The Nantucket Sea Monster A Fake News Story

Pattison, D.,& Willis,P. (2017). The Nantucket sea monster: a fake news story. Little Rock, AR: Mims House. 
16 pages, 3-6, nonfiction, ISBN 978-1629440828

It was a real news in Nantucket. The story was started in August 1937 that the headline of the newspaper was about "A SEA MONSTER was in Nantucket". The news came out, which became a famous news that people were talking about it. scientists in Boston and New York wanted to help in identifying the monster that asked the newspaper editor to send them pictures for inspection. Also, some scientist at the Harvard Museum of Zoology and the Boston Aquarium studied the footprint. They made it looked like a serious thing. However, when Tony Sarg said that he found the sea monster, people went to check it and knew that it was a huge rubber balloon. 

I really like this book because the storyline is very interesting. It is a very useful material for teachers to teach about that the report from the newspaper is not 100% right. they need to do research to find the truth. On the other hand, there are a timeline of the events, vocabulary. and sources in the back. If students have questions about vocabulary, they can check the vocabulary on that page. It also provided extra information for students. it is very useful. The other things that I like are the illustrations in the book, which are very pretty and vivid. 


Review by: Karman A

I am Sacagawea

Brad, Meltzer. (2017).I am Sacagawea (Ordinary People Change the World). New York: Dial Books.
40 pages, K-3, picture/Non-Fiction Archaeologist, ISBN:978-0525428534

This book talks about a native American girl whose name is Sacagawea. She was the only girl with a baby and native American to join Lewis and Clark's corps of discovery. in the trip, it talks about how she helps the group to translate and communicate with different tribes. And also, it records about how she helped the group survive in the wildness and saved supplies.
It is an interesting and educated book for kindergarten kids to read. It included many cute and active pictures for the kids to read. And it is a great book for social study. It mentioned about the status of girl, young people and Native American. and also, in this book, there are some primary sources.It lists some original works of tribe language and original quote from tribe chief. it helps kids to know the history and the relationship between the people. at the end of this book, it even gives the encouragement and suggestion for kids to go forward and make your own path.



Reviewed by: Rosina. Z

Robinson

Sis, P. (2017). Robinson. Broadway, New York: Scholastic Press.
48 pages, Grades Preschool-3, Fiction/Picture Book, ISBN-13: 978-0545731669.

Robinson is written as a fictional adventure mixed with a personal life's story of the author's name. The story is about love, friendship, overcoming fears and being who you are. It shows the story of a boy who loves adventure, a mysterious ocean journey through the boy's dream and being alone in a remote island wilderness. Peter, who is the main character in the story is rounded by friends who have shared a common passion. They all love pirates! Yes, Pirates. So, whenever there is a school activity, especially a costume party, they know what to wear. A pirate costumes! Boys have been wanted to be pirates, but Peter's mother suggested him to be Robinson Crusoe, who is the main character in his favorite story. He was excitedly said yes, his mother made it personally for him and went to the party. But after his friends saw him, they laughed at him and he just decided to go home and sleep. While sleeping he dreamed of being on an Island and learn to be brave, and not be affected by peer pressure. 

This book will teach kids to be who they really want to become and not only go with the flow. Most of the times, kids nowadays act base on what they friends want them to be and not what they want and what they know is right. It will also teach kids to respect others' opinion and decision, give importance to the friendship they made no matter what the differences they have and learn how to bravely express their feelings. This is a good picture book as well, pictures are very attractive and magical that readers will stare at the pictures on each page of the book. The author did a great job in making the reality to a fantasy and then fantasy to reality again.

Reviewed by: Jonna L.

Long May She Wave

Fulton, K. (2017). Long May She Wave: The True Story of Caroline Pickersgill and Her Star-Spangled Creation. New York, New York: Simon&Schuester Co.
30 Pages, K-3, Non-Fiction Archaeologist, ISBN 978-1481460965

Fulton Kristen is the author of this book “Long May She Wave”. She loves to travel and explore things happening around the world. Kristen considered herself with real things happening, or known as nonfiction archaeologist, always finding evidence and lost history happening time through time. While exploring the National Museum of American History, she came across with piece of fabric so simple with stars and stripes. Just by looking at that has brought her heart with tears and pride knowing this would be her next story to write. It was such an inspiration for her to write about real events.

This story was written base on the true story of Caroline Pickersgill a young girl who lost her father in her very young age. Leaving her and her mother Mary. Caroline Pickersgill and her mother came up with an idea of how to make income and what to do for their living. Her mother Mary make and sell flags out of rent in Baltimore. Of all the flags, they worked on it and sell. It was during the war between the British and America Caroline Pickersgill was asked to make a huge flag for Fort McHenry so that the British could see it from miles away. Caroline just a young girl spends many days along with the help of her grandmother, mother and other ladies making this huge flag. Something very unique and touching was that through the end of this war this flag that Caroline made was still waving there and it has become the most historical flag in U.S. History. I am not an American citizen, I am from Samoa but the moment I read this book, honestly, I was in tears. I felt it from each word of the story. My heart was crashed down where it made me appreciate and cherish what this girl has made for America. Not only this but I now get to feel love, kindness, humility reading each word of the America anthem. I see the purpose and the importance of the anthem, my heart is filled with gratitude and love for the nation of America. Very touching and very inspired.

Reviewed by Penina T.

Danza!

Tonatiuh, D. (2017) Danza! Amalia Hérnandes and El Ballet Folklórico de México. China: Abrams Books for Young Reader.
32 pages, Grade 1-5, Picture Book, ISBN-13: 978-1419725326

Danza won the Pura  Belpré Medal and the  Robert  F.  Sibert  Medal.  Duncan has written and illustrated various award-winning books for young children.  This book tells the story of Amalia Hernandez, a dancer, and founder of El Ballet Folklórico de México. Amalia is from Mexico and has great passion in dancing. Her mom is against her dream of becoming a dancer and instead wanted her to be a teacher. Her dad who is in the military was also opposed to it, but later on, supported her and even hired a personal dancing instructor to help Amalia.

This book is very suitable for elementary students. It is very inspiring especially for kids nowadays who are unarguably skilled and more  talented  than any other generation.  This book will encourage them to pursue their  dreams,  ambitions,  passions and deep longing.  I like how persistent Amalia is, how she did  not  stop  pursuing her dreams just because her parents are against it. I like how she showed effort in every little chance she had by finding ways to be able practice what she wants.

It is also funny that although she did not want to be a teacher she became one by teaching people how to dance. Because of this she became famous and was even called a legendary dancer.

Reviewed by Jonna L.

A Different Pond

Phi, B. (2017). A different pond. North Mankato, Minnesota: Picture Window Books.
26 pages, K-4, Picture/Nonfiction/Autobiography, ISBN 978-1479597468

As a young boy, Bao Phi and his family is a refugee from Vietnam who came to Minnesota during the year 1970’s because of the war in Vietnam. Bao Phi is the youngest of six siblings; He wrote this book “A different pond “in an experience he had with his dad fishing in a small lake in Minnesota where they would catch fish for their meals each day. The book illustrates a father and son relationship. The sacrifices made by the father and the willingness of a young son in waking up early morning to help catch a meal for the family; taking care of his siblings when his parents would go to work. Fishing is something that they have to do so they can have food on their table because they don’t have enough to buy everything they needed to survive.

This book is filled with passion and emotion. There is just something different about the book that makes me almost emotional thinking that Bao Phi’s childhood experience was not very favorable on his part. However, because of the things that he learned from fishing with his dad he understood where his family is coming from and he developed a sense of responsibility at an early age. This book is great for kids to help them gain an understanding of the importance of family, hard work, and also sacrifices. It will also help students in K-4 grade level to understand how it feels to be a refugee and to be aware of what is going on in their surroundings when it comes to less fortunate people. 

Reviewed by Farah Empalmado

Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire

Mary, Blair. (2017). Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire. New York: Athenaeum Books for Young Readers.
48 pages, preschool-3, picture/biography, ISBN 978-1481461313

This is biography book about Mary Blair. It reveals a woman who thought outside the box and beyond the rules of art. How she observe the world by painting out with color. And how she discovers the color through community, environment and geography. And also, it records the process how she become successful.

I love this book cause it involve the Disney and many colorful pictures inside, it helps kids interested to read it. And also, this book is good for the social study. It mentioned in the early American how is status of man and woman, and how the author observes the community and geography by painting it out. And it reflects different culture and human relationship through colorful paintings. This is a pretty interesting and active biography picture book.

Reviewed by Rosina Z.

Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush's Incredible Journey

Pearson, D., Kuntz, D., & Shrodes, A. (2017).  Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush's Incredible Journey. New York, NY. Crown books for Young Readers.
48 Pages, Pk-2, Picture / Non Fiction, ISBN 978-1524715472

A struggling family from Iraq trying to escape the country because of the war that has been going on there. The minimum that they can bring on their journey was one pack of food and water but the family did not want to leave their beloved cat named Kunkush. They began their journey with their cat. The Mother of five children and their lovely white cat travel from one  place to another to find their new home from all the danger.On their Journey they encounter some  obstacles on their way but they still kept pressing forward with great hope to find a new home. They even went across the sea with many other refugees who were looking for a better place to live. Upon stopping in Greece, kunkush was lost in the forest. The family searched but they couldn’t find him. They sadly left him but still hoping to find him one day. The cat got lost and Amy and Ashley took him to the local vet. Amy was determined to find Kunkush family. The family continues their journey until they found their new home in Norway. Amy contacted the family through Facebook and skyping. A photographer for the news company agreed to take Kunkush to the family. Finally, the family and kunkush were excited  happy to be united again.

I really love the story. It think it is really good for young readers to be able to pick up some new vocabulary. It is also a good history story telling because of all the things that happened in the different countries. It can be a good introduction book for students to learn about the outside world and what is is like. The book is a very colorful and beautiful drawings. I think the Illustrator did a good job for children to visual what is happening in the story. The overall rate I would give would be 10. I just love the book. I think little kids would love it too. The book also taught us about Refugees and how they travel from one place to another even on the sea. I think the author is really good at showing us what is going on and everything. Plus, it is true story so it has great meaning storyline. It is also good for little kids who love animals also a great encouraging book that we need to have hope. I think the book is a very powerful and positive.I would read this book with my students in younger grade. When I talked about immigrants and other historical things in the world. It will be perfect for that topic. I think students can learned many things just by reading it. I really love the book.

Reviewed by Emylyn W.

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a young Civil Rights Activist

Levinson, C., & Newton V. B. (2017). The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a young Civil Rights Activist. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
40 Pages, Grades Kindergarten- 5, Picture/Biography, ISBS 9781481400701

In nineteenth-century America, black people do not have many rights, they cannot do many things that the white people can do. This biography tells us the inspiring story about Audrey Faye Hendricks, a fearless, confident and brave nine year old girl who volunteered to stay in jail to help accelerate the ongoing civil rights movement.

This book explores the many rights that were taken away from the blacks in the 1950s and 1960s. It shows the immense courage that Audrey shown at the tender age of nine. It shows that because of her and a thousand more other children and teenager’s actions, the civil rights Act was submitted and passed. The blacks in America then have equal rights with the whites in America, changing the lives of people with different needs and skin color and making us all equal. The book includes an author’s note, illustrator’s note, and bibliography.

Reviewed by Celestine S.

Remembering Vera

Polacco, P. (2017). Remembering Vera. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
32 pages, Grades 2-5, Realistic Fiction, ISBN 978-1481442275.

This book is based in 1962 when a stray dog was found under a pile of boxes at a Coast Guard base on Government Island. A man named Dave Bunch found this dog and immediately fell in love with her, he named her Vera. When he took the dog to the rest of the crew, they decided to hide her from the commander because they thought that he would not approve. However, when the time came and Vera was needed, she proved herself worthy to be on their ship. Vera showed her swimming ability and determination when she was able to save the people on another boat at sea that was sinking. The whole crew quickly fell in love with this dog. Vera was treated as a hero and as one of their very own men, and this becomes apparent at the end of this story.

I really loved this book by Patricia Polacco, she does a very good job at portraying the thoughts and feelings toward Vera and how important she was on this journey. I personally love anything that has to do with dogs and/or the military, but as a future elementary school teacher, this is a book I would definitely have in my library for my students to read. This book does contain some vocabulary that younger students may not understand, so I would recommend teaching them the vocabulary before or during reading it to them. I also think this book would be better for the higher grades or being cautious with the younger grades because the ending may be too sensitive for the younger students. The illustrations in the book were my favorite, they portrayed the feelings of the characters accurately and represented the happiness of Vera throughout the book. Overall, if I were to rate this book, I would give it a 5/5 for the storyline, illustrations and accuracy.

Reviewed by Jordyn R.

50 Cities of the U.S.A.: Explore America's cities with 50 fact-filled maps (The 50 States)

Gabrielle, B. & Linero, S. (2017). 50 Cities of the U.S.A.: Explore America's cities with 50 fact-filled maps (The 50 States). China: Wide Eyed Editions.
112 Pages, K3-7, Non-Fiction, ISBN: 9781847808707

The book called “50 Cities of the U.S.A. It has information about each state of the United States including Hawaii and Alaska. Information included statistics, map, geography of the land, historical events takes place in some cities, historical sites, actors, biography and some of their tradition such as food, dance and their lifestyle. It has key effects and symbol to guide the reader when reading the book. The book is rich of visual arts for the reader to use as they read the information.

I love the illustration of this book because it draws the reader’s attention to keep on reading. Using of maps, diagrams and picture will make it enjoyable for kids to read and imagine what they are reading. Love the colorful of pictures and the cover of the book because they are the things that attract the attention.  I like how each state has two pages each which makes it easier for the reader to study each city one by one. I like this book because it is appropriate to use in Social Studies in different areas such as geography, government, neighborhood and resources. It provides useful information about places, people and lifestyle. It is also state in the Publisher’s note that they will continue to update the book due to changes in different state.

Reviewed by Fokiolalelei P.

Flowers for Sarajevo

McCutcheon, J. & Caldwell, K. (2017). Flowers for Sarajevo. Atlanta GA: Peachtree Publishers.
30 Pages, Grades 2-3. Picture/Historical Fiction, ISBN 978-1561459438

In the multicultural town of Sarajevo, stands an open market near local businesses, where every day Drasko and his father sell flowers. The war hits their town and everything changes.  His father leaves for the war.  Drasko finds it challenging to sell flowers on his own. Then, a bomb hits the nearby bakery killing 22 people standing in line. The day after the bombing, a cellist from the orchestra, dressed in his tuxedo, plays music in the market.  He plays each morning for 22 days – one day for each victim. This act of kindness encourages the community and Drasko to have hope and be kind again.

Drasko learns from his father how to love selling flowers and love the people around him.  This example helps Drasko face the challenges of war as it affects his city.  He is positively impacted by the cellist’s act of kindness, amidst a war.  He spreads the feeling by giving freely of his flowers.  I enjoyed the examples of hope and kindness the message of the book presented.  This book reminded me of how each one of us are examples to those around us.  We each have our own part to play in bringing hope, peace and love. The book includes maps and a statement on a region shaped by war, an author's note, sheet music, lyrics and a CD.

Reviewed by Angela C. LeSuer

Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World

Lawlor, L. (2017). Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World. New York: Holiday House.
58 Pages, Grade 4-6, Biography, ISBN 9780823436750

This book gives the information of the six incredible women who fought with prejudice by men. Eugenie Clark researched on and swan with sharks, Gertrude Elion won the Novel Prize, Katherine Coleman Johnson was an African-American mathematician, Marie Tharp created a map of the ocean, Florence Hawley Ellis was an anthropologist, and Eleanor Margaret Burbidge was an astronomer. These women changed the images of women that men typically had and made a big impact on scientists, historians, and people around the world.

This book contains pictures that help readers learn visually about what the women did in their lives. The information about the women is written in detail and interests readers. The number of year and record seem accurate and I think this book is reliable for students to read. This book can be used for the topics of sexism, racism, heroes, etc. It would be also interesting if a teacher integrate lessons about these women into class for science, history, geology, or math.

Reviewed by Yuki K.

Happy Dreamer

Reynolds, P. H. (2017). Happy Dreamer. New York: Orchard Books.
32 Pages, Grade Preschool-3, Fiction/Fantasy, ISBN 978-0545865012

Sometimes, the world may tell us that we need to sit still and follow all the rules, but there are times when we just want to dream and see where our mind can take us. Happy Dreamer reminds kids that there is nothing wrong with dreaming big and that everyone’s dreams important no matter how big or how small. You can be any type of dreamer that you want to be.

This book is directed towards younger ages and grades and would be a great book for kids that have minds that tend to wander. This book has a great message of encouragement and will help kids understand that they can dream and do whatever they want. With the colorful illustrations and fun words on every page, this book will keep kids engaged until the very end.

Reviewed by Hannah K.

How the Cookie Crumbled: The True (and Not-So-True) Stories of The Invention of the Chocolate Chip Cookie

Ford, G., (2017). How the Cookie Crumbled: The True (and Not-So-True) Stories of The Invention of the Chocolate Chip Cookie. New York: Simon and Schuster.
32 pages, Grades K-3, Nonfiction/Biography, ISBN 978-1481450676

Does anyone truly know how the chocolate chip cookie was made? Meet Ruth Wakefield the woman who created the lovable chocolate chip cookie. There are a few different stories that explain how the cookie was made: by accident, by substitution, or by inspiration to Ruth. No one knows the truth, but the reader gets to experience the story of how it came to be so famous. The recipe is even included in the story.

This book is a great way to shed some light on the story of the chocolate chip cookie and can help students find learning about people more fun. The book includes the recipe, which is a great way to give the children a hands-on activity. I especially love that it allows the students to look at three different stories about how the chocolate chip cookies was made and lets them decide which one could possibly be real.

Reviewed by Kristina J.

The legendary Miss Lena Horne

Weatherford, C. B., & Zunon, E. (2017). The legendary Miss Lena Horne. NY, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
23 pages, K-3, picture book, ISBN 978-1-4814-6824-4

Lena Horne is the first African American singer and civil right activist. Her story inspires many people to fight for their dream no matter race, background, or appearance. Her mother had a dream to be an actress; however, when the period she born in the United States, people look down African American. This reason made her mother gave up her dream, but Lena follows her mother’s footstep to become an actress even though she had many difficulties. She said that “ you have to be taught to be second class, you’re not born that way.”  She believes that if she has faith, she can make everything happen.

It is a powerful picture book that gives people courage, hope and teaches people that never doubt themselves. Some people may complain that they are not as rich as others; they didn’t receive education as much as others. However, they have never thought that they have can totally change their lives and achieve their dreams if they work hard and never give up. Lena Horne is a good example to show everyone that we can make impossible to possible. It is also an excellent book to teach children about the history of Lena Horne. Illustrations in the book are beautiful and meaningful, which also tell reader her story not just from the words.

Reviewed by Ka Man A.

Lighter than Air

Smith, M. C., & Tavares, M. (2017). Lighter than air: Sophie Blanchard, the first woman pilot. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

32 Pages, Grades 1-4, Picture/Biography, ISBN 978-0763677329

In eighteenth-century France, all the great ballooning aeronauts are men. This biography tells the inspiring story of Sophie Blanchard’s rise from a shy, rural village girl to an extraordinary woman who was appointed Chief Air Minister of Ballooning by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. 

This beautifully illustrated book explores how, even in the world of 1800 France, one woman risked life and limb to show that women can lead the way. Especially touching was Sophie's response to her husband's untimely death and her persistence in advancing the field of ballooning aeronautics. The book includes an author's note, illustrator’s note, and bibliography. 

Reviewed by Kurt Johnson