The Childrens Book Review » Current Affairs

September 11: 2 Books that Help Us Remember

Bianca Schulze — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:01:03 +0000

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 11, 2011

With Their Eyes: September 11th—The View from a High School at Ground Zero

By Annie Thoms

Reading level: Ages 13 and up

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (August 20, 2002)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Tuesday, September 11, seemed like any other day at Stuyvesant High School, only a few blocks away from the World Trade Center. The semester was just beginning, and the students, faculty, and staff were ready to start a new year.

Within a few hours that Tuesday morning, they would experience an event that transformed all their lives completely.

Here, in their own words, are the firsthand stories of a day none of us will ever forget.

Add this book to your collection: With Their Eyes: September 11th—The View from a High School at Ground Zero

America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell

By Don Brown

Reading level: Ages 6 and up

Hardcover: 64 pages

Publisher: Flash Point (August 16, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: On the ten year anniversary of the September 11 tragedy, a straightforward and sensitive book for a generation of readers too young to remember that terrible day.

The events of September 11, 2001 changed the world forever. In the fourth installment of the Actual Times series, Don Brown narrates the events of the day in a way that is both accessible and understandable for young readers. Straightforward and honest, this account moves chronologically through the morning, from the plane hijackings to the crashes at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania; from the rescue operations at the WTC site to the collapse of the buildings. Vivid watercolor illustrations capture the emotion and pathos of the tragedy making this an important book about an unforgettable day in American history.

Add this book to your collection: America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell

Hope for Haiti by Jesse Joshua Watson

Bianca Schulze — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:44:21 +0000

Kids’ Earth Day Books: Green with Environmental Awareness

Bianca Schulze — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 04:42:27 +0000

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 31, 2010

Earth Day will be upon us soon, April 22, 2010. It’s a great day to place emphasis on environmental awareness and to explore new-and-improved solutions for being “green” the other 364 days of the year. Many children’s book authors are embracing this topic with enthusiasm and dedication, producing some eye-opening and encouraging literature for kids of all ages—some of the books even manage to arouse the “green” within us grown-ups.

For the youngest set, reading books that feature trees and plants is a great way to raise their level of awareness of the world that surrounds them. As their awareness grows, books that introduce ideas on taking care of the planet through gardening, recycling, and water conservation are a natural progression. As readers mature, they will be much more able to grasp and digest the concept of global warming. With all of these topics in mind, the following books, no matter how simple or complex, have been selected to motivate the earth-conscious spirit within all of us.

Biscuit’s Earth Day Celebration by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Ages 2-6)
Wonders of Nature (Little Golden Book) by Jane Werner Watson (Ages 2-5)

Tess’s Tree by Jess M. Brallier (Ages 4-7)
Here Comes the Garbage Barge! by Jonah Winter (Ages 4-8)
The Inside Tree by Linda Smith (Ages 4-8)
We Planted a Tree by Diane Muldrow (Ages 5-8)
The Smash! Smash! Truck by Aidan Potts (Ages 5-8)
Global Warming by Seymour Simon (Ages 5-9)
The Magic School Bus And The Climate Challenge by Joanna Cole (Ages 7-10)
EcoMazes: 12 Earth Adventures by Roxie Munro (Ages 7 and up)
Nature Girl by Jane Kelley (Ages 8-12)
The Solar Car Book: A Complete Build-It-Yourself Kit (Klutz) (Ages 8 and up)
Good Growing: A Kid’s Guide to Green Gardening (Klutz) (Ages 8 and up)

Check out our Environment and Ecology Category!

Leave us a comment: What’s your favorite book for raising environmentally aware children? Do you have any good tips for going green?

Operation PJ

Bianca Schulze — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:27:49 +0000

Press Release: by Michelle Heston, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts of the US West Create Sweet Dreams with Pajama Program’s “Open Your Heart” Valentine’s Campaign

SONOMA VALLEY, CA January 2010 – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts of the US West partnered with the Pajama Program’s OPEN YOUR HEART Campaign will deliver warm sleepwear and nurturing books to children in need. Celebrating its fourth year of participation, participating Fairmont properties which include the Fairmont San Francisco, the Fairmont San Jose, the Fairmont Newport Beach, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, the Fairmont Scottsdale, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, the Fairmont Heritage Place, and Ghirardelli Square (San Francisco) hope to collect thousands of new pajamas, books and cash donations from guests, employees and community members on Friday, February 12, 2010 at each of the above properties.

All of the collected items will be distributed to philanthropic organizations in each hotel’s host communities. A number of the hotels will encourage community advocates’ participation in the PJ Drive by hosting a drawing for a “sleepovers” for two (one night complimentary stay), two Fairmont bathrobes, two Fairmont pairs of slippers, two Fairmont teddy bears, and milk and cookies too.

“Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a proud sponsor of the Pajama Program’s PJ Drive,” says Tom Klein, Regional Vice-President of Operations and General Manager at the Fairmont San Francisco. “Fairmont’s partnership program puts a framework in place that allows our hotels to contribute to the community.”

ABOUT THE PAJAMA PROGRAM

The Pajama Program is a national non-profit organization providing comfort and love in the way of new pajamas to children-in-need and children waiting for a permanent home. They are youngsters who do not know the comforts of a mother or father to tuck them into a cozy bed and read them a bedtime story. Many have been abandoned or abused, most deprived of any love at all. “By providing pajamas we help to create a warm and nurturing bedtime environment for vulnerable youngsters living under difficult circumstances” says Pallie Zambrano, attorney-at-law and co-president of Northern California chapter.

ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS

A leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of 59 distinctive hotels, which includes iconic landmarks like The Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont The Norfolk, Nairobi and Canada’s Fairmont Banff Springs and more than 20 new properties in development, including London’s The Savoy and the Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai re-opening next year following extensive restoration programs. Fairmont hotels are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travelers can discover culturally rich experiences that are authentic to the destination. Situated in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont is committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program.

Fairmont is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 94 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com.

Black History Month, 2010: Kids’ Books

Bianca Schulze — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:32:51 +0000

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 11, 2010

It’s February. It’s Black History Month. It’s the perfect time to look back at some amazing contributions to American history and to look forward to the many stunning offerings of children’s literature by African-Americans.

Last year was the first year that we created a list of books in recognition of Black History Month—it boasts 20 fabulous pieces of work. Here are our newest additions to the growing list:

My People illustrated by Charles R. Smith Jr. (Ages 0-6)
First Family by Deborah Hopkinson (Ages 4-7)
The Negro Speaks of Rivers illustrated by E. B. Lewis (Ages 4-8)
Paulie Pastrami Achieves World Peace by James Proimos (Ages 4-9)
Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champion by Walter Dean Myers (Ages 5-8)
Black Magic by Dinah Johnson (Ages 5-9)
This Is the Dream by Diane Z. Shore (Ages 5-10)
A True Story About Jackie Robinson (Testing The Ice) by Sharon Robinson (Ages 7-10)
We Troubled the Waters by Ntozake Shange (Ages 9 and up)
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-garcia (Ages 9-12)
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal (Exceptional Social Studies Titles for Intermediate Grades) by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson (Ages 9-12)
Lockdown by Walter Dean Myers (Ages 12 and up)
Mare’s War by Tanita S. Davis (Ages 12 and up)
The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon (Ages 12 and up)
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip M Hoose (Young Adult)

Be sure to check out our list from last year. And, don’t be shy, leave us a comment about any of the books listed above.

Source of books: Publisher, Library, Research

Earth Hour 2009 & Green Sugar Press

Bianca Schulze — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:32:57 +0000

Vote Earth For Earth Hour

With the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote, Vote Earth is a global call to action for every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. You can participate by turning your lights out for one hour at 8.30pm on March 28.

In December 2009 world leaders meet in Copenhagen to agree on a post-Kyoto policy for tackling climate change. One billion people voting with their light switch during Earth Hour will create a powerful mandate for our leaders to take strong and decisive action on climate change in Copenhagen.

Participating in Earth Hour is really a no-brainer, but finding books to raise environmentally aware children can be a little more difficult. That’s where Green Sugar Press comes in. Their mission is to provide books to grow green minds for a better today and a stronger tomorrow.

An Environmental Guide from A to Z

by Tim Magner (author) and Aubri Vincent-Barwood (illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 8 – 13

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: Green Sugar Press

What to expect: Nature, Natural History, Ecology, Earth Sciences, and Alphabet

Using a simple alphabetical format, Tim Magner delivers very detailed facts about the environment and how they all link together, in a very informative and easy to digest way. Every page contains important information — G is for Greenhouse Gases — and is then followed with a Did you Know? component which explains things such a composting. There are also open ended questions to allow for exploration, experimentation, and thoughtful or contemplative reflection — “How many different types of insects can you count exploring your backyard or nearby park?”

“Our objective was to create a reading experience to inspire young explorers to open their minds to the wonders of the world and to the amazing nature right out their backdoor,” says Tim Magner. “If we can only get kids to unplug their electronics long enough to give nature a chance. Nature provides all the answers we need.”

N is for Nature

by Tim Magner (author) and Mike Nudleman (illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 5 – 9

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: Green Sugar Press

What to expect: Nature, Natural History, Ecology, and Alphabet

Just like in An Environmental Guide from A to Z, Tim Magner manages to spread the news about our environment and its animals using the alphabet in a clear and concise manner, however, more simplified for its intended younger audience. The illustrations by Mike Nudelman are very clever and provide a very stimulating effect — each page is dedicated to a letter of the alphabet and is inspired by the topic, making the information more appealing to our younger more visual readers.

Earl the Earthworm Digs for His Life

by Tim Magner (author) and Lindsay Knapp (illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 5 – 9

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: Green Sugar Press

What to expect: Earthworms, Nature, Natural History, and Earth Sciences

Who knew that an earthworm’s purpose was connected to the health and survival of trees, plants, and many animals? Learning about earthworms was never something I pondered, but it was fun and interesting when the earthworm had a name, Earl. This is a credible fiction book with real fun facts which add depth to the story. This book is educational like the two books mentioned above, but is more specific to one area of learning. There is a glossary of words included which will certainly prove to be useful — Oligochaetologists: Scientists who study worms.

Review: Scat by Carl Hiaasen

Bianca Schulze — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:14:09 +0000

Scat

by Carl Hiaasen

Reading level: Ages 10 and up

Hardcover: 384 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (January 27, 2009)

Six pages in and I was hooked on this contemporary new novel by the highly acclaimed author Carl Hiaasen. This book is full of snappy one-liners and fun references to Hiaasen’s hometown, Florida. Scat deals with so many ‘real’ aspects of today’s young teens — Nick, one of the leading characters, is dealing with his father being in the Army Reserve. The book also deals with age-old teen elements, such as: friends, fitting in, a hint of young love, and most importantly (for this story) … awful school teachers.

Mrs. Starch is a ghastly teacher. All of the kids loathe her. When she doesn’t return from a field trip to the Black Vine Swamp, questions arise. Is she really dealing with a “family emergency” like the authorities are saying? Is she missing? Does the class bully and outcast have something to do with her leave of absence/disappearance? Nick and Marta become determined to uncover the truth. This alone makes a great plot for a story, but I’ve only told you about half of the story. The other half — or the real message, if I may — involves political matters: endangered species (the Florida panther plays a large part in the story), animal cruelty, the human-race, and even a gentle reminder to just say no! to drugs and alcohol.

With lines like ” … bull ants chewed up my butt cheeks pretty fierce … “, Hiassen has managed to use faultless juvenile humor to deliver another great story, applying sensitivity in all of the right places. Thumbs-up!

Links: Carl Hiassen’s website.
Hiaasen’s column at the Miami Herald.
Review by The Happy Nappy Bookseller.
Review by Help Readers Love Reading!
Review by Books for Kids Blog.

Note: At the time of this post, Scat is number two on the NY Times best selling chapter book list.

Add this book to your collection: Scat

Enjoy this video where Carl Hiaasen talks about Scat …

Children’s Inauguration

Bianca Schulze — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:15:02 +0000

To have early childhood literacy at the forefront of the next education agenda is the goal of many. Primrose Schools, a nationwide preschool franchise, is doing something about it. This Saturday they will be donating $200K to Reach Out and Read – a national non-profit organization that promotes early literacy by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud in pediatric exam rooms across the nation. The donation will be followed by an inauguration-focused curriculum in all Primrose preschools the next week. In celebration they have put together a wonderful video of children talking about what they want for the American children. Please support them for actively pursuing a goal that would be beneficial to so many of us and visit their site. Take a look and a listen to the wonderful video and audio clips they have put together: http://www.primroseschools.com/200wishes/

Book List: Veterans Day 2008

Bianca Schulze — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:09:31 +0000

The Wall

by Eve Bunting (Author), Ronald Himler (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Sandpiper (August 24, 1992)

Synopsis: A young boy and his father visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

H is for Honor

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (August 1, 2006)

Synopsis: Written by the son of a career officer, this book explores the branches of the Armed Services and speaks from the heart about the honor, privileges and sacrifices of military families everywhere. Children will discover why drill sergeants have to be so tough, what it means to be patriotic and why we need Special Forces such as the Navy SEALS, the Green Berets and the Army Rangers. “H is for Honor” also explains why the annual Army/Navy football game is more that just a game, how much letters from home mean to soldiers, how often military families have to move and what life on base is like. With an underlying message of courage and commitment that every child can relate to, the book will be espcially meaningful to those whose parents, siblings or other relatives serve in the Armed Forces.

Scholastic Encyclopedia of the United States at War
by June A. English (Author), Thomas D. Jones (Author)

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 188 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Reference (1998)

Synopsis: From the American Revolution to the Gulf War, this encyclopedia provides a broad picture of the United States’ role, including biographies of the notable figures and quiet heroes, discussions of the mood of the country, timelines, maps, descriptions of weapons, eyewitness accounts, and more.

Christmas in the Trenches

by John McCutcheon (Author), Henri Sorensen (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers; Book & CD edition (August 1, 2006)

Synopsis: Nominated for a GRAMMY Award in the Best Spoken Word Album for Children category!

Barack Obama Elected President

Bianca Schulze — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:20:07 +0000

Want to know what Barack Obama has to do with children’s literature? Check out the following links:

100 Scope Notes has a video of Obama supporting children’s literature.
A Children’s Inauguration of President Barack Obama. Learn more at A Fuse #8 Production.
Book review of Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope.

Over 1,000 authors and illustrators supported Barrack Obama …
^{Okay, so the type may be too small for you to read all of the names, but I am sure you will get the idea.}

A message for the Obama’s: If you need to find a great children’s book store in Washington, DC, you should definitely start with Tree Top Kids. The in-store selection is quality!