The Count of Monte Cristo (Great Illustrated Classics)

The Count of Monte Cristo (Great Illustrated Classics Version)
By: Alexandre Dumas, Abridged By: Mistu Yamamoto
Abdo Publishing Company
January 2002
Ages: 9-12
Pages: 236

Summary

Edmond Dantes is sentenced to life in prison for treason that he did not commit. He was framed by his best friend who was in love with his fiance', Mercedes. After fourteen years in prision, of being tortured, being left without hope, Edmond breaks free and sails to the Island of Monte Cristo with some friends he has made on his journey to find the long, lost treasure of the Island of Monte Cristo. There, Edmond and his friend find the treasure and become fabulously wealthy. Throughout the rest of the book, they use their riches to exact revege on the people who framed Edmond and had him imprisoned for 14 years.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

Anyone who is familiar with the Count of Monte Cristo, but does not want to read the whole unabridged and original version, will love this book. Also, anyone who loves adventure, mystery, intrugue, romance and revenge will want to read this book again and again!

What problems do you see this book causing?

Some of the main themes in this book are being dishonest and getting revenge on those you say are your enemies. Some of the subject matter, such as vilolence and the themes discussed above, my might be innappropriate for young audiences.

What was your reaction?

I got this book as a Christmas present one year when I was young and I was absolutely thrilled. I loved the movie and i wanted to read the book and the abridged version was a great way to go. The pictures are wonderful and completely complement the text of the book.

Matilda

Matilda
By: Roald Dahl, Illustrated By: Quentin Blake
Penguin Group
October 1988
Ages: 9-11

Summary

In this book, a young girl named Matilda is absolutely ignored by her worthless parents. Through being ignored, Matilda discovers that she is extremely intelligent for her age and that she has special telekenetic powers. Throughout the book Matilda uses her powers to get revenge on her idiotic mother and father, the evil Miss Agatha Truncbull (the headmistress at her school), but she also uses them for good, to help her teacher, Miss Jennifer Honey, get her fortune back from her Wicked Aunt. Some of the things Matilda does is dye her father's hair platinum blonde, glue his hat to his head, convince her parents their house is haunted (by trading something of her her's for the neighbor boy's parrot and sticking him up the chinmney.) And scare the living daylights out of Miss Trunchbull while she is teaching.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

I think any child that thinks they are worth nothing, should read this book. It's a classic tale of a hero/heroine rising from humble circumstances to make themselves heard; to make themselves great. It's deliciously funny and captivating and does a bang-up job of moving developing the characters and moving the story.

What problems do you see this book causing?

My only concern is that after reading this book, young children might think it's okay to seek revenge on their enemies, to use their resources to be mean to people. This might be an innapropriate theme for some younger readers.

What was your reaction?

This was my favorite book when i was younger. The copy that I have now is so worn down with the covers bent, cornered, torn and in general dissarray because I read it so much. It's definitely worth reading. I love the characters and the uniqueness of the storyline.

Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web
By: E.B. White, Illustrated By: Garth Williams
HarperCollins Publishers
May 1974
Ages: 9-12

Summary

Charlotte's Web is about a spring pig who is saved from an untimely death by a young girl name Fern, because he is a runt. When Wilbur the pig is sold to fern's uncle, his life becomes in danger once more because Fern's Uncle, Homer Zuckerman, is determined to make Wilbur into bacon when winter rolls around. The animals of the barn decide to help Wilbur and an intelligent, beautfiul spider named Charlotte, with the help of a rotten, self-centered rat named Templeton work on a plan to save Wilbur's life. Charlotte spins a series of webs with complients about Wilbur in them such as "Some Pig", "Terrific" and "Radiant". When Wilbur gets to go to the county fair, Charlotte spins one last word in the web in an effort to save Wilbur's life before she herself dies after laying her eggs. The word is "Humble" and is perhaps the most appropriate word for Wilbur in the end.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

Every child dreams and wishes that animals could talk, and in this novel, they can! They have hopes and dreams and wishes just like everyone else and it helps children to learn that they can do anything they set their mind to.

What Problems do you see this book causing?

I do not see this book causing any problems.

What was your reaction?

I was first introduced to Charlotte's Web when I was eight years old. I got it as a baptism present from a very dear and important family friend. I had seen the movie and loved it, but i had never before read the book. But once I did, I immidiately fell in love with the book too. There is just something magical about animals that can talk!

The Witches

The Witches
By: Roald Dahl, Illustrations By: Quentin Blake
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
October 1983
Ages: 8-12

Summary

This book is about a young boy who has to live with his Norwegian Grandmother after his parents are killed in a tragic accident. Luke's grandmother is completely obessessed with Witches and is convinved that they exist, that they look like ordinary women and they can do and have done unspeakable acts of horror against children. When Luke and his grandmother go on holiday to the english seaside, the grandmother teaches him how to recognise a witch and Luke is horrified to learn that not only is the Grand High Witch (the most evil witch of all) is staying at their same hotel, but a whole convention of witches, all of the witches in Europe are there too and they have a plan to turn all of the children in England into mice. In the book, Luke is turned into a mouse with another young boy named Bruno and together, with the help of the grandma go on a set of different adventures, trying to figure out how to stop the witches.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

Anyone who is familiar with Roald Dahl's unique sense of humor and writing style will love reading "The Witches." If someone is not familair with Roald Dahl's writing, reading "The Witches" is a good place to start to get introduced to his brilliance.

What problems could this book potentially cause?

The Witches in this book absolutely ABHOR children and their main goal in life is to annihalate every single one of them and they will stop at nothing to do so. The main point is that they talk of murdering thousands, even millions of children and this fact might be disturbing to some young readers.

What was your reaction?

Roald Dahl was one of my favorite authors when I was young and his book, Matilda, was my absolute FAVORITE. The Witches was immediately added to my favorites list. It is unique in it's literary genre because the hero of the story is an ordinary young boy that has to save the day.

Maniac Magee

Maniac Magee
By: Jerry Spinelli
Little Brown Books for Young Readers
April 1990
Ages:9-12

Summary

Maniac Magee is about a young boy who is orphaned as a child and goes to live with his aunt and uncle for eight years. But Jeffrey (maniac) soon gets tired of his life with his aunt and uncle and decides to "run" away. Jeffrey is an amazing athlete and he soon finds himself in the town of Two Mills, Pennsylvania, a town that is extremely racially segregated. Jeffrey stays for a while with the Beales, a black family, but building pressure soon forces Jeffrey away and he goes and lives at the zoo with an old man who is the janitor there until the janitor dies and then he goes and lives with the town hicks, the Mcnabs, an extremely racist family who are convinced that a race war is the only way to solve anything. Throughout the book, Jeffrey changes lives by just being himself and teaches them the importance of acceptance, compassion and love.

Who Would Benefit from Reading this book?

I think that any parent who is concerned about teaching their children about the race issues that plagued and still plague our society today would benefit from having their children read this book. It presents race issues in such a way that is not offensive nor is it confusing and gives children an opportunity to think and to form their own ideas and opinions.

What problems or conflicts could this book potentially cause?

I don't see this book causing any problems. It brings awareness to the issue of racism and the effect that it had and is still having on our society today.

What was your reaction?

I really liked this book. I liked how it was so realistic and you got to get a pick at the different types of families and how they lived, laughed and loved within the racist and racially segregated environment of the United States in the 1960's.

The Thief Lord

The Thief Lord
By: Cornelia Funke, Illustrated By: Christian Burmingham, Translated from German to English By: Oliver Latsch.
Scholastic Inc.
October 2003
Ages: 9-12

Summary

After their Mother dies, brothers Prosper and Bo, runaway to Venice to live. They run into a band of homeless children that live in an abandoned movie theatre that is controlled by someone who calls himself the Thief Lord, a young, intelligent child with a darker and more mysterious background than the others are aware of. He brings "loot" from his various robberies for the children to sell and get money for so that they may be able to live. But unfortunately, as this happens in most novels, Prosper and Bo's cruel Aunt and Uncle have hired a private detective in Venice and he is hot on their trail. And when a mysterious client intent on hiring the children and the thief lord for a robbery he wants done, things start to get fishy and just a little bit supernatural/magical and Prosper and Bo go through a series of adventures with each other that they never would've dreamed possible. A mysterious tale about a magical merry-go-round surface and they children are convinced of it's magical powers.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

Anyone who is already a fan of Cornelia Funke's work or a fan of modern fantasy/adveture books will surely enjoy this unique story.

What was your reaction?

I am already a huge fan of Cornelia Funke's work and The Thief Lord was no acception for me. I fell in love with it the moment I started reading it and i couldn't put it down! It's definitely something I would reccommend to anyone who asked about it.

The Letter, The Whitch and the Ring

The Letter, The Witch and the Ring
By: John Bellairs, Illustrated By: Richard Egielski
Penguin Group
August 2004
Ages: 12 and up

Summary

The Letter, The Witch and and the Ring is about a young girl, Rose Rita Pottinger, who becomes extremely bored after her friend, Lewis goes to boy scout camp for the summer. In an effort to save her summer vacation, Rose Rita goes on a road trip with her elderly, but very magical neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann who needs to go to collect the contents of her Cousin Oley's farm in Wisconsin, and a special snake shaped ring he believed to be magical. Rose and Mrs. Zimmermann encounter many more strange, wild and dangerous happenings than they had every dared dream of and they find out through a series of events that someone very evil wants to keep the ring for themselves as Oley's farm was ransacked, ruined and the ring gone by the time they arrive in Wisconsin. The whole story and Rose's situation takes a turn for the worst when Mrs. Zimmermann disappears and she is faced with the reality of having to solve the mystery on her own.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

I think anyone who enjoys a good-edge-of-your-seat mystery or even a fanstasy would like this book. Like most of the books I'm reviewing, I think the age range of this book goes way beyond the twelve and up. I think any person of any age, would enjoy this book. Its an interesting interpretation of a gothic mystery/fantasy novel.

What Problems do you see this book potentially causing?

This book is a bit more "dark" than the average children's fantasy/mystery novel and some children/pre-teens might be potentially disturbed with the subject matter.

What was your reaction?

My younger brother, jacob, actually introduced me to the interestingly unique literary world of John Bellairs and The Letter, The Witch and the Ring is by far my favorite book that he has written. It's an interesting read that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time you read the book.

Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia #4)

Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia #4)
By: C.S. Lewis
Harper-Collins Publishing
Jully 1994 (First Published in 1951)
Ages: 8-12

Summary

Prince Caspian is the fourth book int he Chronicles of Narnia series and continues the adventures of Narnia with Susan, Peter, Edmund and Lucy. On their way back to school, the Pevansie Siblings get suddenly sucked backed into Narnia, only to find that it has been several thousand years since they ruled Narnia and the whole country has fallen into anarchy, run by the telmarines, forcing the magical creatures into hiding, leading most of the citizens of Narnia to believe they are in fact, all extinct. Throughout the book, the Pevansie siblings must help Prince Caspian to take the throne so they can bring Narnia back to it's former glory, with the magical creatures as equals. But it's not so easy and throughout the book while waiting/looking for Aslan, the entire group is being thwarted by Caspian's evil uncle, who is determined to see HIS young baby son, take the throne.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

Like Harry Potter, though it is reccommended for ages 8-12, Prince Caspian is a book that everyone can benefit from reading. C.S. Lewis expertly crafts Christian beliefs and ideals into this book that makes it easy for anyone to read and understand. Anyone who loves fantasy will love reading Prince Caspian.

What problems or conflicts can you see this book causing?

There is some mild fantasy violence in this book. (An intense battle/murder attempts) Also, some might not agree with the Christain beliefs and values that are weaved into the storyline.

Your Reaction?

Prince Caspian is one of my favorite books in the whole Chronicles of Narnia Series and I enjoy reading it again and again because of it's characters and the fast moving storyline/plot.

The Indian in the Cupboard

The Indian in the Cupboard
By: Lynne Reid Banks
Random House Children's Books
March 1985
Age: 9 and up

Summary

The Indian in the Cupboard is a really unique kind of story about a young boy named Omri who gets a boring, old fashioned medicine cupboard and a plastic indian for his birthday. Through a series of events that bring about Omri's intense boredom, to his surprise, the Indian comes to life when locked in the cupboard. A real, live miniature of an actual Native American who has all of the same types of skills, beliefs, hopes and dreams of one such a type of person. Throughout the book, Omri and "Little Bear" have many different adventures and become fast friends, though the road to their unique friendship is not without it's hardships and struggles.

Who Would benefit from reading this book?

I think anyone who enjoys historical fiction will love this book. Though it is not a true historical fiction novel in the real sense, it has a unique twist on the idea. Little Bear, the Native American, is an actual Native American Indian brought forward in time to rest in the body of the little plastic figurine. He is familiar with blood feuds and tribal wars and all of the native american skills, dreams, hopes and beliefs. Anyone who loves historical fiction, or even a good adventure novel will enjoy this book.

What problems or conflicts could this book potentially cause?

I do not see this book causing any problems.

What was your reaction?

I really enjoyed this book. I really love historical fiction novels and I liked how the author mixed present day with real-historical figures and events. It's a unique twist on an interesting storyline.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
By: J.K Rowling, Illustrations By: Mary Grandpre
Scholastic Inc.
January 1997
Ages: 9-12 Years.

Summary

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a classic tale of the continuing struggle between good and evil. In this book, the main character, Harry, is orphaned as a young baby and then is sent off to live with his only living relatives, the Dursleys, when he is only a year old. In the book, Harry discovers he is a wizard and he gets to go to a special wizarding school wear he makes new friends, learns magic and ultimately, finds out who he really is and in the process, begins to come full circle with the battle between good and evil. With his friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry is able to figure out who is behind the mysterious happenings and dissapearances at Hogwarts and throughout the wizarding world.

Who Would Benefit From Reading this book?

Even though the reading level suggests that this book is appropriate for individuals 9-12 years of age, I would definitely reccommend it to anyone who is a fan of the fantasy/adventure genre. Harry Potter has it all; adventure, fantasty, romance, danger, intrigue and that definite element of mystery. Anyone who is looking for a good, fast paced read will definitely love Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

What problems or conflicts could this book potentially cause?

The only problems that I can see this book causing is that it contains some fantasy related violence. There is also the matter of witchcraft/wizardry. Some parents might not feel that this is appropriate, but i feel it is. The witchcraft and wizardry is an integral part of the story and it is used to show the struggle between good and evil; white magic and dark magic. Witchcraft/wizardry, at leat in the Harry Potter type sense, is NOT real. It is JUST a story that helps children and adults alike to identify and relate to several important topics; compassion, honesty, good vs. evil, and the importance of family and friendship, etc.

What was my reaction to this book?

I first started reading Harry Potter when I was around nine or ten years old and I absolutely fell in love with it. I fell in love with the characters (who are extremely believable and relatable), the genre, the plot and the storyline (which devlops quickly and moves along quite nicely) and the setting in which it takes place. I grew up in England around the time when Harry Potter first started becoming popular and so it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Mafia to Mormon: My Conversion Story

Mafia to Mormon: My Conversion Story
By: Mario Facione
Cedar Fort Incorporated
August 2004
Ages: 12 and up
Pages:105

Summary

This compelling, gripping, non-fiction drama is just as it's title says it is. It's about the long-coming, yet dangerous and difficult conversion story of someone steeped deep within the Italian mafia who finds the truth through two LDS missionaries.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

I think most people would benefit from reading this story. Many of the themes of determination, salvation, honor and duty resonate with those who read it.

What Problems Could this Book Potentially Cause?

I would not reccommend this book to anyone younger than the age of twelve. It's themes and some of the circumstances and situations in this book like robbery, murder,coarse attitudes etc. might make the wrong impression on a younger person.

My Reaction

I recieved this book as a gift and I am absolutely and totally impressed with the quality and depth of the writing. I would definitely reccomend it to anyone who was interested.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh
By: Robert C. O'Brien, Illustrated By: Zena Bernstein
Simon and Schuster's Children's Publishing
June 1998
Ages: 9-12
Pages: 233

Summary

Mrs. Frisby is a widowed mouse with four small children and a terrible dilemma. She must move immediately to their summer home or risk certain death; but her youngest son, Timothy is deathly ill with pneumonia and cannot be moved. So, in a twist of fate, Mrs. Frisby encounters the highly intelligent rats of NIMH and in turn for their help, she gives her services in return.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

I think anyone who enjoys adventurous books that have animals or some such creatures as the main character/hero would immensely enjoy this unique story.

What Problems could this book potentially cause?

I do not see this book causing any problems, only that it might make children raise questions about animal testing in different labs and other such situations.

My Reaction

I have not read this book in quite some time, so I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as though for the fist time. It's quite different for a tradiational children's novel and has a unique and interesting storyline that most authors could nor would ever think of putting down on paper.

Megan's Island

Megan's Island (Winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award)
By: Willo Davis Roberts
Simon and Schuster's Children's Publishing
April 1990
Ages: 8-12
Pages: 187

Summary

Megan is not all together surprised when her mother suddenly packs up all of their stuff and moves with Megan and her little brother, Sandy to a grandfather she barely knows. After all, Megan has moved dozens of times in her twelve years, but this time is different. Megan's mother is scared. They're running away from something...but what?

Who Would Benefit From Reading this Book?

I think that any young person who is interested in novels that are adventurous, engaging and realistic would love this book. It's a rare book that is able to make the situations and lives of two young children realistic and believeable.

What problems could this book potentially cause?

This book gets particularly suspenseful and dangerous in parts and this might disturb some younger readers.

What was your reaction to the book?

I came in contact with this book a few years ago when someone gave my family bag full of used books. It looked and sounded mildly interesting, so I read it and fell in love with it. It's a good read for someone who is looking for something quick and easy.

A Little Princess

A Little Princess, A Signet Classic
By: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Penguin Group
May 1995
Ages: ?
Pages: 222

Summary

Sara, aged ten, grew up in India and was a well-behaved, compassionate and loving child, despite being used to the luxuries and comforts that the incredibly wealthy enjoy. When her father, an office in the British Army, must go to war, he takes her to a boarding school "Miss Minchin's" in New York City. There Sara stays after she is orphaned and goes from an incredibly wealthy young lady with smarts, destined for greatness, to a penniless, scullery maid forced to do exhausting, back breaking work. But Sara does not lose hope as circumstances continue to deteriorate; she dreams harder and has more determination than ever that will bring her to what she is meant to be and the actual reality that lays before her.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

I think any young girl who has been through hard times would love this book. It's a sort of Cinderella story that has the ability to kindle the fire of hope in anyone who reads it.

What problems could this book potentially cause?

I personally do not see this book causing any immediate problems, only that Miss Minchin is particularly cruel. Some might not agree with this situation.

What was your reaction?

This was one of my favorite books growing up; its one of those kinds of books that you'll never forget once you've read it.

Inkheart

Inkheart
By: Cornelia Funke, Translated into English from German By: Anthea Bell
Scholastic Inc.
June 2005
Ages: 9-12
Pages: 534

Summary

Inkheart is a delicious literary feast of fantasty and adventure that will grab the attention of even those who are staunchly adverse to reading of any kind. Inkheart is about a girl named Meggie, and a father with an amazing talent and a terrible secret. One night, Mo unintentionally read one of the cruelest villains out of a book, sending his beloved wife into the book to take the villain's place. This event comes back to haunt him and his young daughter and suddenly they are thrust into a world where fantasty and reality blur the lines and they are in a race agaisnt time to save the only chance they have of saving everything that they hold dear, battling for their very livelihoods in the process.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

Anyone. Anyone who loves fantasty and adventure and a classic battle of good verses evil. The plot thickens and takes surprising twists with each page that is turned.

What problems could this book potentially cause?

In this book, the villian, Capricorn, is particularly cruel beyond what is normal for most villains. He is violent, commanding and unpredictable. He commands a band of followers and puts people to death and orders them to be tortured without even so much as a blink of an eye. Some people might be adverse to exposing themselves to this.

What was my reaction to this book?

I truly love and appreciate this book. It is one that I would and could read over and over again without getting tired of it. It has helped me through some particularly rough and rocky times and comforted me when nothing else could. It's a wonderful escape. A good vacation without ever having to leave the comforts of your own home.

The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery

The Elventh Hour: A Curious Mystery
Written and Illustrated By: Graeme Base
Abram's Books for Young Readers, New York
September 1997
Ages: 12 and up
Approx. 30 pages

Summary

This wonderfully unique book is about an elephant who is having his eleventh birthday party and wants to celebrate in style by having a costume party with a fabulous feast. But during the party activities someone consumes the entire feast! Peruse the illustrations as you read the book to find the clues in order to figure out the culprit! It's an amazing montage of mystery and "I-Spy"!

Who would benefit from reading this book?

Any pre-teen, child or adult who loves mysteries and "I Spy" will absolutely fall in love with this book. It has amazing words and illustrations that will completely captivate any reader who comes in contact with it.

What problems do you see this book causing?

As of right now, I do not forsee this book causing any problems.

What was your reaction?

I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book! And surprised at how HARD it is to find the clues! It's definitely a fun and time consuming challenge to figure out the culprit!

Parts

Parts
Written and Illustrated By: Tedd Arnold
Scholastic Inc.
October 2000
Ages: 3-8 years.
Approx. 15-20 pages

Summary

This book is about a young, five year old boy who fears he is falling apart at the seams until he learns that it is normal for teeth to fall out, for new hair to grow and for lint to be in his belly-button!

Who Would Benefit from reading this book?

I think virtually anyone would benefit from reading this book. It's witty and hilarious and helps young children become familiar with the different things that occur or happen to their growing bodies and that it's perfectly normal to have boogers!

What problems could this book cause?

I do not see this book causing any problems.

What was your reaction?

I LOVE this book. I always read it when I need a good laugh or someone in my life needs cheering up!

The Gingerbread Man!

The Gingerbread Man
Retold By: Jim Aytesworth, Illustrated By: Barbara McClintock
Scholastic Inc.
April 1998
Ages: 4-8 years
Approx. 20-30 pages

Summary

This is the classic story of the Gingerbread Man with an extended rhyming pattern and beautiful illustrations and text that suck you right into the classic adventure.

Who Would Benefit From Reading this Book?

Anyone who is a fan of the original classic would be most definitely be a fan of this version. Especially busy moms looking for an activity for their children to do, seeing as there is a delicious recipe for gingerbread at the end of the book!

What Problems do you see this book causing?

I do not see this book causing any problems.

What was your reaction?

I personally loved the book, the pictures and the recipe for gingerbread that is included, but I think that it might be a little difficult for young children to pay attention to, seeing as it drags on a little bit.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

The Tale of Peter Rabbit
By: Beatrix Potter, Illustrated By: David McPhail
Scholastic Inc.
1986
Ages: ?
Approx. 15 to 20 pages

Summary

This book is about a young, mischevous rabbit who learns a lesson after he disobeys his mother and goes into the forbidden garden of Mr. McGregor's garden for some tasty snacks.

Who Would benefit from reading this book?

I think virtually anyone would benefit from reading this book. It's a classic that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. Beatrix Potter is truly a master of children's literature.

What Problems would this book potentially cause?

The only thing I might be worried about with this book is that children might get the wrong idea. They might think, "Well, if Peter can disobey his mommy and in the end and not really get in trouble for it, then I can too!"

What was your reaction to this book?

I've always loved anything by Beatrix Potter. Growing up in England, any book by Beatrix Potter was a staple in many of the classrooms I was a student in and Peter Rabbit is one of my very favorites of Ms. Potter's books.

"Little Peter Rabbit had a fly upon his nose!

Little Peter Rabbit had a fly upon his nose!

Little Peter Rabbit had a fly upon his nose,

And he flicked it and it flew away!"

Reading this book over again reminded me of a British Nursery Rhyme I used to sing with my siblings when I was young.

Alexander, Who's Not (Do you hear me? I mean it!) Going to Move.

Alexander, Who's Not (Do you hear me? I mean it!) Going to Move.
By: Judith Viorst, Illustrated By: Robin Preiss Glasser in the style of Ray Cruz.
Scholastic Inc.
August 1998
Ages: 5-8 years.
Approx. 15-20 pages.

Summary

This book is about a young boy named Alexander who is staunchly refusing to move away with his family. This fun book goes through different situations with Alexander as he dreams up scenarios that will keep him from moving away such as moving in with the neighbors or hiding in the pickle barrel at the local farmer's market.

Who Would Benefit from reading this book?

I think this book is a good book to read to any young child who has or is going to go through a move. A move can be a scary and unknown quantity for a young child and this book will help them explore just about every reaction and avenue of going through a move.

What problems do you see this book causing?

The only problem I see this book potentially causing is that children might think it's okay to defy or talk-back to their parents. Alexander has sort of a bad attitude that parents might not want their children exposed to.

My Reaction

I most definitely loved this book. I personally identify with it as I had the same exact attitude of Alexander when my parents made me move from my home of the United Kingdom to the tiny, barely existing town of Rigby, Idaho. This book I think will help children eventually work towards accepting the terms of a move.

Heckedy Peg

Heckedy Peg
By: Audrey Wood, Illustrated By: Don Wood
Voyager Books: Harcourt Brace and Company
1987
Ages: 5-8 years
Approx. 25-30 pages

Summary

Heckedy Peg is a book about a mother with seven children. When she goes to the market to buy presents for her children, the children get into a heap of trouble with a witch named Heckedy Peg (who has only one leg!). The witch turns the mischevous children into different types of good food to eat and the mother has to race to save them before they're eaten! Classically reminiscent of a Grimm Brothers fairytale.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

I think anyone who is looking for a different type of children's fairytale will love this book. The clever words paired with the breathtaking illustrations will captivate any audience, young or old.

What Problems do you see this book potentially causing?

The only thing I might be concerned with in this book is that it's kind of graphic for young, tiny children to read. Like the Brothers Grimm fairytales, it talks about eating children and chopping off limbs in order to get something the character wants.

What was your reaction to this book?

i actually loved this book. Especially the illustrations which look so real and life-like. I love the uniqueness of the storyline and it is definitely a book that I would read again and again.

Inside a Zoo in the City

Inside a Zoo in the City
By: Alyssa Satin Capucilli, Illustrated By: Tedd Arnold
Scholastic Inc.
October 2000
Ages: 4-7 years.
Approx. 20-25 pages

Summary

This book has a fun, lilting quality to it with rhymes that are reminiscent of "There was an old lady who swallowed a fly". It's about a group of zoo animals that wake each other up at their homes in the city in order to get themselves down to the zoo before it opens!

Who Would Benefit From Reading This Book?

Any child or grown-up for that matter who loves animals, the zoo, or the unique illustrating genius of Tedd Arnold will love this book. it introduces a wide variety of animals to young children that will help them become more familiar different types of wild animals.

What problemsor conflicts do you see this book potentially causing?

I do not see this book causing any problems.

My Reaction

While I love this book and the uniquness that it brings to the world of Children's Literature, I find it a little bit repetitive. It seems to drag on and on while it takes it's time introducing the different animals.

Each Peach, Pear, Plum

Each Peach, Pear, Plum
By: Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Scholastic Inc.
March 1979
Ages: 3-6 years
Approx. 20 pages.

Summary

This unique little book transforms simple, classic nursery rhymes and fairytales into fun and exciting "I-spy" pages easy enough for young children to interact with. Such stories include, Tom Thumb, Old Mother Hubbard, Cinderella, The Three Bears, Baby Bunting, Bo-Peep, Jack and Jill, A wicked witch and Robin Hood.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

I think everyone would benefit from reading this light, fun book with a unique and simple twist on the "I-Spy" pages. Young children will enjoy looking for the different characters hiding in each different page of the story.

What Problems could this book potentially cause?

I do not see this book causing any problems.

My Reaction-

This book was just plain fun. When I was younger, I enjoyed the book not only because of the appearance of some of myfavorite fairytale characters, but because it was combined with easy "I-Spy" images!

Somebody and the Three Blairs

Somebody and the Three Blairs
By: Marilyn Tolhurst, Illustrated By: Simone Abel
Scholastic Inc.
September 1995
Ages: 3-6 years.
20-25 pages.

Summary

This story is like Goldilocks and the Three Bears with a twist. The bear "Somebody" takes the place of Goldilocks and a family called the Blairs takes the place of the bears. The traditional storyline follows with a few fun twists and whitty dialogue/comments from the family's baby.

Anyone who is a fan of the traditional Goldilocks and the Three Bears or any of the spin-off stories would love this book.

The only problem I can see this book potentially causing is that children might think it's okay to go into a stranger's house and mess with things that aren't theirs to mess with.

This book just outright made me laugh. It's a cute twist on an old, classic favorite. It's illustrations are also really sort of simple with lots of beautiful colors which makes it fun to look at. It's one of those books that you can look at and get the story line just from looking at the pictures and not reading the words.

When the Fly Flew In......

When the Fly Flew In
By: Lisa Westberg Peters, Illustrated By: Brad Sneed
Scholastic Inc., Trumpet Books Special Edition
September 1996
Ages: 5-8 years.
20-30 pages

Summary

A young boy neglects cleaning his VERY messy room because all of his pets are sleeping there. (A dog, a cat, a parakeet and a greedy hamster.) But then, a pesky fly flies in and the room mysteriously get cleaned......

I think EVERYONE would benefit from reading this book. Especially the children (and their parents) whose rooms all to closely resemble the illustrations in this whitty and delightful book and anyone who has a lot of pets and have experienced anything close to this.

I do not see this book causing any problems. If anything, it would show children that they need to clean their room before it gets too messy to have a fly and bugs and moldy food laying about!

I just thought this book was hilarious. I myself am sort of messy on occasion and my family also has lots of pets, many more so than the young boy in this story, but I can totally see this chain of events occuring somewhere in my house!

The Popcorn Dragon

The Popcorn Dragon
By: Jane Thayer, Illustrated By: Lisa McGue
Scholastic Inc.
November 1990
Ages: 4-7 years.
20-30 pages.

Summary

This story is about a young dragon named Dexter who has recently discovered that he can blow smoke! Unbeknownst to naiive Dexter, the innocent showing off of his new smoke skills offends the other animals and makes them not want to play with him because they become jealous and they believe that Dexter is taunting them. Dexter goes off on his own and discovers something really fun and exciting he can do with his smoke that helps him make it up to his animal friends.

I think just about anyone would benefit from reading this book. It's just got a really fun theme/storyline that sort of sucks you in from the Book Title on. It also teaches young children that while it's important to cultivate the talents that you have, it is also important to be considerate of others around you and to not show off too much.

I do not see this book causing any problems. If anything it teaches children a life lesson that would've been difficult to learn about otherwise.

I love this book because of it's fun storyline and variety of animals/characters in the illustrations. It combines fantasty/fairytale animals like dragons with ones of the African Savannah like Giraffes, Elephants and Zebras.

Let's Eat!

Let's Eat!
By: Ana Zamorano, Illustrated By: Julie Vivas
Scholastic Inc
June 1999
20-30 pages
Ages: 4-7 years.

Summary

This book is beautifully simple and it tells the story of a family in a small village in Spain and how each day they have lunch together at the same time and how everyday that week, someone different is missing from the lunch table with the heavily pregnant mother saying "Ay, que' pena! What a pity!"

I think anyone, especially large families with lots of children, would benefit from reading this book. This book shows the benefits of having regular meals with your family and how it brings you all together over-time. It shows how a regular family can interact with one-another without siblings insulting one another or fighting with each other.

I do not see any potential problems from reading this book. It just shows a lot of family unity and how a family can peacefully interact with one another on a regular basis. It also helps children and other readers become more aware of the different types of food people in Spain might eat, such as Chickpea soup, empanadas, sardinas (sardines), gazpacho (like a tomato soup that is eaten cold), roast pollo (chicken) and paella (a seafood dish eaten with rice.) If anything, this book encourages children to try new and different types of food.

Like Too Many Tamales, this book helped me become more aware of the different cultures around me and it helped me become more appreciative of them. I love this book more and more each time I read it not only because of the themes and storylines, but because of the unique illustrations.

Too Many Tamales!

Too Many Tamales
By: Gary Soto, Illustrated By: Ed Martinez
Scholastic Inc.
December 1994
Age Range: 4-8 years.
Pages: 20-30

Summary

This story tells of a young girl names Maria who is making Christmas Tamales with her mother. While mixing the tamale dough when her mother is out of the kitchen, Maria tries on her mother's wedding band. Later on as Maria is playing with her cousins, she realizes that the ring is missing! A heart-warming example of childhood courage and honor ensues as Maria and her cousins stare at 24 tamales, knowing that somewhere in them MUST be the ring!

I personally think that a lot of people would benefit from this story, especially young children who are just learning how to tell right from wrong and the consequences of their actions. It shows that it is okay to make mistakes and that you can always go to an adult you trust for help. This book also shows the importance of family relationships and the different kinds of roles they play within their lives.

I don't forsee any real problems with this book, unless the children misunderstand and try to copy Maria's actions (Such as taking the ring, eating the tamales, etc.)

I have always loved this book. When i was young, I loved looking at the pictures because even if I couldn't read the words, the pictures told me the story. When i was young, I was very interested in different cultures and how other families might do or celebrate things differently. This is one of those special books that helped me to learn about those things.

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King
By: Jean Marzollo, Illustrated By: J. Brian Pinkey
January 1993
Scholastic Inc.
Age Range: 4-8 years.
Approx. 20 pages

Summary

The book starts out with Martin's birth on January 15th, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. The subsequent events in the book take place in Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., up to Martin's death in 1968. The main character in this book is Martin Luther King Jr.; his parents are mentioned briefly in the beginning of the book. Martin is described as a good student, compassionate and peaceful. He is also shown as determined and passionate, always "fighting" for what he believes in, no matter what the cost.

Martin seems to have a very good childhood, with parents who love him and a strong faith and belief in God. Martin grows to admire his father's position as a Reverend in his family's church and after he attends school in Atlanta, he attends divinity school in Pennsylvania and later becomes a Reverend along with his father. Martin led people in prayer and song and he worked steadily to change the laws that were holding back the black people of the United States. "Many helped him work, march, sing and pray for justice." In 1963, Martin gave his most famous speech, the "I have a dream speech". The book then explains how in 1968, Martin was shot and killed and that he was given a special funeral in Atlanta and how his gravestone reads, "Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!"

There's not really anything particularly unique about the way the author protrays the story, but I was impressed at how the author was still able to get Martin's message across in such a simple, clear-cut manner, easy enough for young children to understand.

Several different themes appear throughout the book, but the most prominent ones are compassion, determination and unity. Every single one of these themes can be applied in our lives today and reading this short children's book will help the reader become more connected and aware of the legacy that Martin left behind, of his legacy that continues to live on in the hearts of the people of the United States.

The only potential problem I see this book causing is young children being exposed to or more curious about death/murder when at the end it talks about Dr. King being, "Shot and killed." Other than that, I don't see any problems with violence or anything else of that nature.

I think everyone, of all ages would benefit from reading this book. It tells about a very important and memorable time in our nation's history in a simple, pure, clear-cut manner that is easy for everyone to understand.

My reaction was much of the same things that I mentioned earlier in the summary. I am continutally touched each time I read this book as I read about Martin's "I have a dream" speech and knowing that I've walked where he gave it.