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Children's Books

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JUNE 28, 2007
Martin Bridge: Blazing Ahead! by Jessica Scott Kerrin

Martin Bridge is out of school for the year and doing things boys do in the summer:  camping and watching his favorite cartoons.  Dad wants Martin to help with gettting "Laverne" (their lawn mower) running again.  This is a great father and son bonding time as Martin experiences learning about various tools presented in a humorous way.  Martin has several summer vacation experiences that will keep you chuckling.  This book is a real boy-centered alternative to the character of  "Junie B. Jones" for girls.  This book is a perfect selection for boys in grades 2-4.  It is a great summer reading club choice!  Let us know if you like this book.

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JUNE 27, 2007
John Smith Escapes Again by Rosalyn Schanzer

Quick! What can you tell me about the English colonist, John Smith?  The Indian princess, Pocahontas fell in love with him - Right?  Wrong!  She was only ten years old when she fostered his best known escape from danger.  According to Schanzer's exciting biography based on Smith's extensive writings, he had already had numerous narrow escapes (from a Turkish slave driver, a shipwreck, three duels, and a shipload of pirates).  Published by National Geographic and using marvelous maps as an integral part of the story, the author varies her technique using captivating narrative and cleverly illustrated time-lines.  John Smith's adventurous life before and after his better-known time in Colonial Virginia provides ample material to keep readers grades 4 - 8 interested until the end.

Add a comment  (0 comments) posted by Mrs. Bedel

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JUNE 18, 2007
Trouble for Lucy by Carla Stevens

     This is the story of young Lucy Stewart, and of her travels along the Oregon Trail, in the year 1843. It is not an easy journey, as Lucy has to milk the cows, help feed and steer the oxen, and help to feed her family. Her mother is expecting a baby any day now, and her father is often cross and tired.                                                           

 In the midst of all this hardship, the one bright spot is Lucy's dog, Finn. Finn is a loveable little puppy who makes Lucy laugh and temporarily forget all her worries about Ma and Pa.  Lucy takes good care of her puppy. One day on their journey, Finn is missing. Lucy needs to fine Finn, and so she sets out on a hunt of her own. Will Lucy find Finn? Will Pa find out that Lucy is not with the wagon train? Read this book to find out what will happen.

This is an easy read, and can be read in one sitting. Each chapter begins with a brief journal entry from those actual pioneers who did travel the Oregon Trail. Very nicely illustrated as well. A good historical fiction novel for those students in grades 3-5.

Add a comment  (0 comments) posted by Mrs. Rose

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JUNE 5, 2007
The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich
Taking place over the course of one year in the late 1800's, the story of a 7-year-old Ojibwa girl named Omakayas, which means "Little Frog", unfolds on an island in Lake Superior known to them as Moningwanaykaning, or Island of the Golden Breasted Woodpecker. She is the younger sister to beautiful Angeline and older sister to trouble-maker brother Pinch. Baby brother Neewo is her favorite and Omakayas is devastated when he dies from smallpox after it is introduced to the island by a chimookoman, a white man. But from this she finds her true story and purpose in life. This story is very similar to "Little House in the Big Woods" in that daily life is narrated by a young girl over one year in the 19th century, although this one is from the perspective of the Native American. Many activities overlap between them as well such as tapping into maple trees to collect sap for syrup, encounters with bears, gathering food for winter, and mischievious little boys who don't want to work. The text is full of many Ojibwa words and a glossary and pronounciation guide is provided at the back of the book, as well as black and white illustrations interspersed throughout. Most suitable for readers in grades 4-6, but could also be read aloud to younger children by parents. This book was also chosen as a National Book Award finalist.

Add a comment  (1 comment) posted by Miss Jennifer

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JUNE 3, 2007
Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa That Brought Them Together by Herb Shoveller
Ryan was only 6 years old when he learned from his school teacher that a lack of clean drinking water was one of the most serious problems facing other people of the world. Being told that the cost to build a well in Africa was $70, Ryan was determined to raise the money that would supply a village with safe, clean water. From this germ of an idea, many events followed that lead to the eventual meeting between Ryan and his penpal Jimmy from Uganda, where his well was ultimately built. This true story turns to fear, terror, and suspense as Jimmy's village is attacked and Jimmy is taken prisoner, as are many boys his age, by rebel soldiers.  Jimmy manages to escape and Ryan's family leave no stone unturned as they attempt to get Jimmy a Visa to travel to Canada where he would be safe. Suitable for children in grades1 and up, this book is full of compassion, hope, and solutions. Parents might consider reading this along with their children to encourage discussion.

Add a comment  (0 comments) posted by Miss Jennifer

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