Great Kids Books

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominees

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 02:15:10 GMT

Have you heard of the Texas Bluebonnet Awards? The Texas Bluebonnet Award (TBA) reading program was formed in 1979 to encourage children to read a variety of current books, and have an opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite nominee. The Texas Library Association has two committees that work together to select the 20 nominees. After the nominees are selected, Texas students in grades 3-6 can participate in the program. The students must read (or have it read to them) at least 5 of the 20 books in order to cast a vote. The list is very diverse, ranging from picture books to chapter books and includes fiction and non-fiction. Children must read at least 5 books in order to cast a vote. This guarantees that they will experience a broad range of great books and that is why I LOVE this reading program!

We were introduced to these books at our elementary school several years ago. My daughter wanted to participate in 3rd grade and read many of the books. The kids discussed the books in class and recommended their favorites to their classmates. For the first time, my daughter came home from school and began reading. She finally understood my love for reading when she read Tall Tales by Karen Day.

This year, my son is in third grade and gets to participate for the first time. He goes through phases on reading, but he loves a challenge. Voting is next week and by then, I expect him to have read 15 of the 20. So far, his favorite off the 2009-2010 list is The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman. His goal next year is to read all 20 of the nominated books for 2010-2011.

Listed below are the 2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominations

Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate

Kek and his mother are the only ones in his family who have survived, and his mother is missing. The Refugee Settlement Center has brought Kek to America while a search continues for her. The difference between Africa and Minnesota winters is almost too much to consider for a boy who has never seen snow. Add to that, a new language that sounds tangled to Kek’s ears, and the world is full of the unknown. Until, on the way to his new home, he sees a cow. In the author’s words, Kek explains, “I stroke her cold, wet coat, and for a moment I hold all I want right there in my hand.” With a beautiful poetic voice Katherine Applegate tells the story of Kek.

All Stations! Distress!: April 15, 1912: The Day the Titanic Sank by Don Brown

When Titanic’s builder Thomas Andrews pronounced the ship's wound from plowing into an iceberg as fatal, the telegraph keys transmitted, “All Stations! Distress!” The tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic is viewed from the perspective of her Captain who did not slow down for icebergs because he thought the threat unlikely; to the confidence in the shipping line that the ship was unsinkable thus providing lifeboats for only half of its passengers; to the loss of most of the third class passengers, including fifty-two children, due to their rank in society. Don Brown brings goose bumps to his readers through both text and illustrations as he takes the reader through the sinking of one of history’s most famous ships.

The Uglified Ducky by Willy Claflin

Han’s Christian Andersen might not recognize this humorous version of his story, but he would certainly laugh. Maynard the Moose tells the oh, so sad story of a Moose that thinks he is a ducky. Mother ducky cannot figure out why her one ducky is so uglified. Plus he trips when he waddles, he sinks when he paddles, and he carries a sign that says “quack,” because all he can say is “Gronk! Arooo!” Needless to say, on flying lesson day his Mother and ducky siblings leave him behind. The reader will have a hard time deciding if the text or illustrations are funnier. What does it matter? Get your funny bone ready to be tickled.

Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku by Ellie Crowe

Surfing was not known outside of what was, until 1959, The Republic of Hawaii until Duke Kahanamoku introduced it around the world. Kahanamoku was good at all water sports since his backyard was the Pacific Ocean. It was swimming that made him known throughout the world. This shy man, with dark native Hawaiian skin, quietly endured prejudice to become a three-time Olympic swimming gold medalist. Though his dream of surfing becoming an Olympic sport never came true, his influence on the sport brought him the name, “The Father of Modern Surfing.” With words and pictures the reader comes to know a man who not only was a great sportsman, but whose kindness and love of life shines through the pages. As author, Ellie Crowe says, “No matter what he did, he spread aloha.”

14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy

In the oral tradition of the Maasai peoples, a young man receiving his education in America returns home for a visit several months after the bombing of the World Trade Center. As is the tradition, he tells his people the story under the acacia tree at the edge of the village. Though the Maasai are fierce warriors, their hearts bleed with compassion when they hear of suffering and injustice. What can they give to ease the pain of these Americans? This true story of empathy told in the voice of that young man, Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, by Carmen Deedy will stir each heart. Look for the Twin Towers symbols added to the pages in the awe- inspiring illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez.

Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff

Ever since Annie’s older brother Jared died, she has become obsessed with being safe. After all, the world is full of dangers. When she borrows without permission her neighbor’s book, The Everyday Guide to Preventing Illness, she has even more fears on her plate. To top things off, Jared’s birthday is coming up. Annie wonders if a person is dead, can you still celebrate their birthday? Annie’s quirkiness brings laughs amid this story of dealing with grief. With the help of her family and friends plus the lessons learned from a certain famous pig and spider from children’s literature, Annie learns life is meant to be lived to its fullest.

Pirates by David Harrison

Arrrgh! This book about pirates is not about the jolly idea of “it’s a pirate’s life for me. Ho, Ho.” Through poetry and realistic paintings David Harrison and Dan Burr give the true version of a pirate’s life. The life of long days at sea, filth and disease, little money, and harsh treatment for breaking the pirate rules are portrayed. As the first verse of Harrison’s poem “Ship’s Rules” says, “You’ve joined the Pirate Brotherhood, let no man here forget it. If you do, I promise you you’ll live—if you live—to regret it.”

That Book Woman by Heather Henson

Cal can see no sense in all the reading his sister Lark does. He has much better things to do such as helping his Pap with the plowing and sheep. One day a lady on a horse arrives up the Kentucky mountainside with books for them. Lark thinks they’re gold, but in Cal’s mind they are just plain ole books. That winter is a hard one, and when the packhorse librarian comes though the freezing weather to deliver books, Cal wonders what is so special about them. He asks Lark to help him decipher their wonder. When the Book Woman returns in the spring, his Mama is able to thank her for “making two readers outta one.”

Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea by Steve Jenkins

Steve Jenkins takes the reader from the surface of the ocean down, down, down to the ocean’s floor. Along the way are some of the most extreme and unusual animals on Earth. At 33 feet below the surface is the Mola Mola, at 164 feet, the largest shark on the planet, the whale shark. The deeper one goes, the stranger the creatures. At 1640 feet below the surface most of the fish are luminescent and the ocean floor at 13,000 feet has, among other beasts, the hagfish. The name alone is descriptive. Once the ocean floor is reached, Jenkins continues to take the reader on this knowledgeable journey with more and more information.

Dying to Meet You: 43 Old Cemetery Road by Kate Klise

The reader knows a good time is afoot when the real estate agent’s name is Anita Sale, the publisher’s name is Paige Turner, and the children’s book author is I.B. Grumply (the truism on that name becomes obvious). Grumply is suffering from writer’s block and he thinks moving to this quiet old Victorian mansion will solve his problem. Seymour Hope, the boy in residence, and Olive C. Spence have other things in mind. This ghostly humorous tale is told through letters, emails, and newspaper articles. Add to that comical illustrations, and the reader becomes a happy resident at 43 Old Cemetery Road.

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass

Amanda and Leo were born on the same day, in the same hospital. Since that time, the now best friends have celebrated all their birthdays together. That is – until this, the 11th birthday. This year, it will be two parties. Amanda doesn’t like to think about the event that caused this riff in their friendship; she just wants the day to be over. Unfortunately for her, something very strange is happening. She keeps waking up and experiencing her 11th birthday again, and again, and again. Soon she discovers that Leo is having the same experience. Will Amanda and Leo get this day to ever stop repeating or will they have their 11th birthday every day for the rest of their lives?

The Hinky-Pink: An Old Tale by Megan McDonald

And the story begins, “Back when mirrors could talk and princes were frogs, there lived a girl in Old Italy named Anabel.” Now in those days, all girls wanted to be a princess, but not Anabel. She was a talented seamstress and she dreamed of the day she could make a dress for a princess, to make a dress for dancing the tarantella at a ball. When Princess Isabella Caramella Gorgonzola sends for Anabel to make her a dress for the Butterfly Ball, holy macaroni, Anabel’s dream is about to come true. With one week only to make the dress, Anabel must get her sleep. Each night something pinches her and steals her bed covers. It’s a hinky pink. If Anabel can’t solve this problem, her dream of one of her dresses being worn to a ball will never come true.

Squirrel's World (Candlewick Sparks) by Lisa Moser

Squirrel loves, loves, loves his friends and wants to help, help, help them whenever he can. When Squirrel helps Mouse gather food for his nest, Mouse ends up under a big pile, pile, pile of apples. Then Squirrel plays games with Turtle who just wants to sleep, sleep, sleep. Squirrel tries to help Rabbit get a leaf from the river so Rabbit won’t have to get wet, but his eagerness gets Rabbit soaked, soaked, soaked. Sometimes Squirrel is so, so, so helpful that his friends are happy to see him go, go, go.

Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems) by Linda Sue Park

Linda Sue Park introduces the reader to Sijo, a type of poem that originated in Korea. Like Haiku, it has a set number of syllables and lines. The best part about Sijo is that there is always an unexpected twist in the last line. In this book, Park takes familiar topics of children and puts them in Sijo poetry. Here is one example: “Breakfast. For this meal, people like what they like, the same every morning. Toast and coffee, Bagel and juice. Cornflakes and milk in a white bowl. Or—warm, soft, and delicious—a few extra minutes in bed.” Istvan Banyai’s illustrations are a perfect complement to this unique collection.

Mudshark by Gary Paulsen

If you hate to laugh-out-loud, don’t read Mudshark. From the principal’s announcements at the beginning of each chapter to the escaped gerbil, disappearing erasers, and a psychic parrot, readers will find themselves letting laughs escape. (Don’t’ take this to church to surreptitiously read during the sermon.) Amid the laughs, the Mudshark Detective Agency, with it’s one and only employee Lyle Williams (aka Mudshark), has mysteries to solve. He must find the erasers and the gerbil, or he will no longer be the boy who everyone knows can find the answers.

Sparrow Girl by Sara Pennypacker

The importance of all life’s diversity to maintaining a balance is told in this historical fiction picture book of China’s Sparrow War. The Great Leader sets aside three days for all able-bodied citizens of China to beat drums and ignite firecrackers – literally scaring the birds to death, thus preventing them from eating the farmer’s crops. In Pennypacker’s story, the child Ming-Li saves seven sparrows and hides them from her village. When locusts and worms eat all the crops because they no longer have natural enemies, there is a famine. Ming-Li’s secret is able to save her village. This story, based on actual events from 1958, continues to have lessons for people today.

Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow by James Rollins

Jake and Kady’s archeologist parents have been missing for three years. All they have from them are a sketch book, a field log, and two halves of a gold Mayan coin which each wears around their neck. Jake and Kady are invited to attend a special Mayan artifact collection in London. Jake places his half of the coin in a hole found in a golden pyramid at the exhibition. The next thing he knows, he and his sister are flying through time to a world inhabited by dinosaurs, mythical monsters, and even more amazing, people from ancient civilizations all over the world. The evil shadowy figure of the Skull King, after being banished from this land, is determined to take over once again, and unwavering in his goal of destroying Jake and Kady in the process.

The Cabinet of Wonders: The Kronos Chronicles: Book I by Marie Rutkoski

Petra’s father, an expert in metal (he can actually move it with his mind), has been in Prague for too long as far as Petra is concerned. However, she is very proud of him since he has been commissioned by the Prince of Bohemia to make the world’s first astrological clock. The day he finally returns home, he is missing his eyes. The Prince has stolen them to wear. Petra and her pet robotic spider Astrophil go to the castle determined to bring back his eyes. Full of adventure and excitement, this fantasy will keep the reader’s eyes glued to the pages.

Calvin Coconut: Trouble Magnet by Graham Salisbury

Since Calvin’s dad left, his mother tells him he is the Man of the House. The problem is that being responsible is not one of Calvin’s best qualities; plus, trouble just seems drawn to him like metal to a magnet. For example, he takes a centipede in a jar to school the first day of fourth grade. He knows this is not allowed, but no one will know. He looks in the jar and the centipede is on his back, legs up – Calvin thinks he must be dead. He takes the lid off and since he draws trouble, the centipede has a remarkable recovery and the rest is terrified student history. Besides the problem with trouble, Calvin has to deal with bullies and giving up his room to a fifteen-year-old girl living with them for a year. Calvin gets to live in a shed in the garage. Calvin Coconut just may go coconuts!

The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino

As quoted in this biography by Dan Yaccarino, Jacques Cousteau states, “The best way to observe a fish is to become a fish.” Jacques Cousteau was a weak child and turned to the ocean and swimming to develop strength. His love of tinkering led him to discover how things worked. As he became an adult these two interests lead him on his life’s journey to learn about the oceans and the life teeming within by inventing equipment to aid in man’s exploration of the seas. In other words, he found a way to “become a fish.” Dan Yaccarino’s words and art introduce this explorer and environmentalist to a new generation so they, too, can enjoy The Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau.

As soon as my son has voted, we will begin on this list. His goal, which I will support is to read all 20 before voting next year.

Have you read any of these books? If so, please leave a comment below and let us know if you enjoyed it and why.

Cammie Moise

Children’s Book Review - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is Sure to Become a Family Favorite

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:50:37 GMT

You know it is a great story when you become so overcome with emotion that you find yourself sobbing as you read. This a beautiful story of finding love, losing love and learning to love again. Edward Tulane is a magnificent china rabbit that thinks very highly of himself. His owner, Abilene loves and adores him and he is always dressed in the finest clothes.

As the story begins, you realize he is only concerned with himself and you begin to question his love for Abilene. With a little help from Pellagrina (Abilene’s grandmother), Edward is introduced to his selfishness and lack of love. When the unthinkable happens and his beauty and dignity are stripped away he realizes he is loved for the joy and hope he brings others. As he opens his heart to new people and adventures, he begins to love.

After reading the book, I was able to have some great discussions with my kids. We talked about being selfish and whether or not that makes you happy. We talked about caring for others and making them happy. When was Edward happiest? We had a discussion about judging others. Edward would not have chosen any of the owners after Abilene, but those owners were the ones that taught him about love. He was happy, enjoyed life and made great memories. We talked about losing those that we love and sometimes that causes us to close our hearts to love again. We found out that when you close your heart, you miss out on more love. The experience and the memories you create when you love someone can be worth the hurt when your loved one is gone. We were able to discuss the loss of my father, their Grandaddy. We had many happy and fun memories about Grandaddy and when he passed away, we were very upset. I asked them, would you rather have those times with Grandaddy, including the memories and the pain from losing him or never having had time with him?

This has become a family favorite that we have read several times and is now a regular request. Every time we read it, we find another great message and it encourages us to think of others and to enjoy our life. I recommend this one for your family library.

From the Publisher

Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who adored him completely. And then, one day, he was lost. . . .

Kate DiCamillo takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the bedside of an ailing child to the bustling streets of Memphis. Along the way, we are shown a miracle -- that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.

Click on the link above to find out more about this book or to purchase from Amazon.

If you have read the book (or after reading it), let me know what you think.

Cammie Moise

Too Too Many Tutus by Suzanne Davis Marion - Book Review

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:17:54 GMT

I found out about this book, Too Too Many Tutus through my friend, Matt. He mentioned that his mom's book was just listed on Amazon. His mother, Suzanne Marion, sent me a copy of her book, when I told her I wanted to review it on MomsMaterial.

When Too Too Many Tutus arrived, my daughter was very excited. We sat down and read the book and looked through the pictures. My daughter loved the illustrations and immediately said, "It looks like watercolor paintings". She took her time looking at the pictures and pointed out her favorite ones. We enjoyed the story about a little girl named Christina and her problem deciding which tutu she should wear to ballet class.

The author, Suzanne Marion interprets Christina’s feelings and surroundings through the color of each tutu. This can be a great teaching tool for children. Too Too Many Tutus is a cute story and little “ballerinas” everywhere will love it!

Here is an excerpt from the book:

Editorial Review

Christina has a problem. Her ballet class is coming up, and she must decide which one of her many tutus to wear. She lays them all carefully on her bed to help her decide. The decision is difficult, because the colors are each so vibrant and lovely. She imagines herself inspired to dance in a unique and special way in each tutu, with each color evoking its own particular imagery. In her blue tutu she could dance by the sea, with the birds and fishes joining in. In her green tutu she could do a forest dance among the trees, and in the meadows. Her orange tutu creates images of a joyous dance in the firelight at sunset. There are other colors too, each suggesting its own special mood. At last she receives some wise counsel in solving her dilemma, and helping her to make the correct choice.

About the Author

Author Suzanne Davis Marion grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and has lived in Houston, Texas for many years. She is a singer, pianist, and composer. Several years ago she established Lullabies by Suzanne, offering personalized lullabies and play songs for babies and children. She enjoys performing with other musicians on a regular basis. She and her husband Stuart enjoy visits with their three sons and daughters-in-law, and their seven grandchildren. The latter provide endless inspiration for stories. Houston artist Marj Hales is originally from North Dakota. She received a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Oklahoma. Happy watercolors of bright florals and whimsical animals are among her favorite subjects, reflecting an inner joy that she hopes to communicate to others.

Click here for more information or to purchase this book.

Cammie Moise

What Do You Get When You Have a Babe Ruth Baseball Card, a Con Man and Griffin Bing (a.k.a. The Man With the Plan)? A Great Book!

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:01:46 GMT

When I am looking for a book for my 8 year old son, I am typically pulled towards a baseball theme. The cover of this book caught my attention and the description on the jacket sealed the deal. A story involving a Babe Ruth baseball card, a con man and a plan mixed in with friendship and consequences sounded like it could keep my son's attention. I read Swindle by Gordon Korman out loud to my son and we both really enjoyed it. Instead of our typical one chapter a night, we would read two or three and only stopped when he had fallen asleep or I was too tired to read more. We always looked forward to reading each night and we loved to talk about what might happen.

Several themes run through the book that make it a great candidate for a Book Club book. My son and I had some great discussions about doing the right thing, friendship, loyalty and consequences. It was an entertaining book to read aloud filled with enough adventure and suspense to appeal to girls and adults too.

From the Publisher

Swindle: to cheat, steal, trick, deceive, defraud, lie, rob, con, backstab, obtain dishonestly...

When Griffin Bing plans a spooky sleep-over in a haunted house that's about to be demolished, he isn't planning on making a fortune. But then he discovers something more valuable that gold: a rare Babe Ruth baseball card, hidden out of view for many years.

Griffin's on his way to a million dollars... until a mean collector named S. Wendell Palomino (a.k.a. Swindle) tricks him out of the card. Now Griffin must put together a team of friends (and one or two enemies) in order to get the card back. There are many things standing in their way - a menacing guard dog, a high-tech security system, a very secret hiding place, and the fact that none of them can drive. But Griffin is a Man With a Plan, and even if some things go way beyond his control, he's not going to let his fortune go without a fight.

Click here to read another review from kidsreads.com.

Swindle by Gordon Korman

Ages 9-12

Click here to purchase this book from Amazon.

MomsMaterial recommends Swindle by Gordon Korman.

Cammie Moise

Megan McDonald, Author of Judy Moody and Stink Series Inspires Young Fans to Read and Write

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:47:00 GMT

The author of the Judy Moody and Stink books, Megan McDonald, was in town in April for the Get Moody with Stink and Judy event. Megan McDonald met with Cammie Moise of MomsMaterial and her daughter Taylor for an interview. Megan was happy to be interviewed by Taylor, the editor of her school's 4th grade newsletter. Below is the article Taylor wrote about her interview.

Before the Get Moody With Stink and Judy event, I got to meet Megan McDonald. Guess what I did? I got to interview her! I was nervous about my first interview, but she made it FUN!

When I mentioned her favorite game, the Game of Life, I asked her if she had played the electronic version. She said, “No, I haven’t but let me show you what I do have.” And she pulled out a miniature Game of Life key chain. I thought, “Whoa, she is obsessed with the Life game!”

I also learned that if you interview someone just remember this… They are people just like you and me, so don’t get all nervous about it. It is someone that got recognized for doing something extraordinary.

Here are some of the questions I asked her:

TM (Taylor Moise): What inspired you to start writing Judy Moody books?

MM (Megan McDonald): Life with my sisters and I thought a “moody” character would be good for kids.

TM: When you started writing Judy Moody books, what made you decide to start writing Stink books?

MM: Boys kept asking me to write a book just about Stink. One time I visited a classroom and boys started chanting, “Stink! Stink! Stink! “ and I knew he had to have his own book.

TM: Out of all your books, who is your favorite character? Why?

MM: Stink, because I am the youngest and he is too.

TM: Is it harder to write from a boy’s perspective?

MM: Yes! But I have a husband to help me out!

TM: What made you decide to write the story about Stink and the Guinea Pig Express?

MM: One time I was reading the newspaper and I saw a story about a lady that was giving out guinea pigs across the state. They had been abandoned and I thought that would make a great story for Stink!

Megan McDonald and I also talked about other things. For instance, she told me she writes every day. If she could tell kids one thing, she said “Read, read, read!” She mentioned that one of the best questions a kid has asked her was, “Do you have to think a lot before you write?” She responded with a yes and mentioned that kids think that she just sits down and writes the story. She said the first time she writes it is like a rough draft and she has to rewrite it many times.

Click here to read related article, Judy Moody and Stink Fans Weather The Storm To Attend The Get Moody With Stink and Judy Event.

Cammie Moise

Judy Moody and Stink Fans Weather The Storm To Attend The Get Moody With Stink and Judy Event

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:23:29 GMT

Although the weather warned of thunderstorms and flooding, Judy Moody and Stink fans couldn't stay away. Author Megan McDonald was in town this weekend for the Get Moody With Stink and Judy event that was held on Saturday, April 18th at Meadow Wood Elementary School. This was a free, family event sponsored by favorite neighborhood bookstore, Blue Willow Bookshop.

Author Megan McDonald captivated the kids with stories about writing, Judy Moody and Stink. She spoke about her latest project, Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt which will be released in July 2009. Judy Moody & Stink will have to collect clues to find the treasure.

The community came together as local schools, libraries, Literacy Advance of Houston and the event sponsor, Blue Willow Bookshop provided fun activities, arts & crafts, games and give aways. Megan McDonald, author of the best-selling Judy Moody and Stink books gave a presentation and signed books. Judy Moody fans received a “mood’ ring and a sample of Judy Moody's favorite ice cream, shipped from Screamin’ Mimi’s Ice Cream Parlor in California. In addition, Stink fans were provided a “smelly treat”, and tried to guess the items in the box by their smell. Fans could decorate their own guinea pig, based on the book, Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express and enter it in a contest.

Judy Moody's Mood Ring

Stink's Decorate Your Own Guinea Pig Contest Entry

The Houston Public Library was promoting their summer reading program during the event. The more books the kids read, the more prizes they are eligible to win. This year, if the kids read 20 or more books, they are entered into a final drawing for a laptop computer, a desktop computer, digital camera, gift cards and a guest spot on a national radio station.

Dan Nagel, the librarian at Treasure Forest Elementary school, bussed in 48 students to attend the event. These students had to earn the right to go to the event by attending a TAKS preparation class. Dan has a passion for providing these kids with as many opportunities as he can to promote reading. He stated that his principal supports these events that promote reading. The students were excited to meet the author and be a part of this event.

Megan McDonald visited several schools on Friday, including Meadow Wood Elementary and Nottingham Elementary and spent time with students. Also, she met with Cammie Moise, founder of MomsMaterial.com and provided an interview. Cammie said, "She definitely has a gift for reaching kids and inspiring them to read and write." Megan also, spoke with Taylor Moise, the editor of the 4th Grade Newsletter at Rummel Creek Elementary. Megan answered questions and encouraged Taylor to read and spend time on the creative process of writing. She was excited to be featured in the newsletter and Taylor was mesmerized with her stories.

We will follow up with our interview shortly.

Cammie Moise

Top 5 Tween/Young Adult Books By BookGirl

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:20:16 GMT

BookGirl is the "Go To Girl" when you need great books for kids. Luckily, she can be found at our "favorite" neighborhood book store, Blue Willow Book Shop. We are hoping she continues to stop by and fill us in on the latest and greatest book choices.

Thanks, BookGirl!

In no particular order, here are my current top 5 books for tweens/young adults:

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

Terra’s dream is to leave her small town for college and start anew, where the port wine stain on her face will not draw so much attention. Her verbally abusive father constantly tells her she can’t make it on her own in hopes of controlling her future. When Terra meets Jacob, a Goth Chinese teenager who doesn’t care to fit in, he begins to show her that she can take control of her life. What follows is an utterly compelling journey that’s both geographic and emotional. Best for grades 7 and up.

3 Willows by Ann Brashares

Jo, Ama and Polly were inseparable in third grade, but that’s changed as they’ve grown up. During the summer before high school, each girl is tested – Jo discovers her parents are separating, Ama goes on a trip she didn’t choose and Polly learns some hard truths about her mother. By the end of the summer, they realize that old friendships sometimes really are the best; it’s an engaging tale by the author of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

North America has been destroyed and reborn as the nation of Panem, a glittering Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Every year, each district must send two young people to the Hunger Games, where they compete to the death until only one survives. The story is a cross between reality television and Lord of the Flies, and is told by Katniss, who's long been able to survive on her hunting skills and keen instincts. You'll be rooting for her from the start and won't be able to close this book until it's breathless ending. And you won't be able to wait for the next book in the series! This will be an immediate hit with grades seven and up.

The Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman

We meet Honor when she and her parents move from the North Country into the Enclosure. Honor’s a rebel – her name doesn’t sound right and she’s rather play with boys or splash in the water rather than engage in “girl play.” Her parents don’t follow the rules either, refusing to pray to Earth Mother and daring to have a second child. When her parents disappear and Honor and her brother become Boarders, she learns of the sinister world she lives in. In spite of all this, however, Honor always has hope, which shines through this marvelous book. You must read it! Best for grades 7 and up.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

In a land of seven kingdoms, a very few people are born with a Grace. Some may have a Grace for cooking, others a Grace for music. Katsa’s grace is for killing; she’s been able to kill men with her bare hands since the age of eight. Desperate to use her Grace for good, she has secretly formed a council of citizens who are willing to risk their lives in the name of fairness and honesty. When a Council mission goes a bit wrong, Katsa finds Po, another who possesses the killing Grace, and he changes her life. This incredible debut novel is a must-read for grade 9 all the way to adult!

Cathy B. (aka Bookgirl)

Children and YA Specialist

Blue Willow Bookshop

Houston, TX

Cammie Moise

Looking For A Fun Way To Introduce Geometry? Try Reading The Greedy Triangle By Marilyn Burns

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:59:40 GMT

The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns begins with a happy and busy triangle. The triangle was very busy with many different jobs. It spent its time making music in the orchestra, catching wind for sailboats, holding up roofs and much more. The triangle's favorite thing was to slip into place when people put their hands on their hips. He could find out the latest news and tell his friends.

But one day, the triangle became tired of doing the same thing and visited the shapeshifter. The triangle thought if he had one more side and one more angle that life would be more interesting. The shapeshifter granted him his wish and the triangle became a quadrilateral. Life was wonderful with all the new things he could do. He could be a baseball diamond, a computer screen, a window or a checkerboard. The quadrilateral's favorite thing was to be the pages of a book. He learned so many things that he could share with his friends. Until one day, he becomes tired of doing the same thing and once again he visits the shapeshifter.

The story goes on as he continues to change, he adds one more side and one more angle. He is happy learning all the things he can do with his new shape. But over and over again he tires of the same job and returns to the shapeshifter. Until he has so many sides and angles he can't keep his balance. He returns to the shapeshifter and asks to be a triangle once again.

This book introduces the basic shapes and expands into the pentagon and hexagon. As it introduces the new shape it illustrates the different uses and gives children a better understanding of these terms.

This is a great story and a wonderful introduction to geometry.

MomsMaterial recommends this book for ages 4 to 10.

To purchase click here.

Cammie Moise

MomsMaterial Recommends The Get Rich Quick Club by Dan Gutman

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:24:27 GMT

Fifth Grader Gina Tumolo loves money! At a very young age, she realized the power of money. The more green paper you have, the more "stuff" you could bring home! Her parents response to her requests for toys always seemed to revolve around the lack of it! Gina's resolution was to find a way to become a millionaire by the time she becomes a teenager.

This is the story of the summer Gina started the Get Rich Quick Club. She and her friends vow to make a million dollars by September. Gina, Rob and Quincy are in the fifth grade at the same school and live in the same housing development. They start discussing their plans for the summer when the eight year old twins join in! They soon realize, unless they come up with a plan to make money, it will be one long boring summer.

Gina knows most rich people have their own company. So she decides this is the way to go. First on their agenda is to come up with a name. Rob suggests GRQ for Gina, Rob and Quincy. Gina recognizes that GRQ stands for something else, Get Rich Quick! That is the beginning of their journey that involves a pact, a scheme and many lessons along the way.

This is a fast-paced story that will engage kids and adults. I read this story to my 8 year old son and 10 year old daughter and all of us looked forward to finding out what would happen next. My usual one or two chapters a night became three, four or five. I can recall several nights staying up way past their bedtime because we couldn't put it down.

This book can be used as a fun way to introduce great conversations revolved around economics, entrepreneurship, teamwork and consequences. My kids and I had some great discussions including one on profit and loss.

MomsMaterial highly recommends The Get Rich Quick Club by Dan Gutman to kids in the 8-12 age range.

To purchase click here.

Cammie Moise

Texas Bluebonnet Award 2009 Winner Announced - One Potato, Two Potato by Cynthia DeFelice

cammie@momsmaterial.com — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:21:01 GMT

The Texas Bluebonnet Award 2009 was announced this week and the winner is... One Potato, Two Potato by Cynthia DeFelice. Twenty books were nominated for the award in which students vote on their favorite book. In order to cast a vote, the students must read at least 5 of the twenty nominated books in order to vote.

One Potato, Two Potato is a fun story for children to learn the pitfalls of wanting more and becoming content with what you have. Mr. and Mrs. O'Grady Mr. and Mrs. O’Grady are so poor they have just one of everything to share – one potato a day, one chair, one blanket full of holes, and one gold coin for a rainy day. After digging up the last potato in their patch, Mr. O’Grady comes upon a big black object. It’s a pot – no ordinary pot, for what they soon discover is that whatever goes into it comes out doubled! Suddenly the O’Gradys aren’t destitute anymore. But what they really long for is one friend apiece. Can the magic pot give them that?
This retelling of a Chinese folktale pays tribute to the author’s Irish heritage, and to the joys of an old marriage, new friendships, and the impulse to share. Using pen and gouache, the artist shows the “simple” characters in all their winning complexity.

Cammie Moise