Elizabeth

Elizabeth's Book Selections

1. Book: The Berenstain Bears Blaze a Trail Authors: Stan and Jan Berenstain This is a funny book about how the Berenstain bear cubs work to earn their Bear Scout badges through a adventure in the woods. The cubs start off on their trek and are challenged to blaze a trail through the wilderness—however, Papa Bear also decides to join them for the journey! The group encounters swamps, rockslides, eagles, skunks on their exciting quest for their merit badges. As the cubs and Papa Bear blaze their own trail through the wild, they are able to earn their badges and enjoy they crazy adventures on the way.
 * __CHILDREN’S LITERATURE __**

2. Book: Hooray for Diffendoofer Day Author: Lane Smith Although this story was written by Lane smith, the story line was first started by Dr. Suess. This book is like any other Dr. Suess book—it is full of wacky words and adventures, and is definitely an interesting book for any student to read. The book describes what sorts of things happen at Diffendoofer School—there are goofy teachers that teach classes such as listening, smelling, and laughing, and Mrs. Bonkers herself is the best teacher of them all. When the students of Diffendoofer School learn that they may have to transfer to the boring Flobbertown School if they do not pass a test, they are worried. However, Mrs. Bonkers assures them that they know everything they need to know in order to save their school. I thought that this would be a good book to discuss and ease students test anxiety.

3. Book: Countdown to Kindergarten Author: Alison McGhee This book explains the fears of a 5-year-old little girl before she goes to kindergarten. The thing she is the most afraid of is not knowing how to tie her shoes and having everyone make fun of her. The little girl assumes that she will not be allowed to ask for help at kindergarten, she will not be able to bring her stuffed animals, and she will miss her cat. She begins a countdown of days before school starts, and one day before she sits in her bed and freaks out about all the horrible possibilities that there could be at school. The next day she goes to school and realizes that very few children know how to tie their shoes, the teachers are helpful, and there is even a Stuffed Animal Day! She realizes that school is not as scary as she thought, and it can actually be fun! This book would be good to ease new student’s fears before school starts. The big and bright pictures and words on the page made it a quick and fun read.

4. Book: Dear Garbage Man Author: Gene Zion Stan is the garbage man in a happy little town, and he takes his first day at the job seriously. The first item Stan sees is a horseshoe made of flowers, and instead of throwing it away he ties it to the front of the truck. As the truck continues around town Stan has a lot of trouble actually throwing anything away, and he ties many things to the top of the truck. Before too long, the truck is so full and Stan lets all the neighborhood take whatever they want off the truck. Stan is pleased with his plan, until he realizes the next day that all the same items are on the street again! Stan then discovers that his job can really help when he realizes that he can throw away these items, and they will be chopped up to fill swamps. Stan finally discovers how much he enjoys his job!

5. Book: The book Pink Paper Swans Author: Virginia Kroll A little girl named Janetta lives in an apartment building, and is trying to find something fun to do in the summer. To escape the heat, she goes down to the shade that is cast by the apartment building, and she watches all that goes on. She watches Mrs. Tsujimoto, who is hard at work all summer folding origami to sell in the town. Janetta is afraid to bother Mrs. Tsujimoto, but Janetta is continually amazed by her skill, and Mrs. Tsujimoto gives her a pink paper swan that Janetta carefully keeps throughout the whole school year. When Janetta is once again on summer break, she notices that Mrs. Tsujimoto doesn’t come down to the shadow anymore. Janetta finds Mrs. Tsujimoto to discover what happened, and finds out that arthritis keeps her from folding origami. Janetta then resolves that she will be the hands and Mrs. Tsujimoto will be that brain that will continue the origami. This was a sweet tale of how a friendship and partnership was formed between Janetta and the older lady. It also described various parts of Japanese culture that would be beneficial to learn about in the classroom.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">6. <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Book: My Teacher for President <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Kay Winters <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This is a cute picture book about how a little boy nominates his teacher to be the president of the United States. He notices on TV how elections are being held for a president, so he sends in a letter explaining the numerous reasons why his teacher should be chosen for the job. These reasons include the fact that his teacher goes to important meetings, signs lots of important papers, lives in a white house, is followed around by lots of people, and people pay attention to her. I found this book to be quite cute because of its layout—on one side of the page there is a picture of the boy’s teacher in the classroom, and on the opposite page there is a picture of what the teacher would be doing if she were the president. I would want to use this book in my own class to describe some of the things that a president does for his job—it would be quite helpful for students in younger grades!

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">7. <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Book: Harry and the Lady Next Door <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Gene Zion <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Harry is a little white dog with black spots who is beloved by his family. Harry also likes all of his neighbors—except for the lady next door because of the way that she sings. The lady sings very high and piercing notes, and most of the other neighbors and Harry do not appreciate that. One day, Harry has an idea that will help her sing better—he brings a group of cows to the house so she can listen to them mooing so low and beautiful. But Harry gets in trouble. The next day Harry brings a marching band by so she can hear how the band plays so low and lovely—but Harry gets in trouble again. Later, Harry’s family brings him to a singing contest in the park. The lady next door is singing, and Harry has an idea that ends up helping the lady win the contest. As an award, the lady gets to study music in a faraway country for a very long time. And Harry is very happy.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">8. Book: Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Berkeley Breathed <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This book is written in a Dr. Suess type of style. Edwurd is known for stretching the truth and telling whoppers of lies. His little sister notices this fact and is bothered, but the one thing she wishes is that Ed would actually like her and get along with her. One day, Ed fibs the biggest of all when after he breaks his mother’s ceramic pig. Because of Edward’s fib, a whole series of extreme events is set off, which in the end teaches Ed and his little sister a lesson about the importance of telling the truth and becoming friends.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">9. <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Book: Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Authors: Lillian and Russell Hoban <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This book tells the story of Emmet and his mother as they seek to find one another the perfect Christmas gift during a difficult winter. Both Emmet and his mother borrow items from one another without each other knowing in order to participate in a talent show with a fifty dollar cash prize. Emmet and his friends form a jug band, and Mrs. Otter sings for the show. However, both groups are blown out of water when the band “Nightmare” steals the show and wins the prize. Mrs. Otter and Emmet, as well as their friends end up singing outside a restaurant and in the end are offered a job as a group. This is a heartwarming Christmas story about working hard, and how it’s the thought that counts.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">10.Book: Sweet Dream Pie <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Authors: Audrey Wood and Mark Teague <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">The illustrations in this book are vivid and engaging, as well as a little comical. The story starts on Willobee Street, when Pa Brindle can’t sleep and so he asks Ma Brindle to make some Sweet Dream Pie. After a little convincing, Ma gets the ingredients out and spends the whole next day putting the pie together. As she makes the pie, the whole neighborhood is affected in a peculiar way. Finally, the pie is baked and it is so large that the entire neighborhood can have a piece. The only rule is that each person can only have one piece. However, the pie is so good that people can’t help but have seconds and thirds. The pie gives all of the people crazy dreams, so it’s up to Ma to solve the problem and help everyone have a sweet dream sleep.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">11.Book: Baba Yaga <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Authors: Ernest Small and Blair Lent <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This is a curious folktale about a girl named Marusia and the trouble that befalls her. Marusia was sent to get turnips for her mother, when she sees the terrible Baba Yaga. Baba Yaga is known for having a terrible temper and for eating bad Russian children. Marusia is taken to Baba Yaga’s house to be made into a stew, but Marusia tries to think up a plan by which she might escape. Baba Yaga is on the search for a strange black sunflower that will make her live 200 years, and when she finds a hedgehog (who is really a boy) Marusia and Baba Yaga are led on a search that will hopefully lead to the children’s escape. This unique story derived from Russian folklore would be an interesting addition to a classroom. This would provide a perfect opportunity to discuss folktales and stories from other cultures.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">12.Book: The Happy day <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Ruth Krauss <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">It is winter, and all the animals are asleep in the snow. The bears, field mice, snails, squirrels, and ground hogs all snooze while the snow is falling throughout the winter. Then, all of the animals start to sniff a certain scent. Then the animals run towards the new smell. Finally, all of the forest animals discover that there is a fresh little flower growing through the snow. Spring is on its way! This book is written in a cute poetic way, and would be a good little book to use while learning about the different seasons.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">13.Book: The Three Billy Goats Gruff <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Authors: P. C. Asbjornsen and J. E. Moe <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This is a little tale about three billy goat brothers who are on their way up the mountain to find fresh food and make themselves fat. However, there is a large wooden bridge that stands in their way, and under the bridge lives a nasty troll The little goat goes over the bridge, and when the trolls says that he will eat the goat, the goat tells him that there is another fatter brother coming. The middle size goat comes, and says the same thing to the troll about his older brother. When the biggest goat crosses the bridge, the troll comes up to eat him but gets destroyed by the big billy goat gruff. Then all three clever goat brothers head up the mountain to eat grass and get fat.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">14.Book: The Boy, the Baker, the Miller and More <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Harold Berson <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This is a funny folktale that has been adapted and illustrated by Harold Berson. It is about the work that a little boy does to get a slice of bread. This boy sees the baker’s wife and asks for a slice of bread. The wife says she will give him bread if he gets a key from the baker. The baker will give the boy a key if the boy brings an apple to make a tart. And so the story continues with each person requiring something from the little boy. Finally, the boy brings all of the items to each person who needs them, and returns to the baker’s wife for the piece of bread. And he promptly falls asleep.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">15.Book: Salt in His Shoes <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Authors: Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This is an interesting biographical picture book that was written by Michael Jordan’s mother and sister. Young Michael Jordan loved to play basketball, but the only problem was that he was shorter and not as good as the other boys that play. Michael was concerned, but determined to grow and improve. When Michael talked to his mother about the problem, she suggested that he pray about it and put salt in his shoes to help him grow. Michael followed his mother’s instructions and practiced basketball a lot—but it didn’t seem like he was growing. Michael talks to his father, who encourages him that hard work and determination is what you need to win games. Michael then rushes off to find his friends and is able to play in the game—and make the game-winning shot! Hard work, determination, and prayer are what has helped Michael Jordan become a basketball superstar. This book would be an encouraging biography for anyone who needs to learn the value of hard work and prayer.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">16.Book: My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Patricia Polacco <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Trisha has a big brother who is very competitive, and who often bothers and teases her. It seems like everything Richie does is better than Trisha—he can pick more blueberries, climb higher, throw farther, get the dirtiest, run the fastest, and even eat the most rhubarb! Trisha hopes to find something that she can do better than Richie, so at a carnival she tells Richie she can stay on a carousel longer than he can—and she does! But when Trisha gets off, she becomes too dizzy and faints. Richie comes to the rescue and takes her home and gets the doctor. After that, the siblings relationship is changed as they discover that what they share is more important than competition.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">17.Book: Brothers in Hope The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Mary Williams <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This story has been told to the author by the Lost Boys of Sudan. When Garang was young, he took care of his family’s cattle. One day, his life tragically changed when all of the people in his village were killed. He soon found out that the same thing had happened to thousands of other boys as well. All the boys decided to travel to Ethiopia, where they would be safer, and Garang was put in charge of a group of 35 boys. Travel was very difficult and dangerous. Many of the boys made it to Ethiopia, but after a while they had to go to Kenya to escape war again. In Kenya, Garang learned that education and faith in God is very important. After many years, the boys found out in 2000 that they were given an opportunity to go to America and start a new life. The journey of the Lost Boys has been a very difficult and sad one, and it is a journey that is still continuing as they adjust to America. This book is very well-written and illustrated, and it had me on the edge of tears the whole time I was reading it.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">18.Book: Blueberries for the Queen <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Authors: John and Katherine Paterson <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This book is based on a true story of a little boy who wanted to take fresh blueberries to a queen. Little William’s family all does work to help with the war effort during World War II. William is sad that it doesn’t seem like he can do anything that will help. One summer, William discovers that a real queen from the Netherlands has moved into a house near where they live, in order to get away from the war! William wants to see her, but thinks that she wouldn’t want to be bothered by a little boy. But when the blueberries are ripe in their garden, William decides to take a basket to the queen to help her forget the sadness of the war. The next day, the guards let William into the estate to deliver the blueberries himself, and he is so excited to be able to help someone during the war!

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">19.Book: The Day Gogo Went to Vote <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Elinor Batezat Sisulu <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Thembi is a six-year-old little girl who lives in South Africa. Her family is excited because all of the main political parties have agreed to set a date for people to vote for the new government. Thembi’s great-grandmother, Gogo, also wants to vote for Nelson Mandela. When the voting day comes, Thembi and Gogo get their picture taken for the newspaper, because Gogo is the oldest voter in their township. The day Gogo went to vote is a day that Thembi will always remember. This book would be a good informational resource when talking about different cultures and different types of government.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">20.Book: Anatole and the Piano <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Eve Titus <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Anatole is a little mouse who works at night in a cheese factory as a cheese taster. He remains unknown and unseen. Anatole also conducts the mouse symphony, but the one thing he wishes that he could do is play his own piano. There is only one piano that works for Anatole, previously owned by a French king, and now in a museum. When Monseiur Duval’s nephew comes to town to play a concerto for orphan children, Anatole is excited to attend. But just before the children come, the pianist’s wife breaks her necklace while dusting the piano, and the piano’s sound is ruined. The only one who can get the pearls out is Anatole, which he quickly does. The pianist is happy once again, and names a concerto after Anatole, and even gives Anatole the tiny piano that he had been given for his concert!

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">21.Who Will Carve the Turkey this Thanksgiving? <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Jerry Pallotta <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This is a well-illustrated fun book about a boy who wonders who should carve the turkey this year at their Thanksgiving dinner. The little boy thinks about a wide variety of animals that might be good to carve the turkey. A shark? A saber-tooth tiger? What about an elephant, a moose, or some piranhas? The saber-tooth tiger is extinct, the elephant’s tusks aren’t sharp enough, and he would probably eat the stuffing, and the piranhas would probably want to eat him for dessert! Finally, the little boy decides that his grandpa should carve the turkey, just like he does every Thanksgiving. This book was really cute and would be a good read for younger students before Thanksgiving.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">1. Book: Arthur Makes the Team <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Marc Brown <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This is part of a series that is based off of the popular children’s TV show Arthur. Arthur decides to try out for the baseball team along with the rest of his friends, but he is worried that he won’t be as good as the others. Arthur has a hard time at practice, and is teased by his friend Francine. But with a little extra help and practice, Arthur is able to improve in time for the first game. The most important lesson that is learned by the friends, is the importance of teamwork and kindness. This is a good book for children who are familiar with the Arthur series. It contained a lot of baseball vocabulary, so a student who is familiar with baseball would follow along well.
 * __<span style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">INTERMEDIATE LITERATURE __**

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">2. Book: The Golly Sisters Ride Again <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Betsy Byars <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This is a humorous chapter book about two sisters. May-May and Rose are two sisters who sing and dance, and as they travel they meet with several different funny adventures. These include a talking rock, a goat at their performance, and a lightning storm, as well as other funny situations. The Golly sisters learn how to work together to solve problems—such as who gets to be a princess in their play. And they decide to go on a holiday from singing and dancing—during which they end up singing and dancing anyway! This book would be a delightful and funny read for intermediate students.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">3. Book: Helen Keller <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Jane Polcovar <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This book describes the life of Helen Keller from a young age. Helen was born a healthy baby, but then she got a sickness that left her blind and deaf. Helen lived in a confusing dark world until a teacher, Anne Sullivan, came to teach Helen. At first, Helen didn’t like Anne, because Anne wouldn’t let Helen throw temper tantrums to get her way. But eventually Helen trusted Anne, and she learned how to finger-spell words and understand what they mean. Later, Helen was even able to learn to write, read, and speak! Throughout her life she was an encouraging example of determination, and Helen even wrote her own book about her life. This book is an interesting and informational biography for intermediate readers about such an important person in history!

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">4. <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Book: The Hundred Dresses <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Eleanor Estes <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Wanda Petronski is a quiet, well-behaved schoolgirl. However, all of the schoolchildren tease her because of her name, and because of the fact that Wanda says that she has a hundred dresses all lined up at her house. The only dress Wanda has ever worn is a shabby but clean blue one, so why would she say she has a hundred of them? Wanda has been missing from school for several days, so when the award for the best drawing of a dress is given to Wanda, the class is surprised. But Wanda didn’t just enter one beautiful drawing—she drew one hundred of them! Peggy and Maddie, two of the most popular girls, feel badly for making fun of Wanda when they find out that her father, brother, and she moved to the city because she was being made fun of. The girls send Wanda a letter, and discover that being kind is far more important than being popular.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">5. Book: Good Work, Amelia Bedelia <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Peggy Parish <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Amelia Bedelia is a maid for Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, and she takes things quite literally! Mrs. Rogers leaves Amelia with directions to complete before she gets back, such as make a sponge cake, pot the plants, patch the screen, and make a chicken dinner. When the Rogers’ get back, they find Amelia has put cloth on the screen door, put the outdoor plants in kitchen pots, made a cake out of a cut-up sponge, and serves them cracked corn for dinner (because it’s what a chicken would eat!) At first Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are mad, but when Amelia Bedelia brings out a butterscotch cake she baked as a surprise, they realize that they just couldn’t do without her! This is a enjoyable book for intermediate readers that teaches students about taking things literally or figuratively, and have students laughing while learning.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">1. Meet Kit

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Valerie Tripp <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Kit Kittredge is a nine-year old little girl living in the time of the Great Depression. Things change for Kit and her friend Ruthie when their father’s are faced with unemployment, and the Kittredge family begins to take in boarders to save money. Kit ends up having to move all her belongings up to the attic, and she takes her typewriter with her so that she can still write news articles about all that is going on. There is a lot of changes for Kit to adjust to as the Depression goes on. But Kit finally comes to terms with the fact that not all changes are bad—some can be good. This is a good historical fiction book for young girls, and it also has a “peek into the past” section to show what growing up in the Great Depression may have really been like.


 * __<span style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE __**

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">1. Book: My Life in Dog Years <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Gary Paulsen <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This book talks about the wide variety of dogs that have been a part of Gary’s life. From stray puppies to huge Great Danes to amazing sled dogs, Gary shares the stories of how his dogs have impacted and changed his life. There are heartwarming tales of how some dogs have saved his life and incredible stories about how his Border Collie, Josh, is one of the smartest dogs that he has ever seen. This book can keep readers laughing as well as crying, and would be a great read for any animal enthusiast.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">2. <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Book: Rapunzel’s Revenge <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Shannon and Dean Hale <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This book is a unique twist on the classic story of Rapunzel. This book is a full color graphic novel, and it is very well illustrated and keeps the reader wanting to turn the page. I picked it up and started reading, and before I knew it I was halfway done. The story is set in a wild west type of scene, and explains how Rapunzel discovers that Mother Gothel is not her true mother. She is locked in a tower, and eventually finds a means of escape, through her incredibly long hair. She happens upon a boy who has also met unfortunate circumstances, and together they travel to find Rapunzel’s mother and defeat Mother Gothel’s powers that have ravaged the entire land and people. They meet with many adventures and Rapunzel’s hair almost always is able to get them out of a difficult scrape. I thought that this novel was quite funny, because of the humorous twist that it had on the traditional story of Rapunzel.

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">3. Book: Fendar’s Legacy <span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author: Paul McCusker

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">This story lets readers enter another world as they follow the journey of 3 cousins. The book parallels the biblical story of Moses and the Israelites leaving Egypt—with a few differences. Danny and Wayne and their cousin Michelle are at a festival in Odyssey, and when the are pushed off a dock into a lake, they find themselves in a place far different from Odyssey! The three children are in another world—and their eyes have changed color, showing that they are sent from the Unseen One. Michelle and the boys find themselves on opposite sides of a battle. Michelle is captured by King Stefan’s guards, and is treated royally, while Danny and Wayne find Prince Fendar—an outcast from the Palatians and a wanted man, because he is really a Marutian. Fendar asks King Stefan to let the Marutian people who are in bondage in Palatia go to worship the Unseen One. When Stefan refuses, Danny presents a host of signs that are intended to change the king’s mind. Eventually, King Stefan lets the Marutians go, and the three children’s job in Palatia is done and they find themselves back in Odyssey. Their lives and relationships with each other are forever changed. This book is the sixth in a series of manuscripts that describe what happens in a world far different from our own.