Rebecca Beatty

Reading Record 2
LIS 60629
Dr. Martens
April 6, 2015
Category
Science fiction/fantasy chapter
book

Annotation
Gaiman, N. (2008). The
graveyard book. New York, NY:
HarperCollins. 312 p.
Nobody Owens is raised in a
graveyard, where his ghostly
adoptive parents, guardian, and
friends protect him from the
dangerous man who has
searched for him since his
infancy.

Non-fiction book

Delano, M. F. (2012). Master

Georges people: George
Washington, his slaves, and his
revolutionary transformation. L.
Epstein, ill. Washington, D.C:
National Geographic. 62 p.
Follows the daily life of George
Washington's slave workers at
Mount Vernon, with in-depth
profiles of six individuals, as
well as Washington's changing

Critical Review
While the fantastic elements of
this story (societies of ghosts
living in the graveyard, creatures
lurking in tombs, fiercely
protective Hounds of God, and
wicked but forgetful ghouls) are
creative and wonderful in their
own right, the realistic
characters and the emotions
portrayed and elicited from the
reader make this low fantasy
seem feasible. Perhaps there
really is a boy living in the
graveyard that we have simply
overlooked.
An important story to be told in
the history of the founding
fathers, and one that is often
overlooked or glossed over in
other texts. Extensive
photography of the re-enactors
working at today's Mount
Vernon provides an accurate
depiction of the time period.

Suggestion for use

This is a versatile book that
brings high-quality literature to
the fantasy lover and can open
up a new genre to hesitant
readers, making it a good
recommendation across diverse
groups. Grades 5-8.

This book can be included

alongside other books on the
founding fathers or even the
Civil War, as it gives a clear
picture of how slavery was
viewed as a social norm in the
southern states (and, to a lesser
extent, how it was viewed
negatively in the North),
resulting in conflict. Can also
discuss how there are many

attitude toward slavery

throughout his lifetime (ending
with freeing many of his slaves
after his death).

Non-fiction book

Non-fiction book

Gerstein, M. (2003). The man

who walked between the towers.
New York, NY: Roaring Brook
Press. 32 p.
The relatively unknown story of
Philippe Petit, the tightrope
walker who snuck into the
World Trade Center at night to
stretch a wire between the
towers, and evaded the grasp of
police for nearly an hour,
dancing and running on the
wire. An excellent addition to
the legacy of the Twin Towers.
Jenkins, S. (2012). Bomb: The
race to buildand stealthe
worlds most dangerous weapon.
New York, NY: Roaring Brook
Press. 266 p.
The history of the atomic bomb
and the key players in its
conception and creation, from
the United States, Soviet Union,
and Germany. Narratives of
physicists, politicians, military
leaders, soldiers, and spies are

The drawings capture the spirit

of New York, the memory of the
World Trade Center, and the
adventurous Petit; some pages
unfold to reveal the dizzying
height of the towers and the
length of the wire. The text
gently approaches a sensitive
topic, reading, simply, "Now the
towers are gone," on the secondto-last page, but respectfully
mentioning that they remain in
memory.
Sheinkin's passion and
excitement about this topic
shines through every word,
drawing in new nonfiction
readers. Each section begins
with photographs of the people
featured within, lending an
additional layer of realism as the
reader sees the skinny, brilliant
Oppenheimer, the boyish Ted
Hall, and the engaging Dorothy
McKibben, among others.

social norms in history that are

unthinkable in our society today,
but are still ongoing in other
parts of the world (or social
norms for us today that we
might one day perceive as
mistakes). Grades 5-8.
This simple text would make a
good read-aloud, perhaps for
Patriot Day. This story is just
one of the colorful memories
that highlights the World Trade
Center as a staple of New York
City culture. Grades 1-3.

This is a sobering read, but an

important one that is sure to
open up discussion among
students. Sheinkin does an
excellent job of portraying the
scientific victory the successful
atomic bomb was for
Oppenheimer and his team, the
horrors this creation wreaked on
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the
confusion of reactions that
followed, the potential for

woven together in this engaging

and true story.

Non-fiction book

Robert Sibert Informational

Book Medal

Bryant, J. (2013). A splash of

red: The life and art of Horace
Pippin. M. Sweet, ill. New York,
NY: Random House. 32 p.
Horace Pippin spent his young
life loving to draw the things he
saw around him and the pictures
in his head. A war wound leaves
his arm unable to create in the
same way, but Pippin perseveres
and pours himself into his
paintings, each one pure and
from the heart, with a splash of
red.
Bryant, J. (2014). The right
word: Roget and his thesaurus.
M. Sweet, ill. Grand Rapids, MI:
Eerdmans Books for Young
Readers. 40 p.
A young Peter Roget carries his
book of lists wherever he goes,
finding order and solace in
organizing the world around him
in neat categories and rows. This
book eventually became Rogets
Thesaurus, a tool used

This story of passion and

perseverance will inspire any
young person to follow their
dreams. Melissa Sweet's
wonderful, unique illustrations
are proof of such inspiration:
paintings incorporating Pippin's
signature "splash of red,"
collage of papers and found
objects, and hand-carved
colored pencils and brushes.

The design of this book is neat

and orderly, like Roget,
interspersed with creative
elements depicting how his
family, past, and emotions play
into his work. Melissa Sweets
trademark painting and collage
bring in typographical elements,
speech bubbles, papers and
found objects, and many, many
synonyms.

destruction that remains in our

world today, and the impact this
has on diplomatic relationships-all heavy topics, but vital for
true understanding of the events
of WWII and many of today's
conflicts. Grades 7+.
Can be used in art history and
appreciation for younger
children, or simply as a great
read-aloud (in which the story
just so happens to be true).
Grades 1-4.

A word-lovers dream, this book

makes an excellent read-aloud
or can be used to introduce the
thesaurus to young students, or
discuss finding the perfect word
in writing projects. Grades 1-3.

Robert Sibert Informational

Book Medal

universally among those who

wish to find the perfect word.
Greenberg, J. & Jordan, S.
(2013). The mad potter: George
E. Ohr, eccentric genius. New
York, NY: Roaring Brook Press.
54 p.
The life of George E. Ohr, a
creative genius and potter
unappreciated until after his
death.

Robert Sibert Informational

Book Medal

OConnell, C. & Jackson, D.M.

(2011). The elephant scientist.
C. OConnell & T. Rodwell, ill.
New York, NY: Houghton
Mifflin Books for Children. 72
p.
The research of Caitlin
OConnell in Namibia, findings
on elephant communication
through ground vibrations, and
other facts about elephants.

NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for

Outstanding Non-fiction

Sweet, M. (2011). Balloons over

Broadway: The true story of the
puppeteer of Macys parade.
New York, NY: Houghton
Mifflin. 32 p.

The information goes beyond

Ohrs life (interesting as it is!)
and extends to art appreciation,
including the history, methods,
and techniques of pottery
creation, as well as a guide on
how to look at a pot. Ohrs
colorful and whimsical pottery
is featured throughout the book,
and students will be amused to
see his selfies (unfortunately,
his contemporaries were not).

Besides being an artistic genius,

Ohr is presented as a very real,
down-to-earth person, relatable
in his feelings of being left out
and misunderstood, but
inspirational in his
determination to stick to his
principles, making him a great
candidate for the study of art
history. Grades 4-8.

Research straight from the

source, written expressly for
young readers, with an
abundance of clear, informative
photos of elephants and the
research process. While there is
some bias involved (the
researchers see the elephants as
gentle giants and want to protect
them), they do take into account
other ecological issues (such as
keeping the elephants from
eating all of the peoples crops).
The text is simple and fun and
shows Sarg's ability to take a
lost art and transform it into a
lasting tradition. Sweet's
illustrations are the perfect

A great recommendation for

student research on elephants, or
those interested in animal
research as a career. Grades 5-8.

Can be read before

Thanksgiving, showing other
floats and balloons from recent
history, and tying into other
Thanksgiving Day traditions,

NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for

Outstanding Non-fiction

NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for

Outstanding Non-fiction

Follows Tony Sargs early career

as a marionette-maker and his
groundbreaking techniques for
realistic puppets, to his creation
of the Macys Parade balloons,
with detailed description of the
process.
Greenberg, J. & Jordan, S.
(2010). Ballet for Martha:
Making Appalachian Spring. B.
Floca, ill. New York, NY:
Roaring Brook Press. 48 p.
Martha Graham, a
choreographer known for
innovative ballet, Aaron
Copeland, an award-winning
composer, and Isamu Noguchi, a
talented artist and craftsman,
come together to create the
uniquely American ballet,
Appalachian Spring.
Bass, H. (2009). The secret
world of Walter Anderson. E.B.
Lewis, ill. Somerville, MA:
Candlewick Press. 40 p.
Artist Walter Anderson, the
most famous American artist
youve never heard of, spent
most of his time in his private
studio or taking mysterious trips
to Horn Island, soaking in his
natural surroundings and
creating beautiful works of art

match to her text and include

pages from Sarg's own works
and other found objects (the
endpaper is an original
advertisement for the Macy's
parade).

both serious and fun. Grades 14.

Like the ballet, this story is

presenting in a simple, yet
meaningful way. Watercolor
illustrations capture the
movement and emotion in ballet,
while accurately portraying the
real-life events and people.

Can be used to show different

kinds of American art and
culture, or as an example of
three very different people
working together to create a
masterpiece. Grades 2-4.

Illustrated with beautiful

watercolor paintings showcasing
Anderson's closeness to nature
(Walter rowing his boat, Walter
chest-deep in water with
sketchpad in hand) this book
focuses on the positive aspects
of this period of his life--the
solace he found on the island,
his ability to express himself
through art, and his
undiscovered talent--though the

Gives the reader an appreciation

of Anderson's artwork, but also
the inspiration to be found
within nature. This can be used
in conjunction with nature study
or field observation and
sketches. Grades 2-6.

that went undiscovered until his

death.
Biography/autobiography

reader will learn, it was

bookended with more troubled
times.
Ss, P. (2007). The wall:
The feelings, voice, and
Growing up behind the Iron
illustrations in this book have
Curtain. New York, NY: Farrar, the authenticity of a writer who
Straus and Giroux. 48 p.
experienced these events firstPeter Ss both shows and tells of hand. Ss's love of drawing is
growing up in Prague during the reflected through powerful
Cold War. Brief text at the
illustrations: black and white
bottom of the page tells the story pen sketches with pops of red
from his perspective, along with and entries from his childhood
the illustrated historical details
journal surrounded by the
above.
artwork that served as his only
form of expression at the time.

Biography/autobiography

Tanaka, S. (2008). Amelia

Earhart: The legend of the lost
aviator. D. Craig, ill. New York,
NY: Abrams. 48 p.
An account of the adventurous
Amelia Earhart, who defied all
expectations by successfully
flying solo across the Atlantic,
and famously disappeared
during her flight around the
world.

Scott ODell winner for

historical fiction

Gantos, J. (2011). Dead end in

Norvelt. New York, NY: Farrar,

This biography follows Earhart

from her early days of playing
football and plotting trips to
Africa, to her groundbreaking
flights, to her lasting legacy, all
shown through plentiful
photographs and beautiful
original illustrations. Both the
narrative and direct quotations
are taken directly from the logs
and travel communication
written by Earhart herself.
The history of the real city of
Norvelt, founded by Eleanor

There is a definite bias in this

book (Ss favors all things
western and is blatantly anticommunism); however, this is
an authentic portrayal of the
feelings surrounding these
events and their aftermath,
giving students a valuable
perspective. At the same time, it
is best paired with an additional
historical account, preferably
one with an emphasis on the
events leading up to the Cold
War, including the ideas behind
Communism and the initial
response to these ideas.
Although Earharts final flight
was not successful, her story and
message of taking on challenges
and pursuing your dreams
despite the odds is an
inspiration. While this book
contains a wealth of information
about a historical figure and era,
it can also lead to discussions on
finding your path in life (or, for
older students, on feminism).
Although this has historical
elements, they are well woven

Addams Award

ALSC Graphic Novel Reading

List (K-2)

Straus, and Giroux. 341 p.

Jack Gantos is grounded for the
summer, and spends his time
helping the elderly Miss Volker
write obituaries, learning about
the towns history and purpose
and uncovering a mystery in the
process.
Markel, M. (2013). Brave girl:
Clara and the shirtwaist makers
strike of 1909. M. Sweet, ill.
New York, NY: HarperCollins
Publishers. 32 p.
Clara arrives in America, with
no money and little ability to
speak English, but the
knowledge of what is right and
wrong and the grit to stick with
her principleswhich leads her
to stand up for the young
workers in the garment factory
and eventually to begin a
historical strike for womens and
workers rights, with lasting
implications throughout the US.
Luciani, B. & Tharlet, E. (2010).
The meeting. Minneapolis, MN:
Graphic Universe. 32 p.
When Mrs. Fox and Ginger lose
their home, Mr. Badger happily
welcomes them to live with him
and his boys. Grub, Bristle, and
Ginger have a plan to show their

Roosevelt, is told through the

perspective of a boy who grew
up there himself and
embellished to add mysterious
crimes and colorful characters.

into the story and the reader

never feels lectured. The
intriguing side plots and family
relationships make this a good
candidate for a book club.
Grades 5-9.

Highlights an important, while

less well-known, historical
moment. Sweet's
painting/collage style
incorporates fabric and printed
elements, while authentically
capturing the scenery of the time
and the individuals who came
together to make a difference.

It would be difficult to find a

work with an opposing
perspective, but this could spark
a discussion on why it was so
easy for the factories to replace
the workers who walked out,
why they would hire Clara
instead of her father, or the
family dynamic of Clara
supporting her parents (or, for
younger readers, standing up for
what is right, even when it is
difficult). Grades 1-3.

The simple text combined with

the graphic novel format makes
this appealing to emerging
readers. While the themes of
cooperation, embracing
differences (including
racial/species differences), and
blended families are good ones,

This could be helpful for

children in coping with their
blended families. However,
some children struggling with
this situation may feel beaten
over the head with the oftrepeated theme of getting along
with stepsiblings, making them

ALSC Graphic Novel Reading

List (3-5)

ALSC Notable Recordings

ALSC Notable Recordings

parents this new living situation

could never work, but it ends up
bringing them closer together.
Shiga, J. (2010). Meanwhile.
New York, NY: Abrams. 78 p.
A choice as simple as ice cream
flavor can lead to drastic
consequences in this chooseyour-own-adventure style
graphic novel.
Funke, C. & Hill, E. (2012).
Ghost knight. Listening Library.
5 hr.
After Jon Whitcrofts mother
falls in love with a dentist and
sends him away to boarding
school in Salisbury, he meets
two quirky roommates, a new
best friend and an angry,
vengeful ghost. When Jon calls
on the ghost of knight Sir
Longspee for protection, he sets
off on a series of adventures that
will change his lifeand his
view of dentists.
McKinley, R. & Parry, C.
(2013). Beauty: A retelling of
the story of Beauty and the
Beast. Recorded Books. 7 hr.
In this retelling of a classic fairy
tale, young Beauty struggles to

they are repeated bluntly

numerous times.

more resistant to the changes

they are facing. Grades K-3.

With over 3,000 possible paths,

readers will find themselves
sucked into this book, beginning
their adventure again and again.
The combination of fun graphic
novel and complex system of
pipelines to follow makes this
appealing to diverse groups of
readers.
This story is a brilliant fantasy,
combining relatable characters,
historical elements, ghosts, and
wonderful, sometimes dry,
humor. The audio book, as read
by Elliot Hill, takes the story to
a new levelthere is something
to be said for the suspense of not
being able to read ahead
sweeping the reader up into
Jons world.

This can be used as a gateway

book into new genres (or
reading in general) because it
encompasses so many formats
and genres. There is slight
violence that some parents may
take issue with (i.e., most of the
story lines end with
killing/dying). Grades 3-5.
The timing and drama of Elliot
Hills reading will draw in
students who are overwhelmed
by the idea of reading a book of
this length, but can also add to
the enjoyment of the most
voracious reader. Grades 5-9.

Children who grew up with the

classic story of Beauty and the
Beast will enjoy this updated
version, featuring a more
relatable Beauty who doubts her
appearance and usefulness, but

This could be used in a unit or

discussion on fairy tales for
older students (discussing
fractured fairy tales and how
elements of fairy tales and
traditional tales continue to

live up to her name. When the

dreaded Beast brings Beauty to
live in his castle, can she learn
to look past his outward
appearance and learn to love
him?
ALSC Notable Recordings

ALSC Notable Recordings

Current childrens TV
show/movie

Willems, M., Willems C, &

Willems, T. (2012). Knuffle
Bunny free: An unexpected
diversion. Weston Wood
Studios, Inc. 18:58.
When Knuffle Bunny is
accidentally left on the airplane
during a trip to Oma and Opas
house, Trixie must decide if she
is big enough to explore the
world without him.
Guthrie, W. (2012). [Recorded
by Elizabeth Mitchell.] Little
seed: Songs for children by
Woody Guthrie. Washington,
D.C.: Smithsonian Folkways.
Thirteen songs for children by
folk musician Woody Guthrie,
re-imagined by Elizabeth
Mitchell.
Vanderlaan, B. (Writer), &
Collingwood, T. (Director). (8
June, 2012). Flutter by
butterfly/Pretty in pink.
[Television series episode]. In T.

finds solace in her books. The

audio book is well read, but
some listeners might feel that
some of the believability (or
romance, for that matter) is lost
when the Beast is portrayed by
an English woman trying her
hardest to deepen her voice.
The whole Willems family
comes together to tell the final
chapter of the Knuffle Bunny
saga. The heart-wrenching
ending will leave children
braver about getting bigger
along with Trixie (and their
parents tearing up).

influence todays media).

Grades 6 and up.

These simple, catchy, happy

little songs, are perfect for
introducing young ears to folk
music and promote the loving
bond between child and parent.

These songs can be used in the

classroom, for library story
times, in the car, or as bedtime
lullabies. Children will quickly
pick up the words and begin to
join in. Ages 0-6.

This series certainly has some

educational benefit and is based
on fun, familiar characters (the
Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and
Thing 2) and exciting premises

This show can be used in the

classroom to fit with the topics
covered in science, or
recommended for home viewing
by a librarian. Ages 3-8.

The CD contains two tracks, one

with a ring to let the reader
know when to turn the page, and
one without. Because of this, the
audio book can be used to help
emerging readers or simply to be
enjoyed. Grades P-2.

ALSCs Great Websites for Kids

ALSCs Great Websites for Kids

ALSCs Great Websites for Kids

ALSCs Great Websites for Kids

Collingwood (Producer), The

cat in the hat knows a lot about
that. London, England:
Collingwood O'Hare
Productions.
Two adventures based on the
beloved Cat and the Hat
character by Dr. Seuss. With the
Cats help, Nick and Sally learn
to flutter like butterflies and
move like flamingoes.
The HP Alliance. (2014). The
Harry Potter Alliance. Retrieved
from www.thehpalliance.com.
Harry Potter fans coming
together to change the world for
the better, through activism and
community projects.
Roald Dahl Nominee
Limited/Quentin Blake (2015).
Roald Dahl. Retrieved from
www.roalddahl.com.
Information on the author,
booklists, writing tips, and other
activities based on the works of
Roald Dahl.
BBC (2015). Dance Mat Typing.
Retrieved from www.bbc.co.uk.
Learn touch-typing, as taught by
a rockin goat, colorful keys, and
cool music.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
(2010). Story Place. Retrieved

(adventures in the Cats

thingamajigger). While children
can enjoy multiple viewings, the
parents or teachers may have
their own limit with this show
(there is something slightly
disturbing in hearing Martin
Short leading children away
from their parents!).
A responsible way to take
advantage of a massive fanbase,
while allowing Potterheads to
work together and show the
same values that run through the
Harry Potter series: friendship,
bravery, love, and magic.
A great tribute to a beloved
childrens author, this website is
well-maintained and up-to-date,
with information that can appeal
to students without talking down
to them.

The local library can be the

home base for a group of Harry
Potter fans wanting to make a
difference through this website.

Typing is a skill that every

student will use throughout his
or her academic career. This fun
and simple series of tutorials is a
great start.
This easily navigated website is
full of ideas for the student who

Can be used in the classroom or

in a library or media center.
Grades K-4.

A good read for Roald Dahl fans

or children interested in reading
or writing.

Great for use in the classroom or

at home, for students to find new

ALSCs Great Websites for Kids

from www.storyplace.org.
Reading lists with detailed
descriptions and links to request
books from the library and
printable and online activities
related to childrens books.
NatureBridge. Garbology.
Retrieved from
www.naturebridge.org.
Activities and resources
encouraging ecology-friendly
practices such as recycling,
reusing, and composting waste.

ALSCs Great Websites for Kids

Lincoln Park Zoo. Retrieved

from www.lpzoo.org.
Information on events, exhibits,
and animals at the freeadmission zoo.

ALSCs Great Websites for Kids

Flying Rhinoceros. Fraboom.

Retrieved from
www.fraboom.com.
An online childrens museum,
filled with exhibits on topics
such as the human mouth and
bugs, games, live classes, videos
and interactive books, and a gift
shop.

doesnt know what to read next.

Interactive stories and activities
provide alternative forms of
reading.
The interactive introduction to
methods of waste disposal and
their consequences is engaging,
and the additional activities can
be used individually, in the
classroom, or with parents.

books to read, or for teachers

and librarians looking for book
suggestions and unit plans.
Grades P-4.

The lesson plans and activities

are great resources for teachers
starting a class recycling project,
for parents who want to compost
at home, or students who want
to be informed about how their
choices affect the environment.
Grades 3-6.
For children living near the zoo, This would be a good resource
this website provides fun
for parents, teachers, or
updates on the animals and
librarians in the Chicago area
exhibits several times a day. I
preparing for a trip to the zoo or
did not find much information or raising awareness of the free
activities that would appeal to
programming available. It is a
children living outside the
good way to get Chicagoans
Chicago area.
involved with their zoo (naming
the baby animals, learning about
new exhibits, etc.).
Many of the features of a
This is a fun website for
physical museum are contained
children to explore at home or in
virtually on this website,
the library, but is more of a
including some educational
leisure activity than educational
material and fun interactive
website (which, of course, there
games. However, many of the
is a time and place for).
games require registration
and/or fees, and I had difficulty
loading other features on my

ALSCs Great Websites for Kids

computer.
Anne Frank Center USA. Anne
These lesson plans and activities
Frank. Retrieved from
are a good addition to reading
www.annefrank.com.
The Diary of Anne Frank. As
An online introduction to the life most students will be unable to
and diary of Anne Frank,
visit the real Anne Frank House
including a virtual tour of the
during their school career, the
Anne Frank House, photos,
virtual tour is a good alternative
lesson plans, and diary excerpts. that helps students visualize as
they read.

Can be used to explore the

Secret Annex as a class, or for
students to do individual
research.