Cricket

Cricket Magazine. May/June 2008. Volume 35, Number 9.

Cricket is a magazine for children between the ages of 9 and 14 who love stories. Every 64 page issue is packed with fiction, poetry, fantasy, folk tales, adventures, history, biographies, and more. The stories are written and illustrated by the very best in the field of children's literature - many of the authors and illustrators featured are award-winning and well-loved. Each issue features Letterbox, letters from young readers, Ugly Bird's Crossword Puzzle (this month all the clues are themed to complete popular old sayings), a recipe (you'll find a delicious a suggestion to make cinnamon french toast with raspberry maple syrup for your mom this Mother's Day), small comics and cartoons featuring Cricket and Ladybug, two of the bugs found throughout the publication, the Cricket League, an invitation to children to submit entries for different photography, art, story, and poetry contests, and finally an adorable advice-type column called "Old Cricket Says". Besides these wonderful features, you'll find at least a dozen excellent stories that are sure to capture the imagination of children. The magazine will have a new website up by the end of this month - check it out at www.cricketmagkids.com!

Actual Size

Jenkins, Steve. 2004. Actual size. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

The book Actual Size by Caldecott Honor winner Steve Jenkins is a surprisingly interactive non-fiction book in which readers are invited to consider how they relate to animals described in the text and illustrations. Jenkins explains, “All of the animals in this book are shown at actual size, so you can see how you measure up to creatures both large and small.” Readers will find themselves staring at illustrations, touching the pages to compare them with with their own hands and then imagining the life of that impressive animal! Did you know there are squids up to 59 feet long with each eye ball 12 inches across? Hold that picture up to your own eye-frightening! Can you imagine finding a spider bigger than your hand? Along with phenomenol illustrations, the text throughout the story is interesting, yet brief, and at the end of the book the author elaborates more on each animal. This allows for readers of multiple ages to enjoy the book, and gain new understanding of this fascinating world of creatures. Actual Size won The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Non-Fiction Book Award. It is appropriate for children as young as preschool through grade 2, yet it can be enjoyed by and is useful for all ages interested in creature comparisons.

The Lives of Extraordinary Women

Krull, Katherine. 2000. Lives of extraordinary women: rulers, rebels (and what the neighbors thought). Illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt. New York: Harcourt.

The Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) is a book written for children and young adults which includes twenty brief biographies of influential women throughout history. Author Kathleen Krull has condensed large amounts of information and made it understandable to children. Illustrator Kathryn Hewitt created fun, caricature-like renditions of these famous women that children will find amusing and memorable, as all of the pictures contain details that help portray the characters and their lives and values. Many of the extraordinary women in this book will be familiar to readers. Figures such as Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Queens Elizabeth I and Victoria of England, Harriet Tubman, and Eleanor Roosevelt will come to life, while there are also some lesser known figures for readers to meet and become acquainted with as well. Each biography is about three pages long, and provides just enough information for readers to learn the key events that shaped each individual's life. Creating literature within the biography genre requires the author and illustrator to have an accurate understanding of the subject and the world in which they lived. Creators must be familiar with the history, and be capable of using the information to create quality literature that can be used to instruct and enlighten. This book is an excellent tool that can be used to do just that.

The Pumpkin Book

Gibbons, Gail. 2000. The pumpkin book. New York: Holiday House.

The Pumpkin Book by Gail Gibbons takes a fun look at the simple subject of pumpkins. In the book she begins by examining the sizes and shapes pumpkins can have, the proper times to plant and harvest, and important guidelines in caring for the growing pumpkins. Children will read about and see illustrations of the life cycle of the pumpkin, and discover fun things to do with them once they are ready to be harvested. Gibbons teaches brief lessons in ways the pumpkin was used throughout history, especially during the Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays. Directions are provided on how to carve a pumpkin, and on other creative ways to decorate them. With more than half of the children's books published being non-fiction, librarians and educators have some room to be selective about the informational books they select to share with children. I think Gibbons understands the purpose and value of the genre, and creates excellent additions to the genre with her attractive designs, wonderful details,accuracy, and personalization of the content. This book is a must-read during the fall season with children kindergarten through third grade.

The Giver

Lowry, Lois. 1993. The giver. New York: Random House.

The Giver is a book that has gone above and beyond its designation of fantasy for young adult readers and is one that reaches out to both older teens and adults as well. It tells the story of a society in the distant future that appears to have achieved a utopian level of existence. Perfect families live in complete happiness with no thought of crime, sickness, or poverty. However, the ugly truth to their world is that they have removed all emotion and humanity from life, and that knowledge becomes the heavy burden of one young boy, Jonas. The Elders and the Giver select Jonas to be the "Receiver of Memory", and gradually transferred to him is the frightening truth of their world. The emotional burden is great, and Jonas's response to the truth will draw both criticism and praise from readers. The book is geared towards young adults, yet the themes that run throughout the story are thought-provoking to any age reader. The character depth created by Lowry is excellent, and the story provides a wonderful introduction into the issues of humanity in an approachable way for young adults. The Giver won the Newbery Medal in 1994, and is destined to become a classic in literature for children and young adults.

Gathering Blue

Lowry, Lois. 2000. Gathering blue. New York: Laurel-Leaf Books.

Gathering Blue is another thought provoking book by Lois Lowry that serves as a wonderful tool to both teach and entertain us at the same time. Following The Giver, the story takes a look at a world of the future, but it is one that shows us an opposing side of the Utopian spectrum. It provides insight into what a futuristic society without technology could look like. The story focuses on the young girl, Kira, and her ability to embroider beautifully. She along with two other young artists live away from the village in the Council Edifice where they work all year to be prepare the Singer for the annual Ruin Song Gathering in which the story of the world's past is told to the villagers. Kira tediously uses her embroidery skills to restore pictures of the village's history on the special robe worn the Singer. The story's title is a description of Kira's courageous search for the missing color blue to bring completion to what is missing from the robe and healing to the savage community she calls home. Lowry’s attention to detail and her ability to deconstruct complex topics into nuggets of wisdom that any child can understand make this a special book and one that every library should stock. Many versions of the book contain a Reader's Circle guide making it a wonderful title that every middle school reading class should read and discuss.

The Field Guide, Book 1 of The Spiderwick Chronicles

DiTerlizzi, Tony and Holly Black. 2003. The field guide. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.

The Spiderwick Chronicles Series opens up here with book 1: The Field Guide. It is a perfect early chapter book for children, especially those who are seeking the fantasy stories similar to Harry Potter or the Lemony Snicket series but aren't quite ready yet for the length or difficulty. The story tells of a family who is still dealing with the effects of a divorce, and begins as the mother and her three children, Mallory and her younger twin brothers Simon and Jared, move into an old Victorian home belonging to their family: the Spiderwick Estate. The mystery begins as soon as they are settled in, and readers and lovers of fantastical tales will love the adventure and mystery the siblings set out to solve. The title, The Field Guide, refers to a book the children find in their grandfather's library, Authur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You. The book leads them to believe that there may be magical creatures to blame for some of the recent occurrences they've encountered. There are five books in the series created by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, and while they may feel short, they are the perfect length for young chapter book readers.

Bone

Smith, Jeff. 2005. Out from Boneville. New York: Graphix.

Out from Boneville is volume 1 of Jeff Smith's series of graphic novels for children and young adults. There are nine Bone volumes in all, and readers will find the characters and plot fun and exciting to follow. The graphic novel contains all the classic elements of fantasy: good vs. evil, a variety of creatures and animals who talk, magic, and an adventure story packed with suspense. Along with the elements of fantasy is constant humor as the three Bone cousins Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone entertain readers with their wit and spirit. The three are chased from their town and become separated, and their journey to reunite is one that captures the attention of readers of all ages. Watch out though - upon completing volume 1, readers will find themselves immediately searching out book 2, then book 3, then 4... You get the idea - volume 1 is not enough! This is a series you must check out from start to finish!

The Wednesday Wars

Schmidt, Gary D. 2007. The Wednesday wars. New York: Clarion Books.

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is an excellent young adult novel that centers on seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood and his relationship with his teacher, Mrs. Baker. Set in the late 1960s in Long Island, New York, the story follows the Wednesday afternoon meetings between the teacher and student. Holling is convinced his teacher hates him because of the assignments she gives, and the turns their relationship takes allows for beautiful character development of the protagonist. Though the story was set in a time fifty years ago, the experiences of Holling are still relevant to many children in the United States. As an excellent work of historical fiction, the book also accurately portrays the time period of the Vietnam war in which it was written. This is one of the best children’s books to be published in recent years, and well worth the time to read and reread. Schmidt won the Newbery Honor for this book in 2008.

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Choldenko, Gennifer. 2004. Al Capone does my shirts. New York: Putnam.

What could be more exciting to a young boy that reading about the island of Alcatraz? Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko is a wonderful historical fiction book that will capture the attention of children. The story centers on the life of Moose and Natalie and their experiences once their father gets a job working on Alcatraz and their family moves to the island. Their adventures are numerous as they try to catch glimpses of world-famous criminals, stay away from the warden's watchful eye, find baseballs that go over the fence of the area where the convicts play, and sell laundry services preformed by the criminals themselves to their classmates. Not only does this story discuss Alcatraz, but also details the experience of having a special needs family member. Moose's big sister Natalie is autistic, and during the 1930s, the needs of these children are misunderstood and reliable help is hard to find. The colorful prose conveys so much feeling and depth that it makes learning the many historical details about Alcatraz and the characteristics of autism truly enjoyable and easy. Few books, much less children’s books, take the time to carefully research the historical details like Choldenko did with this book. Her writing won her the Newbery Honor in 2005.

Lily's Crossing

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 1999. Lily's crossing. New York: Yearling.

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff is the story of a young girl's experience of WWII. After already having lost her mother at an early age, Lily's father leaves for Europe to do his part to help with the war. Alone with her grandmother, the two travel to their usual summer vacation destination, their summer home in Rockaway, New York. The war has brought changes here as well, and her best friend has had to moved away. Soon, however, Lily meets Albert, a young Hungarian immigrant seeking refuge in America from the Nazi's. Each child without their families finds comfort and friendship in each other. This historical fiction novel for children provides a great insight into how war can affect young people, and it serves a great tool for helping young minds understand the way WWII personally effected lives all over the world. Lily and Albert find comfort both in sharing the sadness they've experienced as a result of no longer having their family with them and in the closeness of a new friendship. Giff won the Newbery Honor in 2000 for this excellent book.

The Wright 3

Balliett, Blue. 2006. The Wright 3. Ill. by Brett Helquist. New York: Scholastic Press.

The Wright 3 is an exciting novel that incorporates architecture, literature, art, and mystery to weave a story young readers will love. The book is a welcome addition in the genre of contemporary realistic fiction, and it could ignite a young reader’s interest in any of the mentioned subjects. The mystery to be solved is an intriguing one as characters Petra, Calder, and Tommy find themselves in a position where they can have an important role in saving a valuable piece of architecture and solving a mystery in their Hyde Park community of Chicago. Unfortunately the author describes and incorporates the power of coincidence so much that the "problem-solving" elements are diminished and the ending of the book feels contrived. While the details and the different topics covered in this novel are great for kids, the simplistic conclusions and coincidences leave much to be desired for young and old readers.

Flush

Hiaasen, Carl. 2005. Flush. London: Corgi Books.

Flush, Carl Hiassen’s second novel for young adults, delivers humor, wacky characters, and an environmentally-friendly story to young adult readers that is fresh and funny. This engaging story is fast paced as it takes an what could be the stale subject of saving the environment and protecting the delicate ecosystems of southern Florida, and turning it into and engaging, humorous novel that children can relate to and enjoy. The protagonist ultimately inspires the reader to believe that anyone can make a big difference, no matter how old they are. The lessons of the importance of family are also in this novel for young readers. Families of course have to stick together when dad is in and out of jail for attempting to sink a local casino boat, brother and sister are sneaking out in the middle of the night to make their own attempts to expose the damage the vessel is creating, and a long-lost grandfather is secretly watching over them all to help ensure their safety!

Sahara Special

Codell, Esme Raji. 2003. Sahara special. New York: Scholastic.

Sahara Special is a a wonderful story combining an engaging narrative with detailed, well-written young adult prose. This is author Esme Raji Codell's first book for young readers, and she immediately draws them into the story with the first-person narrative of Sahara and her descriptions of what life is like as she must repeat the fifth grade. The difference one year and one caring teacher can make is life-changing. The character development throughout the story is excellent, and readers will find themselves comparing characters to classmates or students from their personal experiences. In the story, Sahara's tale reminds us to step back and re-examine the judgements and stereotypes we may have placed on children in the past, to look past their labels and see each child for who they are on the inside.

Claiming Georgia Tate

Amateau, Gigi. 2005. Claiming Georgia Tate. Cambridge: Candlewick Press.

Claiming Georgia Tate tells the story of a heartwrenchingly difficult time a girl goes through on her way to becoming a young lady. Young Georgia Tate has never known her mother and is being raised by her grandparents until her father attempts to re-enter her life and gain custody when she is twelve years old. For many readers the story will be hard to get through, but when you do it will be impossible to get out of your mind. It is a painfully honest look into the life of a young southern girl and the struggles that she endures through an abusive relationship. Though the novel itself if painful, the message contained in the pages is critical to share with young adults. Discussion of the novel should open the doors to discussions that are difficult for those in abusive relationships to have. Because of the language and tough subject matter, this book should probably be reserved for older teens.

Junie B. Jones

Park, Barbara. 1992. Junie B. Jones and the stupid smelly bus. Ill. by Denise Brunkus. New Yorkl: Random House.

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid, Smelly Bus is the first book in a fun, irreverent series of short novels for young readers. Author Barbara Park writes in a style that is witty and entertaining to children and adults alike, and both groups are caught by surprise as the book is full of improper grammar and poor manners. Though some parents and adults object to this type of material for young readers, it is very entertaining and deserves a special place within the genre of contemporary realistic fiction. Don't be surprised to hear an audible gasp from young readers as they read Junie B. call things "stupid", and then hear them giggle as she gets herself into situations typical for curious, confident kindergartners. This little girl is not afraid to tell it like it is...after all, school buses are unpleasant, and Junie B. Jones should not offend readers when she points out that some kids are “meanies” and the school bus really does stink.

The Annotated Mother Goose

Baring-Gould, William S. and Ceil Baring-Gould.2001. The annotated Mother Goose. New York: Random House.

The Annotated Mother Goose by William Baring-Gould and Ceil Baring-Gould is a wonderful poetry collection for adults who love nursery rhymes. While children enjoy the Mother Goose stories without many questions about what the tales mean, adults can discover and learn all about a second meaning and different message portrayed through the poems. The book contains the popular Mother Goose rhymes marked with small notations which lead to a historical tidbit or background information that help make sense of the time period in which the piece was written or the message that it attempted to portray. Usually the message or meaning that the piece intented to describe is surprising and fun to share. Enjoying this book can make it feel as though you are reading Mother Goose for the first time just as you did when you were a child.

Here's a Little Poem

Yolen, Jane, and Andrew Fusek Peters. 2007. Here’s a little poem. Ill. by Polly Dunbar. Cambridge: Candlewick Press.

Here’s a Little Poem is a colorful, oversized book of poetry ideal for young children. Most poems take only a single page, while other poems are a two-page spread containing one poem; each is illustrated with mixed media such as ink drawings, paint, and collage artwork. The poems themselves, over sixty in all, are by well-loved poets such as Jack Prelutsky, Rosemary Wells, Margaret Wise Brown, Nikki Grimes, and more. Each of the selections is in large, casual font, and are on topics that are interesting to children. Family, bugs, birthdays, pets, weather, and food are among the themes that kids will enjoy and ask to hear again and again.

Poetry Speaks to Children

Paschen, Elise, ed. 2005. Poetry speaks to children. Ill. by Judy Love, Wendy Rasmussen, and Paula Zinngrabe Wendland. Illinois: Sourcebooks Inc.

Poetry Speaks to Children is a collection of 95 poems is perhaps one of the best general anthologies of poetry for children available. It contains poems by many distinguished writers including Robert Frost, Roald Dahl, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Lewis Carroll, as well as poems by a few authors that may be new to you. Fifty-two of the poems are read aloud on the CD that is included with the book. With the CD, even children who may not be able to read for themselves can enjoy what poetry has to offer. The subjects of the poems are varied and include topics that will appeal to young readers. Between the words on the pages are colorful pictures children will love. Learning to appreciate poetry at a young age can be difficult, but this wonderful collection makes it easy and fun.

You Read to Me, I'll Read to You

Hoberman, Mary Ann. 2005. You read to me, I’ll read to you: very short Mother Goose tales to read together. Ill. by Michael Emberley. New York: Little Brown and Company.

Mary Ann Hoberman has created three books in the You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You series. This one in particular, Very Short Mother Goose Tales to Read Together, takes the familiar Mother Goose stories and creates a script of parts for two readers (or two groups) to enjoy together. It contains scripts for each to read individually and then together in unison. Interactive poetry books are a joy to share with children as it encourages interaction between readers and create a fun, almost comical, atmosphere. It will encourage children to read smoothly and quickly as they want their response to be ready. The book also makes a great introduction to reader’s theatre for young children. The rhythm and rhyme make each poem fun to read, and they contain enough wit and humor that adults will stay interested, as well.

A Burst of Firsts

Lewis, J. Patrick. 2001. A burst of firsts: doers, shakers, and record breakers. Ill. by Brian Ajhar. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.

A Burst of Firsts is a great poetry book that touches on many different subjects, from the ridiculous and silly to the more important and serious. Each poem by Lewis is written about a documented, historical event (the first of its kind), and included are facts or quotes from the participants, and the location and date of the event. The variety of the poems featured makes this book a unique collection of historically-accurate poetry for children as it discusses things from the world’s largest bubble gum bubble to some of our nation’s darkest moments dealing with race. The illustrations are light-hearted and fun, and no poem is longer than a page. For teachers looking to integrate poetry into science and social studies lessons, this book would be an excellent tool.

Toasting Marshmallows

George, Kristine O’Connell. 2001. Toasting marshmallows: camping poems. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York: Clarion Books.

This collection of short, simple poems about family camping is a great introduction to the power of poetry for child. Poems written in concrete form, free verse, with rhyming, and onomatopoeia create a vivid imagery that conveys a world of meaning so that the experiences, tastes, and smells of camping emerge to remind children who have been camping of their experience, or to help those who have never been to imagine what it must be like. The muted illustrations help set the mood for telling stories around a glowing campfire. This collection of poetry is great for children of all ages, and a must-have for an upcoming family camping trip.

Mightier Than the Sword

Youlen, Jane. 2003. Mightier than the sword: world folktales for strong boys. Austin: Silver Whistle.

Mightier Than the Sword: World Folktales for Strong Boys is collection of stories featuring male protagonists that is excellent for young boys and girls alike. Rather than focus on one geographical area or topic, each story describes different qualities portrayed by heroes of many nationalities telling tales of intelligence, courage, strength, compassion, and, of course, chivalry. Each tale separately offers bits of wisdom which are interspersed with pencil sketches by Raul Colon that young readers are sure to enjoy. Readers should take time to enjoy the “open letters” between Nana (Jane Youlen) and her sons and grandsons that appear at the beginning and end of the book, and the notes and bibliography offer additional information on the stories and their origins. Together the stories paint a sweeping, imaginative picture of life and will awaken strength in children of all ages.

Noah's Ark

Pinkney, Jerry. 2002. Noah’s ark. New York: SeaStar Books.

This retelling of the flood story from the Bible beautifully brings Noah, his family, and the animals to life through artfully written prose and pencil and watercolor-painted pictures. Jerry Pinkney brings an amazing amount of life to each page and no detail is overlooked. Many good versions of the Noah's Ark story for children are available, but this one portrays elements of realism that will provoke thought and discussion from children. This Old Testament story and version of Noah’s Ark is one that readers should not miss. Whether or not one agrees with the Bible as truth, it is important to remember that a well-rounded education is not complete without a study of religious stories.

Just A Minute

Morales, Yuyi. 2003. Just a minute: a trickster tale and counting book. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book is the story of busy, hard-working Grandma Beetle who is visited by Senor Calavera, a skeleton who needs her to leave with him right away. Yuyi Morales created illustrations that are detailed and colorful as they visually carry the story through one reason after the other than Grandma is not ready to go to the next life. Most children will not even realize the full impact of the visitor’s purpose unless they are told; instead, they will find themselves caught up in the growing number of preparations that Grandma is making as her tasks are numbered off in both English and Spanish. Multicultural elements in the story make this an excellent choice to share with children learning about The Day of the Dead traditions observed in Mexico.