One Hen : How One Samll Loan Made a Big Difference by Katie Smith Milway, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

Micro-lending is explained in this easy-to-follow story based on a real person from Ghana. Kojo uses a small amount of money from a village loan to invest in a hen.He sells the eggs to buy more chickens, then finances his education, becomes a chicken farmer, employs many people,and helps enrich his country. The bright whimsical illustrations all include African scenes and chickens of some sort. One hen is even dressed up and selling produce at the village market. In addition to the story narrative, there is an incremental text with each illustration: "This is the loan that Kojo gets...This is the farm that Kojo builds...This is the town that grows..." Easy enough for young children to follow, this book can also be used with middle schoolers. There is a section on the "real Kojo" plus information on what the reader can do to help and an excellent glossary.Great for 7th grade social studies.

She Touched the World: Laura Bridgman, Deaf-Blind Pioneer by Sally Hobart Alexander and Robert Alexander

Fifty years before Helen Keller, there was Laura Bridgman. She lost her hearing, eyesight, and most of her senses of taste and smell, to scarlet fever. An exceptionally bright child, Laura was taken at age seven to the Perkins School for the Blind, where she became the student of Samuel Gridley Howe. She learned to read raised letters (not Braille) and to understand and to "speak" language through finger spelling. Later in her life she was Annie Sullivan's teacher. This excellent biography will lead students to a better understanding of the deaf-blind and their accomplishments. The author herself is blind and somewhat hearing-impaired. Bridgman's story is told in a lively, readable style and is heavily illustrated with photographs and period illustrations. An index, bibliography, notes, and websites are included. Highly recommended for middle school. It can easily be paired with "Helen's Eyes."

George Washington Carver by Tonya Bolden

Published in association with The Field Museum in Chicago by Abrams. This is a picture book biography that is definitely middle grades in level. Excellent, clear discussion of the specifics of Carver's research and aims without talking down to the child audience. Lots of primary source illustrations and photographs, including reproductions of Carver's paintings made with his own vegetable dye paints. Has very neat end papers with floral designs.

Whaam! The Art & Life of Roy Lichtenstein by Susan Goldman Rubin

Fantastic picture book biography of Roy Lichtenstein. The book begins with the two possible stories that led to his immersion in the pop art movement. It contains great biographical information interspersed with a large number and variety of Lichtenstein's work that spans his career. There are also works (identified) done by a number of other famous artists of the time. It explains his technique and how it developed over time and shows how his work grew and changed over his life. The book contains a glossary of art terms and names. There is also a very complete notes section, references a list of museums and other public places to find Lichtenstein's work and an index. This may appeal to some of the same lovable dweebs that like the Creators of Superman. Great for upper elementary art lovers and on through ms and hs. It would be a great resource for art teachers.

Masterpiece by Elise Broach

Eleven year old James lives with his mom and his stepdad. His mother’s career seems to be a higher priority than her son’s happiness. This is evidenced by the birthday party she throws for him with guests he does not know but who might be future business connections. His dad, who appears to be more sincere, stops by later with a gift for James. James politely acknowledges the pen and ink set that his dad brought him, but James doesn’t really feel any passion for drawing. Meanwhile, the family of crickets who live in James’ apartment notice the lousy birthday and decide to do something nice for James. They send their son Marvin (whom they sometimes overprotect and smother with attention) to James’ room with a gift. However, when Marvin gets to the room he discovers the pen and ink set and he decides to draw a present for James. Later James’ mother discovers the streetscape that Marvin drew and assumes that James drew it. James doesn’t deny this and before he realizes how fast things can get out of control, he gets wrapped up in a plot to catch an art thief in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It turns out that Marvin’s style is remarkably similar to that of Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer.
Children who enjoy The Cricket in Times Square will enjoy the unlikely friendship between James and Marvin. Chasing Vermeer fans will be intrigued by the twists and turns of this suspenseful art forgery caper. I booktalked this is October and it continues to be a popular request. Recommended for grades 3-6

Too Many Toys by David Shannon

Spencer, like so many of today's children, has too many toys. He and his mother argue over what should be disposed of, with amusing results. The end, while not at all original, is just right, as Spencer finds that the box the discarded toys were stored in is the best toy of all. Brightly colored illustrations accompany the story. This is another book I tried out on my grandchildren. The comment after I finished reading it was, "Read it again!" A good read-aloud for K-2.

A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

A very large and unfriendly bear tries to discourage a clever mouse from visiting him. Despite locks and boarded-over windows, mouse continues to show up in various places in bear's house. Mouse finally wins bear over, and bear learns the value of friendship. This book was read aloud on NPR by Daniel Pinkwater, who thought it delightful. So do I and so do my granddaughters, ages 2 and 4. Good for reading aloud.

Afghan Dreams:Young Voices of Afghanistan by Tony O'Brien and Mike Sullivan

Photographs by Tony O/Brien. This is a beautiful photo journal of children in Afghanistan who have been affected by the ongoing war. Some have lost family members, been injured themselves, had to drop out of school and more. Two children resorted to pick pocketing to survive. The book is divided into children from Kabul and children from the countryside. The authors present the childrens' stories in their own words with an accompanying photograph of each child. This book is very timely and it will enable upper elementary - high school students an opportunity to see what life is really like for children in a war-torn, impoverished country like Afghanistan.

Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli

Will Tuppence is a sensible kid who is good at science and has an average social life. He also has a loud-mouthed little 5-year old sister, Tabby, whom he does his very best to avoid. But when he learns that scientists have recorded the first instance of proton decay, his logical mind goes awry contemplating the implications. If he can't even trust in the permanence of atoms, how is he supposed to manage the more tangible but no less overwhelming obstacles in his life? When he catches his two best friends Mi-Su and BT kissing, his confusion skyrockets. Does he like Mi-Su himself? There is also the small matter of defending his local chess title while trying to plan the perfect time to kiss Mi-Su. A tragic accident helps Will understand that life and first kisses can't always be scheduled, and sometimes its better that way. The story ultimately hinges on Tabby, and Will's relationship with her. Will's teenage insecurities, overanalyzing, and mood swings are entirely believable, and readers empathize fully with him while willing him to step outside himself and look around at what he has. The narrative is fast moving and often funny. Short sentences and brief chapters make it a good pickfor reluctant readers.

Colonial Voices, Hear Them Speak by Kay Winters

Illustrated by Larry Day. This hitorical nonfiction title is set in Boston on the day of the Boston Tea Party. Ethan, the errand boy's day begins at 5:30 a.m. and ends aboard the British tea ships where he helps "ax the lids, spill the tea, and heave the heavy chests." Each two page illustrated spread offers further insight into the day's events as told by the printer, the shoemaker, the tavern keeper, the wigmaker, the blacksmith's slave, the silversmith's apprentice, and more. The illustrations offer rich details that enhance the historical accounts told from varying viewpoints (loyalist, patriot, slave, Native American). An excellent social studies title for grades 4-8.

Buster Goes to Cowboy Camp by Denise Fleming

Fleming has written another clever tale that will be a home-run during storytimes. Buster, the dog has to go to doggie cowboy camp when his owner, Brown Shoes goes on vacation. Children will relate to his apprehension about spending the night away / going to camp. The delightful plot is brought to life with Fleming's signature collage / pulp illustrations. The picture book has brief chapters with headings such as Homesick, Roundup, and Buckaroo Ball. There is even a glossary of cowpoke words such as bandanna and chuck wagon. This title will work well with K-2 students in school and public libraries.

Maybe a Bear Ate It! by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley

The main character in this story (a dog? a cat? a critter...)is reading in bed when he dozes off. Suddenly his book is gone, nowhere to be found. "Maybe a bear ate it." Other possiblities ensue involving a rhino, a bat, a shark,and an elephant. The book is finally unearthed, of course, right where it was put down, under the bed covers. The illustrations are hilarious, especially the one of the fierce bear devouring the book with a fork. Anyone who has ever misplaced a favorite book will immediately relate to this clever story. It will be great for reading aloud. Grades K-2.

All Stations! Distress! : April 15, 1912: The Day the Titanic Sank by Don Brown

One can never have enough Titanic books, and this one is a terrific addition. It is an illustrated account of the sinking of the ship, told in a simple yet suspenseful way. It brings to life the confusion and chaos surrounding the disaster. Sketch-like watercolor paintings capture some of the action-packed events. A child is hurled overboard into the waiting arms of a crew member on a lifeboat. A woman is saved from plunging into the sea when a sailor grabs her ankle.Third class passengers watch mournfully as partially filled lifeboats pull away without them. The book is well done and the topic hard to resist.Recommended for grades 4-6,older for readers who need easier materials.