Geo Librarian

THIS IS THE GREATEST PLACE! The Forbidden City and the World of Small Animals written by Brian Tse, translation by Ben Wang illustrations by Alice Mak China Institute in America, 2014 ISBN: 9780989377621 Picture Book Source: publisher for review (Thanks!) All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Rabbit is eating breakfast with his friends Baby Squirrel, Young Porcupine, and Little Brother Panda when an unexpected visitor arrives. He is a master builder, searching for inspiration to design a great palace for the Emperor of China. Together, Uncle Builder and the little animals explore how nature supplies us with the wonders that enrich our lives. Created by internationally renowned children's book artists Brian Tse and Alice Mak, this book teaches children about Chinese architecture, how nature's influence can be seen around us, and how people and animals can live together in harmony. The illustrations capture both the majesty of the natur...

Safari Journal: The Adventures in Africa of Carey Monroe by Hudson Talbott Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2003 ISBN: 978-0-544-11346-6 Middle Grade Contemporary Grades 3-6 ABOUT THE BOOK Twelve-year-old Carey Monroe has no idea what he's in for when his wacky aunt Elaine drags him along on an African safari. Soon after arriving in Kenya, Carey meets a Maasai man and his son, who open Carey's eyes to the ways of their people and the beauty of the African landscape and wildlife. Their adventures turn suspenseful when they encounter an international poaching ring that trades illegally in rhino horns and elephant tusks. Explore the world of the Maasai people at Carey's side by reading his journal, filled with his vivid accounts, photographs, and illustrations. Hudson Talbott has created an exciting, informative safari story that will fascinate readers of all ages. An author's note provides cultural context for Carey's adventures. REVIEW I really enjoyed...

HUBER HILL AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF CORONADO by B.K. Bostick Sweetwater Books, 2012 ISBN: 9781599559810 Grades 3-6 Reviewed from copy provided by publisher through NetGalley. The Dead Man's Treasure has been stolen! Now it's up to Huber and his gang to find it. But solving a mystery this big will mean traveling across the world and learning to trust some new friends, including a mysterious stranger. With humor, action, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this is one book you won't want to put down. About the Author B. K. Bostick resides among the magnificent Rocky Mountains. In addition to writing, he has spent his career in education. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Utah and his master's in psychology from Utah State University. He has worked as a teacher, after school program coordinator, junior high school counselor, and most recently as a teacher mentor for a university. He loves spending time with his lovely w...

ATHENA'S SON by Jeryl Schoenbeck Papyrun Publishing, 2011 ISBN: 9780615563121 Grades 4-8 Reviewed from copy provided by author for an honest review. All opinions are solely my own.   In 276 BC, Egyptians are terrified when a series of murders are linked to Anubis, god of the dead. The evidence is inexplicable. The victims' bodies have no wounds and the killer's tracks are enormous animal prints. Egyptians believe the jackal-headed god doesn't want the new lighthouse build. The pharaoh needs someone special to solve the crimes, someone with the skills and intellect to track down a vengeful god. Twelve-year-old Archimedes is that person. He is blessed by Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, with extensive knowledge of science, mechanics, and medicine. He has to tread carefully when he applies the cold logic of Greek science in a sultry, mystical world of Egyptian culture. But when an ancient scroll puts him on the path of the killer, it also brings anoth...

ONCE THERE WERE LIONS (e-book) by Roger Hurn Endeavour Press Ltd.; 1 edition (May 28, 2012) Reviewed from copy received free through Amazon. It is 1939 and a gang of children who call themselves “The Lions” play happily in the back streets of London. They are totally unaware that their little world is about to be shattered beyond repair. War is declared and they, like thousands of others, are torn from their families and sent off to live with strangers in the countryside. This is their story. Review : A short story full of heart as well as change. War leaves no one unchanged even children. Perhaps especially children. Billy, Thomas, Rosie, Simon, and Eddie are a group of friends that call themselves the Lions. They even have a secret hideout. But when London is hit by the Blitz, the children are sent away for their own protection. When they meet up again to share their stories it quickly becomes clear that things have changed. I found the story fascinating as well as...

VIKRAM AND THE ENCHANTED SEALS by Sanjiv Behera Richshaw Books, 2010 ISBN: 9780983104216 Grades 4 and up Copy sent by author for review. All opinions expressed are solely my own. Vikram, an apathetic kid from California, doesn’t want to be in India. But a death in the family leaves him no other choice. So he finds himself in a rural village, at his ancestral home where he meets his imposing grandfather. A special bond forms between them, and the old man gives Vikram an enchanted seal – a mystical relic from India's earliest civilization. It turns out that the seal is one of only a handful that combine to form the Dharma Cube, the most powerful weapon against evil the world has ever seen. Before Vikram can fully grasp the seal's profound significance, Grandpa is taken by Rakshasas – evil giants from the epic Ramayana – who are intent on destroying the Cube once and for all. Vikram enlists the help of younger brother Jai, and Manu, the family’s loyal servant,...

  Book Synopsis : Vesuvius is Awakening. Mira, a fifteen-year old slave who saw the coming death and destruction in a vision. Now it is time to fulfill the vow she made to the mother of the Roman child in her care. To do this, she must escape the watchful eye of the slave ordered to guard her, and the stubborn father who refuses to believe there is any danger. Before Mount Vesuvius erupts and buries the town, she has to convince her guard to go with her or suffer the fate of Herculaneum and all who have not yet fled to safety. Seeing his neighbours leave, her owner decides to join them, but first he will make sacrifices to the gods. To Mira’s dismay he takes them to the temple farthest from the best escape route. Mira thinks about killing the slave keeping watch on her, or even better the child’s father, then they can all run from the certain death she knows is on its way. But can she commit murder, even if to save the life of the child she loves? Review: I enjoyed th...

CHARLIE'S GIRL by Mary-Helen and Daniel Foxx Cedar Fort, 2012 ISBN: 978-0-59955-968-1 LDS Fiction Grades 7 and up Reviewed from personal copy. This is my first blog tour and I'm excited that I get to talk about such a great book! First, the synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Rosalind has always been a foster girl without a past, until she’s sent to live with a long-lost grandmother in a house full of memories—and secrets. Soon Rosalind discovers that there’s more to her family history than she ever dreamed. Set in 1960s South Carolina, this unforgettable story of family, friendship, and faith is perfect for readers of all ages. I really enjoyed reading this book.  I particularly enjoy reading books about small towns and family and friends and that is what this book is all about.  The two main characters are Rosalind, who for most of her first 14 years of life has been shuffled from foster home to foster home, and Grace, Rosalind's grandmother.  I found it in...

IF YOU LIVED HERE: Houses of the World written and illustrated by Giles Laroche Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011 ISBN: 978-0-547-23892-0 Grades 2 and up Reviewed from personal copy. Step into unique homes from around the world and discover the many fascinating ways in which people live and have lived. If you lived in the mountains of southern Spain, your bedroom might be carved out of a mountain. If you lived in a village in South Africa, the outside of your house might tell the story of your family. And if you lived in a floating green house in the Netherlands, you could rotate your house to watch both the sunrise and sunset. With intricate bas-relief collages, Giles Laroche uncovers the reason why each home was constructed the way in which it was, then lets us imagine what it would be like to live in homes so different from our own. Showing the tremendous variety of dwellings worldwide—log cabins, houses on stilts, cave dwellings, boathouses, and yurts—...

Goodness, it's been a whole week since I've added a new post.  Mostly this is because last week was crazy at school.  Testing is starting and everyone is stressed out.  Plus I had a workshop to attend dealing with the new Common Core.  It was quite interesting, but more about that later.  This week I'm hoping to finish up my Top books lists and post a giveaway, offering one of my readers any three books from any of my top lists.  We'll see if it actually happens. Today, I'm posting about a couple of books by one of my favorite nonfiction writers for children.  My school was lucky enough to have a Skype visit with Sandra Markle a couple of weeks ago.  She did some really awesome science experiments that the students really enjoyed.  Unfortunately, I had trouble with the technology. ARGGGGHHH! Sigh. Such is life.  Anyway, here are a couple of books that would be great to use as supplements to units on the history of exploration. Animal...

SAME, SAME, BUT DIFFERENT written and illustrated by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw Henry Holt and Company, 2011 ISBN: 978-0-8050-8946-2 32 p. Grades PreK-2 Reviewed from personal copy. BLURB : Elliot lives in America, and Kailash lives in India. They are pen pals. By exchanging letters and pictures, they learn that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school. Their worlds might look different, but they are actually similar. Same, same. But different! Through an inviting point-of-view and colorful, vivid illustrations, this story shows how two boys living oceans apart can be the best of friends. I enjoyed reading and sharing this book. Not only is the language simple and straightforward, but the illustrations compliment the writing perfectly. The illustrations are bright and colorful and highlight the similarities and differences between the two boys.  I've really come to love collage as an art form and this book demonstrates the characteristics that make co...

IT'S A SMALL WORLD words and music by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman illustrations by Joey Chou Disney Press, 2011 ISBN: 978-142314689-6 32 p. Grades PreK-1 Reviewed from personal copy. Originally created for the 1964 World's Fair, the song "it's a Small World" quickly worked its way into the hearts of millions.  Nearly half a century later, its simple and poignant message still rings true.   Joey Chou's bright, colorful illustrations accompany the words, taking us on an international tour from the mountains of China and Russia to the plains of Africa and the Americas and more.  Plus there's a CD that features a wonderful recording of the song.  Through its poetic text, charming illustrations, and bonus CD, this book reminds us that it really is a small world, after all.  This book is adorable with it's childlike simplicity.  I  loved the bright colors and energetic design.  I found lots of things in the book to talk about wh...

We've Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children's March written by Cynthia Levinson Peachtree, 2012 ISBN: 978-1-56145-627-7 176 p. Grades 3 and up Reviewed from purchased copy. BLURB : We ve Got a Job tells the little-known story of the 4,000 black elementary-, middle-, and high school students who voluntarily went to jail in Birmingham, Alalama, between May 2 and May 11, 1963. Fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi s and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. s precept to fill the jails, they succeeded where adults had failed in desegregating one of the most racially violent cities in America. Focusing on four of the original participants who have participated in extensive interviews, We ve Got a Job recounts the astonishing events before, during, and after the Children's March. Levinson has done an incredible job with this book.  Not only does she give an account of the events leading up to and including the Children's March but she merges comments from some of the participa...

SCARLET written by A.C. Gaughen Walker Children's, 2012 ISBN13: 9780802723468 292 p. Grades 9 and up Reviewed from personal copy. BLURB : Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance. Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in. It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for. One of the things I find interesting about the book world is the fact that there are books for every sort of...

Spot the Plot: A Riddle Book of Book Riddles written by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger Chronicle Books, 2009 ISBN: 978-0-8118-4668-4 36 p. Grades 1-5 Reviewed from personal copy. BLURB : Thirteen witty and wacky poems pose riddles that challenge readers to Name That Book. With a glass slipper here and a spider web there, Munsinger's adorable illustrations lead young readers to the solutions.    I love this book.  Not only does this book have clever riddles, but also cute illustrations.  I enjoy sharing these with my students and having them try to guess what book is being described.  For the older students I wait to show the pictures until they've had a few guesses because the illustrations really give some great clues.  Several of the books highlighted have been made into movies so the younger students have a good chance at guessing most of the titles.  Some of the books included are: The Wizard of Oz, Madeline, The Tale...