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.

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.

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.

The Juvie Three by Gordon Korman

Gecko drove the getaway car.
Terance ran with the worst gang in Chicago.
Arjay killed someone.
All three of these boys are serving time in different detention centers until they get a second chance. Douglas Healy, a former juvenile delinquent himself, gets a federal grant to run an experimental halfway house in New York City where he hopes to make a difference in these three lives. Things are going well until one night Healy is accidentally knocked unconscious while breaking up a scuffle between the boys. Terrified of the consequences, the three boys drop him off at the hospital and run away. Healy awakens and has no memory of them or the halfway house project. Afraid of being sent back to their original detention centers, the three boys scheme to continue on as if Healy were still there. They will go to school, do their community service, attend group therapy seessions, and act like model citizens until Healy's memory returns and he can resume his role as group leader. The book is funny and the teens seems real to life. It was an enjoyable book to read and one that boys should enjoy reading.

Madame President by Lane Smith

A romping imagination-filled examination of the duties of the President of the United States viewed through the eyes of a child. This book would be an excellent beginning point to a study of the presidency. It brings up a number of points on the list of presidental duties from photo-ops, to baby kissing, to the president's cabinet including secretary of agriculture (Mr. Potato Head) as well as some like Secretary of Soccer. Hail to the Chief has been included--but check out the modifications. Our president even has to contend with a disaster area (her own room). A great tongue-in-cheek introduction to a serious topic.

Helpful from a teacher perspective to view it this way--certainly explains some of the answers we get on test questions!

Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

Sam is eleven years old, has leukemia and is dying. He decides to write a book about his experience. At once extremely funny and tear-jerkingly sad, this book is a fantastic read for middle school students. Sam's older friend Felix is also dying and they are home-schooled together by Mrs. Willis who loves science and keeps the boys engaged in unique and inventive ways with learning and expanding their minds, even in this rather hopeless situation. The boys develop lists of things they want to do and Sam puts them in his book, along with his description of what happens as they pursue some of the things on the lists. NOT just a wimpy story about a Make-a-Wish kid, this robust and real tale will make you cry and laugh out loud.

Johnny Appleseed: The Legend and the Truth by Jane Yolen

Illustrated by Jim Burke. Yolen presents an interesting mix of fact and fiction in this picture book biography. Parchment style inserts include a 4-5 line verse followed by The History of Chapman's life from birth to death. At the bottom of the pages are interesting facts such as what he wrote in an IOU note to his father / brother. The illustrations are realistic and the natural colors blend well with the text. One standout illustration shows large hands with tiny apple seeds in the palms. This would be an interesting read-aloud and it could be used across the curriculum with Grades 1-4.

Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane by Carole Boston Weatherford

Illustrated by Sean Qualls. This is a lyrical story of John Coltrane's childhood (born in Hamlet, NC and grew up in High Point). Weatherford lists the sounds that influenced the jazz musician's childhood; "Daddy strumming the ukulele, and Mama cranking the phonograph." Quall's illustrations are a wonderful accompaniment. There is a lengthy Author's Note at the end along with a Selected Listening List and a bibliography for further reading. Could be used with upper elementary students in a jazz unit with Ella Fitzgerald (Pinkney), Duke Ellington (Pinkney), Jazz Baby (Weatherford), John Coltrane's Giant Steps (Raschka), and Jazz on a Saturday Night (Dillon).

A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant

Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Engaging colorful mixed media illustrations tell the story of a family doctor who practiced medicine in his hometown, Rutherford, NJ for over forty years. Carlos knew by age 10 that he loved to write poetry, but when he became a young adult he felt that he needed to make a good living. He liked the idea of helping people and supporting his family so he decided to become a doctor. He wondered if he could continue to write as a doctor. Throughout medical school and once he became a doctor he set aside time to continue his writing. He published numerous books of poetry. So talented was he that the Pulitzer Prize was awarded to him posthumously for his last poetry collection, Pictures from Brueghel. At the back of the book is an interesting timeline of Williams’ life presented alongside concurrent world events. Also included are an author’s note, an illustrator’s note and a “further reading” list.

Seven Miles to Freedom by Janet Halfmann

Illustrated by Duane Smith. Grades 3-5.

This picture book biography of Robert Smalls, a slave from South Carolina who later became a U. S. Congressman, focuses on his life as a young slave working as a ship's wheelman. Using his knowledge of navigation and the trust of the ship's officers, Smalls executed a plot to commandeer a Confederate ship secretly loaded with the black crew's families and cannons to the North. This factual account reads like a suspense story as Smalls risks the lives of all on board to gain their freedom. The impressionistic art enhances the story and will keep young readers involved. An afterword gives details of Smalls' life through his distinguished career in Congress. A bibliography is also included.

A Horse of Her Own by Annie Wedekind

For every girl that loved horses, this book is a winner. Jane loves to ride and loves Beau, a borrowed horse owned by the farm she rides with, even more. While preparing for a summertime advanced competition to show she has just as many skills as the wealthier girls that own their own horses, Jane loses Beau to a girl that buys him. Despite her sadness, she maintains her good nature and is offered a wild-card chance at the competition with a newer, less manageable horse. Throughout her summer's journey, Jane both observes and suffers the typical trials and tribulations associated with adolescent girls across varying socio-economic strata. As the title suggests, Jane's strongest desire is to have her own horse, a seemingly impossible dream to Jane, but not completely out of reach, as she learns.

Blacker the Berry by Joyce Carol Thomas

This book of poetry is beautifully illustrated by Floyd Cooper. Told through the voices of African-American children, these twelve poems depict the skin colors of each individual (e.g. cranberry red for a child with Irish ancestors). It is easy to see why this is a CSK Author Honor book and a CSK Illustrator Award winner. Cooper's illustrations realistically portray the varied skin tones ending with a two-page spread of laughing, smiling children.

The final lines in the poem, Cranberry Red reinforce the theme of identity:

When we measure who we are
We don't leave anybody out
We count who we are
And add all who came before us

The way we figure it
We're just great

This title could be used to teach poetry, Black History month, identity, and acceptance.

Elephants of Africa by Gail Gibbons

This is another appealing kid-friendly nonfiction title by Gail Gibbons. A great combination of colorful illustrations and informative text. Children will enjoy facts such as "Elephants usually sleep standing up for about three to four hours a day." Includes a nice map of areas in Africa where elephants live. Gibbons provides environmental information at the end of the book.

Nation by Terry Pratchett

After a great wave hits, Mau is the only survivor of his island village. He is joined by other survivors, some islanders like him, and one very different girl from the west. His people, the Nation, had a very rich culture and oral tradition of history. As they do the work of surviving each day, Mau battles with the voices of his people's past and the new experiences brought on by exposure to other cultures. Along the way, Mau grows from a regular boy to a great man.

This book will appeal to readers that enjoy survival stories, folklore, history, and even science. The interweaving of folklore throughout the story adds an element of mysticism that makes the reader wonder if there is some fantasy happening, too.

I'd recommend this book to middle schoolers.