BOOKS FOR CHILDREN.Poetry Harley, Avis FLY WITH POETRY: An ABC ABC in full American Broadcasting Co. Major U.S. television network. It began when the expanding national radio network NBC split into the separate Red and Blue networks in 1928. of Poetry. Il. by author. ISBN ISBN abbr. International Standard Book Number ISBN International Standard Book Number ISBN n abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m 1-56397-798-2. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press, 2000. 48 pp. $13.95. The author's love of poetry shines through in this unique book. Such poetic forms as acrostic acrostic (əkrŏ`stĭk), arrangement of words or lines in which a series of initial, final, or other corresponding letters, when taken together, stand in a set order to form a word, a phrase, the alphabet, or the like. , blank form, cinquain cin·quain n. A five-line stanza. [French cinq, five (from Old French cinc; see cinque) + (quatr)ain.] , and others are introduced and defined in alphabetical order. Consequently, the book offers children a fresh approach to learning about poetry. Many of the poems are humorous and pertain to pertain to verb relate to, concern, refer to, regard, be part of, belong to, apply to, bear on, befit, be relevant to, be appropriate to, appertain to issues children can relate to, while the clever illustrations invite younger children to enjoy the art of poetry. Ages 5-9. Reviewed by Susan L. Angstadt and Miss Olson's 3rd-Grade Class, Oley Valley The Oley Valley is a valley 10 miles northeast of Reading, Pennsylvania, United States of America. It covers all of Oley, Pike, Ruscombmanor, Alsace and part of Exeter Township. At the center of the valley is the village of Oley. Elementary School elementary school: see school. , Oley, PA Kennedy, X. J. ELYMPICS. Il. by Graham Percey. ISBN 0-399-23249-4. New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of : Philomel phil·o·mel n. A nightingale. [Alteration (influenced by French philomèle) of Middle English phylomene, from Medieval Latin philom Books, 1999. Unp. $15.99. Large, brightly colored, lovable pachyderms jump about in this humorous celebration of the Olympic Games Olympic games, premier athletic meeting of ancient Greece, and, in modern times, series of international sports contests. The Olympics of Ancient Greece Although records cannot verify games earlier than 776 B.C. . Kennedy's poems cover a variety of summer and winter sports winter sports: see bobsledding; curling; hockey, ice; ice dancing; ice skating; skiing; snowshoes; tobogganing. , from gymnastics to the triathlon and from hockey to bobsledding bobsledding, winter sport in which a bobsled—a partially enclosed vehicle with steerable sledlike runners, accommodating two or four persons—hurtles down a course of iced, steeply banked, twisting inclines. . Each poem focuses on a different aspect of sports, covering perseverance, teamwork, sportsmanship, winning, and losing. An excellent introduction to Olympic sports The Olympic sports comprise all the sports contested in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. The current Olympic program consists of 35 sports with 53 disciplines and more than 400 events — the Summer Olympics include 28 sports with 38 disciplines, and the Winter Olympics . Ages 2-8. Reviewed by Mikki Haas, The Swain School, Allentown, PA Medina, Jane MY NAME IS JORGE. Il. by Fabricio Vanden Broeck. ISBN 1-56397-811-3. Honesdale, PA: Wordsong/Boyds Mills Press, 1999. 48 pp. $7.95. This book of poems, written both in English and Spanish, depicts the struggles of Jorge, a young Mexican boy, who immigrates to the United States with his family. Moving illustrations capture Jorge's struggles to learn a new school culture and a new language, and to make new friends. Related from Jorge's perspective, these poems weave a poignant tale of life on both sides of the border. A helpful glossary is provided. Ages 5 up. Reviewed by Eileen L. Shultz, Kutztown University of PA Nonfiction Bull, Schuyler ALONG THE LUANGWA: A Story of an African Floodplain floodplain, level land along the course of a river formed by the deposition of sediment during periodic floods. Floodplains contain such features as levees, backswamps, delta plains, and oxbow lakes. . Il. by Alan Male. ISBN 1-56899-776-0. Norwalk, CT: The Nature Conservancy, 1999. 36 pp. $15.95. After a Nile crocodile's eggs hatch, drought forces the family to move to the shores of the Luangwa River Valley in Zambia, Africa. The mother is confronted by predators along the way, but protects her young until they can survive on their own. A glossary, with fold-out pages, presents pictures and information about the animals and birds found along the Luangwa River and the African Floodplain. Ages 8 up. Reviewed by Irene Allen, Eastern Michigan University Eastern Michigan University, mainly at Ypsilanti, Mich.; coeducational; founded 1849 as a normal school, became Eastern Michigan College in 1956, gained university status in 1959. , MI Garza, Carmen Carmen throws over lover for another. [Fr. Lit.: Carmen; Fr. Opera: Bizet, Carmen, Westerman, 189–190] See : Faithlessness Carmen the cards repeatedly spell her death. [Fr. Lomas MAGIC WINDOWS: Ventanas Magicas. Il. by author. ISBN 0-89239-157-X. San Francisco:Children's Book Press, 1999. 32 pp. $15.95. The intricate, cut-paper art (papel picado) in this exquisite book invites readers to join the author's family as they work with their hands, celebrate life and death, and appreciate the natural world. Illustrative text written in both English and Spanish provides careful explanations and interpretations for each work of art. Readers will learn about Mexican-American culture, and perhaps try their hand at cutting "banderitas." Ages 6-12. Reviewed by Jeanie Burnett, Kutztown University of PA Jones, Charlotte Foltz YUKON GOLD: The Story of the Klondike Gold Rush Klondike gold rush Canadian gold rush of the late 1890s. Gold was discovered on Aug. 17, 1896, near the confluence of the Klondike and Yukon rivers in western Yukon Territory. The news spread quickly, and by late 1898 more than 30,000 prospectors had arrived. . ISBN 0-8234-1403-5. New York: Holiday House, 1999. 99 pp. $18.95. The events of the Yukon Gold Rush are chronicled in detail through an interesting array of archival photographs and profiles of famous prospectors. This excellent reference book aptly explains the risks and hardships that the stampeders faced. Ages 9 up. Reviewed by Kathleen Dolgos, Kutztown University of PA Lessem, Don DINOSAURS TO DODOS: An Encyclopedia of Extinct Animals. Il. by Jan Sovak. ISBN 0-590-31684-2. New York: Scholastic, 1999. 112 pp. $16.95. This book takes readers on a fascinating journey through time. Readers are treated to glimpses of animals and animal-like creatures from the Precambrian Era right up to the Holocene Epoch (today). The author describes major global events that led to mass extinctions, arranging them in a time line. Colorful illustrations of animals from the distant and recent past show us that even the most "successful" species are quite vulnerable. The final chapter takes a poignant look at animals lost forever in the "Holocene Extinction." Ages 8-12. Reviewed by Joseph S. Elias, Kutztown University of PA Pringle, Laurence BATS! Strange and Wonderful. Il. by Meryl Henderson. ISBN 1-56397-327-8. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press, 2000. 32 pp. $15.95. Microbats, megabats--what are they? Explore the world of bats through brilliant watercolors and informational text. Learn about bats' habitats, attributes, and eating habits. Find out about echolocation echolocation Physiological process for locating distant or invisible objects (such as prey) by emitting sound waves that are reflected back to the emitter by the objects. Echolocation is used by an animal to orient itself, avoid obstacles, find food, and interact socially. . Discover ways to help protect bats and their habitats. This is a valuable tool for uncovering the many strange and wonderful facts about bats. Ages 6 up. Reviewed by Terre Sychterz, Kutztown University of PA Simon, Norma ALL KINDS OF CHILDREN. Il. by Diane Paterson. ISBN 0-8075-0281-2. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman, 1999. Unp. $15.95. In this charming picture book, a host of young children, delightfully depicted in watercolor and pencil, playfully interact. Children from many cultures and various countries discover, quite naturally, that they all have certain basic needs, including food, clothes, and love. Other intriguing similarities--such as bellybuttons, or a love for going for rides--also are celebrated. This well-written book serves as a wonderful springboard to help children discuss how much they have in common. Ages 3-7. Reviewed by Susan A. Miller, Kutztown University Of PA Tallchief, Maria, with Rosemary Wells TALLCHIEF: America's Prima Ballerina. Il. by Gary Kelley. ISBN 0670-88756-0. New York: Viking, 1999. 28 pp. $15.99. Maria Tallchief, one of America's greatest ballerinas, shares her enchanting story of growing up on an Osage reservation and moving to New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. to pursue her dreams of becoming a ballerina. She draws our minds into thoughts of movement and music, and reminds us to listen to our hearts and follow our desires. The illustrations beautifully support the mystical quality of Tallchief's story, and will inspire dreamers and dancers of all ages. Ages 4-9. Reviewed by Jane S. Bray, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is a public university located in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. It is one of the 14 state universities that compose the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Trump, Fred LINCOLN'S LITTLE GIRL: A True Story. Il. by Christopher Wray. ISBN 1-56397-375-8. Honesdale, PA: Bell Books, Boyds Mill Press, 1999 (paperback ed.). 184 pp. $8.95. Grace Bedell, age 11, writes a letter to presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln, encouraging him to grow whiskers See metal whiskers. so he won't look so gaunt. The events leading up to and following this letter are recorded in story format, including journal entries and other artifacts artifacts see specimen artifacts. that invite readers to share in an interesting part of history. Ages 10 up. Reviewed by Elsa Geskus, Kutztown University of PA Ward, Jennifer, & T. J. Marsh SOMEWHERE IN THE OCEAN. Il. by Kenneth J. Spengler. ISBN 0-87358-748-0. Flagstaff Flagstaff, city (1990 pop. 45,857), seat of Coconino co., N Ariz., near the San Francisco Peaks; inc. 1894. Lumbering, ranching, and a lively tourist trade thrive in the region, where many ruined pueblos, numerous state parks, several lakes, and large pine forests , AZ: Rising Moon, 2000. Unp. $15.95. This informative counting book is fun for all ages! I know, because every member of my family enjoyed learning about sea creatures and searching for the hidden numeral numeral, symbol denoting anumber. The symbol is a member of a family of marks, such as letters, figures, or words, which alone or in a group represent the members of a numeration system. on each brightly colored page! Based on the well-known tune "Over in the Meadow," this book includes the musical score and a glossary of "Fun Facts." For example, did you know that an octopus can unscrew a jar lid? This is a great book for integrating science, music, and language arts in a purely entertaining way. Ages 3-7. Reviewed by Andrea Bartlett, University of Hawai'i at Manoa Fiction Balouch, Kristen LISTEN TO THE STORYTELLER. Il. by author. ISBN 0-670-88054-X. New York: Penguin, 1999. 32 pp. $16.99. This collection of three original stories is reminiscent of folk tales from Afro-Caribbean, Native American, and Celtic cultures. The lessons in the musical tales relate to traditional themes such as carelessness or disobedience of youth, in which someone invariably in·var·i·a·ble adj. Not changing or subject to change; constant. in·var  i·a·bil ignores the counsel of his elders, or
disrespects the lessons of the land. One of the stories reminds the
reader of the power of true love. This enchanting book will tempt
readers over and over again. Ages 4-8. Reviewed by Pamela A. Salley,
Central Elementary School Central Elementary School could refer to either of the following schools:
Banks, Sara Harrell ABRAHAM'S BATTLE: A Novel of Gettysburg. ISBN 0-689-81779-7. New York: Atheneum ath·e·nae·um also ath·e·ne·um n. 1. An institution, such as a literary club or scientific academy, for the promotion of learning. 2. A place, such as a library, where printed materials are available for reading. , 1999. 96 pp. $15.00. This book, set in Gettysburg during and immediately after the Civil War, mixes accounts of home life with scenes from the famous battle. The story is carefully told, giving a glimpse into the lives of a 10-year-old girl; a freed slave working in Pennsylvania; and a poor 16-year-old boy from the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia, fighting for the Confederacy Confederacy, name commonly given to the Confederate States of America (1861–65), the government established by the Southern states of the United States after their secession from the Union. . The limited number of characters and vivid descriptions keep young readers focused on the story. "Handwritten hand·write tr.v. hand·wrote , hand·writ·ten , hand·writ·ing, hand·writes To write by hand. [Back-formation from handwritten.] Adj. 1. " letters home, conversational dialect, and the manuscript of the Gettysburg Address written on the inside cover add to the richness of the story. Ages 9-12. Reviewed by Barbara Foulks Boyd, Radford University, VA Blake, Robert J. YUDONSI. Il. by author. ISBN 0399-23320-2. New York: Philomel Books, 1999. Unp. $15.99. Yusi, a southwestern native boy, insists on being recognized by his fellow villagers for his differences. His abrasive way of bringing attention to himself angers them, however; they dub him "Yodonsi," meaning "You don't see." Follow Yusi up the canyon walls, where the voice of the storming wind calls to him to hear the way of nature and his people. Enjoy the encompassing illustrations of the imposing canyons that are integral to the villagers' way of life. Ages 8-10. Reviewed by Lucille Fanger, Donegan Elementary School, Bethlehem, PA Carter, Alden CRESCENT MOON. ISBN 0-8234-1521-X. New York: Holiday House, 1999. 153 pp. $16.95. Jeremy Callahan, a young man growing up on the banks of the Chippewa River in northern Wisconsin at the end of the 19th century, struggles with decisions that will shape his future. While he is excited about new inventions such as the airplane, he also learns the value of time-honored work. As he assists his uncle with a wood carving, Jeremy learns lessons about life that prove to be quite valuable as he approaches manhood. Ages 12 up. Reviewed by Joseph McSparran, Kutztown University of PA Chen, Jian Hong THE LEGEND OF THE KITE: A Story of China. Il. by author. ISBN 1-56899-810-4. Norwalk, CT: Soundprints, 1999. Unp. $15.99. To celebrate the very special kite festival held each spring in China, a boy named Dan-Fong and his Grandfather travel to the plaza of the Forbidden City to fly the magnificent kite they have crafted. Unfortunately, the Grand Dragon's string snaps in the strong wind and their kite becomes shredded. With great sensitivity, Grandfather explains how they will create a new kite, and he shares the beautiful legend behind the kite festival. Beautiful, traditional Chinese paintings help tell the story. Ages 5-9.--S.A.M. Couloumbis, Audrey GETTING NEAR TO BABY. ISBN 0-399-23389-X. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1999. 211 pp. $17.99. Couloumbis weaves a unique plot featuring vivid characters. In Getting Near to Baby, she describes the chaotic, messy lives of narrator NARRATOR. A pleader who draws narrs serviens narrator, a sergeant at law. Fleta, 1. 2, c. 37. Obsolete. Willa Jo and her extended family--complete with all of their faults, strengths, and desires. The novel speaks to heartache, tragedy, and love lost and rediscovered; through it all the personalities shine through. Ages 10 up. Reviewed by Gayle Roome, Industrial Junior High School, Lolita, TX Dansiger, Paula I, AMBER BROWN. Il. by Tony Ross. ISBN 0-399-23180-3. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1999. 140 pp. $14.99. Dealing with parents who are divorced is not easy for 4th-grader Amber Brown. Her dad has just moved back from Paris and is searching for a place to live. Amber tries to adjust to the tribulations of joint custody joint custody n. in divorce actions, a decision by the court (often upon agreement of the parents) that the parents will share custody of a child. There are two types of custody, physical and legal. and conflicting parental styles. This story helps children of divorce to deal with everyday life. Another fabulous book in the Amber Brown series! Ages 9 up. Reviewed by Nancy Graber, Longswamp Elementary, Mertztown, PA Esbensen, Barbara Juster JUMPING DAY. Il. by Maryann Cocca-Leffler. ISBN 1-56397-853-9. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press, 1999. Unp. $7.95 (paperback). The delightful verses and colorful pages of this picture book will entice the reader to join a little girl on her journey from morning to night. Young children will relate to the daily tasks of getting dressed, going to school, eating dinner, and leaping into bed for the night. The simple, rhythmic sentences evoke the energy and joy of this little girl's day. Ages 3 up. Reviewed by Tracy Keyes, Kutztown University of PA George, Jean Craighead FRIGHTFUL'S MOUNTAIN. ISBN 0-525-46166-3. New York: Dutton Children's Books, 1999. 255 pp. $15.99. This is the third of the author's books about a peregrine falcon named Frightful; fortunately each book can stand alone. As the story of Frightful raising her young develops, readers learn how endangered birds live, how they mature, what they need in order to survive, and what is being done to protect them. Ages 9-12. Reviewed by Irene S. Hatzistavrakis, Mytilene, Greece Lasky, Katherine ELIZABETH I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor. ISBN 0-590-68484-1. New York: Scholastic, 1999. 237 pp. $10.95. Another of the fictional Royal Diaries gives readers great insight into the world of England's Queen Elizabeth as an 11-year-old girl. The diary is set in the Tudor England of 1544. Young Elizabeth is not always treated well, and so she is unsure that she will ascend to the throne of England. Her competition includes her half sister, Mary, and a half brother who, as the male heir to the throne, is the favored one to someday rule England. Material on the Tudor family supports this well-crafted presentation. Ages 10 up. Reviewed by J. Robert Dornish, Bethlehem, PA Littlesugar, Amy THE TREE OF HOPE. Il. by Floyd Cooper. ISBN 0-399-23300-8. New York: Philomel, 1999. 40 pp. $16.95. The Great Depression hits Florrie's family hard. Her father loses his job as an actor at Harlem's noted Lafayette Theater. Throughout this story about the talented African American African American Multiculture A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. See Race. artists of the Harlem Renaissance, a tree provides inspiration for those who refused to let hope dissipate. The breathtaking oil-wash paintings offer rich and memorable reflections of historic times. Ages 8-10. Reviewed by Sharon White Williams, Hampton University, VA Lurie, Alison THE BLACK GEESE: A Baba Yaga Story From Russia. Il. by Jessica Souhami. ISBN 0-789-42558-0. New York: DK Publishing, 1999. 32 pp. $14.95. This retelling re·tell·ing n. A new account or an adaptation of a story: a retelling of a Roman myth. of an enchanting folk tale focuses on how acts of kindness can be repaid beyond expectation. The story revolves around a girl who forgets to watch her baby brother, is kind to animals in need, bravely rescues her brother, and escapes with him from the terrible witch of the forest, Baba Yaga. The story is told simply, without violence. The illustrations reflect Russian culture, yet American children will surely identify with the characters. Ages 4-8.--B.F.B. Mora MORA, In civil law. This term, in mora, is used to denote that a party to a contract, who is obliged to do anything, has neglected to perform it, and is in default. Story on Bailm. Sec. 123, 259; Jones on Bailm. 70; Poth. Pret a Usage, c. 2, Sec. 2, art. 2, n. , Pat THE RAINBOW TULIP. Il. by Elizabeth Sayles. ISBN 0-670-87291-1. New York: Viking, 1999. 26 pp. $15.99. Stella balances the different experiences of her Spanish-speaking home life with her English-speaking school life. When her 1st-grade class enters the May parade, Stella wants her tulip costume to represent all the colors of spring. She is uncomfortable when she finds that her classmates' costumes are all one color. Stella's mother gently acknowledges her discomfort, saying, "It's hard to be different. It's sweet and sour sweet and sour adj → agridulce ...." This sensitive book captures the pain of being different, while teaching appreciation of one's own uniqueness. Ages 5-9. Reviewed by Gloria Tansits Wenze, University of Scranton The University of Scranton is a private, co-educational Jesuit university, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in the northeast region of the state. The school was founded in 1888 by Most Rev. William O'Hara, the first Bishop of Scranton, as St. Thomas College. , PA Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux BEYOND MAYFIELD. ISBN 0-399-23355-5. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1999. 138 pp. $15.99. After Dillon's brother Sam comes home from the Navy, he does not want the gang to call him "Lucky" anymore. He is different, somehow. Although Americans of the '60s were worried about the threat of nuclear war, an ugly danger, one that neither "duck-and-cover" drills nor fallout shelters could avert, lurked much closer to home. As the civil rights movement gains prominence, this close-knit community will be changed forever. Ages 9-12.--J.B. Schachner, Judith THE GRANNYMAN. Il. by author. ISBN 0-525-46122-1. New York: Dutton Children's Books, 1999. Unp. $15.99. Simon the cat has fully enjoyed his life. Now, as he reminisces about his youthful days, he is feeling old and worn-out. He believes his life is at an end until his family entrusts him with the greatest gift--a new kitten to groom, teach, and love. The book's message is clear and can be easily related to the human spirit. Ages 4-8. Reviewed by Kristina M. Confer, Washington Elementary School Several Elementary Schools, most named after George Washington, first president of the United States, have the name Washington Elementary School' including:
Stier, Catherine IF I WERE PRESIDENT. Il. by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. ISBN 0-8075-3541-9. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman, 1999. Unp. $14.95. Any child who has ever dreamed of being elected president of the United States The head of the Executive Branch, one of the three branches of the federal government. The U.S. Constitution sets relatively strict requirements about who may serve as president and for how long. will enjoy this delightful book. The author provides a basic description of the major responsibilities and obligations of the presidency, as well as its many privileges. This is an informative and inspiring introduction to the Oval Office. Ages 6-9. Reviewed by Maureen Wildman, Amity am·i·ty n. pl. am·i·ties Peaceful relations, as between nations; friendship. [Middle English amite, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *am Elementary School, Douglasville, PA Taulbert, Clifton L. LITTLE CLIFF AND THE PORCH PEOPLE. Il. by E. B. Lewis. ISBN 0-8037-2175-7. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 1999. 29 pp. $15.99. Little Cliff's great-grandmother sends him on an errand to pick up the special butter she needs to make her candied can·died adj. Permeated, covered, encrusted, or cooked with sugar: candied sweet potatoes. candied Adjective coated with or cooked in sugar: sweet potatoes. During his travels, Little Cliff meets various town people sitting on their porches. The watercolors are spectacular and reflect a small southern town in the 1950s. This is an excellent pictorial history of the African American community from that time. Ages 6-8.--K.D. |
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