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Archive for March, 2009

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Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Posted by caribookscoops on March 19, 2009

wintergirlsbylauriehalseandersonI was surprised at how fast I read Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson. I had heard a lot about the book and I really wanted to read this book. I was waiting to get my hands on a copy of the book when an angel, by the name of Natasha Maw loaned me her arc, which was on Wednesday afternoon, by 11:00 pm that night I had finished Wintergirls. I didn’t intend to finish it so fast. This is a tough, hard, heart-wrenching read and I wanted to know what happened, which says a lot because really I usually can’t handle such tough books in one sitting. I have to take breaks, but Laurie kept me turning page after page, wondering if Lia will make it?

Lia seems to have a perfect life, her mother is a medical docter her father a history professor and famous author. They are divorced, but with parents like that you should have it made. However, Lia suffers from anorexia while her best friend Cassie suffers from bulimia. Cassie calls Lia 33 times one night after ignoring her for months. Lia refuses to answer her phone and wakes-up the next day to find out that Cassie was found dead… in a motel room… alone. Wrecked with grief, Lia tries to deal with the guilt, but begins to spiral back into old habits - the starving, the cutting, the irrational thinking in an attempt to control her life. Lia feels a certain sense of powerlessness and self-loathing. She even admits, that if and when she achieves her goal she will never be happy – it’s more about the control then the weight. Laurie Halse Anderson does a wonderful job of describing what a person who has a this disease thinks like – the negative self-talk and the self-hating. They really think they are fat, even when the weigh less than a hundred pounds.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association as many as 10 million women or girls suffer from either anerexia or bulimia and in addition an estimated 1 million men and boys suffer as well.  Millions also suffer from  Binge Eating Disorder (BED). I appreciate Laurie’s skill in bringing this topic to the fore front. I personally can think of probably a dozen girls or women I have crossed paths with or know who suffer from an eating disorder. From girls in high school, to a college roommate, to co-workers, to students and family members. It is a real struggle for many people. It breaks your heart to see people do this and yet I think one of the most difficult things, which Laurie again does such a good job explaining, is how powerless parents and family members can be to help in those who suffer from an eating disorder. In Wintergirls, no one can make Lia decide to eat, not even her mother the docter. Lia’s parents can beg her to eat and they can offer her the best treatment available,  but they can’t force Lia to want to get better.

I’m not an expert on eating disorders nor am I a therapist, but I do have a caution about this book. It is excellent, highly recommended and skillfully crafted so what would be the caution? Well it’s this,  I’m not even sure how to word this, but Wintergirls may be triggering to some who suffer from this disease so I would be cautious about recommending the book to certain people. If I had a teen daughter, I might consider reading this with her and discussing it.

Laurie Halse Anderson’s blog and website. Also for those of you in the Salt Lake City area Laurie Halse Anderson will be at the King’s English on March 26, 2009.

Here is a video from Laurie sharing why she wrote the book.

Now I am going to consider this book for part of my women’s history reading this month and some may ask why? Well the people who suffer from eating disorders are most often girls and women. This is not meant to minimize the problem in boys and men because they are also victims of the disease, but I think this book will be long remembered for bringing this topic to new level of awareness. Wintergirls is history in the making.

For more more information about what you can do to help someone with an eating disorder or to find help if you are suffering from an eating disorder visit the National Eating Disorder Association website.

Posted in Books for Girls, Young Adult Fiction | Tagged: | 6 Comments »

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

Posted by hollybookscoops on March 17, 2009

gregor-the-overlander1I enjoyed this modern-day version of Alice in Wonderland. Swap Alice for Gregor and substitute creepy rats, spiders and bats for the mad hatter, cheshire cat and queen of hearts. Gregor gets to the Underland by falling through a laundry grate with his sister Boots, only to find that he has long been expected. He arrives on the cusp of a war, and when he’s asked to step up to a role foretold by ancient prophecy, Gregor takes his little sister, Boots, and flees- but his destiny turns out to be rather inescapable.

Completely different than I expected, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! (okay, by now I’ve read it, but I can’t wait to post about it). I was rather grossed out by some of the creatures and the ways they live, fight and behave, which made the tale even more intriguing. I think that any adventure loving boy or girl will find that this is a series they can love and look forward, with anticipation, to the sequels.

Here’s what other people are saying: The Mysterious Stranger at Boys Rule Boys Read (a blog about books that boys like to read and recommend) said “Out of all the Book Series I have read, the “Gregor the Overlander Series” by Susan Collins is one of my all time favorites.” I would have to agree. I passed this recommendation on to a Mom with 4 boys. Her oldest devoured the series within 2 weeks (if I remember right) and then went back and re-read the last one to make sure he didn’t miss anything. I think my oldest will be ready for this series in a year or two, and I’m sure they will be a hit with him as well.

Just in case you think these books are just for boys, beware: there is a great female character named Luxa, not to mention Boots, who both play great roles in the books and girls are loving them just as much as boys. Book Dweeb’s review says, “Collins creates a fast-paced, detailed fantasy world sure to keep young readers coming back for more.” And by the comments she’s gotten on her review, she’s not kidding.

Check out Suzanne Collins website for more information and to read about Hunger Games, her most recent book.

Posted in Books for Boys, Books for Girls, Fantasy, Uncategorized, Young Adult, Young Adult Fiction | 11 Comments »

Ides of March Madness: because kids need books

Posted by caribookscoops on March 14, 2009

idesofmarchmadness2009becausekidsneedbooksThe King’s English – Salt Lake City’s own local books store and one of my favorite places on earth is doing a fundraiser called Ides of March Madness: because kids need books to raise money for books. The idea is to get books into the hands of children who would otherwise not be able to get books. Now I planned to put the button in the sidebar, but alas, it’s not working so here is the next best thing a post. Please go check it out!

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Cybils and the Graphic Novel Winner and Finalists

Posted by caribookscoops on March 14, 2009

rapunzels-revengebyshannonhaleExactly one month ago the Cybils awards were announced for 2008. My sister and I were thrilled to learn that Rapunzel’s Revenge won the prize for the graphic novel/elementary – middle grade category, but I had also read every graphic novel in the category as part of the Children’s Literature Book Club. I liked several of them and thought I would do a quick review of each one, except for Our review of Rapunzel’s Revenge since that was our first Double Scoop, where my sister and I review books together.

I also suggest that if your looking for some good books to buy and/or give as gifts these would make some theresawolfatthedoorbyzoealleygreat gifts.

There’s a Wolf at the Door: Five Classic Tales by Zoë B. Alley, Illustrated by R.W. Alley

This graphic novel almost was my top pick. Yes even over Rapunzel’s Revenge. Written and illustrated by the wife/husband team of Zoë B. Alley, Illustrated by R.W. Alley. There’s a Wolf at the Door is is  five fairy tales that feature ‘The Wolf’ as he attempts to get his meal including The Three Little Pigs, The Boy who Cried Wolf, Little Red Riding Hood, the Wolf in Sheep’s clothing and The Wolf and the Seven Little Goslings. Cleverly written and witty it’s a great read, my daughter and I love this book. It is great with young readers, but I think even older elementary kids would like this book, especially if they like fairy tales.R.W. Alley’s illustrations are fantastic and they complement the text well making you laugh as the poor wolf fails again and again.

intothevolcanobydonwoodInto the Volcano written and illustrated by Don Wood

Two brothers, Duffy and Sumo are sent on a ‘trip’ by their father and pulled out of school to visit relatives on a Hawaiin Island. Of course when they arrive there are some strange things going on and really what is is a trip to locate their mother who is supposedly doing research in Borneo. However, she is underground in a volcano hidden away. Follow these two brothers on an adventure you will not forget.

Now for me this book was okay, I had a hard time keeping the two brothers straight as it is not clear who is who for a while and it took me several trips back to the beginning of the book to figure out who was who. I didn’t like that. I thought that could have been clearer. The storyline did not appeal to me either, but I think though that Don Wood’s illustrations and story plot would appeal to lots of elementary aged kids, especially boys. On the other hand my pre-schooler wasn’t much interested in the book. We didn’t finish it together, so maybe first grade would be better.

jellabybykeansooJellaby written and illustrated by Kean Soo

My daughter desperately wanted to read Jellaby since it had a purple dinosaur on the cover. She didn’t make it through this one either, but she did like Kean Soo’s illustrations a lot. Set in Canada, Jellaby is a mysterious creature aka the purple dinosaur that appears in the woods near Portia Bennett’s home. Portia’s mom has secrets and her dad is missing. She decides to help Jellaby return home and along the way she makes  new friend of the human variety and scary stranger. That’s where the story ends. You have to read the next book to find out what happens to Portia and Jellaby. I liked the book, the illustrations are done in a purple hue, most of the time except for Portia’s friend Jason who wears an orange shirt with a carrot on it. Apparently Jason likes carrots a lot and so does Kean Soo so they are in the book along with tuna sandwiches. It’s a fun read.

thesavagebydavidalmond1The Savage written by David Almond, Illustrated by Dave McKean

I really liked The Savage. It’s not a light-hearted read because the main character, Blue is learning to cope with grief of losing his father, which as the title suggests brings out the savage in him. Instead of writing down Blue’s feelings as the school counselor, he begins to write a story about a Savage who lives in the woods, who watches Blue and occasionally eats people. Through watching Blue and his younger sister the savage learns to be more human and Blue learns to deal with his grief. Now as far as the  illustrations this book is more like a combination of chapter book and graphic novel – not that I’m an expert on graphic novels, but it did seem like a combination of genres. I would recommend this book for older elementary age children or at least read the book with them because of the topic.

chiggersbyhopelarsonChiggers by written and illustrated by Hope Larson

Abby returns to summer camp only to find her camp best friend is too busy to really spend time with her. Then there is the new girl, Shasta, who is strange. She can’t participate in lots of the activities because well she got hit by lightning. Abby also has her first crush on on the guy counselors and it appears he might just like her back.

I had a hard time with the illustrations just because they were in black and white, which made it harder for me to initially tell who was who. Same thing with black and white movies or shows, sometimes it can be harder to tell who is who when everyone has either white or black hair. I also though this fit better for girls above age10, just because it also deals with periods, crushes, first kisses, and references to dungeons and dragons, etc so probably not for kindergarteners as it would go over their head.

Posted in Award Winning Books, Graphic Novels | Leave a Comment »

When Marion Sang by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Illustrated by Brian Selznick

Posted by caribookscoops on March 13, 2009

whenmariansangbypammunozryan

In most of my picture book reviews I start with a review of the text, but this one I am going to start with the artwork. Brian Selznick does an oustanding job of creating a text that makes you fell as you are part of the audience listening to Marian Anderson sing. First off the cover page looks like a the front program of a recital program and I really like Selznick’s pictures in liquitex acrylics. Secondly, the brown and tan hues he uses really work well with text.

Now Pam Muñoz Ryan’s words are beautifully crafted and interwined with song words that Marian actually sang. They make you want to sing after reading about Marian Anderson. Here is a quote from the front cover, just to give you a feel for what I mean.

It was her range of notes that caused all the commotion. With one breath she sounded like, rain, sprinkling high notes in the morning sun. And with the next she was thunder, resounding deep in a dark sky.

See doesn’t that make you want to sing or at least hear Marian Anderson’s voice.

Who was Marian Anderson? Well she was an African American opera singer. Born in 1887, she was denied entrance into a singing school during high school because of her ethinicity.   Later she trained with Giuseppe Boghetti and toured Europe. She could sing in eight languages, but it was years into her singing career before she was able to perform at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera House because Jim Crow Laws. In addition she was forbidden to sing at  Constitution Hall by the DAR (Daughter’s of the American Revolution). First Lady,  Eleanore Roosevelt resigned her membership and invited her to sing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939. Marian sang beautifully even though she was frightened and feared that protesters might bring violence. She sang in front of 75,000 people.

Pam Muñoz Ryan’s website and Brian Selznick’s website

When Marian Sang is one of the books I am reviewing for Women’s History Month for March. Stay tuned for more books for Women’s History Month.

Posted in Picture Books | Tagged: , | 5 Comments »

Specials by Scott Westerfeld, book three in the Uglies Series

Posted by hollybookscoops on March 11, 2009

****Beware – Spoilers below****

At the end of book two, Tally is betrayed by her best friend Shay and turned into a Cutter, a young Special. Under the leadership of Shay, Tally learns to use her weapon-grade body to tame and shape the world around her. Eventually, though, Tally once again re-wires her mind to think outside the brain lesions. I appreciated the care that Tally took of her former friends, despite the fact that being a Special made them repulsive to her, and did I mention the mandate to destroy the New Smoke? Oh the arrogance of superiority and pride! I found myself liking Tally less and less and then more and more. I was shocked by the lengths Special Circumstances would go to to preserve what they felt was a justified ‘utopia’. As well as the things Shay would do to trick once she felt that she was better than everyone.


Tally’s decision in the end I felt was a little abrupt, although it made perfect sense. I just really would have liked to hear a little more of Tally and David’s conversation- but that’s probably the romantic in me. What would it have been like to be a fly on the wall in the Rusty Ruins as they made their plans, and Tally explained to David what solitary confinement had clarified for her? Um, yeah. “Light, Light, I see light, bzzzzt!” That’s all I’d care about if I were a fly on the wall. I guess I’ll just have to make up the conversation myself. I was rooting for David the whole time anyway. Who did you like better, David or Zane? I liked them both, I just felt like Tally filled the emptiness of David being gone subconsciously with Zane. I was surprised that she stuck it out with Zane so long- not because of his injuries, but just because in my world I wanted her to remember her love for David and not let anything stand in the way. I guess that just goes to show I’m not the author.


I was a little disapointed to find out that this is the last of the series, but apparently there is a 4th, Extra’s, although it’s not exactly the same characters- more on that in the review coming soon. I appreciate Scott Westerfeld’s ability to create a whole new world and make it so believable. It sure would be a kick to visit Tally’s future! Thanks for a great read!

Posted in Books for Boys, Books for Girls, Uncategorized, Young Adult, Young Adult Fiction | 10 Comments »

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, Illustrated by Michael Martchenko

Posted by caribookscoops on March 5, 2009

thepaperbagsprincessbyrobertmunschMy daughter and I love The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. I think though that we love it for different reasons. She likes it because Princess Elizabeth calls Prince Ronald a bum. I like it because it’s not your typical fairy tale. You know the one where the prince rescues the maiden and they live happily ever after, which we all know doesn’t really happen. Elizabeth in the The Paper Bag Princess is one awesome, self-assured, smart girl and I like that kind of role model for my daughter.

Elizabeth is a beautiful princess with all clothes, jewels and life-style of a princess. She is engaged to a real prince named Ronald. Her perfect life is ruined when the dragon comes and destroys the castle and burns pretty much every thing including her dress and takes Ronald with him. A paper bag survives the dragon attack (yeah I know dragons breathe fire and a paper bag survives?!?). Princess Elizabeth puts on the paper bag as a dress and then goes on to rescue Prince Ronald from the Dragon.

She uses her wits to outsmart the dragon. When she finally gets to Prince Ronald he tells her she isn’t dressed like a real princess, not to mention she stinks. Apparently he is a little disgusted with her and then to add insult to injury he tells her to go away and come back when she looks and smells better.

She tells him he is a bum, (my daughter thinks it’s hilarious) and goes off to make her way in the world leaving Prince Ronald with the Dragon. I love how Elizabeth doesn’t change herself to fit Ronald’s demands and realizes she can live without him. I gave this to my daughter for Valentine’s Day. I did have to laugh though when I realized the irony of giving my daughter a love story for Valentine’s Day where the princess decides not to marry the prince, although I am sure Princess Elizabeth’s happily ever after is much better without Prince Ronald.

I also checked out Robert Munsch’s website and he is hilarious. Rarely have I read an author’s website that left me rolling on the floor, actually it never has happened, but with Robert Munsch, I kept laughing and laughing.

I’m a huge fan of traditional fairy tales, but I do have some concerns especially about the damsel in distress, rescued by a prince, who then despite hardly knowing each other then marry happily every after!?! Most love stories like that don’t last. I have issues with the whole love at first sight. So here’s my question how do we balance reading fairy tales with teaching our children about healthy love and relationships?

This book is part of my reading for Women’s History Month.

Posted in Books for Girls, Picture Books | Tagged: , | 11 Comments »

Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story by Janet Halfmann, Illustrated by Duane Smith

Posted by caribookscoops on March 4, 2009

sevenmilestofreedomI first fell in love with the story of Robert Smalls while watching a PBS documentary called Slavery and the Making of America. I loved his story and was thrilled to learn that Janet Halfmann had turned his story into a picture book. I enjoy collecting picture books that teach history so this was one of the top one’s I wanted read especially since I taught U.S. History.

From the inside cover

Robert stood proudly at the Planter’s wheel. Only seven miles of water lay between the ship and the chance of freedom in the Union territory. With precision and amazing courage, he navigated past the Confederate forts in the harbor and steered the ship toward safety of the Union fleet.

The meticulously researched book does an excellent job chronicling Smalls life from birth to his training as a wheelman and eventual escape with fellow crewmen and their loved ones aboard the Planter. Seven Miles to Freedom is a fascinating story of adventure and bravery that will keep you turning page after page. Duane Smith’s illustrations are well done, though not in a style that I am fond of, but they do compliment the text well.

I really enjoyed the afterword and learning about his role as a congressman. Robert Smalls helped write the constitution for South Carolina after the Civil War, which unfortunately was later replaced by a less democratic one as reconstruction ended. He continued to push for education and spoke out against unjust laws on behalf of African Americans and women.

I highly recommend this book for history buffs and anyone interested in a true story of bravery and courage. In 2004 the US army commissioned a ship, Major General Robert Smalls. The ceremony was attended by some of his descendants.

Duane Smith’s website.

Robert Smalls is an excellent example of bravey as he risked his life to obtain the freedom he so badly wanted and deserved. What are some of your favorite historical characters who demonstrated bravery for you?

Posted in Books for teaching history, Non-Fiction, Picture Books | Tagged: | 6 Comments »

Book Scoops February Overview

Posted by bookscoops on March 4, 2009

nightjohnDouble Scoop – Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen. We picked this one in honor of Black History Month and we really liked the book, but it is not an easy read as it shows the brutal nature of slavery. We also had a good discussion about race and some of the modern issues of racism.

Holly’s pick of the month – The Snowy Day by Jack Ezra Keats. The illustrations in this book reminded me so much of the magic of snow in childhood. You could almost hear the quiet crunch of snow.

Cari’s pick of the month – From Slave Ship to Freedom Road by Julius Lester, Illustrated by Rod Brown. A very powerful book about African slavery in the United  States. I love the pictures and the words!

Books reviewed by Holly

Books reviewed by Cari

Black History Month

Books reviewed for Black History Month

We read some books this month for the theme of Black History month. One thing that came out of our many discussions surrounding Nightjohn is that it would be nice to recognize the contributions of African Americans to the United States throughout the year. As such we hope to read some books each month that fits into that category. There are many inventors, writers, artists and scientists who have made their mark in history and we would like to honor them and current writers/illustrators.

thebrownbookshelfAlso we wanted to mention a blog called the The Brownbookshelf, which focuses on black illustrators and writers that write for our favorite audience – children. As a kidlit blog it’s a great resource for books written by and about African Americans. They also did a feature for February called 28 Days Later. Throughout the month of February they featured an author/illustrator with an interview. Including one by Julius Lester, the writing genius behind From Slave Ship to Freedom Road.

Blog Spotlights

Chronicle of an Infant Bibliophile – this is a new blog which focuses on board books, with a mom who reads to her little bookworm (I believe he is 15 months). It’s really a great resource for parents with young readers and has some wonderful book ideas.

Tara Lazar at Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) - A writer of children’s books. She has lots of great tips gleaned from writing events she attends and in February she had some fabulous author interviews including one with Aaron  Zenz, the mind and dad behind Bookie Woogie.

Tricia at Miss Rumphius Effect – This blog is written be a teacher educator and book lover. Cari has tried many of her recommendations over at her blog and not been disappointed, which has lots of  nonfiction and poetry. It is because of her that Cari found Nic Bishop Spiders, which is our Double Scoop for March.

Britt at Confessions of a Book Habitue - Last, but not least. Britt does quick witty reviews of books she reads and she reads a lot. Not to mention she was very generous in letting Cari join her book club.

Cari’s Diversity Rocks Challengediversity_rocks Update

So I’m still trying to figure out the whole challenge thing and signed-up for one, Diversity Rocks!, because that’s all I can handle. Remember we are using KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) as part of our theme on balance for the year. Ali, the person who started the challenge said  “The point of this challenge is to ensure racial and ethnic diversity in the authors that we read”. For February I read From Slave Ship to Freedom Road by Julius Lester, Illustrated by Rod Brown.

Book Blogging News

Cybils awards – These came out on Valentine’s Day and there are some excellent titles to choose from. The Cybils award goes to books who have lots of kid appeal and high literary merit. A few of the winners include, The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale, Illustrated by Nathan Hale and Nic Bishop Frogs. The winners and many of the finalists would make great gifts for birthdays, holidays or just because.

kidlitosphere-central1Kidlitosphere Central The Society of Bloggers in Children’s and Adolescent Literature- From the site: “KidLitosphere Central strives to provide a passage to the wonderful variety of resources available from the society of bloggers in children’s and young adult literature.” The site contains a list of all members of the society of kidlit bloggers who share a passion for reading and books. It has some great resources and information about the upcoming Kidlitosphere Conference this fall.

shareastory1Share a Story – Shape a Future This is a blog tour for literacy that lasts one week starting March 9th. Each day there are several blogs who will post under that theme. From tips for raising readers to reading outloud to reading and technology with several blogs including Book Dads, The Reading Zone, The Book Whisperer, Miss Rumphius Effect and more.

Book Scoops News and Upcoming Events

Holly is in the process of moving and transitioning from Washington to Idaho. Until the transition is complete, her posts will probably not be so numerous. It all goes back to our balance theme of the year, right? The ball will still be in the air- just not sailing quite so high.

March is Women’s History Month and as such we will be reviewing some books to fit in that theme.

Our first author interview will be with Janet Halfmann, the author of Little Skink’s Tail, Seven Miles to Freedom (Review forthcoming), Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea, and many non-fiction books. Cari’s daughter fell in love with Little Skink’s Tail and she read it to her at least a half a dozen times in two days. We are thrilled to feature Janet Halfmann at Book Scoops.

Posted in Monthly Overview, News | 5 Comments »

This is my Town by Mercer Mayer

Posted by hollybookscoops on March 3, 2009

I love ‘I can Read’ books. They are just the right level to really share a reading experience with beginning readers. There are plenty of beginning words like the, this that, him, I, go, they, etc. that boost new reader’s confidence. I also love Critterville and all the classic illustrations that invite interaction with little ones peeking over your shoulder. “Oh, I see hippo! Dat a monkey!” Little Critters are just full of warm fuzzies.

I remember my second grade teacher used to talk to us about giving each other warm fuzzies. These books always remind me of that and of a fuzzy little hamster that used to reside in the Boise, Idaho library. Books are a big warm fuzzy for me and sharing them with kids I love magnifies that warm fuzzy feeling. What book brings warm fuzzies in your home?

Posted in Children's Literature, Picture Books, Pre-School, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

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