Twelve-year-old Rob Horton cannot believe his eyes. He has discovered a real, live tiger! It's in the woods behind the hotel, locked in a cage. That very same day, he meets Sistine Bailey, a tough northern girl who strides onto the school bus in a pink dress. No one wears pink dresses to school, even... Continue Reading →
The City of Ember
Lina Mayfleet is anxiously awaiting her assignment. She wants to be a Messenger, because she loves to run. Doon Harrow is equally anxious. He wants to do something to help his dying city - be an electrician so he can work on the generator which keeps the lights on, and the darkness away. Their work... Continue Reading →
Queen of the Track
In 1948, London hosted the first Olympics held after World War II. Londoners, and the Olympic athletes, faced many problems. But none faced the challenges that Alice Coachman faced. Queen of the Track by Heather Lang tells Coachman's story - her journey from a poor black family in Georgia in the middle of segregation to... Continue Reading →
War Horse
In the spirit of Black Stallion, War Horse by Michael Morpurgo tells the story of a horse. Joey, a big red bay, narrates his story - from the time he was a colt sold at auction to the time he returns from World War I. He enjoys a special relationship with Albert, the son of... Continue Reading →
The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups
The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups by David Wisniewski is proof that picture books are not just for toddlers and preschoolers. Children that age will not understand this book. Secret Knowledge is for older children, those who can appreciate the humor in Wisniewski's explanation of everyday things grown-ups tell children. Take, for example, "Don't jump on... Continue Reading →
The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales
Many years ago, my sister told me I needed to read The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. I looked at her a bit strangely, because it is a picture book, and I didn't have any children at the time. "Really, Michelle, read it." I conceded. And... Continue Reading →
If You Lived Here
If You Lived Here: Houses of the World by Giles Laroche is a beautiful picture book which tells the stories of houses around the world. I love this book for so many reasons. First, Laroche created beautiful bas-relief cut-paper collages for each of the pages, which are fun to examine. Second, Laroche provides several levels... Continue Reading →
Once Upon a Marigold
My 12-year-old told me over and over again, "Mom, you need to read Once Upon a Marigold!" When she checked it out, for the third time, I decided to see what she was so excited about. And I'm glad I did. Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris is a delightful read - a funny,... Continue Reading →
Soldier Bear
Private Voytek of the transport company of the 2nd Polish Corps of the British Army in World War II turned lots of heads, and made many other soldiers scream in fright. Why? He was a bear. Yes, a Syrian brown bear. A few Polish soldiers who had escaped Russia into Iran picked him up somewhere... Continue Reading →
Snow Treasure
Norway in winter seems insulated against the forces at work on the European mainland in 1940. But then, Nazi paratroopers parachuted into the villages of Norway, and Peter Lundstrom and his friends are called into action. Not to fight the Nazis, but to fool them. Peter and his friends work together with Peter's uncle to... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 