Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Basilisk's Lair by R. L. LaFevers
Monday, January 17, 2011
Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy
So much of Afghani life is described in this book. We learn about the call to prayer at dawn, bargaining at the bazaar, wedding rituals, daily chores and family dynamics. The writing is beautiful and I could barely put the book down. It is hard for most Americans to imagine girls not being allowed to go to school, not meeting their new spouse until the wedding and women being treated as subserviant to men. As Zulaikha's tells her story we can see she is a strong, brave and loving girl who's one wish in life is to be normal. As I read this book I anticipated something awful happening to her as visions of The Kite Runner floated in my head. I breathed a sigh of relief with the success of her surgery and then cried as Zeynab's story unfolded the way it did.
The author, Trent Reedy spent time in the army on a peacekeeping mission and his repect and admiration of the people of Afghanistan shines through. His "author's note" helped me understand how he came to write this story and to portray the characters as well as he did. The glossary was very helpful and I used it often. This is a fascinating piece of fiction and I recommend it highly to fourth graders and up and to those who enjoyed A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park and/or Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Moon Over Manifest by Claire Vanderpool
The book reminds me of Jelicoe Road by Melina Marchetta, a YA book. Puzzle pieces and clues are being delved out whether you are aware of them or not. The narrative flips back and forth between the two time frames and is occassionaly confusing. Chapter headings and the dates on the letters and newspaper clippings helps to keep things straight. The 1936 history describe dust and dryness and the Great Depression. The 1917-1918 part deals with bootlegging, conmen, immigrants and World World One.
If you enjoy historical fiction and want to read about America in 1936 and 1917-1918 and enjoy a long, leisurely paced book, this one is for you. Moon Over Manifest is not an easy read but as Miss Sadie tells her story and history unwinds and Abilene pieces the puzzle together you will be glad you stuck with it until the end.
Monday, January 10, 2011
2011 Newbery and Caldecott Medal winners announced
Congratulations to Clare Vanderpool for winning the 2011 Newbery Medal for Moon Over Manifest.
I have ordered the book and will write a blurb as soon as I read it. The honors went to the following books: DARK EMPEROR, HEART OF A SAMURAI, ONE CRAZY SUMMER AND TURTLE IN
PARADISE.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Ballet for Martha : Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
As I read this book and neared the end I could have sworn I heard music in my head. When I finished all was quiet. There is so much information, so much beauty, so much dance, so much story. The illustrations are gorgeous and I feel like I have learned about American music, ballet and art, Graham, Copland and Noguchi while thoroughly enjoying this book. The story and illustrations flowed smoothly and as the music in my head slowly faded I was happy there was a "curtain call" and to continue reading. Highly recommended for fans of dance, music, art and Americana
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