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With Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday coming up in February, there is certainly no shortage of books being published about the president. Here are two picture books that have recently been released that would make great classroom resources.

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); 1st edition (September 30, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0805082646
ISBN-13: 978-0805082647

First up is Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship written by Nikki Giovanni and illustrated by Bryan Collier. This picture begins in 1865 at Lincoln's reception for his second inauguration. He's anxiously awaiting the arrival of his friend, Frederick Douglass. The story then goes into both Douglass's and Lincoln's past, showing the parallels between the two, their political relationship, and a brief history of the onset of the Civil War. It ends as Lincoln finally finds Douglass at the reception and they have a brief conversation about the nation's future.

The story is hopeful and inspirational and provides just enough information to keep kids engaged, but the AMAZING illustrations are what make this book stand out. Bryan Collier uses cut-paper collages to illustrate the story. In one section of the story, a younger Lincoln is traveling down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, a trip that according to the book, "opened his eyes to the world around him." We see a young, beardless Lincoln gripping a picket fence, and faces of enslaved African Americans are superimposed in the trees. In another section, a four-page fold out shows an intense Civil War battle in action.



Abraham Lincoln Comes Home written by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Wendell Minor

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (August 5, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0805075291
ISBN-13: 978-0805075298

Another new book also published by Henry Holt tells a different story about Lincoln, the story of his final train ride home to Springfield, Illinois after his assassination. In the story, Luke, a young boy, and his father are riding in a carriage in the very early morning to watch the train that is carrying Lincoln's body pass by. As Luke and his father reach their destination and join up with all of the other mourners, Luke observes the train as it approaches and passes by along with the emotional reaction to the president's death. At the end of the book is a brief afterward that describes Lincoln's assassination and his train ride home. There's also a page full of "Interesting Facts About the Lincoln Funeral Train."

While this book tells the story of a fictional person, the event it describes really happened. Lincoln was a well-loved president by many many people, and the book simply sets out to show this from a young boy's point of view. It doesn't try to sway your opinion about Lincoln or delve into politics. The gouache watercolor illustrations are rendered in deep, golden tones that not only depict the prairie but give the book a somber, "old-timey" feel.


I like the fact that both books have a narrow and specific focus instead of the typical fact-filled and boring biographies kids are used to seeing. Both books are thought-provoking and contain information that will spark discussion.

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Katie Loves the Kittens written and illustrated by John Himmelman

Katie is a clumsy floppy-eared dog whose owner Sara Ann has just brought home three kittens. According to the book it was, "the most exciting day in Katie's whole life." She's so happy that she can't help but howling, "AROOOOOOOOO!" As you may imagine, it frightens the kittens, and Sara Ann scolds her. Katie is determined to control her excitement around the kittens, but every time she gets close to them, another "AROOOOOOOOOO!" comes out. Can Katie control herself enough to enjoy the kittens and to please Sara Ann? Maybe....


This book is sooooo sweet, satisfying, and funny. The simple, yet engaging storyline is perfect for beginning readers and kids with short attention spans. Himmelman's illustrations are very amusing. Katie's "AROOOOOOOOO's" send kittens scurrying up lampshades and windows; her pathetic facial expressions when Sara Ann scolds her are adorable; and her futile attempts at self control are hilarious.

This is one of those books that I think both boys and girls will love, especially those who love cats and dogs. It would make an excellent read aloud for the entire family.



What Other Bloggers Are Saying:

Fuse #8: " Maybe it’s the three-year-old in me, but there is nothing finer in this world that watching characters explode off a page over, under, around, and through. Tumbling, tossing, flying, it’s all wonderful. " (read more...)

4IQREAD: "This is a very simple sweet picture book with charming illustrations that capture nicely Katie’s eagerness to make friends with the kittens and highlight her engaging expressions and movements." (read more...)

We Love Children's Books: "I don't laugh out loud at many books but I did with this one! The words and pictures work together perfectly, telling a fine story with on the mark canine and feline behavior." (read more...)




More Info:

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (September 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080508682X
• ISBN-13: 978-0805086829
• Source: Review copy from publisher
  

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The Scrambled States of America Talent Show by Laurie Keller

Oh my...Laurie Keller is one funny lady, and she's back with The Scrambled States of America. This time, the crazy states are putting on a talent show.

Who knew geography could be so fun?



The book lures readers in from the very beginning:


"It all started simply, really.
In the middle of the night,
New York woke up from a dream and shouted,
HEY,
EVERYONE--
LET'S
HAVE
A TALENT
SHOW! "

You flip the page, and all of the states are donning top hots and dancing "Fred Astaire," style. The rest of the book covers all of the preparation and practice that leads up to the big show itself. Indiana is the director, Arizona is the costume designer, and Washington D.C. is the emcee. Georgia has a severe case of stage fright, and Dr. Globe has to perform a number of tests, including performing x-rays of her counties and cities, to make the diagnosis. His "prescription" will make kids chuckle.

The talent itself is varied. Some is predictable (Kentucky plays the banjo, and Pennsylvania plays the liberty bell), and some is downright hilarious. "Minnesota the Magnificent" saws South Dakota in half. The boy-band, the New States on the Block (New York, New Jersey, etc.) wow the ladies with their charm. Iowa, who looks like Rodney Dangerfield, tells some "corny" jokes. I could go on and on.

Along with the funny text, there is commentary among the states. For example, when the New States on the Block are performing, Missouri, who is in the crowd exclaims, "He's pointing at ME" while Colorado rolls his eyes and says, "Oh, brother." Very very funny. Keller's illustrations are just as hilarious as the text, and I find something new and funny each time I look at the book.

The end papers include two charts, one with statehood dates and the other with state abbreviations. Scattered all around the charts are various states commenting and asking questions.

This book is an excellent way for kids to have fun learning about the different states, and it's perfect as a read aloud. Actually, you HAVE to read it aloud. The first time I read it, I read it to myself, and it was funny. But the second time, I read it aloud, and I cracked myself up. I especially had fun using a Georgia drawl.

I highly highly recommend this book.

More information:

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); 1st edition (August 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805079971
• ISBN-13: 978-0805079975
• Source of book: Review copy from publisher
  

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When I Grow Up: A Young Person's Guide to Interesting and Unusual Occupations by Jessica Loy

Choosing a career path is quite a daunting task. Some people know from childhood what they want to do, but I think most people really don't know until later in life. Regardless of whether you know "what you want to be when you grow up" or not, it's always very interesting to learn about different jobs. Look at the success of Deadliest Catch and Dirty Jobs, two shows that fascinate me. I'm a little too squeamish to actually be a crab fisherman or one of the professionals on Dirty Jobs, but I'm interested in learning more about them, nonetheless.

Now, Jessica Loy has written a book that features people who have very interesting and unusual occupations. We meet the following people:

• Entomologist
• Alpaca Farmer
• Archaeologist
  
• Master Cheese Maker
• Research Biologist
• Game Designer
• Chocolatier
• Percussionist
• Lobsterman (who is a woman)
  
• Guitar Makers
• Kite Designer
• Pet Photographer
• Set Designer
• Robotics Engineer
  

Each career gets its own two-page spread that features quotes from a professional in the field, full-color photographs, and lots of interesting information about the career. For example, we meet Jamie Miller, a master cheese maker. He works on a farm in Vermont that produces cheddar cheese, and the book covers the 12 steps in the cheese-making process, from cow to packaging.

We also meet Andrea Lain, an archaeologist, who knew at the age of eight that she wanted to dedicate her life to studying the past. Her spread features a number of photographs of artifacts, including a deer jaw, a fragment from a 17th century chamber pot, and burned bone fragments found in a fireplace site.

I like this book because it introduces careers that appeal to kids who are creative, and it may inspire them to nurture that creativity within them. The language in the book is easy to read and would make a good choice for reluctant readers. It's a definite must-have for libraries.



More information:

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (September 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805077170
• ISBN-13: 978-0805077179
• Source of book: Review copy from publisher
  

Visit Picture Book of the Day for more great nonfiction selections.

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The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (April 29, 2008)ISBN-10: 0805076689
ISBN-13: 978-0805076684
Source of book: Review copy from publisher



How far would you go to save your child? Is there a limit as to how much science and medicine should intervene when it comes to saving lives? These are questions that are still spinning around in my head three days after I finished The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson.

Set in a dystopian future where there have been enormous medical advances, 17-year-old Jenna Fox wakes up from a coma after a horrific car accident. As her memory gradually returns, she can't help but think that something is not quite right. How is possible that she can remember events from her infancy? How can she quote Thoreau's Walden word for word? Why does her grandmother seem to hate her? And why is her mother so secretive?

As Jenna struggles to find her identity and fit in with her peers, she discovers the terrible truth about the accident and her recovery that leaves her and her entire family in danger.

Mary E. Pearson's powerful writing and unique plot kept me up reading until 3:00 in the morning because I simply had to know what would happen to Jenna. To give you an idea of what I'm talking about when I say "powerful writing," here's an excerpt from when Jenna remembers an event from her childhood.

'You bought me another snow cone. A week later when we went back. It was--'

'Cherry.'

Mother begins to sob. She scoots her chair back and comes to me. Her arms wrap around my shoulders and she kisses my cheek, my hair. 'You're remembering, Jenna. Just like your father said. This is just the beginning.'

Remembering.

Jenna Fox is inside me after all. Just when I was ready to move on without her, she surfaces. Don't forget me, she says.

I don't think she'll let me. (p. 28)

However, despite the seriousness of the book, Mary E. Pearson never lets you forget that Jenna is a teenager and adds some lighthearted moments. For example, Jenna innocently calls her grandmother a bad name because her grandmother says she shouldn't be dating a classmate, Ethan. They're not dating, so Jenna calls her a "d**khead," a word she heard Ethan use, because she thinks it means, "annoying." When she's relating the incident to Ethan, you can see how flustered she is and how much she's struggling to express herself. You also get insight into Ethan's impish personality:

'So why is your grandmother a d**khead--I mean, annoying?' he asks.

I'm relieved that he breaks our silence first. 'Because she said we shouldn't be dating--' Oh, my God, Jenna. Stupid. Stupid.

'We're dating?'

'No. I mean, my mother thought--'

'Your mother thinks we're dating? Just because I'm giving you a ride home?'

'No. Well, yes. I mean, never mind.' Help. Every word seems to bury me further. Was I always this inept?

'Hm,' he says... 'So, why doesn't your grandmother like me dating you, other than I teach you bad words?' (p. 88)

I'm sure many teenagers will relate to this situation--the awkwardness of talking to someone you like, putting your foot in your mouth, not knowing the right thing to say, and I applaud Pearson for "keeping it real."

This is one of those books that I feel crosses over into the "adult" realm, and teenagers shouldn't be the only ones to read it. Every person (adult or teenager) who has questioned the role of science and the possibilities it can play in medicine should read this book.

How far would YOU go? How far should science go? As a mother myself, I think I know what MY answer would be.



What Other Bloggers Are Saying:

Jen Robinson's Book Page: "Don't read any more reviews - don't risk spoiling it - just go and get it. But make sure you have a clear chunk of time so that you can read it in one day. Because you're going to want to. Trust me." (read more...)

Becky's Book Reviews: "...one of the most original and amazing coming-of-age stories that I've read in quite a while." (read more...)

YA Notes Weblog: "The beauty lies in the exploration of the soul and the ethics as much as the biology of who we are. This is a must read for all of us." (read more...)

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One of the hardest things to do in any job is to watch co-workers, who have become your friends, leave. Darren Shannon, OUP Senior Publicist, is leaving and it is a sad day here. This is not to say that I am not truly excited for him, his new job his is a promotion he deserves and Cambridge is very lucky to get him, but nevertheless, the desk across from mine will now be empty.

Darren has kindly offered to share a bit of his infamous wit and wisdom on the blog with us today and below is his “goodbye” post. Perhaps it will help you, dear readers, understand what a wonderful person Cambridge is gaining.

The story I always like to tell about Oxford University Press is about something that happened during my job interview. I interviewed with our esteemed Publisher, Niko Pfund, and my soon to be manager, Rudy Faust – an intimidating duo to say the least.

As our meeting came to an end, I asked them what qualities they were looking for in the person who would fill the job for which I was applying.

“We want someone who’s polymath,” Niko said.

“Yep. Polymath,” Rudy agreed.

Polymath… Polymath… Polymath… I didn’t remember taking that in college. (more…)

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