Day 22: 45 Days of Summer

Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Mary Grandpre

Author and illlustrator (of Harry Potter fame) join forces for one of my favorite books of the summer! 

An amazing picture book biography of Kandinsky. 

A must read for art lovers of all ages, especially K-3rd grades. 

Day 12: 45 Days of Summer

How the Beatles Changed the World by Martin W. Sandler

A MUST READ for Beatles fans!

Amazing!

Best for: middle school, high school, & adult

Day 8: 45 Days of Summer

 Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer & Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

I decided today was American Hero day. 

The recent passing of Louis Zamperini is a great loss. Read his incredible story in Unbroken. 

And on vacation last week, I drove over the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. You can read his story in Where Men Win Glory. 

Best for: Both books are great for adults, high school, and even middle school readers.

Day 4: 45 Days of Summer

To Dare Mighty Things by Doreen Rappaport

In honor of the holiday, here's a biography of an incredible man. 

To Dare Mighty Things introduces readers to Theodore Roosevelt…and all of his adventures.  

Terrific illustrations and well-written, concise text make this a good choice for many readers, even those who might be reluctant.

Best for: 3rd - 6th grades

Twelve Days of Christmas: Gift Books: For Adults Who Like...

On the 11th day of Christmas...we are almost to the end! And you're kind of cutting it close to have something under the tree for them to open. So, maybe consider the Kindle/Nook version? Or a gift certificate for the book? Or hope 2 day shipping really comes through for you!

More books for adults today, this time for fans of all those cable TV channels/shows:


For fans of Food Network:
Relish—Knisley (HS-adult)
Yes, Chef—Samuelsson (HS-adult)

For fans of Hoarders:
Coming Clean: a memoir—Miller (HS-adult)

For fans of DIY:
Tao of Martha—Lancaster
For fans of Downton Abbey:
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey—Wax



And remember, if you want a link to the entire list, see this post.

Happy Reading! And Gifting!

Non-Fiction Friday: Becoming Ben Franklin (Freedman)

Title: Becoming Ben Franklin
Author: Freedman
Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography, History, American History
Pages: 86
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Ages: 5th grade and up

First of all, if you are a new reader of this blog, you might think that I only read and review fiction. You couldn't be more wrong. Non-Fiction is actually my favorite genre. So, why don't you see more non-fiction reviews here? Two main reasons: (1) there is (unfortunately) WAY more fiction published each year, at least for kids and teens; and (2) I tend to hold non-fiction to a MUCH higher standard because I know that it can be POWERFUL when it is done right.

Second, for anyone familiar with non-fiction authors, I don't even need to review this latest book by the MASTER of the genre, Russell Freedman. Seriously folks, go check out EVERY book he has written and you will be amazed. This latest biography of Benjamin Franklin does not disappoint.

From the Publisher:  This book follows Franklin from his childhood in Boston, where he was the son of a poor soap and candle maker with seventeen children, to his death, describing how Franklin became a self-made man who died a renowned statesman, scientist, printer, author, and inventor. An enthralling and lavishly designed biography of one of the most popular founding father's by distinguished Newbery Medal author Russell Freedman.

This title reads like a novel, and I found myself remarking about things I was learning for the first time about one of our nation's founding fathers. Freedman brings 17 year old Franklin to life in a way that draws readers in. All of the major stages in Franklin's life are illuminated using anecdotes, quotes, and well-chosen illustrative materials. I think that this will definitely appeal to the middle school crowd. Older fans of American History should also put this on their "to read" list, as well as any classroom teacher where the topic is studied. This is a terrific example of using primary sources to bring a person to life in the most engaging way.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Yes, Chef (Samuelsson)

Title: Yes, Chef
Author: Samuelsson
Genre: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction, Cooking
Pages: 319
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I can't let the kids' books have all the fun. I am a big fan of biographies...and the Food Network...and I'm sure that many of you are looking for gifts for grownups on your list, so I'm posting a review of one of my favorite autobiographies of this year.

Marcus Samuelsson is known to many for his world-famous cooking and restaurants. He is a regular on the Food Network, and won Bravo TV's Top Chef Masters in 2010.

This memoir reads like a great story, but also feels like you are sitting down to dinner with a friend and listening to their stories. I was captivated throughout (and just a little hungry when I was done reading it).

An excellent choice for the foodie on your list, especially if they already have enough cook books, this is also a good title for anyone aspiring to be a chef.

Friday 15: Soldier Stories

Veterans Day is right around the corner, so I thought I would honor all those who have served our country by posting my Top 15 favorite books about soldiers. In no particular order:

 (1) Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer. Okay, I lied about no particular order. This biography of Pat Tillman is one of my all-time favs for several reasons. One, it's Jon Krakauer, so it's well-written and completely engaging. Two, it tells not only Tillman's story, but the history of Afghanistan and the region which I think is important for everyone to understand. Is there bias in Krakauer's narrative? Sure, but the story is still one that should be read. And three, it's about a true American hero...someone I admire and hope my children will grow up to be like.

(2) The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt. Another complete favorite of mine! I spent the year this book came out recommending it to EVERYONE, adults and teens alike. Although they have never gotten along well, seventeen-year-old Levi follows his older brother Boaz, an ex-Marine, on a walking trip from Boston to Washington, D.C. in hopes of learning why Boaz is completely withdrawn. A must-read!


(3) Blood Red Horse by K.M. Grant. True, not about American soldiers, but I enjoyed this book about the Crusades. A special horse named Hosanna changes the lives of two English brothers and those around them as they fight with King Richard I against Saladin's armies during the Third Crusades. Fans of "War Horse" will want to read this series starter.





(4) Five 4th of July by Pat Hughes and Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson are two terrific novels about two young men from completely different circumstances fighting during the Revolutionary War.


(5) Kipling's Choice by Geert Spillebeen. A moving, fictionalized biography of eighteen-year-old John Kipling, son of writer Rudyard Kipling, who remembers his boyhood and the events leading up to World War I, as he lies dying on a battlefield in France.


(6) Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo. When Thomas Peaceful's older brother is forced to join the British Army, Thomas decides to sign up as well, although he is only fourteen years old, to prove himself to his country, his family, his childhood love, Molly, and himself.


The next 5 are all stories set during WWII:

(7) A Boy at War by Harry Mazer
(8) Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac (pair this with the non-fiction title Navajo Code Talkers by Nathan Aaseng)
(9) Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley (this title for adults also has a young reader's edition).
(10) Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
(11) Jump into the Sky by Shelley Pearsall

(12) is shared by two similar stories, both equally intriguing. Cracker!: the best dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata is the story of a young soldier in Vietnam and how he bonds with his bomb-sniffing German shepherd. Letters from Wolfie by Patti Sherlock tells thirteen-year-old Mark's story after he donates his dog, Wolfie, to the Army's scout program in Vietnam, and then learns that the Army refuses to say when and if Wolfie will ever return.

(13) A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. This autobiography about a boy soldier plucked from his village in Sierra Leone at the age of 13 is not for the faint of heart. But it is a powerful memoir that is the unfortunate story of many around the world.


(14) Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins. Two Burmese boys, one a Karenni refugee and the other the son of an imprisoned Burmese doctor, meet in the jungle and in order to survive they must learn to trust each other.

(15) Somebody Please Tell Me Who I Am...another title by Harry Mazer (himself a Veteran). Ben leaves everything behind after graduation to enlist in the army. His convoy gets caught in an explosion, and Ben ends up in a coma for two months. When he wakes up, he doesn't know where he is or remember anything about his old life. His family and friends mourn what they see as a loss, but Ben perseveres.

To all our Veterans out there...THANK YOU! If you have not served, please remember to thank a Veteran on Sunday, and every day.

Review: Hope Solo: My Story (Solo)

Title: Hope Solo: My Story
Author: Solo
Genre: Autobiography, Non-Fiction, Sports, Soccer
Pages: 246
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Long-time fans of this blog, and any student that has had a conversation with me in the library, will know that I am a SPORTS JUNKIE! I'm not sure I moved during the recent Olympics (due mainly to the fact that my family was on vacation without me)...thank goodness for TiVo, some great take-out, and books to read during some of the less exciting action.

One of my favorite sports to play and watch is soccer. I love everything about this sport, especially the fact that women's soccer has become so popular since I played it in high school. If you've been paying attention at all, you will know all about Hope Solo (especially if you are from Washington...or even a fan of "Dancing with the Stars").

In this book, adapted from her adult title (Solo: A Memoir of Hope), the Olympic gold medalist and starting goalkeeper for the U.S. women's national soccer team gives readers behind-the-scenes details of her life on and off the field. Solo is a fearless female role model, driven to succeed on her own terms. You will be inspired by Hope's repeated triumphs over adversity, which will ring true with many teens and tweens in today's economy.

I'm interested to read the "adult" memoir to see what differences exist (most likely, what was left out). I'll admit that my rating probably is based on my love of the game and of good sports role models, but I think fans of soccer, or any other sport, will appreciate the honest look at how one athlete refused to take no for an answer. I will also deny that I may or may not have been reading this book over the weekend while watching my own kids play soccer...

Spotlight On: Black History Month (Muhammad Ali)

On this day in 1964, a 22-year-old boxer named Cassius Clay defeated Sonny Liston to become the new Heavyweight Champion. It is this fight where Clay predicted that he would "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." Liston was an 8-to-1 favorite going into the match, but Clay won by technical knockout in the 7th round.

To celebrate winning the world heavyweight title, Clay went to a private party that was attended by his friend Malcolm X, an outspoken leader of the African American Muslim group known as the Nation of Islam. Two days later, Clay, a descendant of a runaway slave, announced he was joining the Nation of Islam. Later that year he rejected the family name given by a slave owner and took the Muslim name of Muhammad Ali.

Many know Ali today for his struggle with Parkinson's disease. He is one of the greatest athlete's of all-time, with many memorable fights, including 1974's Rumble in the Jungle vs George Forman. You might also remember he was bestowed with the honor of lighting the flame at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.

If you want to read a terrific biography of Ali, my first suggestion is always The Greatest: Muhammad Ali by Walter Dean Myers. Fight sequences are interwoven with Ali's life story and the political issues of the time. Black-and-white photographs are also included. It takes an author as talented and skilled as Myers to cover a legend like Ali.

This Day in History...

On this day in 1945, the famous photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima was taken on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. This famous photograph, one of the most iconic photographs in American history, and used as the basis for the Iwo Jima Memorial, immortalized the six soldiers captured on film that day.

Three of the men, Franklin Sousley, Harlon Block, and Michael Strank, were later killed later during the battle. Three of the men survived the battle and went on to become heroes once their identities were discovered: Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, and John Bradley were those men.

Upon discovering that his father was one of the flag raisers, Frank Bradley decided to find out more about all six men. His book, Flags of our Fathers, is an excellent example of narrative non-fiction as well as a powerful tribute to these reluctant heroes. A must-read, whether or not you have seen the movie based on the book.

Spotlight On: Black History Month (Nelson Mandela)

I suppose that Black History Month traditionally celebrates the achievements of African-Americans and milestones in American history, but today I thought I would put the spotlight an important person on the World history stage.


Today marks the anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from prison. On this day in 1990, Mandela was released after 27 years in prison for "sabatoge and conspiracy." The son of a Thembu chief in South Africa, Mandela began his life-long campaign against white colonial rule while he was a college student. Mandela was dedicated to nonviolence in his attempts to end apartheid in South Africa. He became a leader in the African National Congress and was arrested and imprisoned by South Africa's ruling minority in 1962. During his 27 years in prison, Mandela continued his fight for a democratic and free society, and ultimately was released and elected president of South Africa.


Nelson Mandela is one of my personal heros. There is a quote of his that is one I always come back to and try to live my life according to: "There is no passion to be found playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."


If you are interested in finding out more about this great man, there are two books that I would recommend. Obviously, "Long Walk to Freedom," his autobiography, is a must read. For middle school/junior high and even high school students, I recommend "Mandela: the rebel who led his nation to freedom" by Ann Kramer. This book, published by National Geographic, is part of their World History Biographies series and is an excellent introduction to Mandela. (The series rates high on my list if you are looking for biographies for junior high students...I highly recommend all of them)!

Spotlight On: Black History Month (Emmett Till)

Continuing our spotlight on Black History Month, today's post is about the murder of Emmett Till. This landmark case is not often found in textbooks, but more and more books are being published. Two of the best are:

Title: Simeon's Story: an eyewitness account of the kidnapping of Emmett Till

Author: Wright
Genre: Non-fiction, Biography, Crimes
Pages: 176
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!


I have read many books about the kidnapping and murder of Emmett Till, the 14-year-old black boy from Chicago whose body was battered beyond recognition and dumped in the Tallahatchie River while visiting relatives in Money, Mississippi, in 1955. Till's crime? He supposedly whistled at a white woman. This crime was often overlooked by the history books because Till was African American. Though his murderers were never brought to justice, the crime has received much attention in recent years.

This account of the tragedy is told by the boy's cousin, Simeon Wright, who was with Emmett on the fateful day and was sleeping in the same room when white men came to take him away in the middle of the night. Simeon's story is a page-turner and should be included in American History curriculums.

Though it looks like a picture book, A Wreath for Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson is definitely intended for older readers.  This book is a collection of 15 sonnets that tell the story surrounding the murder of Emmett. The "wreath" is the collection of poems, the last line of one of the sonnets becomes the first line of the next, and the final sonnet contains one line from each of the preceding 14 poems. Very moving, and a perfect companion book to Simeon's Story.

Spotlight On: Black History Month (Claudette Colvin)

In honor of Black History Month, I thought that I would spend February highlighting books that honor that history...and that you should read!

Today's entry is:

Title: Claudette Colvin: Twice toward justice
Author: Hoose
Genre: Biography
Pages: 160
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

This is a MUST READ book about an important young woman, that is unfortunately often neglected in the history books. On March 2, 1955, Claudette Colvin, a teenager fed up with the daily injustices of Jim Crow segregation, refused to give her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Instead of being celebrated as Rosa Parks would be nine months later, fifteen-year-old Claudette found herself shunned by her classmates and dismissed by community leaders. Undaunted, a year later she dared to challenge segregation again as a key plaintiff in Browder v. Gayle, the landmark case that struck down the segregation laws of Montgomery and swept away the legal underpinnings of the Jim Crow South.

Hoose has written a well-researched and engaging biography of Ms. Colvin, based in no small part on interviews with her. It won the 2009 National Book Award, was a Newbery Honor winner, a YALSA Excellence in Non-Fiction finalist, and a Sibert Medal Honor book...just to name the "big" ones. Definitely time well spent getting to know this amazing young woman!

Review: Where Men Win Glory (Krakauer)

Title: Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman
Author: Krakauer
Genre: Non-fiction, Biography, Football, War
Pages: 344
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!  Honestly, I would give it more if I could!

Perhaps my review should simply be WOW!  Yep, that pretty much sums up what I feel about this book.  Enough said...

Kidding!  I have previously mentioned my love of this book, and my love of non-fiction in general, in a blog post you can find here. However, since I have recently completed the book, and I'm trying to boost the number of non-fiction blog tags I have, I thought that I would expand on my review.

Arizona State football star, turned NFL football star Pat Tillman walked away from his NFL contract in 2002 to join the US Army and make $1,200/month.  Deeply troubled by the events of 9/11, this is something that Tillman decided he had to do, and something he never would have wanted recognition for.  It is an amazing act to many of us, and especially many of my teenage students.  How could someone who "had it all" give that up to join the army?  During wartime?  The answer is really the heart of this entire book.

Quite simply, this book moved me.  It is a powerful life story that should be told.  Pat Tillman was someone I want my kids to know about, someone I would be honored if my kids were like.  He loved his country and his family and his fellow soldiers, and exemplified what the words "Honor" and "Character" truly mean.

Taking advantage of Tillman's own journals, as well as interviews with family, friends, and soldiers in the unit, Krakauer chronicles Pat's story.  It is a riveting, engrossing, and yet ultimately tragic story told in detail.  Which is exactly what you would expect from a book by this amazing author.
This is a definite MUST READ recommendation from me!  By the way, Pat's family has set up a foundation to honor him and to provide scholarships.  You can find out more about the Pat Tillman Foundation by visiting their Facebook page. 

Forget the Mariners, get excited about baseball again!

Yes, we all know that Mrs. Yusko is a sports junkie.  And just slightly crazy for books :)  So, of course I am going to be a fan of...books about sports!  Really, what could be better?!

Baseball's Negro Leagues have always interested me and I have read numerous books about the coaches, players, and others important to the league.  There are many fascinating life stories to be told, and amazing sports stars from this time in baseball's history. 









"We Are the Ship" by Kadir Nelson is THE book to read about the Negro Leagues and has been on my recommended reading list since it's publication in 2008.  This is a MUST READ for baseball/sports fans of any age!  Since the Mariner's aren't doing so well (I mean really, are you even following their season any more?), check out this book to get excited about baseball again.

There are two reasons that I'm posting about this book right now.  First, the author/illustrator's drawings from "We Are the Ship" has been used to inspire a series of US Postage Stamps about the Negro Leagues.  What an honor!  Check out the stamps at a post office near you.

Secondly, I was able to meet (very briefly) Kadir Nelson in June at the library conference I attended.  I was able to get an autographed copy of the book...and it is one of the highlights of the conference for me.  Now the problem is, my dad's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks.  He is the man who inspired my love of sports and has coached baseball at all levels for over 30 years.  My dilemma?  Keep the autographed book all for myself or give it my wonderful dad for his birthday? 

In Honor Of...Nelson Mandela's Birthday

Nelson Mandela has long been a hero of mine, and is one of those people that I would love to invite to dinner.  His life story is amazing and inspiring.  Since today is his birthday, and I spent the day (after watching Tour de France coverage of course) watching "The Power of One" (starring Morgan Freeman, Stephen Dorff, and even Daniel Craig).  This movie, set in South Africa in the 1930's and 1940's, is based on the book of the same name by Bryce Courtenay.  An excellent historical fiction novel, about a time/place that we don't often study or read about.

I am constantly amazed (shocked, really) that students I talk to do not know who Nelson Mandela is.  Perhaps they will now after watching World Cup coverage?  If you are looking for a good biography of Mandela, there are MANY to be had.  One that I recommend for junior high students is "Mandela" The rebel who led his nation to freedom," part of the National Geographic World History Biography series. 

Leonardo Da Vinci: The Genius and the Exhibit

This is Day 4 of our Washington, DC adventure.  It has been HOT (broke a 116-year-old record when it hit 100 degrees yesterday) and we tend to cool off by visiting the museums, most of them Smithsonian-affiliated...think "Night at the Museum!"  Today, we decided to venture off the Smithsonian beat and find the National Geographic Explorer's Hall.  Completely worth it!!  There was an exhibit of Leonardo Da Vinci's drawings and inventions that was amazing!  It also included an exhibit of "25 Secrets of the Mona Lisa."  Art fans would really enjoy this. 

All I can say is WOW...such a genius.  And hooray to National Geographic for having such a great museum to explore.  Not too big, and the best museum store.  What else would you expect from the people that publish great books for adults and kids and run the NatGeo channel?

Above and beyond his paintings (yes, he's the "Mona Lisa" guy), I have always been fascinated with the inventions of Da Vinci (that's the geeky scientist in me), and would love the opportunity to have just one hour to talk with him.  Since that is never going to happen, I have to settle for what is written by him and about him.  Here are two wonderful "teen" biographies of the man that you might enjoy reading:

Leonard da Vinci: The Genius of the Renaissance by Phillips (published by National Geographic!)

Leonard da Vinci (Giants of Science series) by Krull



So, if you could invite anyone from history to dinner, who would it be?  And why?

Review: Heart of the Game (Price)

Title: Heart of the Game
Author: Price
Genre: Biography, Sports, Baseball, Death
Pages: 320
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!


To be honest, I read two books tonight...one I didn't like, and one that is "too old" to recommend for my target audience.  So, instead, I thought I would review a book that I will be booktalking in the fall for the 9th grade Non-Fiction IRP.  It is baseball season after all, and we are all still reeling from Griffey's retirement.  Though, this isn't really a happily ever after story either... 


Mike Coolbaugh was a 35 year old minor league baseball coach.  In July, 2007, Mike was killed instantly while coaching 1st base when a foul ball ricocheted off his neck.  This true story follows Mike's life and baseball career as well as that of his teammate that hit the fatal ball.  I have always considered myself a sports junkie, but this book is so much more.  Yes, you will get plenty of baseball!  But you will also get drama, tragedy, and an amazing life story.

Review: Simeon's Story (Wright)

Title: Simeon's Story: an eyewitness account of the kidnapping of Emmett Till
Author: Wright
Genre: Non-fiction, Biography, Crimes
Pages: 176
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

I have read many books about the kidnapping and murder of Emmett Till, the 14-year-old black boy from Chicago whose body was battered beyond recognition and dumped in the Tallahatchie River while visiting relatives in Money, Mississippi, in 1955. Till's crime? He whistled at a white woman. This crime was often an overlooked crime because Till was African American. Though his murderers were never brought to justice, the crime has received much attention in recent years.

This account of the tragedy is told by the boy's cousin, Simeon Wright, who was with Emmett on the fateful day and was sleeping in the same room when white men came to take him away in the middle of the night. Simeon's story is a page-turner and will definitely be highlighted on my list of Summer Reading suggestions.