Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Jamieson, V. (2015). Roller girl. NY: Dial Books.

Suggested age: 9 - 12 year (However, I enjoyed it as an adult).

Life is changing for Astrid.  It's the summer before middle school.  Astrid and her best friend, Nicole seem to be drifting apart; liking different things.  Astrid joins a summer roller derby camp which puts her to the test.  Great graphic novel!!! This book shows the struggles that many pre-teens face with bullies, parents, and discovering who they are or who they want to be. 

 A Newbery Honor book
A New York Times Bestseller
A Spring 2015 Indie Next Pick
A New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of 2015
A New York Public Library Best Book for Reading and Sharing of 2015
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2015
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2015
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2015
A Top 10 Latin@ Book of 2015
A Parents Magazine Best Children's Book of 2015
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2015
A Texas Bluebonnet Award 2016-2017 nominee
A 2016 YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers selectionA 2016 YALSA Popular Paperback selection
An ALA Notable Children's Book of 2016
A 2015 Nerdy Book Club Award Winner for Best Graphic Novel

From School Library Journal

Gr 4–8—Twelve-year-old Astrid realizes that her interests are distinctly different from those of her best friend. Mesmerized while viewing a roller derby, she dreams of becoming a "Roller Girl" but discovers that the sport is considerably more daunting than she imagined and is not without physical, social, and emotional pain. Nevertheless, Astrid is determined to succeed. While this graphic novel provides interesting information about the sport, at its heart it is a story of friendship, exploring the tensions which test the girls' relationship as they move from childhood to adolescence. Astrid learns to be honest with herself, her mother, and her friends through a series of stressful events. The graphic novelist employs several excellent visual devices: angles to denote action and effective placement and space within panels. Jamieson's clever use of imagery is noteworthy. For example, desert and prehistoric depictions are used to suggest exaggerated perceptions of elapsed time. Her clothes shopping "hell" sequence is spot-on. Panels with stick figures are employed for comments, notes, and explanations. A prologue effectively frames the story and the realistic style with full-color art is reminiscent of the work of Raina Telgemeier. While at times some panels are a bit text-dense, the story will engage readers who will identify with Astrid as she deals with frustrations and disappointments. It will especially appeal to those whose aspirations fly in the face of convention. Offer this comic to fans of Telgemeier's Smile (Scholastic, 2010) and Laura Lee Gulledge's Page by Paige (Abrams, 2011).—Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer

Book Review

Singer, M. (2010). Mirror Mirror. NY: Dutton.



Summary
The author skillfully writes poetry that can be read forward or reverse.  When reading the poem forward, the reader experiences the feeling of one character (such as Snow White).  When reading the poem in reverse, the reader experiences a new poem explaining the point of view of another (such as the Evil Step Mother).  Many familiar fairy tales are told through poetry in this manner.



Analysis

This book uses the visual element of composition, which means it combines many of the elements such as line, shape, color, and texture.  The most noticeable is the symmetry and balance.  The illustrator utilizes brilliant colors to display the poems that have been written.  She has divided a picture in half to balance out the opposing views of each poem in the same way the author flips the poems.  I can't say enough about the style of writing that the author uses.  She stays true to the well known fairy tales, and uses palindrome type poetry to do it! 

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach by Deedy

Book Review

Deedy, C.A. (2007).  Martina the beautiful cockroach. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.



Summary
This Cuban Folktale was awarded the Pura Belpre Honor Award writing 2007.  Martina is looking for a husband now that she is 21 day old.  Her grandmother gives her the shocking advice to spill coffee on each of her suitors.  This trick would allow her to see his temper. This advice helps her to weed out the wrong ones.



Analysis
The illustrator uses the visual element of color to portray the natural beauty of nature.  This bold colors allow reinforce the feelings of the protagonist in the folktale. When evaluating this picture book, the cultural markers were evident.  The Spanish vocabulary used in the book along with the illustrations depicting Cuban items, food, homes, envelops the reader in the Cuban culture.

This could easily be used in the classroom to produce a play, children's theatre, or a puppet show.  The above video is an example of a play performed by a 1st grade class.   

My Teacher is a Monster! by Peter Brown

Book Review of My Teacher is a Monster! by Peter Brown

Brown, P. (2014) My teacher is a monster. NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.



Summary
   This book is written at a first grade level. However older children will enjoy it as well.  In this humorous story, Bobby thinks his teacher, Miss Kirby, is a big, mean, green, monster.  She yells at students, stomps around the classroom, and is always getting on to Bobby. He runs into her at a park and his perceptions begin to change.



Book Analysis
One visual element to notice while enjoying this selection is the illustrators use of line. The simple lines on each page easily convey the mood of both the teacher and the student. On this page of the story, the diagonal lines of the student chairs show the power in the teacher’s voice as she yells at the students.

While evaluating the picture book, I noticed a theme was present.  There is always more to someone than meets the eye.  Students often assume that their teacher is a specific way all of the time, never realizing that he/she has a life outside of being a teacher.  This book helps open the eyes of students, so they can see that there is another side to a teacher.

This is Not by Hat by Jon Klassen

Book Review

Klassen, J. (2012).  This is not my hat. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.



Summary
This book is a 2013 winner of the Caldecott Medal. A little fish thinks it is okay to steal a hat from a much larger, sleeping fish.  He justifies his actions as he quickly swims away. The illustrations tell  the story as the larger fish wakes up and follows the hat thief.
 
Analysis
This story uses visual element of line.  Each picture has a clear line.  The black background allows each shape to stand out.  The plants in the illustration display movement of the water with the direction they are leaning.  Throughout the story, the small fish is trying to defend his actions.  He is unaware of the impending doom following him. The book lends itself to the theme that stealing is not okay.

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

Book Review

 

 

Munsch, R. (2012). The paper bag princess. NY: Annick Press.



Summary
Elizabeth was a princess who had everything.  One day a fierce dragon came and destroyed her castle and took her prince.  She dresses in a paper bag (the only thing left that wasn't burnt), and sets off to save her prince.  Using her wit she tricks the dragon, saves the prince, and finds out he wasn't who she thought he was.



Analysis
Color plays an important visual role in this book.  It conveys the feelings of the heroine and the heat and power of the dragon.  The strongest attribute this story contains is a strong female character.  Children are drawn to this character due to her bravery, her wit, and her resolve.  She realizes that she doesn't need to marry this prince,  In the end, she skips away in her brown paper bag happy with who she is. 



Ideas for Activities
http://byheartbooks.com/recommendations/paper-bag-princess-activities/

http://www.brighthubeducation.com/lesson-plans-grades-1-2/66704-the-paper-bag-princess-lesson-plan/

http://www.dltk-teach.com/rhymes/princessandfrog/mprincessbag.htm

Olivia by Ian Falconer

Book Review

Falconer, I. (2009). Olivia. NY: Atheneum.



Summary


This is the initial book in the Olivia series.  Olivia is an older sister, who is quite energetic. In this story, Olivia visits the beach, a museum, tries on all of her clothes, and attempts to paint her own wall.  It is all in the day in the life of Olivia.



Analysis
Ian Falconer uses an interesting color concept in this book.  The majority of the book is in four colors white, black, gray, and red.  By using this method, red items seem to scream off the page.  It really draws in the attention of the reader.  Mr. Falconer has also capture the love of millions of readers with his character Olivia.  Children can relate to her feeling and enjoy her adventures. 



Websites, games, and activities for this series
http://oliviathepiglet.com/
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/olivia.php
http://www.myolivia.com/activities-color.php

It's a book by Lane Smith

Book Review

Smith, L. (2011). It's a book. NY: Roaring Brook.



Summary
In this humorous book, a jackass tries to understand what the monkey is doing.  (He's reading a book).  Through questions and answers, the jackass discovers that even though it is low tech, a book is a wonderful thing.

Analysis




The illustrations in this simple story are just that, simple.  The author uses geometric shapes to portray this conversation / story.  The illustrations are essential to this story.  You can see the confusion of the jackass as he tries to comprehend why the monkey would spend his time on something that didn't blog, tweet, google, ect... The dialogue is also written in two different colors to help the reader know which character is talking.

The Three Pigs by David Wiesner

Book Review

Weisner, D. (2001). The three pigs. NY: Clarion.



Summary
This 2002 Caldecott Medal award winner is an interesting take on the tradition big bad wolf and three little pig's story.  In this version, the pigs escape the wolf by actually leaving the pages of the story.  They make paper airplanes out of the pages of the book, venture into other stories, and make their way safely home.

Analysis


Mr. Wiesner is able to use texture to portray a 3D type image where the pigs actually leave their story.  This realistic depiction of the pigs gives the illusion that the reader can touch the pigs.  The setting is told through the amazing art work in the book.  Most of the story is told through dialogue.  Without the illustrations, the story would be difficult to follow.

 

 

How they Croaked by Geogia Bragg

Bragg, G. (2011).  How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous.  NY: Walker.



Summary

This non fiction book gives an account of how nineteen famous people throughout history died.  With interesting facts on death, making mummies, autopsies, illness, etc...It is full of strange, but true facts that will engross the reader.



Analysis

How They Croaked by Georgia Bragg easily proves its accuracy, which is important for a nonfiction book. Each person discussed in this book is given a chapter/section where their biographical facts are lists and then how they died.  It includes strange/gory facts about what people did with the bodies, how they were autopsied, what things are named after the deceased, etc…This book includes sixteen pages of well documented sources, books for further research, websites to visit,  and a chart on how each of these people are somehow connected.  

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

Cleary, B. (1983).   Dear Mr. Henshaw. NY: Morrow.



Summary

Leigh is a lonely, 2nd grade boy, who is dealing with his parents divorce. He beginswriting to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw to express himself. Eventually Mr.Henshaw recommends keeping a journal instead of constantly writing him. Overthe next four years, Leigh continues to address his journal as “Dear Mr. Henshaw” ashe chronicles his struggles with issues like someone stealing the “good things” fromhis lunch, having no friends, and an estranged father. Beverly Cleary tells themajority of this story through the letters and journal writings of the main character.The reader never sees the responses from Mr. Henshaw, but it is easy to infer hisresponses. This style of story telling gives incite to the Leigh’s true emotions andshows his growth as a character.

Lesson plans and activities

http://educate2inspire.com/english/reading-comprehension-with-chapter-books/dear-mr-henshaw-by-beverly-cleary/

http://sc.caldwellschools.com/education/components/board/default.php?sectiondetailid=54891

http://jennings.noacsc.org/Portals/51/Comprehension%20Questions.pdf

http://www.kathimitchell.com/read.htm

*This site lists many books with lesson plans, activities, and questions. 

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

Collins, S. (2004).  Gregor the overlander. NY: Scholastic. 

Interest Level 3rd - 8th grade
Summary and Analysis

*Same author that wrote The Hunger Game

The Gregory the Overlander has captures the imagination of it readers. This is book one of the Underlander Chronicals], which is a five book series written by the author of the Hunger Games.  Gregory, the protagonist, finds himself in a new land below New York City when he and his two-year-old sister fall down a vent in the laundry room at his apartment complex.  He is an 11-year-old boy who many readers can connect to.  He is somewhat withdrawn from many at school, but does have a few close friends.  Gregory stands up against bullies and has a strong connection and loyalty to his family.  In this first book, he finds himself no longer on the sidelines in life, but the warrior a prophecy foretold about; a warrior that must save his father, his little sister, and all the people of Regalia. The more Gregory grows and changes in the book, the more the reader connects with him and his plight.  Without this strong leading character, this fantasy book would not be a success much less a 5 book series. 

          Susan Collins spends a good amount of time in this story weaving in the necessary details to make the setting, the Underworld, a plausible place that is both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. She describes the water systems (underground river) and the city made of stone.  As a reader, I could feel the warm spring baths and feel the cool, smooth stones clearly in my head.  I enjoyed the adventure so much that I plan to read the other four books in the series as well.

Book Trailer

Series Trailer

Love that Dog by Sharon Creech

Creech, S. (2001).  Love that dog. NY: HarperCollins.

Interest Level 3rd - 7th

Summary and Analysis

This is an interesting take on a journal or poetry book.  Poetry is usually considered a “girl thing.”  However, this shows how boys can also love it as well.  The appeal to students is that it is a different format than most books.  It is 100% written in first person and told by a child.  It appeals to students, because it shows that it is okay to be different. The selling point for this is that it is realistic and in the view of a child.

Other popular books by Sharon Creech

1.    Walk Two Moons

2.    The Great Unexpected

3.    Hate that Cat

The only similarity that jumps out at me is the fact that Hate that Cat and Love that Dog are a series of books with the same character.  The other two books are not related.  Ms. Creech style is noticeable in each book, but the stories stand alone. 

Teacher's Guide for Love that Dog (from Sharon Creech's website)

The Watsons go to Birmingham 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

Curtis, C.P. (1995).  The Watsons go to Birmingham.NY: Delacorte.

Interest level  5th+


Summary

This Caldecott and Coretta Scott  King Honor book is told by 9 year old Kenny, the middle child of an African American family living in Michigan.  Kenny’s brother Byron is always in trouble.  He doesn’t follow the rules, skips schools, bullies other kids, and plays with fire.  The parents realize that the city of Flint is not the best environment for the boy.  The family plans and saves up to travel the long trip to Grandma’s house in Birmingham, Alabama. They are sure that Grandma can get him on the straight and narrow path again.  The children experience what living in the south during the 1960s was like.  Readers can begin to understand the confusion of the children as they experience racism for the first time.  This book is set in a specific time period and place in history when the south was in turmoil over civil rights and full of race related violence.  The author does include one actual event in history (the explosion of a church where four African American girls lost their lives).  Mr. Curtis uses dialect from the south where appropriate and expressions from the youth of the time.  This story of one family’s trip to the south will help readers to connect with the emotion of this particular time in history.

Hallmark Movie based on the book as well.

Lesson plans or activities

http://www.walden.com/watsons-go-to-birmingham-7-creative-classroom-activities/

Unit Plan for The Watsons

http://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=7193&a=1

http://www.brighthubeducation.com/middle-school-english-lessons/89239-the-watsons-go-to-birmingham-activities/

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Out of my mind. NY: Atheneum.* Out of all the books I have read in recent months, this one is my absolute favorite!!!Summary & AnalysisMelody is a tremendously intelligent girl with a photographic memory, but she isutterly unable to share her thoughts and knowledge. Melody was born withcerebral palsy. No matter how hard she tries Melody cannot communicateeffectively with others. She struggles daily with her frustrations as she is put in aneducational environment for mental disabled children. Finally, with the help of heraide at school, Melody learns of a computer that she can use to finally communicateher thoughts and wishes. Unfortunately, most of her classmates still do not accepther. Through these challenges, the reader can see Melody persevere and become astronger individual. Draper writes a superb plot with heart wrenching momentsand thrilling triumphs. This story told through Melody’s perspective will make givestudents and adults alike feel a new appreciation for others with disabilities afterexperiencing this powerful story.

Sharon Draper's webpage

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman, N. (2008).  The graveyard book. NY: Bloomsbury.

Interest level  5th - 8th grade


Summary

This fantasy book focuses more on the paranormal aspect of the genre.  Instead of going to another world, readers see a side of our world that they were unaware that existed.  The plot of this book begins in the real world that we all live in.  A family is being brutally murdered by an unknown assailant for an unknown reason.  Luckily, the baby manages to get out undetected.  He toddles his way to the cemetery where ghosts decided to protect and raise him as their own.  The plot follows a normal plot pattern sprinkled in with fantasy aspects.  The boy goes on small journeys, gets into trouble, and finally must face his family’s murderer.   This story also contains a universal theme.  Like many fantasy stories, there is the battle between good and evil forces.  The protagonist has to also deal with his internal battle of wanting to avenge his family’s death.  

Entire book read by the author during his book tour 

Activities for students

The Ghoul Gate

Teacher's Guide

*  Chapter tests, vocabulary words, etc...

From School Library Journal

Grade 5–8—Somewhere in contemporary Britain, "the man Jack" uses his razor-sharp knife to murder a family, but the youngest, a toddler, slips away. The boy ends up in a graveyard, where the ghostly inhabitants adopt him to keep him safe. Nobody Owens, so named because he "looks like nobody but himself," grows up among a multigenerational cast of characters from different historical periods that includes matronly Mistress Owens; ancient Roman Caius Pompeius; an opinionated young witch; a melodramatic hack poet; and Bod's beloved mentor and guardian, Silas, who is neither living nor dead and has secrets of his own. As he grows up, Bod has a series of adventures, both in and out of the graveyard, and the threat of the man Jack who continues to hunt for him is ever present. Bod's love for his graveyard family and vice versa provide the emotional center, amid suspense, spot-on humor, and delightful scene-setting. The child Bod's behavior is occasionally too precocious to be believed, and a series of puns on the name Jack render the villain a bit less frightening than he should be, though only momentarily. Aside from these small flaws, however, Gaiman has created a rich, surprising, and sometimes disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

Giovannia, N. (2005). Rosa. NY: Holt.





Summary and Analysis

Rosa, by Nikki Giovanni, is a biography about a turning point in American history.  This book uses a completely different form of organization to inform the reader of an event that not only changed the life of Rosa Parks, but the lives of millions of people in America.  The author started the book on the morning of the incident.  It follows her through her regular day of work and her bus ride home.  By using chronological order in this manner,  the author is able to make the story of Rosa Park’s life changing bus ride and the repercussions of the following events easier for children to comprehend.  

Interview with the author

Lesson plans and activities

Scholastic - lesson plan ideas

Discussion Guide

http://gatheringbooks.org/2011/08/22/nonfiction-monday-rosa-nikki-giovanni-bryan-collier/

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale

Hale, S. (2008).  Rapunzel's revenge.  NY: Bloomsbury.



Summary and analysis

Rapunzel’s Revenge is a very different forms of fantasy.  I typically don't read graphic novels, which is the format of this book. In Rapunzel’s story, the author takes a traditional story that we have all heard and gives it a new twist.  Her character is definitely strong willed and determined to do the right thing.  Once she finds out that her “mother” Gothel was a cruel and magical dictator, she stands up against her.  This choice gets her locked in a magical tree tower.  Upon her escape, the reader is introduced to Jack.  These two characters stand up for what is right, but unfortunately have to bend or break a few rules to make it happen.  Even though these characters are technically fairytale characters, they are realistic enough, multidimensional individuals that grow and change, that a reader cares about them and their adventure to stop Mother Gothel.  This is also another story that entwines good versus evil themes throughout the pages.  It deals with the guilt of choices that are made (such as Jack destroying his mother’s house and stealing horses to get away from bad guys).

Book Trailer

Interview with the author

Comic Squad by various authors

Holm, J. (2014).  Comics squad: Recess! NY: HarperCollins



Summary
This book is full of eight comic shorts that include the popular characters Babymouse and Lunch Lady.  These humorous stories have many main stream like characters that are all somewhat school related; mainly recess.  This book is part of a series called Comic Squad.  There are also Babymouse and Lunch Lady books available all in the graphic novel format.

Analysis 

Comic’s Squad: Recess!  does take on the genre of fantasy in some of the short stories. are two very different forms of fantasy. Even though they are short, they follow the plot and design of a fantasy story.  The style of these books is very recognizable.  There are numerous books in this series that draw the attention of many readers. 

Book Trailer

Tweeks Review

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

Landry, D. (2007).  Skulduggery pleasant.  NY: HarperCollins.


Interest Level 5th grade and up



Summary

This is the first book in a series by Derek Landy.  In these fantasy books, Skulduggery Pleasant is an actual undead skeleton detective that also knows magic.  His arch nemesis is Nefarian Serpine and like most evil bad guys he wants to ruin the world as we know it.  In this book, Stephanie Edgley (who becomes Valkyrie Cain) inherits her uncle's fortune when he dies unexpectedly.  She becomes aware of this secret subculture and jumps right in with both feet.  Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain become partners to uncover her uncle's murder and foil the plot of the evil villain.

 Analysis 

Like most fantasy stories, the plot in this introduction book to a series starts in the real world without the main character realizing the magical world that she lived in undetected. There are many twists and turns in the plot as they try to defect the evil sorcerer.  Again we have a good versus evil theme along with a distinct style that includes vocabulary that only exists in these stories. 

Teacher resources

http://www.worldbookday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Skulduggery-Resources.pdf

http://www.edhelper.com/books/Skulduggery_Pleasant_Scepter_of_the_Ancients.htm

*This is not for this first book, but for Scepter of the Ancients.

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Lord, C. (2008). Rules. NY: Scholastic.






Interest level 4th - 7th (I loved this book, and I am WAY above 7th grade!!!)




2007 Newbery Honor Book

Summary
Catherine is a typical 12-year-old girl, but her home life is far from typical. Heryounger brother, David, has autism. She has made a list of rule to help David better
understand the world around him like: “No toys in the fish tank. “ and “Don’t standin front of the TV when other people are watching it.” Catherine’s love of drawinghelps her become friends with a paraplegic boy, Jason, as she illustrates word cardsfor his word book. As a community dance approaches, she struggles with her ownfeelings about Jason and what her other friends may think. Readers will beenthralled with this female main character as she defends her brother andtransforms her perception of what being “normal” or acting normal means.
Book Trailer

Cynthia Lord's Website*This site includes a teacher resource for her books.

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell

McDonnell, P. (2011). Me...Jane. NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Interest Level age 1 - 7

Summary

This is an easy to read biography of Jane Goodall's life starting with her childhood, her toy chimpanzee, and her dream of learning about and helping animals.






Analysis 
Me…Jane, by Patrick McDonnell uses the design approach to attract the readers.  This very easy biographical picture book on the life of Jane Goodall is designed for younger readers.  With the audience in mind, the author places one or two short sentences about Jane and her life on each page. There is large font, colorful, inviting artwork, and it ends with an actual photograph of the real Jane Goodall.  In the back of the book, the author has included a much more in depth article about the subject and websites readers can go to research more information.  


Read aloud

Awards / Recognition

A 2012 Caldecott Honor Book

A Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner

A Horn Book Fanfare Book

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book

A New York Times Notable Children's Book

A Booklist Editor's Choice Book

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book

A Kids' Indie Next List Book

A 2011 Bank Street College Children's Book Committee Outstanding Book

A University of Wisconsin-Madison CCBC 2012 Children's Choices Book

A Parents' Choice Silver Honor Book

A National Parenting Publications Awards Gold Winner

A Booklinks Lasting Connections Book

A 2014 Illinois Monarch Children's Choice Award Winner

A 2014 Iowa Goldfinch Book Award Winner



We are the Ship by Kadir Nelson

Nelson, K. (2008).  We are the ship. NY: Hyperion.

Interest level  3rd grade +

Summary and Analysis 

The book entitled, We are the Ship by Kadir Nelson is the story of the Negro League baseball.  It explains how African Americans were not allowed to play professional baseball.  It tells the tale of their segregation and discrimination and how they struggled to play America's game.  The book is valuable example of an author's style.  Nonfiction books should be informative and enjoyable.  Nelson captures the love of baseball and the struggle to be able to play the game in this book to make this book enjoyable. The art work is breathtakingly realistic.  It incorporates documented facts (bibliography, end notes, acknowledgement, and filmography), while bringing to life the stories of the African American players on the teams.  

Review

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 3 Up—A lost piece of American history comes to life in Kadir Nelson's elegant and eloquent history (Hyperion/Jump at the Sun, 2008) of the Negro Leagues and its gifted baseball players. The history of the Leagues echoes the social and political struggles of black America during the first half of the 20th century. There were scores of ballplayers who never became as famous as Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb and were almost lost in obscurity because of segregation—and Nelson recreates their history here. The narrative is divided into nine innings, beginning with Rube Foster and his formation of the first Negro League in 1920 and closing with Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier into white major league baseball. In between are fascinating snippets of the events and men who formed the Negro Leagues. Listeners glimpse the pain black Americans endured because of bigotry and segregation, but the true center of this story is the joy of baseball and the joy men felt at being able to play the game. Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, who began playing with the Negro Leagues, provides the foreword. Eloquent narration is performed by actor Dion Graham, and a bluesy guitar introduction and conclusion is reminiscent of the time period. Nelson's stunning oil paintings are included on a CD—but make sure to have the book available as well. Social studies teachers and baseball fans of all ages will covet this delightful winner of the 2009 Coretta Scott King author award and illustrator Honor award.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.


http://wearetheship.com/