A rich biographical story of a contemporary woman hero is encompassed in this book. Wangari Maathai is the oldest daughter in her Kikuyu family in Kenya. She was not allowed to attend school during her younger years. So she spent much time self exploring nature. As her parents saw her desire to learn, they decided to send her to school for a formal education. Wangari did so well she went to college and graduate school in the United States and studied science. When she came back home to Kenya to be an instructor at a university, Wangari saw much in the landscape of her country had changed. Wangari was concerned for women in Kenya to be able to get an education and the environmental changes needed to make Kenya a beautiful country once again. Wangari began a movement of women planting trees, over 30 million in Kenya thus the initial start of the “greenbelt” movement. In 2004 Wangari was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts.
This book is in a picture book format but rich in content on the life of Wangari Maathai and contemporary issues of women’s rights and environmental concerns. It is beautifully illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler. Seeds of Change is most suitable for readers in grades 2-4 but will appeal to any age in terms of its content.
Twelve year old Lanesha has been raised in a district of New Orleans known as the Ninth Ward. Lanesha is being parented by an elderly lady she affectionately calls Mama Ya Ya. Lanesha’s birth mother was a young woman from a prominent family in New Orleans. They did not take Lanesha at her birth mother’s death. However, Mama Ya Ya, a loving woman gives Lanesha all the love any mother could give. Mama Ya Ya senses something devastating is coming to New Orleans. As Mama Ya Ya and Lanesha survive the hurricane itself, flood waters prove to be more than imaginable as they head for the attic. Lanesha is a brave girl and very resourceful during a time of devastation. Lanesha draws on the love of Mama Ya Ya and her birth mother to get through this dreadful event. Based on the Hurricane Katrina’s impact in New Orleans, this story is realistic and full of love and courage that is inspiring. Ninth Ward is the Coretta Scott King Honor Award book for 2011. It is most appropriate reading for those in grades 4-6.
A young boy with an unknown background. A reliable best friend; a bard with too much power; a weapons teacher who wants it; a pretty girl, a wise-woman and a King. These characters come to life in this fantasy loosely based on the Old English poem of Beowulf.
Our unlikely hero, Rune, who receives his name due to the runes found with him in a boat when he washes ashore as a baby, is alive only because the wise-woman Amma has convinced King Beowulf it should be so. She can raise him as she sees fit during the warm weather, but Beowulf insists he return to the castle for weapons training during the winter. Rune lives a simple life on a farm, is taunted by mean step brothers, and is generally considered a curse by the townspeople.
While chasing a goat, Rune discovers that a dragon has awakened and killed the King's best friend. In rushing to warn the King, he discovers that the dragon has already burned the main hall, as well as his own farm. ..along with Amma and his step-family. Left alone and homeless, Rune promises to avenge Amma's death. Alas, he alone stands against the dragon with King Beowulf and, with the help of Amma's teachings, finds his strength and, ultimately, discovers his background.
This tale is told in a narrative form which might be intimidating, but boys in grades 5-8 will love the dragon battle scenes, as well as other hand-to-hand combat. A recommendation would be to listen to the audio version if there is any difficulty with the unfamiliar words or pronunciations. An author's note at the end spells out precisely what is taken directly from the poem and what has been added.
