Good Books For Kids

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Coretta Scott King Book Awards -
Good Books for Kids

The American Library Association says of the Coretta Scott King book awards:

Designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace, the Coretta Scott King Book Awards annually recognize outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience. Further, the Award encourages the artistic expression of the black experience via literature and the graphic arts in biographical, social, and historical treatments by African American authors and illustrators.

And here are the Winners...

2011 Winning Author

One Crazy Summer
by Rita Williams-Garcia

Other Awards and Mentions:
**starred review** Horn Book
**starred review** Booklist
**starred review** School Library Journal
**National Book Ward Finalist**

Description: Eleven-year-old Delphine has it together. Even though her mother, Cecile, abandoned her and her younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, seven years ago. Even though her father and Big Ma will send them from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to stay with Cecile for the summer. And even though Delphine will have to take care of her sisters, as usual, and learn the truth about the missing pieces of the past.

When the girls arrive in Oakland in the summer of 1968, Cecile wants nothing to do with them. She makes them eat Chinese takeout dinners, forbids them to enter her kitchen, and never explains the strange visitors with Afros and black berets who knock on her door. Rather than spend time with them, Cecile sends Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern to a summer camp sponsored by a revolutionary group, the Black Panthers, where the girls get a radical new education.

Set during one of the most tumultuous years in recent American history, one crazy summer is the heartbreaking, funny tale of three girls in search of the mother who abandoned them—an unforgettable story told by a distinguished author of books for children and teens, Rita Williams-Garcia.

Reading level: Elementary/Middle-Grade
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Amistad (January 26, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0060760885
Look Inside
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2011 Author Honors

Lockdown
by Walter Dean Myers

Other Awards and Mentions:
**starred review** Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Description: When I first got to Progress, it freaked me out to be locked in a room and unable to get out. But after a while, when you got to thinking about it, you knew nobody could get in, either.

It seems as if the only progress that's going on at Progress juvenile facility is moving from juvy jail to real jail. Reese wants out early, but is he supposed to just sit back and let his friend Toon get jumped? Then Reese gets a second chance when he's picked for the work program at a senior citizens' home. He doesn't mean to keep messing up, but it's not so easy, at Progress or in life. One of the residents, Mr. Hooft, gives him a particularly hard time. If he can convince Mr. Hooft that he's a decent person, not a criminal, maybe he'll be able to convince himself.

Acclaimed author Walter Dean Myers offers an honest story about finding a way to make it without getting lost in the shuffle.

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Amistad
ISBN-10: 0061214825
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 45,613
Reading Level: 4.7
Interest Level: Young Adult/some Middle-Graders
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 4.7 / points: 7.0 / quiz: 135792

Ninth Ward
by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Description: In New Orleans' Ninth Ward, twelve-year-old Lanesha, who can see spirits, and her adopted grandmother have no choice but to stay and weather the storm as Hurricane Katrina bears down upon them.

Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0316043079
amazon

Technical Stuff
Word Count: 32,545
Reading Level: 3.3
Reading level: Tweens/Middle-Grade
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 3.3 / points: 4.0 / quiz: 139032

Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty
Written by G. Neri
Illustrated by Randy DuBurke

Other Awards and Mentions:
**starred review** Kirkus
**starred review** Booklist
**starred review** Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Description: A graphic novel based on the true story of Robert "Yummy" Sandifer, an eleven-year old African American gang member from Chicago who shot a young girl and was then shot by his own gang members.

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (July 30, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1584302674
Look Inside
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2011 Illustrator Winner

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
Illustrated by Bryan Collier,
Written by Laban Carrick Hill

Description: Dave was an extraordinary artist, poet, and potter living in South Carolina in the 1800s. He combined his superb artistry with deeply observant poetry, carved onto his pots, transcending the limitations he faced as a slave. In this inspiring and lyrical portrayal, National Book Award nominee Laban Carrick Hill's elegantly simple text and award-winning artist Bryan Collier's resplendent, earth-toned illustrations tell Dave's story, a story rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty.

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (September 7, 2010)
ISBN-10: 031610731X
amazon

Technical Stuff
Word Count: 1,736
Reading Level: 6.0
Reading level: Elementary
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 6.0 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 139661 /

2011 Illustrator Honoree

Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix
Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
Written by Gary Golio

Other Awards and Mentions:
**starred review** Kirkus
**starred review** School Library Journal

Description: Jimi Hendrix was many things: a superstar, a rebel, a hero, an innovator. But first, he was a boy named Jimmy who loved to draw and paint and listen to records. A boy who played air guitar with a broomstick and longed for a real guitar of his own. A boy who asked himself a question: Could someone paint pictures with sound?

This a story of a talented child who learns to see, hear, and interpret the world around him in his own unique way. It is also a story of a determined kid with a vision, who worked hard to become a devoted and masterful artist. Jimi Hendrix--a groundbreaking performer whose music shook the very foundations of rock 'n' roll.

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Clarion Books (October 4, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0618852794
Look Inside
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 1,740
Reading Level: 5.6
Reading level: Elementary/Middle-Grade
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 5.6 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 140255 /

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

bookcover of SHILOH (1992 NEWBERY WINNER) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

What can I say. Shiloh is the book that had my children begging me to continue reading (boy and girl; 8 and 10). We don't need TV, they said, just don't stop reading, mommy.

And I think they liked it because unlike many of the books we read this one had REAL tension emanating from the pages, and not just 'pretend' drama. The story is about Marty Preston, a 10 year-old living in rural West Virginia. I'm not sure of the timeframe, but Marty's family has a television and a fridge, but not a phone.

Marty's a boy, very much like my children, in that he REALLY wants a dog. Unfortunately, his family isn't in a position to afford one. BUT THEN one day he happens upon a lost beagle. The dog is skittish but eventually the two come together and it's more or less love at first sight. Only problem is that the dog belongs to another. A man name Judd, who it turns out abuses his hunting dogs -- much as he himself was abused as a child.

So, there I was, tied to an altar made from outdated encyclopedias, about to get sacrificed to the dark powers by a cult of evil Librarians.

As you might imagine, that sort of situation can be quite disturbing. It does funny things to the brain to be in such danger -- in fact, it often makes a person pause and reflect upon his life. If you've never faced such a situation, then you'll simply have to take my word. If, on the other hand, you have faced such a situation, then you are probably dead and aren't likely to be reading this.

And thus begins this cheeky, funny book by Alcatraz Smedry, who is known by some adults as Brandon Sanderson.

bookcover of MALICE (Malice #1) by Chris Wooding

4.06 Stars from 1,504 GoodReaders

MALICE is so much fun. If your children liked the "GooseBumps" series and are ready for a longer tale in the same vein, then they might want to take a look at Chris Wooding's "Malice".

The premise of the story is that there is a mysterious comic book series called "Malice" that if you have it in your possession, and then say the right words and burn the right set of ingredients, that you can be 'transported' into the comic book-world by the villainous guy that you see here on the cover, Tall Jake. The catch is that the world is just awful -- filled with monstrous creatures and machines that will hunt you down and kill you.

Now you might be wondering who on earth would want to take part in such an experiment, but the truth is that it's mostly done because the children don't really believe that it can happen. They are just fooling around and challenging each other. Too bad it works.

Talking Points:::The writing in "Malice" was much better than I expected. (I don't know why my expectations were low.) Not only is the book well written, it's well plotted; and it wouldn't surprise me at all if kids stay up late trying to finish it.

As far as appearance, I have to say that the cover is really eye-catching. It features Tall Jake and he and the "Malice" lettering are raised and touchable and just the sort of thing that ought to have this book whizzing off the shelves.

Inside the print is good sized and easily readable. AND... in addition, there are plenty of grayscale drawings by Dan Chernett. These illustrations are divided into panels just like you would find in a comic book, which obviously supports the storyboard concept of being drawn into the mysterious comic book series. As far as I can remember, all of the violence in the world (and there's quite a bit) is portrayed in these drawings.

Overall, this book isn't going to be for everyone. It's scary and fast paced though, and since there's both male and female characters I think "Malice" is going to appeal equally to Middle Schoolers of both genders. At least those who like a scary adventure story.

Beginning of a series.

Pam~

MALICE
(Malice #1)
Scholastic
by Chris Wooding

Reading Information:
Word Count: 67,634
Page Count: 384
Accelerated Reading level: 4.5 / points: 10.0
AR quiz: 133618
Lexile: 650L
--get sample pages, reviews, and prices

City of Fire by Laurence Yep

If you have a middle-schooler --or even an older elementary school child -- who is looking for an adventure series with great world-building and interesting characters, let me suggest Laurence Yep's new City Trilogy.

Yep, who is a Newbery Honor Award author, sets his story in an alternate universe where an alternate earth enjoys magic and magical creatures; and where certain historic events, such as World War II, never happened. [Hawaii remains an independent country!]

The principal characters are 12 year-old Scirye, her lap-Griffin Kles, Leech and Koko, two street urchins: as well as Bayang, a dragon sent to assassinate Leech.

The book doesn't begin with them knowing each another, but soon their paths cross as they find they seek revenge against a common foe, the ancient dragon Badik and the human Roland. Revenge takes on more importance when they find out that the two bad guys are determined to steal the Five Lost Treasures of Emperor Yu, weapons that will let them alter the world forever.

Talking Points :::
This is the beginning book of what promises to be a good series. The characters are interesting and fun, the world building is excellent.

This book will be particularly good for readers who like complex worlds where magic doesn't just 'sit there' on the surface. There are some philosophical issues here that are interesting.

I really liked that the story is told from two perspectives. One point of view was Scirye's and the other was the mysterious and enigmatic Bayang, the assassin dragon. Her other-world perspective was actually my favorite as it gave insight into the strange goings on in this alternate earth.

Pam
Somewhere in the X-burbs

City of Fire

Accelerated Reading level : 5th Grade (generic; no month given)
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Starscape (September 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0765319241

PLANET OF THE DOGS by Robert J. McCarty

I love this series of books and this first, Planet of the Dogs, sets the stage for those works that follow. The earth, during the time this story takes place, is taken from a time past. It would be difficult to nail the exact era in which the story takes place, but medieval would probably be the closest call. Anyway, the people of earth at that time were without dogs. The people at that time were loosing the ability to love and to be loyal. This of course is where the dogs come in. The dogs of Planet of the Dogs live in complete harmony. They do not lie, cheat, steal or have any of the other bad traits we humans have. The dogs become aware of the problems on Earth and decide to take action.

This story boarders between reality, a dream world, fantasy, fiction, reality and wonderful imagination. People here on Earth are in trouble with many of the evils they create for themselves, and as in real life, dogs are much brighter about such things than we are. The author has done a wonderful job of weaving this tale, making it a first rate fantasy read, while at the same time addressing quite real problems and indeed, how to fix those problems.

This book can be, and should be, read on several different levels. First, it is completely appropriate for children from about the age of eight and up. While not a beginning reader by any means, the story could be read to children of a younger age and I feel there would be complete understanding with little explanation of the reader’s part. Secondly, this book is quite sneaky about throwing in wonderful facts about dogs, such as their ability and method of communication, life style, temperament and abilities. Thirdly; this book makes some very insightful observations of the general human condition; not only in the setting of the story, but are just as applicable now as then. Fourthly; these books are excellent motivators, not only for reading, but for generally living life as it should be led. Finally, the entire work is almost irritable to dog lovers.

The nine illustrations included in this work are brilliantly done. The artist (and note that I do use the term “artist” rather than illustrator in this case), has given us soft, charcoal type drawings which are extremely detailed, while at the same time having a misty surreal quality about them that is absolutely charming. This is not an easy fete to pull off, I know, I’ve tried, and it is perfectly done with this work. Stella Mustanoja McCarty knows her dogs and captures them beautifully. She also captures the feeling of the story perfectly and you can see it in each line she draws.

Robert J. McCarty seems to have the ability to write in a way that is quite attractive to children and at the same time is able to write and tell a story that will not numb the mind of the adult whom is reading the work to or with the child. Each chapter of this book is short, the story moves right along, and the young reader quickly becomes completely engrossed with the story line. This is an ideal book to read to a group of children and an ideal work to be read either by the individual child or with a parent or loved one. There are so many good lessons to be learned here!

Young readers, who love fantasy, dogs, history and simply a good, fast moving story, will love this one. This is a book that belongs on their shelves.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Planet of the Dogs

Accelerated Reading level : unknown
Perfect Paperback: 104 pages
Publisher: Barking Planet Productions
ISBN-10: 0978692802

This is the second book in the Planet of the Dogs series and I must say I enjoyed it, cover to cover. This work can be read as a sequel to Planet of the Dogs, an ideal situation, but can also be read as a stand-alone with no loss to the flow of the story. This read is suitable for children of approximately eight years and up as a reader, or can well be read to children much younger. Adults will love this one also; I know I did, but then I have my fare share of kid still in me.

In the first book, we find that the world has forgotten how to love, how to be loyal, and indeed, how to be happy, several traits which dogs excel in. On the other side of the sun there is a planet inhabited by dogs. These dogs, through dreams, noted our situation and took steps to intervene and give us a sorely needed hand in getting back on track. In this work, after a year of complete peace and where mankind seems to be getting their act together, trouble starts brewing and war is about to break out amongst the Forrest People. Children are kidnapped, there is an attempt to “do away with” the new animals on earth, i.e. dogs, and things are going from bad to worse. Again, the dogs of Planet of the Dogs decide to take steps and make things right. These are wise and loving animals on the Planet of the Dogs, much like our own dogs here on earth.

As before, we have a very well written fantasy written for the young which includes a lot of good practical information and lots of goof food for thought. The time or era in which this takes place on earth is a bit difficult to pinpoint, but I would say it is during medieval times as life is still pretty primitive here on earth. This gives the author much flexibility and he uses it with great skill. A good fantasy needs enough realism to make it real, yet still have enough mimzy and whimsy in it to make it fun. The author excels in this.

The art work by Stella Mustanoja McCarty is of the same high quality that we found in the first book in this series (and we find in the sequel to this book also), and is a delight to the eye. These are a series of black and white drawing, probably enhanced by the use of charcoal, which fit the text perfectly. When you bring a skilled artist and writer together that know children and know their dogs, then you know you are in for a treat.

This book, like the others, is ideal for group reads. The paragraphs are short and concise and the story moves along quite well. There is plenty of action and as I said, plenty of food for thought buried here and there in the book. The books are soft back (the entire series, so far) and well constructed.

I might add that these books will be well received by any lover of animals and will be a welcome addition to any home, school or public library. I might also suggest that these would be ideal books for the home school folks as the author’s style is a bit different and I am absolutely certain that the success of any reading program for children must include as many different styles as possible.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Castle in the Mist

Accelerated Reading level : unknown
Perfect Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Barking Planet Productions
ISBN-10: 0978692810

What a truly wonderful and unique Christmas story for the whole family. Snow Valley Heroes by Robert J. McCarty and illustrated by Stella Mustanoja McCarty is the third offering in series; Planet Of The Dogs. What an imagination this team has! There is a planet, inhabited by dogs and from time to time, they intervene in our planet's affairs. When we are in trouble, when we need love, understanding, loyalty and so many of the other attributes that dogs possess -- and that we more or less lack-- they come to our rescue. As the reader will see, dogs have much to teach us about life, love and loyalty!

In this latest offering, it seems the wicked King of the North, who has been banished to The Ice Castle, wants revenge and figures the best way to do this is ruin Christmas for everyone. He plots and comes up with the idea of stealing two of Santa Clauses' Reindeer, thereby putting and end to Christmas for good. The dogs of Dog Planet get word of this, and of course, take action! That, very briefly is the plot.

This Christmas story is quite well written. The paragraphs are nice, short and very crisp. Chapters follow a logical order, and are quite easy to follow, which makes this a very good book to read with your child. The author's imagination is quite broad, but he never descends into the realm of being silly -- a flaw so many works in this genre have. While I grant you that this story is pure fantasy, it is logical fantasy and uses the story of Santa, his elves, real people, and of course the dogs of Planet of the Dogs quite effectively. The portrayal of the personalities of the various animals is spot on; with personalities that will be quite familiar to anyone who has ever shared their life with a dog.

Dog lovers will appreciate every word of this little book. In addition to being an obvious natural story teller with the ability to write well, the author also, beyond a doubt, knows dogs! I have been lucky enough to have had companion animals (dogs) since I was born, have raised dogs, trained dogs, hunted with dogs, lived with dogs, worked with dogs, loved dogs and shared my life with dogs for well over sixty years now. Actually, truth be told, I like dogs more than I like most people! Trust me...this author knows dogs!

The art work in this book, by Stella McCarty, is a marvel to the eye. Her soft black and white drawings capture the mood and essence of the story line perfectly. While being extremely detailed, they have a misty, mystical quality about them that make them a pleasure to look at. They are the type of drawing that would be wonderful to have framed an on display in your home. She is a very skilled artist indeed!

Now this is the third book in a series, but fear not! This book can be read and a stand alone. The author has been kind enough to add short summations of the first two books to the back of this one and the reader can be brought up to snuff quite quickly by giving these brief overviews a quick read.

Overall, this is a very good Christmas read; actually a read for anytime and it is an ideal book to snuggle up with the little ones on a cold winter night and simply enjoy. Recommend this one quite highly!

Planet Of The Dogs

Castle in the Mist

Talking Points:::
There is no Accelerated Reading number available yet for this book. So to be on the safe side consider this book as one to be read to younger children. Not a practice reader.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Snow Valley Heroes: A Christmas Tale