KNEA Reading Circle Catalog

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KNEA Reading Circle Catalog
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KNEA Reading Circle Catalog 2006

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1001 Kansas Place Names: An alphabetical listing of 1,067 Kansas locales with spelling, pronunciations, name origin, post office dates and population figures for each entry. Anecdotes for each location are included with historical background and some geological information.
A+ Custodian, The: The students and teachers at Dublin Elementary School make banners, posters, and signs for their school custodian to show how much they appreciate him and all the work he does.
Abner & Me: Read the sixth book of Baseball Card Adventure series to find out if Abner Double Day, a Civil War general, invented the game of baseball or is it a myth? Joey continues his time travel adventures landing himself in the middle of the Battle of Gettysburg. Author's note: This book contains more violent scenes than my previous books. It may not be suitable for younger readers.
Absolutely Positively Not: A coming out story. Steven deals with being gay and confides in his friend, a girl, who blabs it the next day at school. Funny, fast paced and easy read.
Age of the Gunfighter: A well-documented picture book of guns, gunslingers, and lawmen sure to delight any western history buff.
Al Capone Does My Shirts: A twelve-year-old boy named Moose moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 when guards? families were housed there, and has to contend with his extraordinary new environment in addition to life with his autistic sister.
Alexandra Hopewell, Labor Coach: Alexandra's class is doing a family life project with real eggs. The fifth graders are supposed to show their responsibility by taking care of the assigned egg as if it were a baby. Alex has broken three eggs so far and her "husband" in the project, Reese, provokes her into breaking a fourth. Alex's mother is having a baby so Alex tells the class that that will be her project--being her mother's labor coach. Alex's hard-to-please teacher doesn't understand or doesn't seem to want to. It's an exciting story that will appeal.
Alice on her Way: Alice is getting used to a new stepmother, her brother's new apartment, her ex-boyfriend, and getting a driver's license.
All the Stars in the Sky: he Santa Fe Trail Diary of Florrie Mack Ryder. Dear America series. Florrie begins her diary as she, her younger brother, mother and stepfather start their trip from Arrow Rock, Missouri. They encounter many adventures and hardships along the Santa Fe Trail. Includes many stops in Kansas on the Santa Fe Trail.
Alone in the World: The author reveals daily lives of orphans. She begins with Sam Arcus and his siblings being left at an orphanage in 1729. An afterword detailing the later lives of some of the children included makes a satisfying conclusion to this fascinating account.
Alpha Bravo Charlie: the Military Alphabet: This is a different kind of alphabet book. Using the military alphabet symbols the reader is taken through the alphabet with colorful illustratoins of military equipment and personnel. Each letter has the Navy signal flag on the page and a sentence using at least one word beginning with the letter. A throughly enjoyable book for anyone.
Always Remember Me: Rachel wanted to know what was in Oma's (grandma) secret album. One day Oma thought she was old enough to hear the family's sad survival through World War II.
A Maze Me: poems for girls: This soothing little book of poems seems to sum up what's right or could be right with life. It's a message to observe and enjoy each day; pay attention and dream. Nye encourages readers and would-be writers to write three lines down in a notebook each day. They don't have to be connected, but in looking back you make connections. This book connects.
Amazing Whales: Photos by Wildlife Conservation Society. Thompson's large well spaced text engages readers with information describing size, how they breathe, how they catch their food, how they communicate, their behaviors, and efforts to protect endangered species. Author makes use of age appropriate comparisons and imagery and large full color photographs. Makes a great addition to easy reading section where nonfiction titles may be scarce. Part of I Can Read series.
America through the Lens: Through the experiences of a diverse group of photographers, readers may gain knowledge of some of the important social causes of our country's history. The author provides biographical information about each photographer as well as the impact his or her photography had on American society. Of the eleven photographers researched, five were women.
Amethyst Road, The: With family love, romantic love and systematic racial oppression, this futuristic novel relates the story of 16-year-old Serena and her sister who have been outcast from their tribe due to Serena's sister having an out-of-wedlock child. Serena's temper gets her in trouble so she has to hit the road to escape. A great adventure!
Among the Enemy: The author has written another tight thriller, number six in the Shadow Children series. Matthias and his friends Percy and Alia, are taken into custody by the Population Police. In the ensuing mayhem, Matthias is separated from his friends and ends up at the Population Police Headquarters, being treated as a hero. Can Matthias use his position to find his friends and stop the evil against the children?
Angels Grace: Grace's parents are from Trinidad but now are living in Brooklyn. Grace goes to Trinidad to visit her grandmother. As she sees photos that show a man with a resemblance to her she decides to find out more. She's had a feeling of not belonging and hopes she finds answers. Sweet coming-of-age story that keeps readers' interest as it describes in detail life in Trinidad, the author's original home.
Are You Going to be Good?: Illustrated by Brian Karas. Young Robert is going to his first grown-up party, great-gran Sadie's 100th birthday. He's all dressed up and has practiced his manners but when he gets there he forgets. All the relatives tell him not to do that! Then great-gran shows up and they both have a wonderful time.
As Far As I Can See: My America Series. Meg's comfortable life in St. Louis is shattered when her sister and mother become ill and she is sent, with her brother, to live in the ''clean, sweet air of kansas territory.''
Ask Albert Einstein: Einstein actually helped students with their math homework. In this story, based on a newspaper article, a seven year old sends Einstein her sister's math problem. He answers with a clue that helps her figure it out. Fun illustrations, interesting biographical information, but difficult math.
Aunt Minnie and the Twister: After a tornado rearranges a Kansas house, Aunt Minnie and her nine nieces and nephews add a much needed room. A humorous and affectionate look at an unusual family.
Author Day for Room 3T: Preparation for an author visit starts seroiusly as the students in room 3T read books by Harry Bookman and think up questions for someone "new and different." Things suddenly get seriously silly when the librarian, Mrs. Storey, loses her glasses and can't see the monkey business that ensues when a decked out chimpanzee arrives to answer the students' questions. It is silly and absurd enough for youngsters--foolish enough to provide comic relief for teachers and librarians who plan huge author events.
Baby Bear's Chair: Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Big chairs for big bears and small chairs for small bears. Everyone has a chair just right for them. In this warm and fuzzy story the best chair for little bear is dad's lap. Great story for bedtime and story time.
Baby on the Way, The: Illustrated by Sean Qualls. A young boy asks his grandmother if she was ever a baby. She answers that yes she was even the baby on the way. She shares traditions over the generations. Then Jamal imagines that someday someone will ask him if he was ever a baby.
Bad Bears and a Bunny: Illustrated by Jill Pinkwater. Pinkwater does it again. These trouble-making bears are up to no good until a little white rabbit changes their behavior. Silly enough for all to enjoy.
Bad River Boys: Written from three Lakota Indian boys' point of view about their encounter with the Lewis and Clark expedition. Sun, Antler, and Cloud observe the explorers and experience the anxiety of their chief and his anger with the explorers. His tribe controls the trade along the Missouri River and has limited the trade with other tribes. The conflict was just the beginning of many confrontations and the boys begin to understand the men were angry because the Native Americans were in their way.
Bake Shop Ghost, The: Enchanting story concerning a "baker" ghost not wanting another baker taking over her shop. Then Annie Washington takes over the bakery.
Ballpark, The Story of America's Baseball Fields: Ballpark examines the history and the significance of most of the famous baseball parks. This is a baseball book full of little stories about the unique history of each ballpark, and the illustrations compliment the text beautifully.
Basketball (or something like it): This true to life story of a sixth-grade traveling basketball team unfolds as four characters tell their own stories about how basketball affects their lives. Foul-mouthed, super-competitive parents undermine one coach after another, which hinders the team.
Bear Dancer: the Story of a Ute Girl: The historical fiction story of Elk Tooth Dress, of the Ute tribe, is presented in different years of her life. From a young girl, to being kidnapped by the Cheyennes, traded to the Arapahos, then the intervention of the white man. The author's note takes us to other information about Elk Tooth Dress and her contribution in saving the lives of several white women.
Bear Named Trouble, A: Based on a true story about a bear who breaks into an Alaskan zoo. Ten year old Jonathan whose dad is the zookeeper sees the bear on the night he breaks in. Jonathan's favorite animal, Mama Goose, is killed by the bear. Told from both Jonathan's point of view and Trouble, the bear. Bythe same author as Runt.
Bear Upstairs, The: Illustrated by Doug Cushman. The downstairs bear, a writer with a retiring personality who works best in peace and quiet with a cup of tea in her hand is unhappy with the noisy bear moving in upstairs. Upstairs bear makes so much racket moving, dropping and emptying boxes, and singing ridiculous songs in the shower that downstairs bear wonders if she will ever be able to work or sleep again. Cushman splits his lighthearted watercolor illustrations lengthwise so readers see the actions and expressive reactions of characters on both levels. The two finally meet face to face and make some surprising discoveries that may lead to a budding friendship.
Because Your Daddy Loves You: Illustrated by R.W. Riley. Cartoon type book for early readers that describes things daddys do for their little ones: tie shoes, give piggy back rides, and read stories. Nice daddy book with good illustrations.
Becoming Naomi Leon: When Naomi's absent mother resurfaces to claim her, Naomi runs away to Mexico with her great-grandmother and younger brother in search of her father.
Bee-bim Bop!: Introduce Korean culinary culture with this book written in bouncing rhyme accompanied by lively cartoon-like illustrations from a child's eye view. Shop for, prepare and enjoy Bee-bim Bop, the Korean dish of rice, egg strips, vegetables and meat that diners mix up for themselves. This rhythmic read-aloud may prompt a Korean feast based on the recipe and others included at the end.
Beetle McGrady Eats Bugs!: Illustrated by Jane Manning. Beetle McGrady wants to be an explorer, a true pioneer, and boasts she will even eat ants to prove it! She is overcome with self-loathing and doubt during Fun Food Week in science class when she just can't down those ants! Enter Chef Suzanne and a second chance for our plucky second grade heroine. Great illustrations appear on end pages and support text contributing to humor. Good gross factor for primary.
Before Hollywood: from shadow play to the silver screen: This quality book can be read isolated chapters for enjoyment or as a whole for the big picture. It fills a gap in many libraries as it tells the history of visual entertainment up to the time of the first movies. Numerous period illustrations with captions and aside boxes adds to the enjoyment of the book. Timeline, source notes, bibliography, web sites and index are included.
Best Book of Knights and Castles, The: Come into the world of heraldy. Take students into the fascinating world of jousting and armor, knights in training and siege warfare with the backdrop of the world's most famous castles. Introduction to knights and castles.
Best Time of the Day, The: Illustrated by Bryan Langdo. A farm family, and even the dog, tell in rhyme what they see as the best time of the day. Story moves nicely with well written word play.
Big Cats: Striking watercolors are presented in this factual book about big cats. Readers learn about where these animals live, what they hunt, and how humans are threatening them. Colorful and bold.
Biggest Test in the Universe, The: What a fun book! Should be read to every child before the Big Test! The book proves that you can get through the big test and go on with your life.
Big Little Elephant: Little elephant wants to find some friends. He seems too large to play with frog, turtle and heron. When they cannot fly their kite little elephant makes a welcome friend. All is well that ends well--cute!
Birds in Kansas Vol. 1: These volumes cover the many hundreds of species of birds in Kansas. Individual information for each type of bird includes status, period of occurrence, breeding, habits and habitat, fieldmarks and food. Index included.
Birds in Kansas Vol. 2: These volumes cover the many hundreds of species of birds in Kansas. Individual information for each type of bird includes status, period of occurrence, breeding, habits and habitat, fieldmarks and food. Index included.
Black Storm Comin': This is a great read with excellent historical background. On a wagon train bound for California, Colton, 12, must care for his family after his father accidentally shoots him and then abandons the family. You get a look not only into the Pony Express but also the challenges faced by the biracial rider in early America.
Bodies from the Ash: Fascinating exploration of the buried city of Pompeii from the recreation of the eruption of Vesuvius to snapshots of Pompeii today. Includes bibliographical references and index.
Book About Design, A: Design is all about the perception of size, shape and color says the author. Simple, basic shapes and a little humor help to show young artists this point.
Book of Mordred, The: King Arthur struggles to keep his knights in line. Keira, a young girl who can foretell the fate of the world is kidnapped, and her mother, Alayna, flees to Camelot and finds Mordred, her love and King Arthur's greatest enemy.
Boris: Embedded in a story about a beloved cat named Boris, readers of this free verse novel will explore the eternal rhythms of life including love, longing, compassion and companionship.
Boy 2 Girl: At first, Sam Lopez dresses up as a girl on a dare, but the joke gets taken too far and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. This book is light-hearted and fun to read, but it also has some keen psychological insights and brings up a number of thought-provoking questions about gender and identity.
Boy Girl Boy: Told in alternating chapters by three friends, Elliot, Teresa and Larry, who plan to leave their small town and go to LA after they graduate. But as the year progresses things change and they realize that their plan is restricting them rather than liberating them. One of the guys is homosexual.
Boy Kills Man: Harsh story about young boys being recruited to do the dirty work of the drug lords and when they are not needed any longer what happens tothem. Story takes place in Colombia and good for American children to know and understand what occurs in other parts of the world.
Breaker Boys, The: In 1897, Nate Tanner, the hot-tempered twelve-year-old son of wealthy Pennsylvania mine owners, goes against his father's wishes by befriending some of the boys who work in the mines and gets caught up in a disastrous clash between mine workers and the law.
Bridge to America: Based on the true story of Fivel (Phil) Myzel who as an 8-year-old boy in 1920 Poland faces starvation as well as death from Cossacks who kill little Jewish boys just for sport. As the family waits eight years for Papa to send money from America so they can join him, they receive help from Beryl, the baker with a big heart. Finally, in 1921, they reunite with their father in the United States.
Built to Last: Chronological story of major architechtural feats. Full page photos emphasize the size of some of the projects ranging from tunnels to bridges to the Empire State Building and St. Louis arch. The process needed to accomplish those feats are explained in story fashion. Good for browsers and researchers.
Bumpy Little Pumpkin, The: Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. Little Nell chooses the bumpy pumpkin for a Jack-o-lantern despite what her sisters say. The woodland animals help her by carving it into a sweet smiling jack-o-lantern.
Bust to Boom: An outstanding visual record of a most crucial period in our American Midwest history. This 110 pictorial display can stand alone on its own merits but the enlightening text provides valuable commentary to understanding the composition of the state?s population and its inevitable shift away from rural life toward today?s urbanization and industrialization.
By These Ten Bones: Fantasy fans will enjoy this book. The story begins slowly but picks up. A good read for werewolf fantasy fans.
Cabin on Trouble Creek: In 1803 in Ohio, two young brothers are left to finish the log cabin and guard the land while their father goes back to Pennsylvania to fetch their mother and younger siblings.
Candy: The story of a guy who falls in love with a girl before he knew she was a prostitute. He becomes involved with her and she's involved with the wrong people. This is no sweet teenage romance. This is the bitter world of Candy.
Carl's Sleepy Afternoon: Carl, that wonderful rottweiller, returns in another beautiful picture book. He is supposed to stay home to nap while his family shops, but he hitches a ride on a truck then visits several shops helping people along the way.
Cats in Krasinski Square, The: Two Jewish sisters, escapees of the infamous Warsaw ghetto, devise a plan to thwart an attempt by the Gestapo to intercept food bound for starving people behind the dark Wall.
Chameleon, Chameleon: Pictures by Nic Bishop. Information about the chameleon written in a basic interesting way for young children.
Charlie Bone & the Castle of Mirrors: Full of plot twists and thrills this fourth addition to the Red King series will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment. Charlie and his friends must find a way to save Little Billy Raven from the sinister deGreys who have unpleasant plans for him.
Chasing Vermeer: When seemingly unrelated and strange events start to happen and a precious Vermeer painting disappears, eleven-year-olds Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an international art scandal.
Cheyenne Again: Bunting has recreated an experience shared by many Native Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Young Bull is taken from his home and placed in the white man?s boarding school. His culture is gone, and he fails to understand why they bring him back and punish him when he runs away. His plight is vividly illustrated in acrylic and oil pictures that are realistic and detailed. The Haskell School is mentioned in the afterward.
Chicken Boy: Seventh-grader Tobin McCauley has let life pass him by since his mother died five years earlier and his family has fallen apart. This novel will capture readers with Tobin's wry, sad, immediate voice as he discovers how to nurture chickens, learning many life lessons along the way. The strong narration and the struggle with forgiveness make for moving drama.
Chickerella: In true Auch style, this story uses fowl language (eggscited, cholestera). A creative take off on Cinderella, the Auchs weave a hilarious story.
Childhood on the Farm: Good resource. Author retells the stories--both nostalgic and realistic--about the children in the heartland raised on farms.
Chinese Cinderella and the Secret Dragon Society: Full of adventure, this novel is a fantasy, based on a true incident that took place in China during World War II. Chinese Cinderella (CC) seeks protection at a martial arts school when her father throws her out of the house when she had a fight with her stepmother. Soon she becomes a member of the Secret Dragon Society where she aids American soldiers.
Christmas Mice, The: Illustrated by Stephanie Roth. Annamouse and Willamouse discover they are neighbors. By bringing their talents together, they share a cozy Christmas Eve. Delightful illustrations and a sweet tale of sharing with a town mouse and country mouse feel.
Chu Ju's House: In order to save her baby sister, fourteen-year-old Chu Ju leaves her rural home in modern China and earns food and shelter by working on a fishing boat, tending silk worms, and planting rice seedlings, while wondering if she will ever see her family again.
Civil War Kansas: This title is considered one of the best written texts about Kansas during the Civil War. It is easy to read and gives insight into issues, leaders, places and villains that helped establish the state of Kansas during the Civil War. This well researched book contains a bibliography and an index.
Cloud Chamber, The: Set on a 1950s-1960s Montana dairy farm, Nate Chance comes home from school to find his father being put in an ambulance and his mother under suspicion for the gunshot wounds sustained by his father. Thus begins a long nightmare for the family. If Nate can just win first prize in the science fair, he'll win a trip to the town where his father is hospitalized. Maybe there he can get answers to his questions.
Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes: The lonely child's search for home is the center of this touching picture book about Langston Hughes. There are close-ups of his strong grandmother (who told him family stories of pride and glory) as well as views of his loving foster home and the streets of Kansas City, where the child heard the "jazzy old blues music that drifted down the alleys and tickled his soul." Children like Hughes who dream about a "real home" will take heart from the story of the boy who found community and grew up to write astonishing poetry about it.
Conrad's Fate: In this Chrestomanci tale we get a first person narrative from Conrad; a twelve-year-old who provides an interesting, thoughtful viewpoint and gives us an exciting look into Series Seven. Accompanying this magical plot are plenty of amusing new characters, well-described places, and enjoyable witticisms. This story can be read on its own, but is much richer when read as part of the series. It's a must for all Jones fans.
Cottonmouth Club, The: Mitch Valentine and his best friend, T.K. Murphy, have their summer vacation all planned when Mitch's parents drop a bombshell: Mitch, his brother and their mother will be spending the summer in Louisiana, guests of their mother's recently widowed sister, while Mitch's father works at the Pentagon. Thinking this is going to be the worst summer of his young life, Mitch and his brother are soon enjoying all sorts of hilarious and even dangerous activities with their Louisiana cousins. Set in the 1960s, this book would make a wonderful read aloud story for 5-7th graders.
Counting in the Garden: In this beautifully illustrated book, children will enjoy looking for animals as they count to 10.
Cowgirl Kate & Cocoa: Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. Cowgirl Kate and her cowhorse Cocoa are an engaging pair. Silverman has created a winning story with a female main character. Easy to read and funny, sure to please.
Crackback: In his first novel Coy writes a moving portrait of a teen struggling with adults who demand, but don't always deserve, respect. Miles feels at odds with his teammates, who have turned to steroids. Coy's strong first-person voice connects the story's diverse elements--family secrets, his father's rage, a budding relationship, football, and changing friendships.
Cry of the Icemark, The: A coming-of-age fantasy tale, this adventure tells the story of a beautiful princess and an intrepid warrior. This book heralds the arrival of a heroine who is definitely wild at heart.
Dad, Jackie and Me: Illustrated by Colin Bootman. Tickets to see the great Jackie Robinson! But the boy's father is deaf and doesn't understand a thing about baseball. But he does understand about prejudice. Beautiful watercolor portraits bring the story to life.
Daltons!: Smith's book cuts through the myth to present the gang as nothing more than common hoodlums. He utilizes primary sources while applying reasoned analysis to provide a comprehensive account of their exploits and especially their climactic escape, which took place at Coffeyville, Kansas.
Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You: Hilariously funny! Some people may be offended by the story line that revolves around the main character's large breasts and her sister's painting that includes male full frontal nudity and the schools censorship of the painting. High school students will feel the author's voice capture the typical teenage drama.
Dandelions: t would be hard to come up with a tale of western settlers that?s not a clich?, but Bunting has done it. She takes a look at a pioneer woman, seen through the sympathetic eyes of her daughter, Zoe. She creates scenes that makes this family larger-than-life; they capture the baked yellow heat of summer, and the golden weed that represents home. A memorable book for the way its characters struggle with unhappiness and slowly overcome it.
Daniel and His Walking Stick: Illustrated by Constance R. Bergum. Grandfathers are found in many places. This little girl discovers a new one in the guise of a man who knew her grandfather and can share him with her.
Dark Angel: David never thought that he'd have to deal with his brother again. He was put away for life with no chance of parole after he murdered a child when he was a teenager. His parents and he moved away to start a new life. But now due to a legal technicality his brother has been released and is coming home. Everyone thinks he's changed, but David knows better.
Deadly Drive: Casey receives an anonymous envelope full of money every year around the time her mother was killed by a hit-and-run driver. Casey who shares her mother's passion for basketball is busy with practice and her new neighbor with the AAU basketball team. She still spends time with her beloved neighbor, Megan and daughter Dulcie. She also encounters a man named Rex, who seems willing to help, but is he?
Dead Reckoning: A fifteen-year-old orphan learns about life and survival when he sails from England in 1577 as a servant aboard the Golden Hind, the ship of his cousin, explorer and pirate, Francis Drake.
Defiance: Eleven-year-old Toby's cancer has recurred. He defiantly determines not to share the information with his parents. He can't bear the prospect of hospitalization and the painful treatments. He befriends an elderly woman while vacationing in the country. Important lessons about living and dying are learned. Effective example of cross-generational friendship.
Delilver Us From Normal: This novel presents an unusual portrait of a fiercely loving family's struggle with poverty, and the impact that struggle makes in a young person's life. This is a book with an intriguing, adolescent view on what normal is and why it is so important to children and teenagers.
Diary of Pelly D., The: Set on a planet in the future which has been populated with genetically chosen people, a worker, Toni V., discovers the diary of Pelly D. As he reads we discover that the society is going through an upheaval and now there is a chosen race and Pelly, who has always been privileged is not. As Pelly's life slowly disintegrates we are reminded of the Holocaust. A must read.
D is for Dragon Dance: Chinese New Year and the alphabet come together! The letters have a short sentence. The explanation is in smaller print and could be used to spark even more interest. Bright and colorful it will spice up your winter.
Dog's Life: the Autobiography of a Stray: Like many of Ann Martin's books, this captures the reader's attention with a warm and wonderful story of the life of a stray dog. This dog was born into the wild, traveled from one town to another constantly in search of food and then companionship. She experienced cruelty, abuse, friendship and love. A good overview of the many ways that humans treat animals.
Doll with the Yellow Star, The: Claudine doesn't understand why she must wear a yellow star on her coat. Her friends don't have one. She is told she will leave France to go to America. To help her keep Maman and Papa close she sews their picture in the star she sews into Violette's (her doll) cape.
Don't Be Silly, Mrs. Millie!: So clever play on words. Students will enjoy making up words of their own. Illustrations add humor--simply delightful!
Don't Know Much About Dinosaurs: Questions and answers provide information about dinosaurs, including the different species, what they ate, how they lived, and why they may have become extinct.
Don't Know Much About Mummies: Presents information on mummies in question-and-answer format, explaining how various cultures around the world made mummies in ancient times and what scientists learn by studying them.
Don't Sit On My Lunch: Illustrated by John McKinley. Freddy wants to win the one open place on the soccer team. He has to first get by Max, the biggest bully in first grade.
Double Identity: Bethany's life has been pretty normal for almost thirteen years, but that is about to change. Her overprotective parents suddenly drop her on the doorstep of an aunt she never knew existed. Some of the townspeople are spooked by her uncanny resemblance to a dead girl named Elizabeth. Who is Elizabeth and what is her connection to Bethany? Fans of the Shadow Children series will eagerly embrace this newest offering by Haddix.
Double Life of Zoe Flynn, The: When Zoe?s family has to live in their van for months after moving from California to Oregon so her father can find work, Zoe tries to keep her sixth-grade classmates from discovering that she is homeless.
Dough Boy: This problem novel deals with the subject of obesity. Tristan, now 15, is a good student but mostly a social zero because of his weight. He has a couple of close friends and seems to cope pretty well until the entrance of Kelly, his mother's boyfriend's daughter. She thinks of herself as a nutritionist and rags on both Tristan and her father. And she starts dating Tristan's best friend. The book is filled with teen angst including some sexual references.
Down the Rabbit Hole: An Echo Falls Mystery: This is a top-notch murder mystery for young adults. Ingrid finds herself in the middle of both the community theater production of Alice in Wonderland and a local murder mystery. Ingrid is way over her head and in danger, and her character is so compelling you must read to see how she gets out of trouble.
Do You Know the Monkey Man?: This is a great emotional and fast-paced suspense novel. Samantha was three when her twin sister drowned, her parents divorced and she hasn't heard from her father in ten years. After trying several methods to find her father, she visits a psychic. Sam comes away confused by the psychic's revelation that her sister isn't dead.
Dream Jar, The: Illustrated by Serena Curmi. A little girl's sister helps her to overcome her scary dreams by sharing "the secret" with her. Illustrations give the text a dreamlike quality. Excellent read and discuss book.
Dust to Eat: Drought and Depression in the 1930a: The 1930s in America will always be remembered for twin disasters-the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Michael L. Cooper takes readers through this tumultuous period, beginning with the 1929 stock market crash that ushered in the Great Depression and continuing with the severe drought in the Midwest, known as the Dust Bowl.
Each Little Bird That Sings: Comfort Snowberger's family owns the town funeral home. So this ten year old has been to many funerals?247 to be exact! Her great uncle Edisto dies and then her great-great-aunt Florentine dies. She was Comfort's favorite aunt. Her cousin, Peach, is such a nuisance but Comfort agrees to look after him at the funeral. She misses her aunt terribly and writes an obituary for the paper. It's a funny, compassionate story about death, family love and friendship.
Earth Mother: Illustrations are magically done with watercolor and colored pencil. Each could be a poster. Earth Mother walks, swims, and climbs while she nurtures creation. She is able to sleep peacefully knowing that all of creation, in its own way, is perfect.
Eating Up Gladys: Hilda and Rose have had it with their older sister's bossiness when she is left in charge of them and the baby. They decide that they are going to eat her up!
Eddie's Kingdom: Eddie's kingdom is his apartment building where all the tenants are at odds with each other--and Eddie. Armed with pencil and paper Eddie sets out to bring peace to his kingdom by creating a special group drawing. He knocks on each door and asks if he can draw the tenant's picture. During the sitting he listens to each one's complaint, suggesting or presenting a solution. Once the drawing is complete he invites everyone in his kingdom to the unveiling where they see themselves caricatured stubborn animals.
Egypt in Spectacular Cross-Section: By the author of the cross section series, this book takes the reader on a trip through ancient Egypt's bustling river ports, pharaohs tombs, and on an inspection of the seven steps of mummification. The details and artwork are extraordinary.
Elsewhere: Fifteen-year-old Liz Hall dies and ends up in Elsewhere. Killed in a hit-and-run accident, Liz struggles to understand what has happened to her, grief-stricken at all she has lost, and incapable of seeing the benefits of the Elsewhere in which she finds herself. Funny and fast-paced, Liz makes peace with her life and death.
ER Vets, Life in an Animal Emergency Room: Illustrated with real photographs of animals receiving medical care, this book illustrates the behind-the-scenes treatment of animals in an emergency room. Captions and sidebars give the reader a deep understanding of animal medicine. Complete glossary and source notes will help the student with additional research.
Escape to West Berlin: In 1961 East Berlin, thirteen-year-old Heidi copes with the stress of a crisis with her best friend, government pressure on her father to leave his West Berlin job, her mother's pregnancy, and the ever-present threat of the closing of the border with West Berlin.
Everything I Know About Cars: Funny text, funny illustrations. Guaranteed to motivate even a reluctant reader to enjoy the pages throughout. Illustrations are loaded with color.
Fade to Black: A good book for high school students to read. Covers several topics: hate crimes, bullying, truth, HIV, race and mental disability. Written in first person dialogue with three characters involved. A high school boy is brutally attacked with a baseball bat because he has AIDS. A Down Syndrome student witnesses the crime but does the attackee blame the boy who always harrasses him or tell the truth?
Fame, Glory and other things on my to do list: Fun, easy to read for the romantic adventurous reader. A high school girl aspires to be an actress someday but wants the new boy in town, whose father is a Hollywood hunk, to have the lead. Twists, turns, laughter and empathy will keep the pages turning.
Father's Day: Illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell. Students in Mrs. Madoff's class are making gifts for Father's Day. Each student writes and illustrates a special book for and about his/her dad that includes something special in their relationship. Jessica has a father at home and one who lives in Texas so her teacher suggests she write a book for both. She gets a special surprise when both come for the presentation. Honors fatherhood, positive role models, and includes different family configurations.
Fine Start: Meg's Prairie Diary: My America series. This third part of Meg's Kansas territory story explains how life on the prairie presented daily challenges for the courageous people who dared to begin life in this new place. From "cross writing" to save paper, through Christmas in the cabin, to the school in Lawrence, Meg's Diary entries offer the reader a real taste from the past. The celebrations like weddings and the tragedies such as the tornado help the reader understand the life and times.
Finest Christmas Tree: Real Christmas trees are not in demand as they once were. Farmer Tuttle can't make a living and is considering selling the farm until a group of workers with very small feet come to get the perfect tree for the Boss. (Ho, Ho, Ho)
Firebears: the Rescue Team: Illustrated by Dan Andreasen. The Firebears of Station 8 are heroes always ready to answer the call to protect their town as they slide down poles, rescue kittens, and save people from burning buildings. Snappy rhyme pairs with toylike renderings of the town and its characters. Friendly looking characters help relieve the scariness of fire and disasters for young readers who will enjoy the daring deeds of these heroes. A natural for fire prevention week.
First Americans, The: Large uncluttered pages with clear fonts on quality paper makes reading this book a pleasure for browsers and researchers alike. Conversational tone invites readers to become involved in the story. Colorful illustrations and photos enrich the volume accompanied by captions. It would be a great addition to humanities and social studies collections.
First Boy: Cooper Jewett, high school freshman, is left orphaned when his grandfather dies suddenly. Life changes quickly while trying to balance school and the farm. When a smooth talking presidential candidate offers him a way out, it sets off a chain of events that turn into violence and terror. Political intrigue finds its way to rural New Hampshire.
First Day of Winter, The: A cumulative tale in the Twelve Days of Christmas format, this is the story of a snowman in the making. Beginning with a red cap on the first day of winter, a special friend brings snowman a different gift on each of ten consecutive days. Each spread done in Fleming's classic collage gives readers a variety of perspectives all the way up to the horizontal flip that illustrates the completed snowman. Children will enjoy it as a read aloud or an independent read.
First Day of Winter, The: This lively counting book pays tribute to winter. While the children in the story sled, skate, wear mittens and hike in snowshoes, readers seek and find animals engaging in similar activities. A section at the back of the book includes additional information about the animals hidden on each page.
First Snow: Illustrated by Sebastian Braun. Bundle up and venture out into the snow with bunny and his siblings in this lovely story that will add warmth to a cold winter day.
Fishes in Kansas: second edition, revised This is the revised second edition of Fishes in Kansas which was reviewed in a previous KSRC catalog. This edition features full-color drawings and photographs for the first time. This revised guide describes and illustrates the 135 common and not-so-common, native and introduced fishes found in Kansas.
Flag with Fifty-Six Stars, The: A group of prisoners in Manthausen concentration camp make an American flag out of scraps of material that they find around the camp. They worked from memory and added extra stars not being sure of the number of stars in the U.S. flag. A lot of detailed text makes this an upper level book.
Fold Me a Poem: Illustrated by Lauren Stringer. Story told in poems and origami. Older students will like the pictures and poems. Supplement this with a few directions on how to make some of the animals and it will be colorful and fun.
Fooled You! Fakes and Hoaxes through the Years: Pascoe presents well-researched chapters on eleven notable infamous hoaxes--from the 1800s to the present--exploring the stories behind them and pondering why people were so easily fooled. These tantalizing accounts hold tremendous appeal and are as much about the craftiness of perpetrators as about the gullibility of believers.
Forbidden Schoolhouse, The: Jurmain makes painfully clear the difficulties Crandall and her students faced when she decided to open a school in 1833 for African-American girls in Canterbury, CT. Appended material, which includes index, bibliography, epilogue, as well as source notes for quotes.
Forensics: An introduction to forensic science and how it helps law enforcement solve difficult crimes in the field and lab. Includes index and glossary.
Forgiving a Friend: After Jacob breaks seth's toy truck accidentally, Seth cannot forgive him. But when Seth accidentally breaks the lamp at Grandma Grace's house, he comes to realize that friends and family are more valuable than anything.
Founders: the 39 Stories Behind the U.S. Constitution: All of the founders' stories are brought to light in this fascinating companion volume to Fradin's The Signers. The stories behind the Constitution are as powerful as the nation it created. This volume includes short biographies of the 39 men who created and signed the Constitution in September 1787. Includes bibliography, index, and a copy of the U.S. Constitution.
Friends: Stories about new friends, old friends: This is a collection of short stories by eleven well-known children's authors. It celebrates the many different forms that friendship can take. Readers will be able to enjoy stories of friendship, offering a wide realm of moods, outcomes and morals. These stories are perfect for sharing with friends.
Friends and Enemies: Moving to a new town when he is about to start his freshman year in high school isn't easy for William, the son of a Methodist minister. On his first day in Plaintown, Kansas, he meets both Clive, a fellow Methodist and a bully, and Jim, a Mennonite who becomes a good friend. Just as William is beginning to feel at home, Japanese bombs fall on Pearl Harbor, and what were just interesting discussions about war become heated. In a community with a significant population of Mennonites, the question of patriotism vs. pacifism is very real.
Friends of the Heart--amici del cuore: Oliver and Lucrezia have grown up together and have been best friends forever. Even though Ollie moved they still see each other every summer at Lou's grandparent's Italian seaside home. In their thirteenth summer together changes take place, which alters Lucrezia's life forever.
Geography of Hope, The: Black Exodus from the South Lured by the promise of freedom and free land in return for establishing homesteads, large groups of blacks left the former Confederate States in the 1870s and headed west to Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. The book draws on the rich resources of the period to establish the atmosphere and immediacy of their experiences as frontiersmen and farmers.
Ghost Ship: The masthead from an old sailing ship the "Storm Goddess" adorns the wall of the Seashell Room restaurant. When the head is removed for repairs Vicki uncovers a hidden secret. With new friend Peter's help and the quartermaster's log from the ship they hunt for answers and the lost gold. Great read!
Gifted: Eighth grader George Clark is mentally gifted and socially inept. His self-centered nature adds to his problems--even with his one friend Anita. A week at camp with all his classmates and without his principal father to protect him add up to his worst expectations. Add in a hurricane and George gets a chance to redeem himself, but can he?
Girl Sleuth, Nancy Drew: Who created Nancy Drew? The story of the two remarkable women who created a character that generations have loved to read. How did she go from pulp heroine to American icon?
Going Going: A young girl becomes politically active when chain stores are taking over and the "ma and pop" stores are becoming a thing of the past. Good book for government classes.
Golden & Grey: An Unremarkable Boy and a Rather Remarkable Ghost: Tom Golden's life at school is miserable since the move. He is bullied and teased and doesn't have the heart to let his parents know how miserable he is. Grey Arthur is looking for his place in the ghost world. He much prefers being Tom Golden's "invisible friend" to being a screamer or poltergeist. Hilarious, touching and impossible to put down.
Good Brother, Bad Brother: This biography of Edwin and John Wilkes Booth is the story of the family of one of history's most well-known assassins, the man who killed Lincoln. Engaging and informative, it includes some nice analysis and even a little intrigue. Giblin uses many sources to draw a very thorough overview of the lives of the brothers. As interesting as the text is, the many photographs are amazing.
Grandma's Hurrying Child: Illustrated by Kay Charao. Grandma tells her grandchild how she had to hurry across three states to attend her premature arrival into the world. Chorao's soft pastels tell a warm and loving interteneratoinal story. Good curl up with grandma book.
Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip: Grandma grows a large turnip so large that she enlists the entire family to help her pull it out. This contemporary and multicultural rendition of "The Turnip" includes a note about African American cookery and the origins of the original Russian tale.
Grandmama's Pride: Illustrated by Colin Bootman. Grandmama tells her granddaughters to sit on the back seat of the bus because it's the most comfortable. Then six-year-old Sarah learns to read and she begins to understand what all the signs in the South mean. An inspiring story of dignity and strength in the black community in the 1950s.
Grand Old Tree, A: This book takes you through the life cycle of a tree. A neat story even showing decomposition.
Grasslands: Thirteen-year-old Thomas Hunter has always longed to taste life on the Western range. So when a letter arrives inviting him to join his father and new family on their Kansas farm he can already see himself riding the range like a real cowboy. The farm is hardly what he expected: barely enough food, his new stepmother seems harsh and he spends all his time mucking out the barn and working in the fields. Just as Thomas grows restless the family's herd gets swept up in a cattle stampede and he must follow a bunch of cowboys to reclaim it. Facing the prairie adventure he has dreamed of, he finds himself in some eye-opening action that causes him to honor the Code of the West.
Great Cake Bake, The: Illustrated by Matt Collins. Something disastrous always happens when Donna Rae enters a contest. Her cakes spew tea, explode or result in a cake fight. Kids will love the silliness of it all in this funny tall tale.
Great Fuzz Frenzy, The: The fuzz is flying in prairie dog town and what havoc it causes! When Violet, the dog, drops a tennis ball into their town the fun begins. A charming story about working together and friendship.
Great Graph Contest, The: In this lively story, Toad and Lizard hold a contest to see who can make the best graphs. The graphs are cleverly woven into the storyline. Leedy includes tallies, surveys, venn diagrams, circle, picture, and bar graphs. More information on graphing at the back. Informative and fun!
Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods: Gregor must find the cure for a deadly disease or he will lose his mother, friends, and Aries. He has no choice but to put his life in danger once again. Number three in The Underland Chronicles Series.
Groundhog Stays Up Late: Illustrated by Jean Cassels. Much like the ant and the grasshopper groundhog's friends are not going to help him out if he decides not to hibernate. When he plays a trick on them they get him back but all ends well. Groundhog is a party animal!
Guide to Kansas Architecture: A one-of-a-kind guide to Kansas architecture that is a handy reference invaluable to the well-versed architect but assembled so the merely inquisitive reader will appreciate state history and its people. Well written text of localized architecture supported with 601 black-and-white photographs gives this selection a strong place in all Kansas collections.
Guinea Pig Scientists: Bold Self-Experiments in Science: This is a well-documented fascinating book of ten true stories of men and women who have been so dedicated to scientific research that they have experimented on themselves. Sketches and historical photos illustrate the exploits; also included are biographical references, a timeline and index.
Hachiko Waits: Professor Ueno?s loyal Akita, Hachiko, waits for him at the train station every afternoon, and even after the professor unexpectedly dies while at work, Hachiko faithfully continues to await his return until the day the dog dies.
Hamster Camp: How Harry Got Fit: Pictures by Nancy Cote. Harry's pet hamster is worried about the eating habits of his owner. At hamster camp, Harry becomes a hamster and enjoys the exercise and eating habits of his furry friend. The health instructor will find this to be a good read aloud for the healthy lifestyle part of the course.
Hamsters to the Rescue: These two adorable hamsters will enchant small children. Good story which teaches a lesson.
Happy Feet Savoy: Illustrated by E.B. Lewis. Based on fact, this book tells of a time in black history. The author brings alive a by-gone era. Well-written and illustrated.
Harriet Tubman, a Woman of Courage: These beginning biographies are formatted like easy readers with excellent photographs, sidebars and timelines. Solid information about the person's life, family, and accomplishments is given.
Harvey Girls: This book introduces us to this little-known chapter of American history. Through period photographs and lively anecdotes, you'll meet the women whose culture and courage changed the American West.
Haunted Kansas:: An intriguing blend of Kansas history and ghost stories that will appeal to readers from Middle School to Adult. Many of the ghost stories (as told by the locals) have several different endings. Hertz gives all of the known versions of a particular ghost story, and also points out possible fallacies in the legend.
Hen, a Chick & a String Guitar, A: Illustrated by Sophie Fatus. A cummulative story based on Chilean folktale about a young boy who is given animals by his family. Each animal then has offspring which are included in the counting by two's song. A CD is included. Fun to read aloud and perform.
Hero Beowulf, The: The epic poem is retold in words and pictures that will appeal to upper elementary students. A scary night creature named Grendal is terrorizing the king and queen. Then Beowulf offers to battle the monster. It's a classic fight between good and evil. Illustrated in well-done paintings.
Heroes Don't Run: a Novel of the Pacific War: Follows A Boy at War and A Boy No More. Adam Pelko and his two friends witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor where his father was killed. He feels he owes it to his dad to enlist, even though he's underage. After bootcamp he's sent to Okinawa to fight. War is not glorified here. It is brutal and friends are lost. Historical data summarized at the end of the book. A quick action-packed read.
Hi! Fly Guy: Buzz wants so badly to enter the Amazing Pet Show but he has no pet. He captures Fly Guy and proves everyone wrong that a fly can be a pet, a super pet!
Hidden Child: Inspired to write this book after speaking to a group of middle school children the author tells the story of his survival during World War II. Vivid composite paintings and family photos sprinkled throughout the book help to make his story unforgettable.
Hitch: After Moss is laid off from his job at the airstrip, Hitch sets out to find his dad in the Depression era novel. After he finds him he discovers he's nothing but an unemployed drunk. So it's up to him to support his family. He becomes a part of CCC and learns many lessons. A great tie-in with American History.
Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow: This large format book is well done--plenty of black and white captioned photos and wide margins. This well-researched collection will aid casual readers and researchers alike. Although often eye-opening they encourage discussion about the power of a leader.
Hold Me Tight: Inspired by true events, told in prose poetry, this is a moving and powerful novel. Essie's father leaves the family abruptly and unexpectedly. Crisis after crisis (non-graphic inappropriate touches) looms, and finally, Essie and her family find ways to connect with friends who help them to cope.
Horse from the Sea, The: Nora Donovan's family doesn't have much except each other in this 1588 Irish story set during the war with the Spanish and British over Catholicism. Nora's devotion to the wild ponies will draw fans as she endangers her life to rescue a Spanish sailor and a horse from a shipwreck.
Houdini: This is a picture biography of Harry Houdini. Interspersed with the story of his life are pages that describe the sequence of his elaborate magic escapes. While the author and Houdini do not share how he did it--the author does tell the reader some fascinating facts about Houdini. He could pick up a coin with his palm, he took locks apart so he understood how they were made, he practiced some of his tricks for three years before doing them on stage, and he trained his toes to work as efficiently as his fingers.
House of Tailors, A: When thirteen-year-old Dina emigrates from Germany to America in 1871, her only wish is to return home as soon as she can, but as the months pass and she survives a multitude of hardships living with her uncle and his young wife and baby, she finds herself thinking of Brooklyn as her home.
How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food: Illustrated by Mark Teague. Do dinosaurs burp, play with their food, and have bad manners? Of course not, they have wonderful manners!
Hubbub Above, The: Sydney likes the quiet of living on the 52nd floor of her building until she gets new neighbors. They are very loud (they're also elephants). In the end they win her over with their fun parties. Will make children smile.
Hunwick's Egg: Illustrated by Pamela Lofts. Illustrations make these desert animals come alive. A well written story about an animal who takes care of an egg he finds. Good story for predicting.
Hurry!: This book is the author/illustrator team's fourth title about rural life with Nora and her grandparents. The hay has just been cut when the wind picks up and the sky darkens. Nora, Gramps, and Gram work hard, loading the hay onto the horse-drawn wagon and bringing it under cover just as the rain starts.
Hurty Feelings: Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Fragility is a solid piece of work but dissolves when someone gives her compliments. She turns them into insults and turns her friends away. She meets a bully who helps her to realize her overreactions.
I, Dred Scott: This fiction book, based on the facts of the life of Dred Scott, not just the court decision, hold true to his memory. Told in first person with the dialect of a slave gives a glimpse into a slave's life different from many we normally read about. Treated well most of the time but still longing to be free. With the help of some good white folk Dred Scott was able to pursue his case to the Supreme Court.
I.Q., It's Time: I.Q., the classroom mouse, is getting ready for parents' night. I.Q. comes up with a surprise which truly makes him a part of the classroom. Fun to read or a great read aloud.
I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!: Illustrated by David Catrow. David Catrow's vivid colors set the tone for a playful take off of a familiar song. The reader is drawn into this story with a surprise ending. Sure to bring a smile!
I Am a Dodo: not a true story: Illustrated by Kae Nishimura. A professor who believes that the dodo is not yet extinct finally finds one in New York City. He trys everything to capture it until he learns why Dodo should be free.
I am Sacajawea, I am York: Beautifully illustrated, this picture book is about two members of the Lewis and Clark expedition who did not volunteer to go: Sacajawea and York. Both were considered to be property that belonged to others. It is told in their perspectives and is based on some true incidents according to the journals of Lewis and Clark. Helpful text features such as maps, afterword, bibliography, list of web sites, and pronunciations.
I Can't Stop! A Story About Tourette Syndrome: Nathan has "habits" that begin to bother classmates and family. It begins with his eyes winking, moves to sniffing, then becomes head snapping. Through diagnosis and medication he begins to control his TS. The story and illustrations lend a sensitive look at this issue. There is introductory information to parents and teachers.
I Could Do That!: Esther Morris's answer to many of her life's challenges was "I can do that!" And she did. She was the one who started the movement to get women the right to vote. Esther was a 6 ft. tall, strong-willed woman who seized many opportunities to show that women can do the same things men can. She became a justice of the peace; Judge Morris was the first woman to hold public office. This picture book is a biography of a woman we should remember.
Ida B?and her Plans to Maximize Fun and Disaster: Fourth grader Ida B spends happy hours being home-schooled and playing in her family?s apple orchard, until circumstances force her parents to sell part of the orchard and send her to public school.
If Dogs Were Dinosaurs: Illustrated by James Warhola. Size is all relative if you read Schwartz's book that plays with the principles of ratio and proportion. In the back, explanations encourage further investigation in math.
If Frogs Made Weather: This book has a great potential as a writing prompt. If?made weather what would happen? Cut paper illustratoins enhance the text.
If You'll be my Valentine: Illustrated by Fumi Kosaka. A little boy expresses his affection for family, friends, dog and even his teddy bear by making each a handmade valentine card, each with its own special rhyme. The format is consistent with rhyming text on left page along with a small illustration of the valentine card and a coordinating illustration that shows the boy interacting with recipient on right hand page.
If You're Happy and You Know It!: This darling, high spirited sing along book will make youngsters want to roar like a lion, clap like a monkey and flap like a bird. A great book to accompany a feelings unit for prekindergarten through first grade.
If You're Not From the Prairie: Blazing skies in bright blues bounce from the full-page acrylic illustrations that face every page of poetic text in this piece about modern-day life on the prairie. In them a young boy and his dog play through every season on farmlands, prairie fields, and country roads. The accompanying verse is well written. With its attractive format, this will make a nice additional purchase for poetry collections. In prairie areas, it is a must!
If You Decide to Go to the Moon: Illustrated by Steven Kellogg. A child goes through a very realistic imaginary space journey to the moon and back. Interesting story with beautiful illustrations.
I Love Bugs!: Illustrated by Shari Halpern. Picture book with rhyming text follows the explorations of a little boy decked out in a safari outfit as he investigates the tiny movers in the outdoors around his home. This basic introduction to the world of bugs has notes on bug behaviors on one page and large pictures for identification on the facing page. Features photos and appealing illustrations that use bright colors, bold outlines and close-ups of bugs the boy encounters. End pages feature interesting bug facts and trivia for readers a bit older.
Imagine a Day: Paintings by Rob Gonsalves. In her book, Thomson dares all to imagine a day that ? Gonsalves beautifully stretches your sight into imagining. Resembles Escher's artwork.
Indian Orphanages: Holt's book is the first to focus exclusively on this subject. It relates Indian history, educational history, family history, and child welfare policy to the context of the orphan asylum in America.
Inexcusable: A high school football player seems to be perfect, but he must deal with his aggressiveness. The book deals with date rape and all its conflicts and problems.
Inkspell: This is a gripping continuation of Inkheart. Meggie is still caught within the story and Dustfinger is desperate to return to the original tale. A must read for fantasy and book lovers.
In the Coils of the Snake: Book 3 Hollow Kingdom Trilogy: This third book of the Hollow Kingdom Trilogy has created a fantasy full of goblins and elves that seem to come alive. The author draws readers deep into her magical realm for one last incredible story.
Invasion of the Road Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales: Thirty-five short stories that all have a creepy theme. Funny, clever, and off the wall these stories are just right for reading alone or telling aloud in the dark.
Invisible: Doug is obsessed. His only friend is Andy, a next door neighbor who he talks to from his window. And his only occupation is building a replica of the Golden Gate bridge for his model train set that takes up most of the basement. But there's something else that's going on and the reader gradually becomes aware of the state of Doug's mental health.
Invisible Mistakecase, The: Have you ever wanted to erase a mistake? Charlotte really hurt her best friend's feelings by calling her a "big pink baby." In an intergenerational story, Grandpa shares the secret of how to take responsibility for personal mistakes and then make things right--but making them invisible. Vivid, colorful illustrations and a satisfying ending make us all want an Invisible Mistakecase.
Iris & Walter and the Field Trip: Illustrated by Christine Davenier. Iris and Walter are going to the aquarium for a field trip. Iris turns out to be a good friend again when she thinks Walter is lost. A good "friend" book is always a good buy.
I See a Kookaburra!: This eye-catching, colorful book describes various animals, insects and sea life in their habitats. The vibrant paper collage illustrations and the appealing hide and seek format will captivate even the most reluctant readers. Includes detailed information on the six habitats and animals at the back.
It's About Time!: Illustrated by John Speirs. Simple picture book for young readers connects time with events throughout a young boy's day. Each page includes both digital and analog clock that correlates with clean illustrations of child's routine activities in a 24 hour period. Part of Math Start series.
I Was Once an Apple Pie: ABCs done in a playful poem. Full of rhyming.
I Will Plant You a Lilac Tree: Hannelore shares her stories of the events that she witnessed in the labor and concentration camps in the 1940s. She shares about how she loses each family member and how she falls in love. The lilac tree plays an important part, but you have to read the book to find out.
Jackie Robinson, Strong Inside and Out: These beginning biographies are formatted like easy readers with excellent photographs, sidebars and timelines. Solid information about the person's life, family, and accomplishments is given.
Janey and the Famous Author: Janey's class is going on a field trip to the college for the literature festival. Janey is very excited because her favorite author is one of four authors they get to meet. This is a good and easy chapter book by an already well-known author.
Jayhawker Book: n response to continued demands, this title has been reissued in the special revised edition. This book about the state of Kansas, the state flower, bird and tree, products and people, can be read with ease by boys and girls in the second and third grades. Teachers looking for easy material about Kansas for the primary level will welcome the fifth reprint of this book with its original illustrations.
Joe Louis, America's Fighter: Easy to read and understand biography.
John F. Kennedy, the Making of a Leader: These beginning biographies are formatted like easy readers with excellent photographs, sidebars and timelines. Solid information about the person's life, family, and accomplishments is given.
John F. Kennedy: his life and legacy: Sommer, an administrator at Boston's JFK Library, wrote an appealing biography. She begins with his birth, ends with a review of his legacy, and in between devotes chapters to his childhood, education, political advancement, life in the White House and foreign and domestic threats and achievements. Includes bibliographical references and index.
Jose! Born to Dance: Jose Limon was born in a family of eleven in Mexico. His family immigrated to the U.S. because of the Mexican Revolution. This is the story of how he became a professional dancer and formed a dance company. He performed with many ballet groups and was a teacher at Julliard School. He was a boy who was determined to make a difference in the world of dance. Beautiful art work.
Julio's Magic: Julio, an artistic little boy in Mexico, discovers the power of true friendship and develops an understanding of creativity and sacrifice when he helps his nearly blind mentor win a prestigious wood-carving contest. Unique collages of grainy/fuzzy photos are color washed for artistic effect. Excellent storyline and structure.
Just for Today: Ignore the clocks, have popcorn for breakfast?The bear family plays hooky to spend Just Today devoted strictly to fun and enjoying each other's company. Even the dog and cat get involved in the family activities. The rhyming text and dreamy watercolor illustrations will appeal to the youngest readers.
Kansas, the History of the Sunflower State, 1854-2000: An exceptional book on the history of Kansas. Includes bibliographical references and index.
Kansas Breeding Bird Atlas: This book focuses on 203 species of birds located while nesting in Kansas over a period of six years. Two pages are devoted to each bird and includes a description, drawing and distribution data.
Kansas Day by Day: A collection of stories that make up Kansas? remarkable history. Three hundred and sixty-six anecdotes, adventures and momentous events-intriguing, entertaining, somber, ridiculous, and true-Kansas Day by Day offers a glimpse into the everyday life of our 34th state.
Kansas--The History of the Sunflower State, 1854-2000: A great Kansas resource book. It treats the past history as well as history about Kansas that has not been found in previous history books. A wonderful addition to a Kansas collection.
Kansas Wetlands: A Wildlife Treasury: A crisp, clear wildlife presentation, featuring color photos (by seven photographers, taken over a period of seven years) with explanatory captions, following an introductory essay.
Kansas Wildlife: Photographs by Bob Gress, Gerald J. Wiens, Suzzanne L. Collins and Joseph T. Collins. One hundred and twenty-one extraordinary photographs with text by Kansas Zoologist at the University of Kansas, Joseph Collins. The text provides little-known information about the habits and habitats of Kansas creatures.
Katie's Sunday Afternoon: One very hot day, Katie wants to go to the pool, but it's full so she visits a museum to get cool and gets into (literally!) the pointellist paintings. A very exciting way to introduce these artists' paintings. A must for the art section.
Keys to the Kingdom: #3 Drowned Wednesday: The third installment in the Keys to the Kingdom series finds Arthur Penhaligon in the hospital awaiting transport by ship back to the House. If Arthur can survive the voyage, he may be able to claim the Third Key and save the human race.
Kindergarten Rocks!: First day jitters shake Dex to the bone. What is kindergarten going to be like? His sister (a big third grader) tells him kindergarten rocks and he finds out it does!
Klondike Gold: A hundred years ago miners set off to Alaska and the Yukon to find their fortunes. This is the story of Bill Howell and his friend Joe who are infected with the fever. A unique format that shows the action plus gives the facts leads the way for the reader of this adventure.
Knight Who Took All Day, The: A brave fearless handsome knight wants so to impress a beautiful princess by slaying a terrible dragon. When one shows up, it takes him so long to get ready that the princess goes after the dragon herself.
Konza Prairie: A Tallgrass Natural History: The Konza Prairie, the largest remaining tract of tallgrass prairie in North America, may not immediately demand attention. It is this unassuming beauty that O.J. Reichman, associate professor of biology at Kansas State University, deals with in his book. He introduces the ecology of the Konza from its prehistoric periods through what is being done to preserve the prairie today. The book reads easily and can fit into Kansas history units as readily as those dealing with more specific areas. Color photos along with pen and ink sketches help bring the prairie to life.
Langston's Train Ride: This poetic tribute to Langston Hughes as he reaches the point where he knows that he really is a poet, is expressed in rich language narrative and brilliant illustrations by Leonard Jenkins. Also included is Hughe's famed poems "The Negro Speaks of Rivers."
Last Child: Head-strong Roslaie is pulled between loyalties to her white father and Native American mother. This action page-turner is told from the point of view of Last Child with diary excerpts from the father. Historical fiction based on the smallpox epidemic of 1837.
Last Codfish, The: This is a compelling and at times riveting story of friendship, loss and survival. Ever since his mother's traumatic accidental death seven years ago, Tut has remained mute and his father began to drink heavily. Alex, a new girl Tut's age with family problems of her own, reaches out to Tut.
Last Holiday Concert, The: Life is usually easy for popular sixth grader, Hart Evans, but when his music teacher puts him in charge of the holiday concert, Hart must use all his leadership skills to unite the other students.
Last of the Roundup Boys, The: This companion book to Grasslands is set in Kansas in 1885. Tom is now seventeen and is hired as a cowhand to work on the Parson's cattle ranch. Tom is smitten with sixteen-year-old Evie, the ranch owner's daughter. Narrated in interchanging voices of Tom and Evie, it tells of the iffy romance between the two. This historical fiction has substance with women's rights, the legacy of slavery, tension between cattlemen, railroad men, and farmers, and class differences and sex roles on the Kansas prairie.
Laura's Album: This book is a lovely tribute and chronicle of the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Included are photos, reproductions of original communications and keepsake treasures accumulated by Laura. The historical research represented by this work will capture young and older fans of the Little House saga.
Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little Town: Miller's book provides a detailed account of life in De Smet in the late 19th century. The key strength of this work is allowing readers to envision the historical context from which Wilder's writing sprang. Miller is also careful to point out that Wilder's remembered experiences (she only started writing the "Little House" books in the 1930s) are not always an accurate portrayal of historical reality.
Leaf Man: Read the leaves in this picture book true to Ehlert's signature style. Large easy to read text coordinates perfectly with gorgeous illusstratoins composed from leaves the author collected in her travels to numerous places (including Kansas City). Specially edged pages, authors notes on the gathering process in preparation for writing, and specially designed end pages for leaf identification support and extend the text.
Learning the Game: Nate and most of the guys on his basketball team steal from a frat in the summer and it changes everything in their lives. How does Nate make peace with his girlfriend, parents, and a brother who accidentally shot a friend in middle school? This is a good study in guilt and how much power we give others through guilt.
Legend of the Curse of the Bambino, The: Excellent book for boys to read as a biography. Wonderful illustrations. Text includes interesting facts and history. Love of baseball!
Let's Sign: every baby's guide to communicating with grownups: These short stories with playful pictures and easy instructions are designed to help parents and babies communicate. Easy to read instructions. Great for older siblings too. Signing children increase their vocabulary and begin to speak earlier.
Let's Talk About Race: If we were to go outside without our skins on and without the hair on our heads, we would all look the same! That's part of the powerful message in this book. The dramatic illustrations help us understand that our differences are what make us unique.
Let it Begin Here! Lexington and Concord: The first battles of the American Revolution are described and illustrated in this book. A who's who for both the American side and the British side is included as well as what heppened to these people after the war. Pictures are beautifully done.
Let Me Play: the Story of Title IX: Specific facts and fascinating personal stories give readers a wide view of the history and future of Title IX, which bans sex discrimination in U.S. education. Title IX does not just cover equality in sporting opportunities. Title IX actually mandates that schools may not limit the educational opportunities of students based on gender--and that includes admissions policies and access to classes. Includes notes, web sites and index.
Liberty Rising: The story of the Statue of Liberty is told with beautiful pictures that illustrate the process from start to finish. It's a fascinating story: a face bearing the likeness of the creator's mother, a hand and a torch that came alone first to Philadelphia, and seventy train cars packed with pieces. Also included: a large fold out picture of the statue.
Lightning in a Drought Year: Love and politics collide to make feminist history in Gilded Age Kansas. A forbidden friendship turns to love amidst the social and economic turmoil of the Populist Uprising and, as women seek political equality with men, an unlikely heroine steps forward to make history. "In this charming novel, Michelle Black has displayed a hero and heroine worthy of one another. Her descriptions and strong voice are a symphony to the eyes.
Little Cricket: After the upheaval of the Vietnam War reaches them, twelve-year-old Kia and her Hmong family flee from the mountains of Laos to a refugee camp in Thailand and eventually to the alien world of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Little House on the Prairie: Includes a brief history of how the story became published with illustrations. 65th anniversary collector's edition.
Little Shark: Illustrated by Megan Halsey. This narrative about a shark pup will please the young readers. As the shark grows, Rockwell gives interesting facts about shark behavior and deep sea dangers. An author's note is appended.
Little Stevie Wonder: Easy-to-read biography that includes an author's note telling more about Stevie Wonder's life and a CD with two songs. Illustrations are bright, big colors of simple shapes.
Little Yoga: a toddler's first book of yoga: This first book of yoga introduces nine simple yoga exercises. Colorful, clear and simple illustrations invite participation in movement that develops body sense in youngsters.
Living Landscapes of Kansas: Kansas? unexpected beauty is presented in text and photographs. It is a wonderful addition to Konza Prairie and A Tallgrass Natural History by the same author. Known and unfamiliar forests, prairies, rivers, and lakes are depicted, which reveal a beautifully diverse state.
Lizette's Green Sock: Lizette finds a green sock while out for a walk. What to do with it? Put it on and wear it of course, but that leads to bullying criticism that socks must come in pairs. Lizette searches for but cannot find the second sock, but her loyal friend and a resourceful mother provide a unique and satisfying solution.
Lizzie Nonsense: Life in the Australian bush is filled with hard work and isolation for Lizzie's family--especially when Papa leaves for weeks to take the cut sandlewood to town. Lizzie uses her vivid imagination to alter routine tasks. Gardening allows her to gather flowers for her bride's bouquet, hauling water for baby's bath means a voyage on the deep blue sea, dinner of "turnips, as usual" becomes peaches and cream, and mending is transformed into making a party dress. Mama calls it all nonsense, but we learn that imagination runs in this close knit pioneer family.
Loathsome Dragon: A wicked queen casts a spell over her beautiful stepdaughter, turning her into a loathsome dragon until such time as her wandering brother shall return and kiss her three times.
Love Lizzie: Letters to a Military Mom: This lively collection of letters written by 9-year-old Lizzie to her military mother overseas is timely and authentic. Through her writing, Lizzie shares her news, questions and thoughts. Includes tips for military families facing deployment separation.
Lucky Days with Mr. and Mrs. Green: Another adventure for Mr. and Mrs. Green. These alligators will entertain children of all ages. Students wanting to get into chapter books will be off to a good start with this funny couple.
Lucky Stars: Kira has moved from her grandmother's upstate home to live with her rock-musician father and younger half brothers in a squalid New York City apartment. While Kira is performing with her father in the subway, she meets Jake, who has trouble speaking because of a severe stutter, and his best friend, Eugene. The characterization, an authentic sense of place, and a good mix of serious and funny scenes make this a top-notch novel.
Lunch Money: Greg is good at lots of things like sports, drawing and school. He's really good at making money which he has been doing since he was in kindergarten when he charged his brothers to do their chores. He finally becomes friends with his neighborhood rival, Maura, and together they write, publish, and sell a comic book. The novel is a fun look at money, school and friendship.
Madcat: Madcat Campione, the best twelve-year-old catcher in New Hampshire, is excited that this year her fast pitch softball team has been upgraded into national contenders. Some weaker players are cut to make room for stars from other teams, which troubles Madcat. Is winning really more important than anything? This book is sure to be a hit!
Magician's Boy, The: The boy's job is to polish the wands, catch the rabbits and grow the herbs for the magic spells. He wanted to learn magic from the magician, but the magician would teach him. Because St. George from the puppet play disappears, the boy goes on a quest to find him. The hunt is full of characters from Mother Goose tales. Illustrations embellish the text.
Magnus at the Fire: The by-gone era of horse drawn fire engines is re-created in museum-quality oil paintings and an exciting storyline. But this story is also about responsibility and "answering the call." A book not to be missed by anyone who respects bravery.
Magyk: This is an exceptional choice for fantasy readers looking to delve into the world of magic. As the magically gifted seventh son of the seventh son is stolen the night he is born and carried away for dead, his father is entrusted with a baby girl. Who is this mysterious baby and what really happened to their son? Full of magic, adventure, humor, and fascinating characters, this irresistible book is a must-read for fantasy lovers.
Makeovers by Marcia: Eighth grade doesn't begin the way Marcia envisioned. Two pimples, five pounds and a dance invitation is all she can think about until her social studies teacher requires the students to do a community service project at a nursing home. For her project, Marcia offers beauty makeovers. While giving the makeovers, Marcia learns that beauty is more than skin deep. Humorous, realistic and touching. The fifth book in the West Creek Middle School series. Can be read alone, though.
Mama Panya's Pancakes: Illustrated by Julia Cairns. Mama plans to spend her few coins on ingredients to make pancakes for their supper. On the way to market, son Adika invites several friends to join them. Mama is worried about having enough food, but fortunately all the guests bring something to add. A wonderful look at rural life in Kenya with lots of facts appended.
Marie, Dancing: Marie and her sisters are dancers for the Opera Paris in the late 1800s. To earn extra money for her impoverished family Marie agrees to model for Edgar Degas. However, her mother's alcoholism and her sister's careless selfishness forces Marie to do things that hinder her dreams and ambitions. But she is the model for one of Degas' most famous works of art to emerge from the Impressionist era.
Marooned: In 1708, Alexander Selkirk was put ashore on an uninhabited island in the South Pacific after a disagreement with the ship's captain. After four years, he was rescued by a British privateer. He took part in capturing several merchant ships that provided him with great wealth. In spite of his money, he missed life on the island. His story inspired Daniel Defoe to write Robinson Crusoe. Author's note, glossary, bibliography, index.
Marshfield Dreams: This humorous and captivating memoir stands strong in the ranks of authors' autobiographies. Ralph's mother has a baby every year, making him the oldest of nine, but who wants to hear that news from a nosy girl in his class. Fletcher recounts boyhood friendships and adventures of living in a large family.
Math Potatoes: Illustrated by Harry Briggs. A collection of math riddles to challenge children to approach problem solving in creative ways. Illustrated with vivid colors, each riddle is presented in energetic rhyming text and supported by fantastic visual across the double page spread.
McGillycuddy Could!: McGillycuddy came to the farm to live one day. The other animals wondered what good she was on a farm. She couldn't lay eggs, give milk or wool. But she could be a very special help.
Mediator Twilight, The: Suze Simon is a typical high school student except she mediates between the living and the dead. Life is getting complicated when she falls in love with a ghost from the 19th century.
Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie: n this work, the medicinal use of 203 native prairie plants by the Plains Indians is presented. This book will increase appreciation for prairie plants at a time when prairies need protection.
Meet Wild Boars: Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Wild boars are dirty, smelly, rude, bossy, bad-tempered, and just plain mean critters who simply create havoc everywhere they go. Boris, Horace, Morris and Doris overtly, even disgustingly, reject any gesture of friendship. Youngsters may "tsk, tsk" at the inappropriate antics of this grungy foursome, but will secretly delight in the unruly, deceitful, "boarish" behavior depicted in the comical illustrations and lively text. A real hoot!
Megan's Birthday Tree: A story about open adoption: This tender story is a sensitive portrayal of open adoption. Each year, Kendra, Megan's birth mother sends Megan a picture of the tree she planted the day Megan was born. When Kendra decides to move to a new house, Megan worries that the two of them will lose touch.
Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys: Megan Meade will start a new school, a new family, and a new boyfriend. Will she survive a new life? Will she survive the "new" brothers, the McGowan boys?
Merry Christmas, Merry Crow: Illustrated by Jon Goodell. Lovely story of a crow collecting items at Christmas time. Easy to become wrapped up in this gentle, flowing narrative.
Midnight Diary of Zoya Blume, The: While her adoptive American mother is away, twelve-year-old Zoya confides in her diary of her fears about the Buka, an old woman who waits in the shadows to snatch children, and confronts some truths about her childhood in her native Russia.
Mighty Mississippi, The: Explores the science and the history of the Mississippi River showing us why the Ojibwa Indians called it Mes-sipi, "Father of Running Waters." Excellent history of part of the United States.
Minister's Daughter: For fans of Libba Bray comes another historical novel. To cover up an out of wedlock pregnancy the minister's daughter incriminates Nell, the village healer. Mass hysteria results from the cover-up.
Misery Moo: Illustrated by Tony Ross. Is your glass half empty or half full? Misery Moo the pessimistic cow sees her glass empty but her loyal friend the happy-go-lucky lamb is always there to try to cheer Moo up. Inevitably the tables turn and Moo sees the impact her negativity has on her lamb. This light-hearted parable of friendship proves that attitude can be highly contagious but so can laughter.
Missing Manatee, The: Skeet Waters dreams of going fly fishing for tarpon. One day while he is out in his skiff he sees a manatee that has been shot. Manatees are protected by law so he reports this to the local sheriff. When he and the sheriff return to the site, the body of the manatee is gone. As Skeet tries to unravel the mystery he deals with his parents dissolving marriage and goes tarpon fishing with Dirty Dan, his hero. Skeet discovers life is not always the way it appears. Colorful characters and Skeet's good common sense make this a great read.
Miss Ladybird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America: Illustrated by Joy F. Hein. A biography of Lady Bird Johnson that focuses on her passion for conserving natural resources and promoting the beautifucation of cities and highways by planting wildflowers.
Monday on the Mississippi: Illustrated by Frane Lessac. Take a week long trip down the Big Muddy from its quiet headwaters through its mile wide might to the delta where it meets the sea in a book easily integrated into geography, history, transportation, economics, folklore, time, and seasons. Poetic text in fourteen non-rhyming poems mix with primitive art depicting multiple activities specific to regions and environments on the river and its banks. End notes fill in some details on events and places. Timely in light of current events. Good companion to Ste-e-ee-e-eamboat a-comin'.
Moose's Big Idea: This book would be good if you need more easy to read chapter books. Moose is a likeable character.
More or Less: Illustrated by David Wenzel. Children learn to compare numbers with Eddie who works the guess your age booth at the school picnic. Blindfolded, Eddie gets to ask contestants questions that allow him to guess their ages. Children will enjoy figuring out Eddie's success and seeing what it takes to stump him. Activities for more in-depth understanding included at the end. Part of Math Start series.
Mouse Went Out to Get a Snack: Illustrated by Jim McFarland. A small comical mouse steals a plateful of food until a watchful cat jumps into action. Mouse scampers back to his hole while the plateful of fallen food flattens the cat. Told as a counting story: one piece of cheese, 2 plump plums, this makes a fun story for preschoolers and up.
Mr. Putter and Tabby Make a Wish: Illustrated by Arthur Howard. In this new installment of Mr. Putter and Tabby, it is Mr. Putter's birthday. His friend Mrs. Teaberry is coming or is she? He waits and waits and becomes worried but this birthday turns out to be worth the wait!
Mr. Tanen's Ties Rule!: It's career day at Lynnhurst School and the adults and children swap places. While the kids are in charge people from the state department make a surprise visit. Mr. Tanen's school wins the award because of the excitement he has created with his ties. Well done.
Mr. Williams: What was it like growing up an African American farmer in the 30s and 40s down in Louisiana? That's what the author asked her mother's friend--and the result is this picture book biography in first-person narrative that acknowledges the austerity, hard work, and racism of the era, but focuses on the details of family life, food, the seasonal rhythms of nature, and the joy in storytelling.
Mrs. Frizzle's Adventures: Imperial China: This latest Mrs. Frizzle adventure celebrates the Chinese New Year in a new way. Mrs. F and her friends learn about growing rice, the Great Wall, learn Chinese writing from a poet, and how to make silk. This is the first in a social studies series.
Mud City: Life cycle of a flamingo in the salty Bahamian mud flats through his gray-feathered growing up years, until he finds a mate and they build a nest. The facts are effectively worked into the fictional story and accompanied by realistic illustrations.
Mummy Math: The author of the Sir Cumference series has written another math book. Matt and Bibi are on a trip to Egypt when they get trapped in the pharaoh's pyramid. The twins must use their math skills and hieroglyphics to escape. Readers will learn about geometric solids.
Mutt Dog: Mutt Dog needs a home and can't find one. He wanders into a homeless shelter and finds a friend and home. Students will want to read this dog story.
My 13th Season: Fran Cullers was a star player on the Little League team in her old town, so the Highwater Hardwares should be thrilled to have her--except that they hate girls. Fran sets out to destroy the Hardwares. But vengence is a dangerous thing, as she soon finds out. Fran is a sympathetic heroine kids will root for.
My Daddy is a Giant: Illustrated by Ingrid Gordon. A little boy needs a ladder to cuddle with his father who is so large birds nest in his hair. The little boy realizes that to his own child, some day, he will be a giant, too.
My Nights at the Improv: Eighth-grader Lizzie has trouble adjusting to her new life in Buffalo until she observes an acting class in improvisation. Applying some improvisation principles to her own life, Lizzie is able to make new friends and come to terms with the death of her father. This short book would be a good choice for a read aloud and would also be helpful in writing classes.
My World of Discovery: Interactive first reference full of lively text and engaging, full-color illustrations. Child-friendly, visually appealing, with exciting experiments and activities. A wonderful book!
Nacho & Lolita: Illustrated by Claudia Rueda. This is a sweet little love story about two birds who overcome many things to be together. It is based on a Mexican folktale.
Naked Mole-Rat Letters, The: You won't be disappointed with this realistic read with laughs and a few misty-eyed moments. Seventh-grader Frankie finds out her dad has a long-distance romance with a named mole-rat expert. Frankie sends phony emails in an attempt to end the relationship. One lie leads to another and soon her life is a disaster.
Nathan's Wish: A Story About Cerebral Palsy: Nathan, a boy with cerebral palsy, helps out at a neighbor's raptor rehabilitation center. Nathan suggests that an owl with a broken wing be given orphaned owlets to care for. The boy is inspired by the owl and finds ways to help his neighbor, despite his own disability.
Naughts and Crosses: The pale skinned Naughts are discriminated against by the political and socially powerful dark-skinned Crosses. Teenage love will be tested, can it survive?
Nellie and the Bandit: Illustrated by Erin Kono. A tall tale about Nellie who outsmarts Desperado Dan by pretending to mistake Dan for the preacher, the school teacher and the judge. A good read aloud for middle elementary grades.
Never Mind! A Twin Novel: Twelve-year-old New York City twins Meg and Edward have nothing in common, so they are just as shocked as everyone else when Meg's hopes for popularity and Edward's mischievous schemes coincidentally collide in a hilarious showdown.
Next Door Dogs, The: Readers who are afraid of dogs will identify with Sara Barker as she struggles to overcome this fear. Two big dogs and their owner move in next door. Sara confronts her fear and gains a new friend, too.
Nine Days a Queen: short life of Lady Jane Grey: Told in first person is the incredible historical fiction novel of Lady Jane who was fifth in line to the throne but never wanted to reign. She would become Queen of England for only nine days before being executed.
No More Cookies!: Illustrated by Brita Granstrom. Florence and her stuffed monkey, Arnold, have eaten all the cookies. They try to come up with a plan for Mom to give them just one more.
Nutty Names: A Book of Name Jokes: A clever collection of name jokes that will tickle readers of all ages. One in a series of Read It! joke books designed for early readers.
Octopus, The: Grandpa's favorite pup has come down with chicken pox but he spins a wild seafaring tale to keep the pup from scratching. It's story within a story format may be difficult for new readers, but illustrations give good visual cues and clues.
Old Thunder and Miss Raney: Young Raney Cloud's luck isn't all that turns around in this folksy debut. Determined to win a blue ribbon at last at the Washita County Fair, Raney whips up a batch of Sooner biscuits. Even though her biscuits, made from storm sifted flour, are now lighter than air, they still don't take first place-but when she feeds them to Old Thunder, he kicks up his heels and beats all comers in the plow horse race.
Old Willis Place, The: Tired of the rules that have bound them ever since "the bad thing happened," twelve-year-old Diana ignores her brother's warnings and befriends the daughter of the new caretaker, setting in motion events that lead to the release of the spirit of an evil, crazy woman who once ruled the old Willis place.
One Nosy Pup: Poky the lovable beagle and hamster friend Charlie have a covert hound/rodent friendship captured on film. The lovable hound and his funny friend are sure to delight readers of all ages.
One-Room Schools of the Middle West: An Illustrated History Both as social history and as an archival source, this work is an important contribution to the history of American education. Fuller?s commentaries are dimensionally rich sociohistorical vignettes on the school children, the schools, the teachers, rural aspirations, and other topics set in a pictorial and archival album. Fuller is not incorrect in observing that ?The little one-room schools of the Middle West offer important lessons in education, even in our own times of sophisticated educational theory and large, professionally dominated schools.?
On Etruscan Time: Eleven-year-old Tennessean Hector accompanies his mother on an archaeological dig to Italy. Through time travel he meets Arath who lived 2000 years ago. Soon this Etruscan boy will become the very bones the archaeologist have already found in a sacrificial pit.
Operation Clean Sweep: In 1916, just four years after getting the right to vote, the women of Umatilla, Oregon, band together to throw the mayor and other city officials out of office, replacing them with women.
Our Eleanor: a scrapbook look at Eleanor Roosevelt: In this standout biography, Fleming has presented much factual information about Eleanor and has arranged it to lead readers to a clear understanding of the character, personality, background, and motivations of this truly remarkable woman. Readers will be intrigued by the volume's scrap book style about one of the most influential women in the history of our country.
Our Kansas Home: Charlie and his family first introduced in Pioneer Summer become involved with helping runaway slaves. An early chapter book that provides good background on this area of history.
Our Town on the Plains: The narrative and reprinted photos of Junction City, Kansas, by J.J. Pennell provide a unique view of life in Midwest America during the early 1900s. The narrative is thorough yet entertaining, and this book truly must be included in every Kansas collection.
Panda Math: Two famous pandas, Bai Yun and Shi Shi, live at the San Diego Zoo. Their cubs Hua Mei and Mei Sheng are the focus of this story about their activities, diet and growth. It's a parallel story--one chronicles the math (the right-hand pages) and the other side tells how the pandas grow.
Papa Pride: Beautifully illustrated companion book to Mallat's Mama Love, this book features a wolf pack of three cubs and an adult. Papa is playful, protective and patient just as a good papa should be.
Pay the Piper: A new twist on the Pied Piper of Hamelin. The Brass Rats are a band formed by a banished prince of Faerie. He uses the band to earn the gold and silver he needs to buy off a curse he incurred by murdering his brother. It is time for a payment and his band has not raised the fee so instead he will have to pay with souls.
Pearl's New Skates: Pearl plans to glide like a ballerina on her birthday ice skates. She practices inside--barefoot, wearing the new red skating skirt her grandma made for her. It is harder than she expects, and her first trip onto the ice brings falls, frustration and embarrassment. Her tactful, encouraging uncle coaxes Pearl back out of the house and onto the ice. Pearl goes from haughty to humble in this tenderly told story about imagination, empathy, and perseverance. Supports character education at primary level.
Pen Pal for Max, A: Thinking it would be fun to have a friend in a far away place, Max tucks a note inside a box of fruit being shipped from his home in Chile to a store in the U.S. When an earthquake threatens to close Max's school, his newly acquired pen pal comes through with some surprises.
Peopling the Plains: Both the immigrant experience and the influx of Yankees, Midlanders, and Southerners shaped the character of present day Kansas. Many maps chart the demographic structure of the state. While it is definitely an adult book, usage in high schools is probable. Some of the maps may be difficult for young adults to decipher.
Perfect Pumpkin Pie, The: Mr. Wilkerson wanted a perfect pie, a perfect pumpkin pie. He died eating one. His wife buried him in the pumpkin patch but somehow he goes searching for that perfect pumpkin pie each Halloween. A non-frightening ghost story.
Permanent Rose: Just as in the previous two books, people love to love this family. In this case Caddy is engaged, but still thinking it through, Tom is back in America and hasn't been heard from; previous bully David is trying to be a friend to Indigo and Saffy and Sarah are out to find out who Saffy's biological father is and Rose has to deal with a shoplifting problem.
Peter and the Starcatchers: Soon after Peter, an orphan, sets sail from England on the ship Never Land, he befriends and assists Molly, a young Starcatcher, whose mission is to guard a trunk of magical stardust from a greedy pirate and the native inhabitants of a remote island.
Pete the Sheep-Sheep: Illustrated by Bruce Whatley. The sheep shearers in Shaggy Gully all have a sheep dog, but the new guy Shaun uses an extremely polite sheep named Pete. New guy, new sheep, new way to herd, new shearing "salon." Original.
Phil and His Fabulous Feathers: Illustrated by Wes Thomas. The dirty ducks called Rockheads don't appreciate Phil who has beautiful feathers. Until they get into trouble with an alligator and Phil comes to the rescue using his lovely feathers. Phil is a good duck whose kindness wins friends in the end.
Photo by Brady: Brady used photographs to document the Civil War and brought the war, remote and unseen, to the people. Armstrong's narrative is chock full of fascinating details, many drawn from soldiers' diaries and letters, and photographs are liberally sprinkled throughout the volume.
Picture Book of Amelia Earhart, A: This volume on Amelia Earhart highlights her unconventional childhood, her independent spirit, her caring heart, her determination to fly, and her courage as a trailblazer in aviation. The illustrations convey the look of the times and the drama of Earhart's adventurous life.
Picture Book of Samuel Adams: A beautifully illustrated book for intermediate students as they research American history. The facts are presented beginning with Samuel's childhood and continuing through his involvement in the revolution. Includes a time line, bibliography and web sites. Especially good for reluctant readers because of illustrations.
Pig on the Titanic: Illustrated by Bruce Whatley. Miss Edith is given Maxixe, a wind up musical pig, as a traveling companion to ease her anxiety about her ocean crossing on the Titanic. They go everywhere together on board becoming a favorite with the children and allowing the reader a glimpse of life on the luxury ship. When disaster strikes Miss Edith and Maxixe inadvertently end up in a lifeboat filled with frightened children who draw comfort and warmth from Maxixe's music. Told from a pig's eye view, the text (based on a true incident) catches the drama of the disaster complemented by realistic full and double water color illustrations.
Pinned: Two wrestlers tell their story in alternating chapters of their quest to work toward the state championship in the weight classes. Ivan, son of Polish immigrants is from a poor part of the state. Bobby is from an affluent family. Both of them must win to achieve their dreams, but only one can be the state champion.
Pioneer Girl: Warren culls the memories of homesteader Grace McCance Snyder to explore what it was like to come of age in a Nebraska soddy. Following Poppie out to his claim in the 1880s, Grace and her sisters adapted to the cramped quarters and rough work, while Mama tried to preserve Eastern standards of household management and propriety without benefit of close neighbors, schools, or even a well on their property.
Pioneer Girl: The Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder: Anderson touches on significant events: the places Laura settled with her family as a child and glimpses of everyday life; her marriage and adult life with Almanzo Wilder; and her work as an author. Anderson's paintings, romantically rendered in warm tones, provide period details.
Pipkin of Pepper, A: The trio from Cooper's Pumpkin Soup are back in another tale of friendship. Duck, cat, and squirrel must go to town because they have run out of salt. The trio gets separated but all's well in the end.
Pirates and Smugglers: Introduction to the pirates and smugglers of the high seas from the bandits who sailed the Mediterranean Sea to the modern day criminals who attack ships in the China Sea. Includes web sites, book lists, places to explore, bibliographical references and index.
Pity Party, The: This sequel to Nobody Was Here is told from the point of view of Penelope's friend, Cass, and is just as enjoyable. Junior high readers will really relate to the problems Cass faces (boys, teachers, friends, feeling left out).
Pizza for the Queen: Everyone loves Raffaele's pizza. A message from the queen comes that she would like sample his fare. He's nervous as he plans what kind of pizza he will make. Pizza lover's may enjoy making the pizza featured in the recipe, "Pizza Margherita," named after the queen.
Plastic Angel: Thirteen-year-old friends Randi and Gellie escape their assigned roles long enough to write songs and become a band and perform their first gig. This forces dialog with families and starts the road to understanding.
Please Bury Me in the Library: What librarian would not love this book! Done in prose, the book will draw children into the library. Illustrations compliment the poems.
Polly's Pen Pal: Illustrated by Remy Simard. Polly, an American girl, learns about metrics and measurement from her email pen pal Ally who lives in Montreal. Concepts are skillfully woven into a modern pen pal story that is easily integrated into the social studies, language arts, technology, and math curriculum. Nice alternative approach to the traditional Flat Stanley unit. Part of Math Start series.
Poor is Just a Starting Place: Life during the Great Depression was hard on everybody. Twelve-year-old Artesia Wilson lives in the hills of Kentucky. She dreams of leaving for college and faces plenty of other obstacles besides just being poor. Her mother's illness, a new baby, and her father's belief that an eighth grade education are just a few. Accurate portrayal of life in the South during this period. No easy answers are provided. Inspiring with a lot of heart.
Prairie Birds: The author blends recent science and years of personal experience to give readers a pleasant account of 33 grassland bird species that emphasizes their behaviors within their natural habitats.
Prairie Dogs: This clearly written introduction to a fascinating species examines their life cycle, physical characteristics and social behavior. The author also explores the prairie dogs? relationship with people and invites readers to consider what lies ahead for an animal now considered a keystone species in an endangered environment.
Precious and the Boo Hag: Illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker. While everyone is at work, Precious stays home sick. But she knows enough to not open the door to strangers and she saves herself from the Boo Hag. A strong and smart African-American heroine.
President's Daughter, The: A fictionalized account of ten-year-old Ethel Roosevelt?s early experiences in the White House after her father, Theodore Roosevelt, becomes president in 1901.
Princess in Training: A year in the life of a sophomore princess in training, Mia. This sophomore year presents many challenges, almost more than a princess in training can bear.
Project Mulberry: Julia and Patrick are best friends and they team up to do a project on silkworms. Each step of the way there seems to be an obstacle that they solve in creative, thoughtful ways. You, as the reader, can't help but admire both of these characters for their determination. Between chapters the author and main character have a conversation about the direction the story is going.
Punxsutawney Phyllis: Uncle Phil is getting close to retirement and everyone know Phil Junior would be taking his place. There has never been a Punxsutawney Phyllis until now. A unique story encouraging girls to pursue their dreams.
Queen of Hearts: All the traditional frills and craftiness decorate the pages in true Engelbreit style. Ann Estelle and classmates prepare for Valentine's Day, each decorating a shoe box to hold their cards received at their class party. Ann Estelle takes hers over the top with ribbons, jewels, even perfume and dubs it "The Queen of Hearts." What Ann Estelle forgets leads to a turn around, a plain box--and a full heart.
Quilt Makers Journey, The: A beautiful story about a girl that leaves all her wealth behind to help others. She is finally happy and fulfilled. Prequel to the Quilt Makers Gift.
Rainy: Ten-year-old Rainy Tucker is an ADHD kid whose parents have chosen not to use medication, but to work with her as best they can. Rainy's summer trip to Camp Megunticook, designed to be a positive experience, proves to be a challenge both for Rainy and for her fellow campers and counselors.
Raven's Gate: Fourteen-year-old Matt's whole world is turned upside-down. Orphaned, Matt becomes a delinquent and turns to a life of crime. Through a new government program he is sent to live with an old lady in lesser Malling who is supposed to help him straighten out. Dark things are happening in lesser Malling, and Matt is the only one who can stop them, but how?
Really Good Snowman, A: Illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Jack the bear doesn't enjoy having a tag-along little sister who always wants to help. In the Shady Woods Snowman Contest it is Nancy who needs an extra set of paws when bullies attack her project. Jack comes to her rescue and gains an understanding of help and cooperation.
Real Revolution, The: Third book in this trilogy of the American Revolution. Begins with the early exploration into the New World in the 1700s with a global view during the time between the first English explorers and forming the United States.
Red, White, & Blue Good-bye: Illustrated by Ann Barrow. A young girl struggles with the preparations of her navy dad who is preparing to go to sea. He patiently points out the red mailbox flag, the white clouds and the blue ocean that connects them while he is away. A sensitive book for those families who are in the military.
Red Hot Salsa: Poems written in English and Spanish that deal with teenage concerns. A great fit for Spanish class and Hispanic literature and poetry.
Red Light, Green Light: Illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max. Brightly colored easy to read book makes learning about stop and go fun. Also would be a good tool for discussion about forms of transportation.
Red Ridin' in the Hood and other cuentos: Take eleven folk tales and fairy tales, give them a contemporary setting, some Spanish words and flavor and the result is a new twist on old favorites. The addition of the full page pencil sketches add to the presentations. Glossary included.
Report Card, The: Fifth grader Nora Rowley has always hidden the fact that she is a genius from everyone because all she wants is to be normal, but when she comes up with a plan to prove that grade are not important, things begin to get out of control.
Resistance: A historical fiction book of a family's involvement with the underground movements during World War II. A young teenage girl struggles with her mother hiding an English soldier and protecting her brother.
Rhyming Season, The: Hemlock, a small logging town, is dying--just like Brenda's brother. The mill has closed and the basketball coach has left for a college job. Mr. Hobbs, the new coach renames the team members as poets. He has them recite a poem by their author at the free throw line. Change is hard for the team and the town as the team drives toward the state finals.
Riddle of the Lost Gold: Prequel to The Road to El Dorado. McAfee opens the story on July 4, 1967 introducing two contemporary teenagers from Hays, Kansas. Julia has a brother stationed with U.S. Special Forces in Viet Nam. Her brother's friend, Chris, extends his friendship to Julia. The diary kept by Julia's great-grandmother described family life, panning for gold in the Rockies, the dreadful journey back along the Smoky Hill Trail and hiding a treasure of gold. The region around Hays is thoroughly described.
Riddles of Epsilon, The: This book has an intricate storyline. Jess is drawn into an ancient curse that she must solve to save her mother who is under its spell. Epsilon, a ghostly presence, aids her in her quest.
Right Fine Life, A: Carson knew the West was opening up and he wanted to be part of it. At age 16, he ran off to join a wagon train heading over the Santa Fe Trail. This journey was the beginning of a life of high adventure that would make him famous throughout the world. Additional information about the Santa Fe Trail and Kit Carson is given at the end of the story.
Road to El Dorado, The: Sequel to Riddle of the Lost Gold (KS Publishing, Inc., 2002) Julia Henson whose husband returns from Viet Nam with emotional scars, decides to take him back to Idaho Falls in Colorado to find the lost cache of gold. Excellent historical documentation and a good read!
Roberto Clemente, Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates: In spite of everything against him, this Puerto Rican made it into the major leagues. He became one of the most admired players of all time.
Roe v. Wade: With this book, Hull and Hoffer successfully place Roe v. Wade in the long curve of history rather than view it in an isolated moment. Those on either side of the issue will find this book informative and enlightening.
Room on Lorelei Street, A: The story of a seventeen-year-old trying to make a living on her own. She struggles with an alcoholic mother and tries to become responsible while renting a room on Lorelei Street.
Rooted in Dust: By using local sources, Riney-Kehrberg presents a compelling discussion of how the economic depression and dust storms of the 1930s impacted the daily lives of the people of southwestern Kansas. She explains why some townspeople and farmers fled the area while others remained, and she shows how those who stayed managed to survive by dint of will and innovation.
Rosa: This is the story of Rosa Parks and the event that prompted the Supreme Court to rule that segregation on the buses was illegal. Black (and white) Americans boycotted buses in Montgomery, Alabama, for one year to make this change come true. Rosa Parks' quiet, courageous act of not moving out of her seat caused a revolution. Told and illustrated by award winning author/artist.
Rosalie, My Rosalie: Henry, a girl, is wanting a pet very badly but her parents are always giving an excuse why she cannot have a dog, cat or pony. Her father brings home a fuzzy duckling and the fun begins. Hilarous chapter book.
Rose's Journal--The Story of a Girl in the Great Depression: The year is 1935 and Rose is eleven-years-old. She lives on a farm in Kansas. Her journal tells the story of the hardships caused by the drought and terrible dust storms.
Rose and Riley: Best pals, a vole and a groundhog introduce young readers to the world of word play. Endearing characters in soft water colors make these easy chapter books a sweet treat.
Rose and Riley Come and Go: Best pals, a vole and a groundhog introduce young readers to the world of word play. The animals head to the beach for "sand-wiches." Endearing characters in soft water colors make these easy chapter books a sweet treat.
Roy Makes a Car: Illustrated by Terry Widener. A new twist on a folktale preserved by Zora Neale Hurston. Ms. Lyons retells and expands this "bigger than life" tale about a mechanic that can do anything with a car?even sell it to God himself!
Ruby Tuesday: The 1988 World Series win by the Los Angeles Dodgers sets off a chain of life changing events for 13-year-old Ruby. She travels to Las Vegas where she learns surprising truths about life and family.
Rufus at Work: Rufus, the fat cat, tells us that he is so misunderstood by his girl, Posy. She thinks he is just a fat lazy cat but he works so hard.
Runner: Great read. Sports theme author gives a new twist to the term "runner." This timely novel avoids easy answers as a young boy struggles with the differences between lives of privilege and lives at the edge of poverty.
Runny Babbit: a Billy Sook: He's back with a fun book full of spoonerisms like Toe Jurtle, Skertie Gunk, Rirty Dat, and Dungry Hog. A challenge for the person reading it aloud but guaranteed to tickle the listeners' ears.
Russell the Sheep: This sheep can't sleep! Russell tries everything he can think of: pulling his nightcap down over his eyes, removing his wool, using a pillow, counting things. Droll humor of the simple problem solution story is cleverly supported in subtle details of the illustrations and the expressive characterizations of Russell and his froggy sidekick.
Sacrifice, The: Strong story written to show the horrifying events of the witchcraft scares near Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. The strongly religious towns were frightened by the talk of witches among them. It was a time of false accusations with little hope of escape. The jail conditions were terrible and detailed here. Stopping the chain of events was difficult, but aided when the governor's wife was falsely accused. The author is related to the real life family portrayed in the story.
Sammy: the Classroom Guinea Pig: When Ms. B's students return to school after a normal two day weekend, they find their classroom pet Sammy the guinea pig behaving abnormally. Teacher and students consider his strange noises, consider his symptoms and surroundings, check him over thoroughly for injuries and ailments. Along the way the reader learns about the proper care and feeding of guinea pigs. Realistic pastel depictions of both animal and human behaviors and emotions leng authenticity to the story and the discovery that Sammy is simply lonely and wants the attention and affection of HIS human companions. Includes facts page on guinea pigs sounds, habits and care.
Sandpiper: A modern story of self esteem. The author does not soften the major issues of teenage sex but writes of the struggles of personal problems that teenagers encounter. There is strong sexual language and content but written only to further explain the struggle of Sandpiper..
Saving Strawberry Farm: It's the mean hot summer of 1933 in the midwest. Miss Elsie, Davey's neighbor tips him a penny for carrying her groceries. He's planning to buy a candy treat when he learns that Miss Elsie will soon lose her strawberry farm at a bank auction. Davey discovers the power of a penny and what neighbors will do to help each other and their community survive hard times. Gorgeous illustrations bring both hardships and simple pleasures into sharp focus, support colloquial dialogue, communicate details of the time period in this book that is a good introduction to the Great Depression.
Saving the Liberty Bell: The liberty bell is in danger and John and his father are determined to save it. Based on a true story this tale will ring your bell!
School Lunch: The beloved school cafeteria lady decides it is time for her to take a vacation. The substitutes are not up to par but she won't ever consider returning until the nutrition of the students is at stake. Crazy illustrations fill the pages and readers' minds.
Scrib: Set in the mid-1800s, thirteen-year-old William Christmas flees St. Louis and his over protective mother for a life in the wide open West. He soon finds work as a scribe, writing letters for illiterate cowboys, etc. William's creative use of the English language is humorous. The book would make a wonderful class read aloud book. Students will enjoy transcribing William's colorful language into 21st century English.
Search for Belle Prater, The: The search for Woodrow's missing mother continues in this sequel to Belle Prater's Boy. A midnight phone call traced to a nearby town convinces Woodrow that his mother is in Bluefield. This sequel shifts the action away from the immediate family as Gypsy and Woodrow make a new acquaintance and experience prejudices for the first time.
Searching for Oliver K. Woodman: Illustrated by Joe Cepeda. What a fun story. A sequel to Oliver Woodman, this is a much better story. Oliver is missing and a wooden private eye is sent to find him. Told in letters and news articles this story captures the imagination.
Season for Mangoes, A: Sareen is anxious about taking part in her first "sit-up," a Jamaican celebration of the life of her grandmother who recently died. With support from family and friends she is able to share her stories about Nana's love for mangoes and discovers how her sharing lifts her sadness and that of others. Good author's note on wake customs.
Secret, The: "Can you keep a secret," Mr. Snail asks before he shares one with mouse. Of course mouse passes it on to beetle who passes it on to turtle who?Predictably the secret travels full circle to come to a satisfying end. Sparse text combines with collages pictures for a sweet and simple story for young readers. Suspenseful nature collage.
Secret of Whispering Springs, The: Cassie and her family purchase an old stone mansion on a farm outside Topeka, KS. Fourteen year old Cassie discovers a ghostly counterpart from the past and a threatening stranger at the heart of a mystery that revolves around the rumors of hidden treasure on the haunted farm. A great mystery, ghost tale and coming of age story. Hauntingly believable!
Secrets of Dripping Fang: Book One, the Onts: Orphaned twins Wally and Cheyenne Shluffmuffin are always passed over when prospective parents come to the orphanage to adopt. After all, Cheyenne sneezes constantly from her many allergies and Wally's feet are stinky. So why do the imposing and very creepy Mandible sisters want Wally and Cheyenne packed up and sent with them to their home in Dripping Fang Forest? Humorous and suspenseful readers will be asking for the next installment of this adventure.
Secret Under My Skin, The: This is a futuristic novel in which technology has destroyed the earth and in recovery, democracy is being re-established. Blay is an orphan who has been chosen to help the new Bio-Indicator, who will lead the people. But Blay has more natural talent than the Bio-Indicator. Very good book with Blay looking for her past to help her future.
Section 27: A Century on a Famliy Farm: In this collection of brief vignettes, Penner traces the influence of pioneer roots on the present generation in McPherson County, Kansas.
Serious Kiss, The: Fourteen-year-old Libby Madrigal is mortified by her family; her father is an abusive alcoholic and her mother is an overweight fast-food junkie. Libby tries to stay focused on her goal: to find the perfect boy to share a serious kiss. There is never a dull moment in this novel as many surprising turns keep the reader guessing.
Seven Spunky Monkeys: Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Seven spunky monkeys frolic along until one by one they meet another monkey who ends up their mate. Funny rhyming words and cute story lines make this a winner.
Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs: Eben McAllister has been moping around his farm in Sassafras Springs on a July evening. He would like to escape the small community to see the Seven Wonders of the world. His dad challenges him to find the real seven wonders of the world in Sassafras Springs. He doesn't have much to lose so he sets out on this mission that will last seven days. The book is seven stories within the larger story. Each neighbor that he goes to visit has a yarn to spin.
Sexy: A high school male swimmer is noticed for his good looks and athletic ability. A teacher notices his potential in academics as well as swimming. However, the teacher is gay, and another student doesn't like his grade and sets out to destroy the teacher. A sad ending to a prank gone too far by a small group of high school students.
Shadow Life: A Portrait of Anne Frank and Her Family: This book is an essential supplement to the widely taught Diary of Anne Frank. Intricately researched and creatively written, this book combines the best of historical fiction and non-fiction in a way that is sure to be compelling to students studying the Holocaust. This is a school library must-have.
Shakespeare's Secret: Hero is a bright, thoughtful, funny girl whose anxieties and sufferings in middle school will resonate with readers. The plot weaves details of English history and Shakespeare's life together with the suspenseful search for a missing diamond. It is a riveting story that kids will love.
Shamer's Signet, Book 2: The Chronicles of Shamer continue in this book. Dina, daughter of Shamer, is captured by the evil Lord Valdracu. The never ending struggle to keep evil under control and hope alive. This translation was originally published in Danish.
Shelf List: A fun, easy read that high school students will identify with as the book deals with students working at the local super market and their dealings with everyday life. Friendships, romances, interpersonal relationships, family problems and dreams are just a few of the issues of real life touched upon.
Sholom's Treasure: Sholom Aleichem is the writer of Fiddler on the Roof and this is the story of how he grew up in Russia and became a writer. Sholom wanted to make people laugh and he became the class clown. He imitated the rabbi, his grandmother, and his mean stepmother. He wanted to give his father a treasure; he gave him a collection of works full of humor and joy.
Shot Heard 'Round the World, The: During the summer of 1951 the Brooklyn Dodgers almost won the pennant. During the contest the author describes what it was like to live in that borough. Illustrations are nostalgic for a historic glimpse of baseball history.
Siesta: Illustrated by Rene Moreno. A brother and sister gather items for a siesta in the backyard in this simple colorful bilingual book.
Silent Witness, The: The story about Lula and her beloved doll, the true account of a nineteenth-century family who saw the Civil War unfold before their very eyes. Lula and her beloved doll become part of American history.
S is for Sunflower: a Kansas Alphabet: Brief rhymes for each letter of the alphabet, accompanied by longer explanatory text, features of Kansas. Brief rhymes for each letter of the alphabet, accompanied by longer explanatory text, features of Kansas.
S Is for Sunflower: A Kansas Alphabet: The culture of Kansas is explored in a colorful alphabet format with rhyming descriptions accompanied by detailed expository text. Realistic paintings portray both familiar and less familiar aspects of Kansas history. One of a series of state alphabet books. Appropriate for all grade levels.
Sketches from a Spy Tree: Annie Marie writes in poems her observations from the branches of a tree she climbs. This lofty spy position in her yard gives her a special view of her family, neighborhood and the changes of the seasons. Her twin sister Mary Anne helps her view these things and people from a different perspective. The author is a twin and so is the illustrator.
Sled Dogs Run: Illustrated by the official Iditarod artist, this beautiful book captures the breath-taking scenery that a young girl sees on her first solo as a musher. The authors note at the end of the book gives useful information to a young reader about the history of sled dogs.
Slow Days Fast Friends: Howard the cheetah loves being fast, but when he injures his leg and cannot run, the sloth teaches him how wonderful being slow can be. This endearing tale of friendship celebrates the beauty of living life at a different pace.
Small Christmas, A: Fireman Small is always ready for a daring rescue. On Christmas Eve Santa falls into the coal box at Fire Station Nine and covers his red suit in soot. An exhausted Santa falls asleep while Fireman Small launders his red suit. The suit shrinks so much it fits Fireman Small instead of Santa--but that's fine because Small decides to rescue Christmas by filling in for the snoring Santa. The rhyming text bounces along easily and amusing details pop up throughout the cheery watercolor illustrations.
Small Dog's Big Life: around the world with Owney: Based on the real life events of Owney, a stray dog who became the post office mascot in Albany in 1888. Owney's story of world travels is told through fictionalized letter and newspaper accounts. Author's note links the history to the fiction--and tells of the museum where the mail tags Owney collected can be seen today.
Smiler's Bones: Based on true events this is a wrenching novel about Robert Peary and how he brought Eskimos from Greenland to New York City and put them on display at the Museum of Natural History. When Minik's father and three others die, the exhibit is closed. Minik is an unforgettable character, and issues of racism and scientific arrogance will not be lost on readers.
Snip, Snap! What's That?: Illustrated by Nick Maland. The long teeth, wide mouth, and strong jaws of the alligator who sneaks upstairs threatens and thrills three siblings. Finally, they have had enough and turn their own frightening screams on the alligator and chase him where else--but down a manhole into the city sewer. The rhythm, rhyme and word play make for a fun read aloud.
Snow Day Dance: A teacher and her students anticipate and celebrate the first snow of the season with a day off from school. The snow day brings swirling snowflakes, colorful sleds, rosy cheeks and a snow day dance performed by their teacher.
So B. It: After spending her life with her mentally retarded mother and agoraphobic neighbor, twelve-year-old Heidi sets out from Reno, Nevada, to New York to find out who she is.
Sod Houses on the Great Plains: Though delightfully simple, this pictorial history has complete information on the sod houses built in what is now Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas during the latter part of the 19th century. Round?s tongue-in-cheek sense of humor shows through in both his telling of the facts and his clever illustrations.
Solomon Spring: A mystery of the Victorian West in Kansas 1878. It's the story of a woman captured by Native Americans then is rescued, along with her daughter, by white soldiers. Intrigue, mystery and murder encompass her life.
Song of the Water Boatman: Poems about the animals, insects, and plants that are in the pond are depicted from spring through autumn. Each poem has factual information on the facing page. Glossary is included.
Soon to be Free: This sequel to Steal Away has the strengths and weaknesses of the first book. Ruby continues telling the story in two parallel narratives. In the present, 13-year-old Dana Shannon and her friends in Lawrence, Kansas, are trying to solve a historical mystery, searching for a lost treaty that the U.S. government made with the Delaware Indians in 1857. In the past, back in that same year, 13-year-old James Weaver is a Quaker kid helping a group of runaway slaves escape to Kansas on the Underground Railroad.
Soul in the Stone: Cemetery Art from America's Heartland: The illustrations are the most valuable part of this book, which deals with cemetery art found in Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico. Most of the monuments date from the late 19th century to the present day. They range from traditional images such as weeping angels and mourning maidens to highly idiosyncratic subjects. The text is general and elementary, offering some basic information on modern funerary monuments.
Space Station Rat: Story of friendship between a rat and a boy aboard a space station. Excellent for young science fiction readers. Funny, adventurous, odd friend original story.
Spectacular Adventures of Sophie and Sebastian, The: Sophie the hippo doesn't want to be like all the other hippos sitting on the bottom of the pond. She is hungry for action, loves to draw, cook and collect comics, but most of all she wants to be a flying hippo that soars the skies on a skateboard. She is determined, but cannot find a skateboard to support her hefty hippo stature. The other hippos scoff and even her bird friend Sebastian urges her to abandon her unrealistic dream. In a burst of creativity Sophie finds a unique way to combine her love of drawing and comics in a way to achieve her dream. Has appealing soft hued, childlike illustrations with very cute hippos.
Spirit Line, The: When the special rug Crystal Manyfeathers is weaving for her kinaald?, the traditional Navajo womanhood ceremony, is stolen from her loom, there are any number of suspects.
Spoon in the Bathroom Wall, The: Martha Snapdragon is the daughter of the janitor of Bloggins School. They live in the boiler room. She tolerates a school bully named Rufus as she tries to figure out the magic of Mrs. Ferlin, her science teacher. All kinds of magic and strange happenings make this a fun and funky story.
Spy Force: In Search of the Time and Space Machine: Real and imaginary worlds merge into each other as Maxin Remy, a lonely 11-year-old who lives in New York with her divorced mom escapes reality by recording in her notebook the "Chronicles of Spy Force" which follow her heroic feats of her alter-ego, Alex Crane. When the summer plans fall through with her L.A. based movie director father, she is sent to live with her aunt and uncle on a chicken farm. Surprisingly, her uncle is a world renown scientist with a prototype Matter Transporter. The plot thickens with encounters with government forces who want to steal the Transporter.
Squashed in the Middle: Illustrated by Pat Cummings. Stuck between her know-it-all older sister and pesky younger brother Daisy feels frustrated, squashed, and crowded out of her noisy family. Everyone speaks to, about, around or over Daisy, but no one hears her when she tries to speak for herself. Daisy finally expresses her courage and independence in a simple but direct way that no one can ignore.
Stained: Jocelyn has two boys in her life--Gabe her best friend, and Benny her boyfriend--and a priest who's a bit too interested in their private lives. Told alternately in memories past as well as the present we get a true view of Gabe's disappearance and Benny's ambivalence about his dying mother and his feelings about Jocelyn.
Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time: This companion to Millicent Min, Girl Genious is a fun, fast-paced, moving novel about Stanford Wong's summer. Instead of going to basketball camp like he had planned, his parents make him attend summer school. By the end of the book, Stanford opens up his mind and heart to different types of friends, the joy of reading, and a strong belief in himself.
Starry Safari: Illustrated by Jeff Mack. A fun-filled adventure. Easy to read and pictures are large and inviting. Hold on, what a trip!
Stars Beneath Your Bed: the surprising story of dust: Illustrated by Amos Jonas. What is dust, where does it come from, and why is it here? Did you know it might be part of a comet or a bit of the moon? Find answers to these questions and more in the poetic text and well-composed watercolor single and sweeping double page illustrations. Adults will have to help young readers with factual endnotes.
Ste-e-e-eamboat a-comin'!: This is a charming, lyrical tale of the excitement surrounding the arrival of a steamboat in a small, sleepy town. The story begins slowly and quietly, and builds up steam as the boat approaches the dock. Moving quickly into the commotion of a recently docked ship, the story slows back down to its original pace as the steamboat leaves and moves further away. Colorful pictures accompany the story moving with the tempo of the text. This book could be read individually, but the story truly comes alive when it is read to an audience.
Stick and Whittle: When 27-year-old Melvin Fitchett, a Civil War veteran searching for his long-lost sweetheart, meets 16-year-old orphan Melvin Smyte in Comanche territory, the two Melvins decide to travel together, and take the nicknames Stick and Whittle to avoid confusion. Hite juggles many elements in this playful, good-natured western, using the relationship between the two Melvins to cement the tale together.
Stinky Stern Forever: Students in Room 201 of Jackson Magnet School remember their classmate, Stinky Stern, the day after he was hit by a car. PaLia Vang struggles to find something good to say about this boy who teased and laughed at others in his class and had been mean to many of them. Well done.
Stumptown Kid: This is a powerful historical novel about racism set in a small Iowa town in 1952. This fast-paced story is a winning mix of baseball and suspense. Eleven-year-old Charlie befriends Luther Peale who once pitched for the Negro Baseball League. When Luther offers to coach Charlie's neighborhood team for a game against the Wildcats it opens up racial divisions in town.
Summer of the Crow, The: This novel is set in the drought-stricken farmlands of Kansas during the summer of 1935. The main character is thirteen-year-old Brady Lee Foster, who is a typical kid who loves baseball and his dog Taggert. What makes Brady atypical, however, is that he must face hardships and challenges most children his age will never know. Aside from the financial struggles all Midwest farm families faced during times of drought, Brady's personal conflicts also include his mother's severe asthma and his little sister's autism. When his parents are forced to seek a healthier climate for his mother, Brady and his sister are sent to live with their grandfather in Sentinel, Kansas. This is a coming-of-age story that gains its strength through realistic yet memorable characters and action.
Sunflower Sal: Sal is a big girl whose size is an advantage in some situations, but she?s frustrated while quilting because her ?needles won?t thread and her squares won?t square.? So she plants sunflowers and from a distance the rows of flowers seem to stitch the fields together into an agrarian quilt. The economical text works with the sunny, vibrant illustrations, originally rendered in oil on canvas.
Sunny Boy! The Life and Times of a Tortoise: Illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf. Sunny Boy, the tortoise, longs to live a quiet life. But he falls into the hands of several people one of whom plans to take him over Niagra Falls with him in a barrel. Sunny Boy is the only survivor of this true historic feat. Delightful cartoon-like illustrations will keep kids attention at storytime.
Sunsets of the West: Ted Lewin's luminous watercolors accompany a realistic depiction of a pioneer family's difficult trek from New Hampshire to the West. Notable two-page spreads convey the majesty and the gravity of buffalo herds on the prairie. Perfect for sharing, this book is also appropriate for older students studying westward expansion.
Sweet Smell of Roses, A: Illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Black and white pencil drawings and simple, but eloquent words, this book tells the story of a freedom march of the 1960s from two young girls point of view. The feelings of the girls are shared through the text and pictures. This book provides many discussion starters and thoughtful questions.
Tacky and the Winter Games: The penguin friends are in training for the Winter Games. That is, all but Tacky. When it comes time for the bobsled race Tacky becomes the sled and in the relay race he eats the baton. What a hoot!
Tails of Spring Break: Everyone of Katie's friends is leaving their rainy state for spring break but Katie is staying home. She decides to open a pet-sitting business. Claire, her neighbor, comes to stay at her house and annoys Katie. Trouble with pets and sharing her room are challenging for Katie, but spring break turns out to be not so bad!
Taking Wing: Gus finds life difficult on his grandparent's isolated Vermont farm in 1942 as he is separated from his parents one summer day during World War II. This is a great story focusing on the complexities of family, friendship, prejudice and survival.
Talk: Kit discovers a talent for acting. He also struggles with coming out. As the two stars confront their sexual orientation, crises develop. Told from two points of view.
Tallulah in the Kitchen: Get cooking with Tallulah the culinary cat as she invites her animal friends to help prepare and taste test a batch of her new "Amazing Blueberryalicious Pancakes." Baking and safety tips are woven into the story that includes the entire process from shopping, through following the recipe, eating and cleaning up.
Teacher's Funeral: a Comedy in Three Parts: In rural Indiana, in 1904, fifteen-year-old Russell?s dreams of quitting school and joining a wheat-threshing crew are disrupted when his older sister takes over the teaching of his one-room schoolhouse after mean old Myrt Arbuckle ?hauls off and dies?.
That's What Leprechauns Do: When leprechauns Ari, Boo, and Col need to place the pot at the end of the rainbow, they cannot help getting into mischief along the way.
That Crazy Eddie and the Science Project of Doom: Another good chapter book for beginning readers. Third grader Matt wants to win the $50 prize at the science fair. He teams up with his best friend, Eddie, but finds that working together isn't so easy. The theme is friendship and growing up.
Theodore Roosevelt, the Adventurous President: These beginning biographies are formatted like easy readers with excellent photographs, sidebars and timelines. Solid information about the person's life, family, and accomplishments is given.
Theories of Relativity: Modern tale of a homeless young man who learns to survive on the street. This 16-year-old learns to survive against all odds. The tale is disturbing, gritty, painful, and hopeful.
Thin Wood Walls: When the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, Joe Hanada and his family face growing prejudices, eventually being torn away from their home and sent to a relocation camp in California, even as his older brother joins the United States Army to fight in the war.
This is a Sunflower: In the cumulative tradition of "This Is the House that Jack Built," this gorgeously illustrated poem celebrates a sunflower's life cycle. In a see-saw rhythm, rhymed lines describe the seeds' path from blossom to bird, then back to the ground.
This is the House that was Tidy and Neat: Illustrated by R.W. Alley. Patterned after the familiar classic This is the House that Jack Built, Sloat chronicles the chaos that ensues when Mom leaves a boy, a girl, a cat, and a dog alone with a sleepy Nanny in her house so tidy and neat. The cookie crumbs that temp the mouse who's pursued by the cat who is chased by the dog who bumps the girl who spills the milk that Dad mops from the floor when he comes in the door? Detailed, cartoony depictions of plump characters in "stop action mayhem" pull young readers into the pandemonium.
Three Feet Small: Illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev. Children will identify with little bear. He wants to get bigger because everything is too high. In the end he realizes he is growing, just a little at a time. Gorbachev's illustrations gives the text a nice fuzzy feeling.
Three Good Deeds: Howard makes fun of an old witch and she changes him into a goose. The only way for him to break the curse is to do three good deeds. He learns something about friendship and kindness.
Three Silly Billies, The: Illustrated by Barry Moser. In this inventive new version of an old fairy tale, the three silly billies can't cross the troll bridge because they are strapped for cash. Some of their fariy tale friends come along and together they are able to foil the troll once more.
Thunder from the Sea: Just when his dreams of being part of a family and having a dog seem to be coming true, Tom wonders if trouble with neighbors on his new island home and the impending birth of a new baby will change everything. Set in Newfoundland in 1929.
Thunder on the Plains: The Story of the American Buffalo: An introduction to the history of the American buffalo and how it was almost hunted into extinction. Illustrated with historical photographs.
Time for Freedom, A: A freedom timeline of key moments in our history. Historic quotes by great Americans shows the expansion of freedom in America.
Time for Kids Science Scoops: Sharks: Beautiful color photos of these animals in their natural habitats provide instant interest for readers. Facts are presented in appropriate text length and man's interaction with each animal is discussed and miscellaneous facts and tips appear in sidebars. Each title in the series profiles a scientist in the field and includes a glossary. Wonderful addition to the science section.
Time for Kids Science Scoops: Spiders: Beautiful color photos of these animals in their natural habitats provide instant interest for readers. Facts are presented in appropriate text length and man's interaction with each animal is discussed and miscellaneous facts and tips appear in sidebars. Each title in the series profiles a scientist in the field and includes a glossary. Wonderful addition to the science section.
Time to Lose, A: Wilson, professor emeritus of law at the University of Kansas, was the young assistant attorney general who, in an unsought, unplanned, and unearned brush with history, had to defend school segregation in Kansas in the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case before the Supreme Court. His memoir, though mainly for specialists, helps fill out the record with useful details and well-considered reflections on the role of the defense.
Timothy Cox Will Not Change: Illustrated by Stephen Gammell. Everyone in town gets into the act when Timothy will not change his socks for a month. The idea of making sure you do not waste your time on trivial missions is well presented. Rhyming and Gammell illustrations complete the story.
Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of 5th Grade, The: Tony Baloney cannot stay out of trouble and it all comes from the fact that he wants to be on The Late Show with David Letterman. T.B. writes his own list of Top Tens and sends them with his letters to the famous TV host.
Totally Joe: Almost teenager Joe Bunch is totally comfortable with who he is most of the time. Bolstered by a supportive group of friends and his beloved Aunt Pam, Joe comes to terms with his homosexuality as he explores his life through a writing assignment, an alphabiography, assigned by his seventh grade English teacher. The author handles this sensitive subject with snappy dialogue and plenty of humor. Joe and his friends were first introduced in an earlier book entitled The Misfits.
To the Beach!: Illustrated by Bernard Westcott. A trip to the beach turns out to be many trips back to the house for things forgotten. An adventure in rhyme that is sure to bring smiles.
Tough Dasies: Robert Haywood reveals the lighter side of a state that?s too often pegged a collection of sober-minded moralists struggling to find Utopia among the stars. He explores what has passed for humor in good times and bad and divulges what makes Kansas laugh. Both the subject of laughter and the humorist are featured in this serious study of a funny subject. An annotated sampler of jokes, stories, cartoons, and poems, this book illustrates what Kansans have chuckled and chortled at from settlement days to the present.
Truck Goes Rattley-Bumpa, A: Illustrated by Denis Roche. A true picture book with simple rhyming text and bright bold illustrations has a family introduce trucks of all shapes, sizes, colors and uses. The little boy who appears in and around all the trucks is particularly interested since these trucks are helping build his family's new house. Children will love to look for the squirrel that scurries through each scene. Good read aloud.
Turkeys Together: Cooperation and friendship abound in this sweet tale about a pointer pup who helps out a turkey mom because someone is stealing her eggs. Charming and realistic illustrations will appeal to young animal lovers.
Turtle Hatchling Grows Up, A: Photographs beautifully illustrate easy to read text about the life of the turtle. Includes table of contents and an index.
Twenty-One Elephants: History lesson on the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. People did not believe the bridge would hold up until P.T. Barnum set out to prove it would.
Under the Jolly Roger: In this sequel to Curse of the Blue Tatoo, Jacky dresses as a boy, kidnapped, and taken aboard a British ship. Her high sea adventures lead to charges of piracy.
Under the Persimmon Tree: This is a heartbreaking story with a solid core of hope and strength. The story unfolds through two perspectives: a young girl in Afghanistan and an American woman living in Pakistan, in the months immediately following 9/11. Their seemingly contradictory lifestyles share surprising similarities in their experiences, suffering and hopes as the story draws these two together.
Valentine Hearts Holiday Poetry: Illustrated by Joann Adinolfi. A true I Can Read book for young children. A collection of easy valentine poems.
Valiant: A 17-year-old escapes a life that betrays her by escaping to the subway system. Here she meets the monsters in the tunnels. This readable parable of betrayal, absue, friendship and love.
Waterless Sea: Calwyn, the heroine from the Singer of All Songs, the first in the Chanters of Temaris Trilogy, journeys to faraway Merithuros in the Waterless Sea, to save two children with their gift of chantment. A well-written excellent fantasy convering issues of identity, belonging, equality and environment.
Water Mirror, The: The fantasy world of Dark Reflections is explored through the adventures of Merle, a girl who possesses a magical mirror, and Serafin, a boy who was once a master thief. Book One will leave readers wanting more.
What's the Magic Word?: Illustrated by Marsha Winborn. Charming story about a baby bird blown from his nest to the home of one animal after another who demands a password in exchange for shelter, but he is always blown on to another animal's house just before he can give the correct magic word. Frustrated and exhausted a final gust blows him back to his nest where mother bird asks for the magic word--which turns out to be "please" of course.
What Does Bunny See? A Book of Colors and Flowers: Children join bunny learning to recognize colors and identify various flowers on a trip through a cottage garden. Children will enjoy colorful illustrations, the cute bunny and the rhyming text.
What Erika Wants: A realistic portrait of a shy high school girl who is between fighting parents. The true character is written in short scenes. Can be confusing when author writes in a different point of view.
What I Believe: A Novel: Facing her problem through writing down her thoughts helps Vicki deal with both family and financial problems. Journal entries portray how a teen's life can change overnight.
What I Call a Life: This book is both witty and emotional about the joys and tribulations of life. Cal Lavender is a foster child because her mother has what she tells us are "episodes." This novel gives readers a window into what life is like for children who bounce from home to home.
What is Goodbye?: Alternating poems by a brother and sister convey their feelings about the death of their older brother and the impact it had on their family.
Wheels on the Race Car, The: Written in the way of the children's song, "the Wheels on the Bus," this is a cute look at a race with animal drivers. The rhyming and repetitions will bring smiles to young faces.
When an Elephant Comes to School: Elephant is nervous when his first day at school arrives. His new friends introduce him to all the activities that happen each day.
When Cows Come Home for Christmas: A mooving story. Cute and different for Christmas. Children will laugh aloud at the illustrations.
When Ratboy Lived Next Door: Woodworth's sharp wit and ability to transfer the reader into a 1962 small town in Indiana make this a compelling novel. After a troubled family moves next door, Lydia fights, verbally and physically, with the rough neighbor kid she nicknames "Ratboy." Then she discovers his struggle with mental disability and with an alcoholic, abusive dad, and she reaches out to be his friend. This book should spark discussions about families, honesty, and what it means to be a good neighbor.
Where Do Chicks Come From ?: Illustrated by Pam Paparone. Picture book follows the development of a chick during 21 days. Its straight forward text and clean, well formed illustrations and cut aways in warm tones combine to create in informative book. Young children will be fascinated by life inside the egg. Ends with a double page spread for activities to try at home and a bibliographic list of chick themed picture books.
Where the Great Hawk Flies: This is a terrific historical fiction told in the alternating voices of Daniel and his neighbor Hiram. The novel explores the roots of hatred and racial prejudice. The writing is exceptional, the friendships hard-won in this fine historical exploration of settler and Native American relations.
While Mama Had a Quick Little Chat: Mama is having a quick chat or is she? As she talks on and on Rose deals with a house full of fun.
Who Swallowed Harold?: Older students will enjoy. Humor is evident, illustrations add to the fun!
Wiggle: For PreKindergarten and Kindergarten story time, this book provides rhyme and movement to keep those little bodies and minds working. The words are fun to read and the pictures are colorful.
Wild Animals and Settlers on the Great Plains: This unique history chronicles reciprocal relations between settlers and the native fauna of Kansas from the end of the Civil War until 1880. Using only primary accounts from newspapers and diaries, Fleharty vividly portrays frontier life before such species as the bison, beaver, antelope, bear, mountain lion, gray wolf, and rattlesnake were more or less exterminated by steel plows, reapers, barbed wire and firearms.
Wildflowers and Grasses of Kansas: Michael Haddock has assembled a guide to 264 wildflowers along with 59 grasses, sedges, and rushes. These comprise many of the state's most common and conspicuous species-as well as some seldom encountered or listed in field guides-and include many that are found throughout the Great Plains. Spectacular color photos as well as bibliographical references and index.
Wild Roses: A love story between the main character and a gifted young musician. Family life dealing with mother and a brilliant but disturbing violinist stepfather complicates the story.
Willa and the Wind: Nice story with a strong woman as the main character. Easy to read and will make a great read aloud.
Will of the Empress, The: Eighteen-year-old Sandry visits Namorn and her cousin, Empress Berenene. Here she and her childhood friends and mages, Daja, Tris and Briar, encounter trials and learn to work together.
Will You Be My Valenswine?: A sad, little piggy named Polly, searches the farmyard, pasture and the forest looking for someone to love her. She finally discovers that her valenswine has been there all along.
Wing Nut: For seven years, ever since his mechanic dad was killed in an accident, 12-year-old Grady and his mom, Lila, have been traveling from town to town and job to job trying to make ends meet. Grady longs for a home and place to belong. When the car breaks down Lila gets a job cooking and cleaning for Charlie--with the family guesthouse as their home. As Grady gets close to Charlie he learns many lessons through Charlie's devotion to the migrating purple martins that pulls the reader into the characters.
Wintering Well: Fifteen-year-old Will Ames and his sister Cassie go to stay with their sister in nearby Wiscasset, Maine, after a disabling accident ruins Will?s plans for a career in farming.
Winter Witch, The: People are not always as they seem. The witch next door, a kind old lady, teaches Jack about family and holidays. A heart-warming story about holidays and blended families.
Witch's Boy, The: A witch adopts Lump, a very ugly foundling. The book chronicles their journey through Lump's growing up, his emotions and discovering and accepting his mother's love. The story is sprinkled with fairy tales told from a different point of view. Delightful and imaginative.
Witch Dreams: Sixteen-year-old Nyssa has been able to see into people's dreams since she was young by putting something of the person under her pillow. It must be kept secret however as being a witch will get you killed. After the murder of her parents Nyssa is obsessed with the idea that the son of the lord was the murderer. Now, ten years after the murders Elsdon returns to his father's estates when the lord turns ill and Nyssa finds out Elsdon is not the murderer. She must find out the real killer, but what else will she learn along the way?
Wizard of Oz: 100th Anniversary Edition with illustrations by Michael Hague.
Wolf Brothers: In this page-turning and spectacularly told adventure story, Torak and Wolf battle to save their world, in this first book in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. A giant bear possessed by a demon fatally wounds Torak's father, who makes his son swear that he will find the Mountain of the World Spirit, many "daywalks" from where they have been hunting in the forest. The spirit, his father says, offers the only hope to defeat the bear, which will become invincible if not stopped.
Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The: Centennial edition. Illustrated by Michael McCurdy. ?Dorothy lived in the midst of the great Kansas prairies?? With those words L. Frank Baum began the book that is, 100 years later, probably the first thing an outsider thinks of when hearing the word ?Kansas.? What a wonderful book to add to the Reading Circle?s list of recommended books about Kansas. To honor the centennial of this uniquely American ?fairy tale,? the University Press of Kansas asked the renowned illustrator Michael McCurdy to create a set of woodcuts to compliment Baum?s text. In addition, Ray Bradbury, a widely respected author of fantasy and science fiction, has written a new foreword for this edition. The result is a unique and beautiful volume sure to expand the story?s legion of fans and be treasured for years to come.
Wreath for Emmett Till, A: In this crown of sonnets about the lynched Emmett Till, the language is figurative in one sonnet, brutally graphic in the next. This is teachable from several aspects, including historical and literary. Includes literary and poetical footnotes to the sonnets.
Yankee Girl: When her FBI-agent father is transferred to Jackson, Mississippi, in 1964, eleven-year-old Alice wants to be popular but also wants to reach out to the one black girl in her class in a newly-integrated school.
Young Thomas Edison: This book celebrates the imagination and determination of Thomas Edison. Written for young inventors and students, the author points out how Edison always asked the questions: What is this? Why does that happen? How does it happen? The artistic illustrations are stunning.
Zen Shorts: Three children meet a wonderfully fascinating panda bear when he moves into their neighborhood. He shares wise zen stories as they become friends.
Ziggy's Blue-Ribbon Day: Illustrated by R.W. Alley. Ziggy will try his best but he knows he will get only gray ribbons on field day. He is not an athlete but he is talented in another way. He artfully decorates his envelope, then soon others are trading their blue ribbons for some artwork on their envelopes. This is a celebration for the non-athlete.
Zoom!: Illustated by Kevin Luthardt. Engaging sound words grab the listener's and reader's attentions as the amusement park roller coaster goes through its paces. But who will ride it again? Very good for exhibiting word choice. Fun and zany.

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KNEA Reading Circle Catalog

KNEA Reading Circle Catalog 2006