Fall 2006 Book Review
Every year I read
many publishers new releases for the upcoming season. I pick out the books
that are usually multi-faceted with many themes that can be used in the
classroom. I try to focus on history, science, social issues, poetry and
math releases. I do not read science fiction or fantasy.
I am very selective with chapter books. If the author does not "turn
me on" after 50 pages I go on to the next book saving my old eyesight.
There is a particular book on this Fall 2006 list that is a MUST have!
I just love it!!! Blue by Joyce Moyer Hostetter.
Enjoy.
~Carol
OUR WORLD:
0399234063 Brothers Price:
$16.99
Author: Yin Illustrator: Chris Soentpeit
Themes—immigration, friendship, economics.
This illustrator is one of my favorites, so I immediately had to read
this new visual treat. His book, Molly Bannaky is still one of my favorites
for all the themes of core democratic values. Brothers is the
story of a Chinese boy who comes to work with his brothers in America.
He finds a much different world, lonely and separated into a section
of the city where he is told not to venture. The story revolves around
a friend he meets in the forbidden part of the city and how they cope
with differences.
1585362735 D is for Dancing Dragon Price:
$17.95
Author: Carol Crane Illustrator: Zong Zhou Wang
Themes—History, Inventions, Geography, Cultures
I mention this alphabet book, as it goes so well with the above title.
As an author, I never get a chance to meet the illustrator. The illustrations
are exquisite. I know that with China as the location for the Olympics
and a world power, this book will have many uses in the classroom, library
and for families who have adopted children from China.
0807579033 Three Names of Me Price:
$15.95
Author: Mary Cummings Illustrator: Lin Wang
Theme--International adoption
In this sensitive gentle narrative, we feel the sorrow, happiness and
curiosity of children who are adopted. This is a gentle beautiful book.
MATH
0805074465 Great Estimations Price:
$16.99
Author: Bruce Goldstein
0689858248 A Million Dots Price:16.95
Author: Andrew Clements Illustrator: Mike Reed
Themes—Estimation, skill building, Math
Students who love Where’s Waldo will pick these books up again and
again subtlety learning how to estimate.
SOCIAL SKILLS
0689869703 Are You Quite Polite? Silly Dilly
Manners Songs Price: $16.00
Author: Alan Katz Illustrator: David Catrow
Themes—Manners, Singing, Fun
This team has combined fun, singing, manners and will be a favorite of
all.
AMERICAN HISTORY
1585362743 D is for Dancing Drum Price:
$16.95
Author: Debbie and Michael Shoulders Illustrator:
Irving Toddy
Themes—History, Geography, Native Americans, Customs
I love this book. It has all the components as a reference book for all
ages.
0670059641 Julia Morgan Built a Castle
Author: Celeste Davidson Mannis Illustrator: Miles
Hyman
Themes—Biography, Architecture, Determination
Julia Morgan always dreamed of becoming a builder when it was unheard
of for women to enter the field of architecture. With strength, determination
and talent she proved to the world her ability to design some of the most
famous buildings including the castle of William Randolph Hearst’s
castle San Simeon. Great visuals.
0689865430 Into the West: From Reconstruction
to the Final Days of the American Frontier Price:
$22.95
Author: James McPherson
Themes—History, Civil War, Old West
Mr. McPherson has put together a wonderful non-fiction read that is so
interesting. The visuals are worth studying and students will enjoy the
pictures of the west. It may be best in a library collection as this is
a wonderful reference.
1590783891
Blue Price:
16.95
Author: Joyce Moyer Hostetter
Themes—Polio Epidemic, Farm life, WWII, Hospitals,
Diversity, History
This is the best chapter book I have read so far. It has a wonderful account
of a family facing adversity, and how one little girl tells her account
of a terrible sickness that overcomes her community in Hickory, NC.
STORIES AND READING
0374300046
Abbie in Stitches Price:
$16.00
Author: Cynthia Cotton Illustrator: Beth Peck
Abbie is required to learn stitching and making her own sampler, but her
mind is on reading. In the end the author has brought the story to a great
conclusion.
0374399492
Max’s Words Price:
$16.00
Author: Kate Banks Illustrator: Boris Kulikov
Themes—Creative writing, language, collections, imagination
With accompanying visuals, this is a truly wonderful book for the child
that likes to be his own master in a family of collectors. He collects
words and uses them to create sentences and stories. A great book.
GOOD READ ALOUDS
0618755020
Probuditi! Price: $18.95
Author: Chris Van Allsburg
Themes—Mystery, Sibling relationship, Imagination,
Discussion oriented
Polar Express is this author’s most popular book, but he has written
another style in Probuditi. It is not as magical as his other titles but
the story follows through with fun and suspense. I liked it!
152002502
A Particular Cow Price: $16.00
Author: Mem Fox
Themes—Circle story
For the younger reader, this is a fun bouncy story.
JUST FUN STORIES
061860569X Pumpkin Town! Or Nothing is Better
and Worse than Pumpkins.
Author: Katie McKay Illustrator: Pablo Bernasioni
Themes—Science, Imagination, Seeds
When a town is overrun with pumpkins a hilarious story unfolds with pumpkins
taking over the village.
0689842511 Once Upon a Banana
Price: $16.95
Author: Jennifer Armstrong Illustrator: David
Small
Themes—Wordless, Circle story, imagination, city life.
This Caldecott Award winning illustrator, has picked up on the tongue
and cheek travels of a monkey whose banana peel slips and slides all over
the metro city. Fun.
0374356408 One Potato, Two Potato Price:
$16.00
Author: Cynthia DeFelice Illustrator: AndreaU’Ren
Themes—Doubling, math, humor, economics
A fun read aloud with a taste of Ireland in the visuals. I love this book.
