails. And it’s fun to say “pug” and “pig” together.

pug-meets-pig-yard

© Image by Joyce Wan

DIANNE: I love this story so much! It’s about belonging and change, problems and resolutions, all tied up in the nicest bow of lovely language and Joyce Wan’s expressively empathetic and adorable illustrations.

Sometimes students don’t realize that what seems like a fairly straightforward story, can often take a lot of time to draft and revise so that every word is perfect. Can you talk about revision and offer students a few words about why or how revision helps you as a writer?

SUE: The book ended up with only 236 words in the text. There were a lot more words to start with! I don’t know how many versions of the story I wrote.

Some of my revisions had to do with the plot. I wrestled with how to have Pug solve his own problem to help Pig, without some human coming in and saving the day.

Other revision work was playing with specific words, or punctuation. In a book with so few words, every word is especially important. When Pig appears on the scene, she “trots” out the door. That verb gives clues to her personality. It would be different if she walked, or tiptoed, or wandered.

Punctuation changes meaning, too. For example, the book ends like this: “Pug is happy at home . . . and so is Pig.” An exclamation point at the end of the book would give a whole different feeling when you close the book at bedtime than a period. In writing, all the details count. And they make a difference.

pug-meets-pig-9781481420662-in04

© Image by Joyce Wan

DIANNE: Another part of writing that kids aren’t always aware of is the reading/writing connection – the fact that the things we read often find their way into our writing. Teachers sometimes call books that influence a particular story or piece of writing a “mentor text.”

Was there one author or book that served as a “mentor” for PUG MEETS PIG? If not, do you have a favorite picture book author? (One of my all-time faves is Cynthia Rylant.)

sue-gallionSUE: I think it would be Marla Frazee’s BOOT AND SHOE (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, 2013). I really admire Marla’s matter-of-fact storytelling style, and of course, her marvelous illustrations. Like Boot and Shoe, Pug and Pig live in a home with no apparent human owners. Somehow, the dog bowl is filled with kibble at suppertime, though! And Boot and Shoe have a doggy door, too. I like their independence.

DIANNE: What’s next? Any chance there’s another PUG and PIG book in the works?

SUE: Yes, PUG & PIG TRICK OR TREAT comes out in 2017 in time for Halloween. The inspiration for this book comes from the relationship between my dog and the dog next door. I’ve seen preliminary sketches, and I can tell you that Joyce Wan makes Halloween absolutely adorable, which will be no surprise to any Joyce Wan fans.

We’ll be looking forward to PUG & PIG Trick or Treat! Thanks for stopping by ReaderKidZ, Sue!

Super Powers, Superheroes: Peter Powers, Jo Schmo, and Freddie Ramos

Posted on 10/09/2016

PETER POWERS and His Not-So-Super Powers by Kent Clark and Brandon T. Snider, illustrated by Dave Bardin (Little, Brown and Company, 2016)

Peter Powers comes from a “Super” family. Mom, Dad, older brother, Gavin, younger sister, Felicia, and Baby Ben each have an amazing superpower. Peter has powers, too, but his super power is, well, “reeeally embarrassing.” All Peter can do is make ice cubes with his fingertips. Doesn’t seem like much of superpower, does it?

Fortunately, Peter’s family and best friends Chloe and Sandro – the only people in school who know Peter’s secret – are there to help. When Peter – desperate to prove that he’s just as capable of saving the town from Captain Tornado as the rest of his superhero family – comes up short, it’s his family and friends who rally round to give him the courage to be the superhero he was meant to be.

Peter Powers is a Superhero to watch! Look for Book 2, Peter Powers and the Rowdy Robot Raiders , coming in December.

Dinos Are Forever by Greg Trine

THE ADVENTURES OF JO SCHMO: Dinos Are Forever (HMH, 2014) by Greg Trine, illustrated by Frank W. Dormer

Readers of author Greg Trine’s Melvin Beederman series are in for another treat. Say hello to Jo Schmo, a normal fourth grade girl who’s content doing normal fourth grade things until the day a mysterious package arrives. Jo comes from a long line of crime fighters and even though she’d expected that one day she, too, would wear a badge, she didn’t expect it to happen quite this way. “Jo Schmo, Crime Fighter, did have a certain ring to it. But Jo Schmo, Superhero?” 

Readers will enjoy following Jo and Raymond, her loyal dog and sidekick, as they track down a pair of “Bank Robber School of America” graduates and later wrestle up Dr. Dastardly and his assistant just in time to save the city from a dinosaur take-over .

Paired with Dormer’s energetic illustrations, Jo Schmo is a perfect series to hand to transitional and reluctant readers looking for a laugh and a quick, fun read.  And don’t forget to check out other books in the series:   WYATT BURP RIDES AGAIN, SHIFTY BUSINESS and PINKBEARD’S REVENGE.

Zapato

ZAPATO POWER by Jacqueline Jules (Albert Whitman & Company, 2011)

Freddie Ramos is a good son, a regular boy, and one especially busy hero! In Freddie Ramos Takes Off, Freddie’s life suddenly changes when a box arrives at 29 G,  Starwood Park Apartments. Someone has given Freddie a pair of purple sneakers with silver wings. No ordinary shoes, these Zoom! Zoom! Zapato!-powered tennies give Freddie super speed.

In each subsequent book of the series, Freddie’s super powers increase. In book 2, Freddie Ramos Springs Into Action, inventor and Starwood Apartment manager, Mr. Vaslov, develops a wristband with an on/off switch and jumping Boing! power that allows Freddie to expand his superhero abilities.

In book 3, Freddie Ramos Zooms to the Rescue, new silver goggles, along with Freddie’s usual dose of smarts, help Freddie solve the mystery of the purple squirrel and save a speeding commuter train from imminent disaster.

Jacqueline Jules has created a likable character that kids tackling their very first chapter books are sure to relate to. Freddie’s good heart, and readiness to use his Zapato Power! to help others makes Freddie the best anonymous super-hero Starwood Elementary has ever seen.

Review: Learning How to Be The Best Man

Posted on 10/05/2016

Richard Peck’s latest middle-grade fiction, THE BEST MAN (Sept. 20, 2016,  Dial) is full of his trademark humor and intelligence and tackles 21st-century life in lieu of his usual  historical fiction. He mentions cell phones, computers, and a printer that spews out hall passes whenever a certain teacher walks by. But it’s not only technology with which Peck has decided to grapple, but modern families.

Sixth-grader Archer Magill narrates this story that is bookended by two weddings. The first is a disaster for Archer (it involves split shorts), and the second—is both a rite of passage and a triumph for many reasons.

The setting is a quiet Chicago suburb, with Peck’s trademark colorful and memorable multi-generational cast of characters. Archer, his older sister Holly, and his parents live just behind his father’s parents, the formidable Grandma and Grandpa Magill. Mom’s brother, dapper Uncle Paul works in Chicago and one of his clients is Wrigley Field where the Chicago Cubs play. He joins the family most Friday evenings for dinner. Most of the story takes place during Archer’s fifth and sixth-grade years.

Archer’s a delightful narrator, often clueless, sometimes amazingly perceptive, and usually trying to make sense of the world around him. He gets help from his friend– protective, droll Lynette Stanley. Of Archer, she says, “Sometimes you have to spell things out for him.”RPeck

Mom is a marriage counselor. Dad refinishes and details old model cars, but he’s also an accomplished cook and sends Archer to school with packed lunches garnished with croutons. After Grandpa Magill suffers a stroke, it’s Archer’s dad who dresses him each morning, puts him to bed at night, and constructs a model in their basement of all the Chicago area houses and buildings Grandpa Magill worked on during his career. One thing’s for certain. Archer’s stay-at-home father, architect grandfather and executive uncle are his male role models, and all that he aspires to be.

Then handsome student teacher Mr. McLeod enters the picture, with a school lock-down,  helicopters, and swat teams. In his National Guard uniform on his first day, he’s mistaken for a mass shooter. And things only get better after that.

We learn that Mr. McLeod is gay when he addresses a group of sixth graders who tied up a fifth grader in the boys’ room and wrote that word on the poor kid’s forehead. So Mr. McLeod is added to the list of men that Archer admires and emulates.

Turns out, Uncle Paul is, too. When he and Archer finally discuss this, he says,

“You knew I was gay, right?” Uncle Paul sat up, pushed his ball cap back.

“Sure,” I said. “I guess. Not really. No.”

Later, Archer asks, “Uncle Paul, do you think I might be gay?”

“I don’t know,” he said. “Do you moisturize?”

Instead of finally getting to be the oldest at their elementary school,  Archer’s new sixth-grade class is switched at the last moment to a middle school. The kids adjust in unexpected ways with help from a foreign student. Meanwhile, Archer’s parents do their best to encourage the relationship that develops between Uncle Paul and Mr. McLeod, hoping that longtime bachelor Uncle Paul might finally settle down. Yes, the wide lens on this middle-grade story is focused on contemporary life, but it’s really about a boy growing up supported by the deep bonds of family, and it’s Peck at his finest.

The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart

Posted on 10/02/2016

ReaderKidZ is pleased to welcome our newest reviewer, 5th grader, Terra. Welcome!

“He has a new book? What? Are you really, truly telling me that Trenton Lee Stewart has a new book?” The answer to my question was a simple three letters.Y-E-S. Yes.  Trenton Lee Stewart’s new book, THE SECRET KEEPERS (Little, Brown Young Readers, 2016) had me enthralled! And as the flap copy says, “When Reuben discovers an extraordinary antique watch, he soon learns it has a secret power and his life takes an intriguing turn. At first he is thrilled with his new treasure, but as one secret leads to another, Reuben finds himself torn between his innately honest nature and the lure to be a hero.”

Now Reuben is on a dangerous adventure–full of curious characters, treacherous traps, and hairsbreadth escapes–as he races to solve the mystery before it is too late.  I was really impressed by the fact that the backstory was so detailed, like a book unto itself. But the backstory that topped all was the story about Penelope Meyer, which took place at roughly halfway through the book. The basic storyline being about the watch, I thought it was clever to have such a valuable object be wrapped in something so cheap and ordinary. Another favorite detail of mine was at the end, when Trenton Lee Stewart adds something about the future of one of Ruben’s friends.

The character that I enjoyed the most was Mrs. Genevieve, the old, but quick-witted the-mysterious-benedict-societywatchmaker. I have to say, that even though I haven’t met the villain, The Smoke, or his “Directions,” (who work as his henchmen) I was intimidated by the way my imagination drew the pictures for me. Although having the nicknames created by Ruben for the so-called “Directions” was amusing, it’s hard to imagine a bad guy by the name of Lefty, or Frontman.

The book’s one fault was that the adventure didn’t start in chapter one, or chapter two, for that matter. Although, once things got going, the story was action-packed.

Although THE SECRET KEEPERS might not be the new Mysterious Benedict Society, Trenton Lee Stewart did a job worthy of the attention of, not just a publisher, not just an editor, not just me, but of The Smoke himself.

Terra is a 2016 Library of Congress Letters for Literature winner for Arizona, and she enjoys reading as well as writing in her daily life as a 5th Grader.

DIVE! World War II Stories of Sailors & Submarines in the Pacific

Posted on 09/29/2016

DIVE! World War II Stories of Sailors & Submarines in the Pacific: The Incredible Story of U.S. Submarines in WWII (Scholastic Press, 2016)

Day of Infamy – the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The United States declared war on Japan. How many naval submarines were ready for battle when war was declared? 44 subs, total. Most of them were built decades earlier, in the 1920’ s for WWI.

Author Deborah Hopkinson weaves a deep background of battle, mechanical, and naval information while bringing history alive through the individual stories of a diversity of sailors and commanders – women and men. Any reader interested in battle strategy or war history will find technical, historical, and personal information told with great care for detail and accuracy – plus the human aspect of war.  This nonfiction book, for middle grade readers, ages 8-12, is a page-turner!

From School Library Journal:

“…. An account of the USS Wahoo’s stealth entry into Wewak Harbor on New Guinea, using a map found in a high school geography textbook, and its successful sinking of a Japanese destroyer is as gripping as any thriller … Readers are always aware of the intensity of submarine warfare and the massive human toll. One chapter closes with a poignant unsent letter from a wife to her husband lost in battle. Sidebars complement the narrative with, for example, a colorful description of an officer’s effort to have an ice-cream maker installed in his sub….”