Brick by Brick by Charles R. Smith –ADVISABLE

Smith, Charles R and Illustrated by Cooper, Floyd  Brick by Brick 32 pgs. Amistad, 2013. $13.36.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

It took more people than could be found to build the first White House. So slaves were brought in, they toiled without pay, by hand to build the White House. They also learned skills from craftsman that later enable them the chance to make money to earn their freedom.

I did not know that slaves helped to build the first White House so I was eager to read this book and learn more. But the story is very lyrical, and not all that clear. Students would not understand this book without teacher guidance. I think teachers would find this book to be a valuable component for a lesson on US History, Slavery, and American Symbols. The artwork is pixilated and washed out, but the pages are large enough that the visuals and unique viewpoint would make an impact.

Elementary –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Mary Walker wears the Pants by Cheryl Harness –ESSENTIAL

Harness, Cheryl and Illustrated by Molinari. Carlo  Mary Walker wears the Pants 32 pgs. Albert Whitman & Company, 2013. $14.42.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Mary Edwards Walker helped lay the ground work for the role of women today. She rebelled against the typical female conventions by becoming a doctor, wearing pants, and actively participating in the civil war. Although she was often ridiculed, she stood up for what she believed and made a difference through hard work, perseverance and sheer grit.

What a fantastic role model!! Never giving up, individuality, standing up for what is right and just, and being yourself! This was an excellent book! The book does a great job of laying out understandable context, both about a woman typical place in this time period, as well as the events. A general foundation in basic US history would be helpful though –works for lessons on role models, biographies, women’s rights, and of course, history.  

Elementary -ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Changeling by Philippa Gregory - OPTIONAL

Gregory, Philippa  Changeling, 256 pgs. Simon Pulse, 2012. $18.99  Content: Language: PG-13 (15 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13. 

Luca Vero has an inquisitive mind, which moves him from the monastery he grew up in, and places him, at the age of seventeen, as the church’s inquisitor.  He is ordered to roam Europe and investigate the goings-on in villages that lead people to believe in supernatural elements.  His first mission places him at an abbey where he meets the beautiful Isolde, a lady whose brother swindled her out of her holdings upon her beloved father’s death and had Isolde placed in the abbey.  Luca and Isolde, working separately, begin to learn that the wealth of the abbey is coming from questionable means and the person who is benefiting the most from the circumstances is willing to go to great lengths to keep the secret.  Uncovering the abbey’s secret is the beginning of Luca and Isolde’s adventures. 

I was really excited to read this book because I have read other books by this author that I loved.  It’s hard to pin point what I didn’t like about the book, but I didn’t feel like either character was that endearing.  The storyline was fantastic and interesting, but sometimes repetitive.  Also the book felt divided between two adventures-almost like two short stories put together.  This is the first book in a new series and so the ending, although it did have resolve, left the characters fates unfinished.  I would probably read more of the series because the storyline is interesting and well thought out, but I’m not sure young adults would stick with it because, at times, the story seemed geared towards adults. 

MS, HS-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Pterosaur Trouble (Tales of Prehistoric Life) by Daniel Loxton –ESSENTIAL

Loxton, Daniel Pterosaur Trouble (Tales of Prehistoric Life) 32 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2013. $12.20.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G;  Violence: G.

This realistic book takes the reader on a journey with a flying Pterosaur, an extinct flying giant reptile. We get to experience his flight, high above beaches and later on -what looks like southern Utah.We get to see how he deals with attacks from other dinosaurs and learn lots of interesting facts.  

This is a exactly the kind of book that students will just love, reading this book is like watching a real movie. Everything was fantastic; the simple story that takes us on a journey, the vivid outdoor settings, the well crafted and realistic dinosaurs, action packed events, and cool features like skin texture. I can’t wait to add this and all the other books from the “Tales of Prehistoric Life” series to my school library collection.

EL -ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Eagles are Back by Jean Craighead George –ESSENTIAL

George, Jean Craighead and Illustrated by Minor, Wendell  The Eagles are Back 32 pgs. Dial, 2013. $12.23.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

A simple yet touching story about the small part one boy played in helping the American Bald Eagle come back from near extinction. The boy always watches his favorite pair of eagles, when he discovers that the two eggs they laid are crushed, he is upset. How can this be? What can he do?

While this book is full of information and doesn't hold back on the realities of the part humans have played in the situation –it also has this wonderful story that carries the reader through and brings them up with hope. The artwork is varied in presentation and interesting. I think this book will be a wonderful addition to a school library collection and useful in areas such as American symbols, environmentalism, inspiration, and a nature story. Looks like this book is part of a series of animal population recovery books, worth looking into further.

EL –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Cookie Monster's Busy Day by Ernie Kwiat -- ADVISABLE

Kwiat, Ernie Cookie Monster's Busy Day 40 pgs. Candlewick Press, 2012. $5.99.

A collection of four very short early readers featuring Cookie Monster and friends. Includes Cookie and Elmo Eat Their Colors, Cookie Monster and the Parade, Cookie Monster Cleans Up, and Cookie Monster's Bed.

Featuring colorful images, simple words and concepts, and lots of repetition, these are nice for new readers who still have an interest in Sesame Street. Since the accompanying text includes longer words that are not always seen on beginning site words lists, such as pillow and tricycle, these are probably best for reading with an adult's assistance.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by: Caryn

And the Winner is….Amazing Animal Athletes by Etta Kaner –ADVISABLE

Kaner, Etta and Illustrated by Anderson, David And the Winner is….Amazing Animal Athletes 32 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2013. $12.20  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G ;  Violence: G.

A competition sporting event between all kinds of animals. There are fun commentators; a walrus and a cockatoo, who are featured across the top of each page –making their comments and providing info. Four different animals square off in each of a variety of events from the Marathon to Swimming. Facts and information about each participant are provided. Once the reader turns the page they discover the winner, and how humans compare.

Content wise, this was a fantastic book! I loved the commentators and the presentation. The information was interesting and fun. But, I thought the art work was dated looking, a bit drab, not appealing to students. If the majority of this book had been done with action photography, I think this would be an all-time favorite. I might have trouble trying to get students to choose this over the more showy Guinness World Book Record Books.  

EL, Elementary –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.