Gabby and Gator
by James Burks
Who is Ida B.? A fourth grader like no other!
Betsy Tacy Series by Maud Hart Lovelace
(A classic series of female friendship!)
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar & Six More
Seven stories of fantasy and fun by the fantastic Roald Dahl.
The Boy Who Talked With Animals - in which a stranded sea turtle and a small boy have more in common than meets the eye.
The Hitchhiker - proves that in a pinch a professional pickpocket can be the perfect pal.
The Mildenhall Treasure - a true tale of fortune found and an opportunity lost.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar - in which a modern-day Robin Hood brings joy to the hearts of orphans – and fear to the souls of casino owners around the world.
Roald Dahl is a brilliant writer. His delightful characters have a sense of the world and perhaps, realistic and sometimes dark, undertones. I loved reading him as a child, and I still love reading all of his works, including his more “adult” themed short stories and novels. I read Henry Sugar as a middle schooler and was fascinated by “The Mildenhall Treasure.” Even as an adult, my appreciation for Dahl’s use of language and plot is reinforced each time I read his work.
By the way, here is a link to the historical analysis of the treasure: http://www.archaeology.co.uk/articles/the-mildenhall-treasure-a-secret-history.htm
Furthermore, the story of Henry Sugar, a playboy who becomes obsessed with using his acquired mental skills to create wealth and give to the poor is one of the greatest short stories I’ve ever read. This is definitely a Dahl collection that will grow with any reader who delights in fantastical stories!
The Penderwicks at Point Mouette is a darling add to the Penderwicks series. Confession: I love a good series. Now, and as a child, I would read all the way through the numbered books. The Penderwicks has the ability to become a long series, and I truly hope that it does.
Following the first two adventures, the Penderwicks are being separated for a few weeks for vacation. Rosalind is going to the beach with a friend while Jane, Batty, and Skye are going to visit their aunt on the shores of Maine. Naturally, they want Jeffrey to join them on their vacation. The book begins with Rosalind reviewing all of the sister rules with Skye who will be the official sister in charge.
As they depart, Skye becomes nervous with the responsibility of her charges. However, when they pull up to the “Birches,” all of their nervousness is shed for excitement. The “gray clapboard, red shutters, and window boxes full of pansies,” showcased a charming home for their vacation. Birdsall’s descriptions made me feel as though I was breathing the fresh, pine air of Maine. She incorporates the setting in such a way that is natural and evident in the plot.
The trio is in for a set of adventures during their time including a visit from Jeffrey, new friends and new family discoveries. Another terrific piece from the Penderwicks showcasing a strong family bond during the whimsical discoveries of the sisters.
Goodreads says: The Red Umbrella is the moving tale of a 14-year-old girl’s journey from Cuba to America as part of Operation Pedro Pan—an organized exodus of more than 14,000 unaccompanied children, whose parents sent them away to escape Fidel Castro’s revolution.
In 1961, two years after the Communist revolution, Lucía Álvarez still leads a carefree life, dreaming of parties and her first crush. But when the soldiers come to her sleepy Cuban town, everything begins to change. Freedoms are stripped away. Neighbors disappear. Her friends feel like strangers. And her family is being watched.
As the revolution’s impact becomes more oppressive, Lucía’s parents make the heart-wrenching decision to send her and her little brother to the United States—on their own.
Suddenly plunked down in Nebraska with well-meaning strangers, Lucía struggles to adapt to a new country, a new language, a new way of life. But what of her old life? Will she ever see her home or her parents again? And if she does, will she still be the same girl?
The Red Umbrella is a moving story of country, culture, family, and the true meaning of home.
The Cuban history of the past 40 years tends to be glossed over and not taught about in schools. Gonzalaz does a really great job of creating a young adult novel which answers those historical questions while creating an interesting plot. The characters are very relatable and the reader gets caught up in the tragedy of the two children, Lucia and her brother, being transported to America - not sure if they will ever see their home or parents again. Gonzalez does a nice job of giving the readers a look into Cuba: What Cubans love about their country and how many were forced to leave their home under the regime of Castro. It is an important history lesson and Gonzalez weaves is so that the reader is immersed in Lucia’s world.
Gone Away Lake.
As a child, I LOVED books that would take me away to a place like Gone Away Lake. I wish I had found this when I was ten because I’m sure it would have been one of my favorite books. Another childhood obsession? Finding places to fix up as clubs, forts, or any place away from adults. I suppose it is a sign of a child’s need for independence. But, that is a great reason I loved the Boxcar children.. Gone Away Lake is the story of children who go to visit their aunt, uncle and cousin for the summer, but stumble upon a hidden swampy lake that hasn’t been occupied in years.
Goodreads says: A twelve-year-old boy named Moose moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 when guards’ families were housed there, and has to contend with his extraordinary new environment in addition to life with his autistic sister.
I enjoyed the characters. Chokenlodo has a great writing style for intermediate readers. I thought that she also did a terrific job of bringing in this crazy setting “Alcatraz” and making is real to life. I can also imagine this would be a fabulous teaching book because children would be interested in the history of the time period and how Alcatraz functions. Also, this is one of the few books where I feel like the author deals with Autism in a real world fashion. Moose’s sister (although they don’t ever really say) has it, and I love how she is one of the integral characters and not just because of her autism. Great book and deserving of the Newbery.
Even though we all know that movies just aren’t the same as books, it seems that this summer we will be seeing a release of a few great children’s movies! Here are the three that we are excited about:
July 15, 2011
“Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.”
(Our favorite bear is back in real animation. This looks like it will be a sweet classic)
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
This children’s class is taken over by Jim Carey – will he be able to do justice?
June 17, 2011
Judy Moody
This funny gal will have her own movie “The Not Bummer Summer” – I can see fans of her series loving this movie.
Judy Moody and The Not Bummer Summer official website
Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee
This is on my “To Read” List. I love Kate DiCamillo and this collaboration looks adorable.
