White House Kids, by Joe Rhatigan

Illustrated by Jay Shinn
Rating: Very Good
Charlesbridge, 2012, $14.95
ISBN: 978-1-936140-80-0
Age/Grade Level: 4th-7th grade

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An "encyclopedia" of information about the children who lived in the White House, from Washington to Obama.  The narrative is not easy to follow because it moves back and forth among the presidential tenures.  Nevertheless, it is filled with fascinating facts and impressions about the presidents' children.  The reader is left with the impression that life in the White House had its pros and cons for the children, but few seem to regret having lived there.  The book is not for quick page-turners; it requires lingering awhile.

Reviewers:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart, by Walter Dean Myers

Illustrated by Christopher Myers
Rating:  Additional
HarperCollins, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-06-052309-1
Age/Grade Level:  5th and up

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The striking illustrations and free verse portray America from the earliest days through the present times.  Each verse is supported by a famous quotation to reinforce its meaning.  The reader will examine what it is to be an American, explore the country's tumultuous past, and look with hope to the future.

The author's notes in the introduction provide insight into the creation of this book; a response to the aftermath to the terror attack on the World Trade Center.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

Saving the Baghdad Zoo: A True Story of Hope and Heroes, by Kelly Milner Halls

Rating: Additional

Greenwillow, 2010, $17.99

ISBN: 9780061772023

Age/Grade Level: Ages 8 and up

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Saving the Baghdad Zoo is a nonfiction account of the almost complete destruction and subsequent rebuilding of the Baghdad Zoo during the war in Iraq. It's written largely from the perspective of Major William Sumner, a U.S. soldier serving in Iraq during the war. He was sent to investigate the conditions of the zoo after it had been virtually abandoned during the conflict. The book is immensely interesting, discussing a topic that we rarely hear about in the news. There is a lot of information about the animals and wonderful photographs throughout, which help convey the immensity of the challenges they faced. This book also shows how saving the Zoo became a uniting force for Iraqis and Americans both working toward the same goal. So while the story is a winner, the writing itself is a little scattered. There is not a whole lot of cohesion between chapters. Some of the more contentious aspects of the story, including the death of one of the tigers by an American soldier, are only touched on briefly. And there are a lot of sidebars and lengthy captions that make the layout crowded and unappealing. Overall, it's an interesting book and would attract readers. But because it's not a topic in high demand, it would probably work best in large library collections.

Reviewer: Sarah Stimson, OCPL/Irvine University Park

Day-Glo Brothers: The true story of Bob and Joe Switzer's bright ideas and brand-new colors, by Chris Barton

Illustrated by Tony Persiani

Rating: Recommended

Charlesbridge, 2009, $18.95

ISBN: 978-1-57091673-1

Age/Grade Level: grades 2-5

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This book is hard to ignore. Not only is it about the development of fluorescent pigments, but the eye-popping tones are liberally used in the book design and illustrations. Chris Barton's clever text chronicles how an interest in ultraviolet light led Bob and Joe Switzer to what they called "Day-Glo" paint in 1938. It took years, but as Joe would say, "If just one experiment out of a thousand succeeds, then you're ahead of the game." Tony Persiani's cartoonish illustrations have just the right retro feel for this light-hearted but inspiring story.

Reviewer: Mary Smith, OCPL/El Toro

Pharoah's Boat, by David Weitzman

Rating: Recommended
Houghton Mifflin, 2009, $18.00
ISBN: 9780547053417
Age/Grade Level: Ages 9-12

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With poetic language and striking illustrations, David Weitzman chronicles the story of how one of the greatest boats of Ancient Egypt came to be built -- and built again, after a miraculous find at the great pyramid of Giza led to its excavation and reconstruction.

Fascinatingly written and enriched with myriads of meticulous drawings, the book unfolds like a mystery and reveals a tantalizing portrait of this glorious age in Eyptian history.

Reviewer: B. Carswell, OCPL/West Garden Grove

The Mysteries of Beethoven's Hair, by Russell Martin and Lydia Nibley

Rating: Recommended

Charlesbridge, 2009, $15.95

ISBN: 978-1570917141

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Age/Grade Level: 10 years and up

With a death mask on its cover and Beethoven's corpse's coiled hair on its back, inquisitiveness locks the reader into The Mysteries of Beethoven's Hair. This forensic and historical odyssey is an adaptation of the similarly titled adult publication, winner of The Washington Post's "Book of the Year" award. Young readers sample, in well-written nonfiction, Beethoven's life, accomplishments, personality defects, and physical complaints. Ludwig's suffering is palpable. Readers, as time's bystanders, witness Beethoven's death and the subsequent snipping of his hair, a customary practice. Thus begins Beethoven's DNA caravan through place and time, from father to son, through Nazi-occupied Copenhagen, to the pages of a Sotheby's catalog, and ultimately to its owners who "find renowned scientists to perform forensic tests in order to unlock the mysteries of Beethoven's hair." A compelling read, and one that a children's librarian will be confident recommending.

Reviewer: Rebecca Porter, Orange County Public Library/Laguna Beach

After Gandhi: One Hundred Years of Nonviolent Resistance, by Ann Sibley O'Brien and Perry Edmond O'Brien

Rating: Very Good

Charlesbridge, 2009, $24.95

ISBN: 9781580891295

Age/Grade level: Grades 3-5

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From Montgomery, Alabama, to Cape Town, South Africa, from Moree, Australia to Beijing, China, nonviolent resisters followed Mohandas Gandhi's lead to "take a stand without resorting to violence or hate."

Sixteen sections feature sixteen historical incidents around the world when ordinary but extraordinarily courageous people fought for their rights and against wars.

Each section features the historical event and the person (people) who influenced it. For example, the first section presents a snapshot of Gandhi's Passive Resistance Campaign in 1908, South Africa. It is followed by a compact biography of Gandhi. Further information explains how Gandhi was inspired and eventually started his first acts of nonviolent resistance. This illuminating column is called "More to the Story." Different fonts are used to distinguish these three features.

Although the theme of this book is solemn, the large white space and differentiated fonts encourage young readers to read on and start their critical thinking. This is a valuable read for the future historical movers and shakers.

Reviewer: Zhen (Tracy) Li, Orange County Public Library/Laguna Niguel

Rumi: Whirling Dervish, by Demi

Rating: Very Good

Marshall Cavendish, 2009, $19.99

ISBN: 9780761455271

Age/Grade level: ages 9-12

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This little jewel of a book is another picture-book format biography written and illustrated by Demi. This time she introduces her readers to Rumi, a famous 13th century figure who was born in Afghanistan but settled in Turkey and was a highly respected scholar before becoming the great mystical poet who founded the order of the whirling dervishes. Demi condenses Rumi's life but adds many excerpts from his poems and writings. Her exquisite illustrations--reminiscent of Turkish miniatures, with many colored inks and gold overlay--will entrance even younger readers who may be attracted to the picture-book format but not always able to appreciate the lofty poetry.

Reviewer: B. Carswell, Orange County Public Library/West Garden Grove

When Harriet Met Sojourner, by Catherine Clinton

Illustrated by Shane W. Evans

Rating: Very Good

HarperCollins, 2007, $16.95

ISBN: 0060504250

Age/Grade level: 3rd and up

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This book has wonderful illustrations. The text introduces two leading female civil rights leaders of the Civil War era in an interesting way. Basic info on their lives is presented to give a feel for the person, and then they are introduced to each other. The author is honest about not having any real information about the meeting, except that the two women did meet.

Reviewer: Cathy Gilette, Orange County Public Library/La Habra

Bug-a-licious, by Meish Goldish

Rating: Recommended

Bearport, 2009, $16.96

ISBN: 1597167576

Age/Grade Level: Ages 6 to 11

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DO NOT open this book if you have a queasy stomach or if you don't like bugs! Boys will love this book for the yuck factor alone. The book talks about which countries eat bugs and how they cook them or eat them raw. There is a map at the back with the countries highlighted that eat bugs. On every other page is an insert in the form of a plate with a knife and fork; on the plate are facts, such as the fact that 1700 insects are eaten in over 100 countries around the world. Quite informative and gross!

Reviewer: Kim Christofferson, Orange County Public Library, Cypress Branch

Marco Polo, by Demi

Rating: Recommended
Marshall Cavendish, 2008, $19.99
ISBN: 978-0761454335
Age/Grade Level: Grades 3-5

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This is another delightful tale from Demi. Marco Polo is a compact biography that covers the great explorer’s adventures on the route from Venice to China through Jerusalem, Turkey, the Silk Route, and Taklimakan Desert. Once Marco, his father, and his uncle arrived in China, he served as the ambassador for the mighty Emperor Kublai Khan. The Polos made it home safe and sound after the Emperor passed away twenty-four-years later. However, the domestic life was not all quiet and serene for Marco. He ended up imprisoned and met an experienced writer who was willing to record his fascinating journey.

It is not important to know for sure whether Marco Polo’s adventure is reality or fantasy. Readers will be satisfied in knowing that Marco Polo’s explorations inspires mapmakers, historians, explorers, and scholars to follow suit, among them, Christopher Columbus.
Demi’s gorgeous illustration accompanies the historical details in text. A stunning map featuring the route of Marco Polo can be found at the end of this book. Sophisticated young readers who enjoy this book will like Val Ross’ The Road to There: Mapmakers and Their Stories.

Reviewer: Zhen Li, Orange County Public Library/Laguna Niguel Branch

Let It Begin Here! April 19, 1775, the day the American Revolution began, by Don Brown

Rating: Additional

Flash Point, 2008, $17.95

ISBN: 9781596432215

Age/Grade Level: Elementary school

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This nonfiction book discusses some of the events that led up to the American Revolution as well as several of the battles fought during the war. The text is very short and concise, with illustrations on every page. This might prove to be confusing when determining the appropriate reading level, because while the text is simple and there are lots of juvenile illustrations, the subject matter makes it more appropriate for older readers. There are many references to death and violence, and the pictures show fallen and bloodied soldiers. The author lists names, dates, and number of casualties for most of the battles mentioned. However, there is little substance beyond the details. There is almost no mention of what is taking place in the government during the Revolution or the consequences of the War. Because of this, it would not be a good recommendation for students who need information for reports on the American Revolution. It is more suited for students who are reading for pleasure. But since the topic is not broadly appealing, this title is not a necessary addition to the library collection unless patrons have been requesting more books on this subject.

Reviewer: Sarah Stimson, Orange County Public Library/Irvine University Park

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation, by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Rating: Very Good
HarperCollins, 2008, $17.89

ISBN: 9780060821197

Age/Grade Level: grades 2-4

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An intriguing, but not entirely successful effort to evoke the feeling of the blues in art and poetic prose. The subject is the 1955 bus boycott inspired by Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Alabama. Brian Pinkney's swirling, ink-filled illustrations complement his wife, Andrea Davis Pinkney's, soulful narration, which begins, "Child, child. You have not known weary till you have walked in my shoes." What may be too abstract for children to grasp is their decision to picture a dog for "dog-tired" and a swirly black, almost unrecognizable crow as Jim Crow personified, going peck-peck-peck as Rosa Parks and others come up against the laws of segregation. This would be most effective read aloud by someone who could do justice to the African American speech patterns.

Reviewer: Mary Smith, Orange County Public Library/El Toro Branch

Baseball Treasures, by Stephen Wong

Photographs by Susan Einstein
Rating: Very Good
Smithsonian/HarperCollins, 2007, $17.89
ISBN: 978-0061144738
Age/Grade Level: 7-12 years

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If you love baseball, enjoy collecting baseball cards and want to learn some fascinating stories about the sport since its early days, this book is for you. The more than 100 photographs bring to life the champions of the game and fill the pages with memorabilia of caps, balls, bats and players' jerseys. A chapter on the World Series captures the excitement of games gone by.

Stephen Wong, a devoted collector of baseball trearues, share with his readers his early interest in baseball and the culminating results in the Wong Family Archives Collection for everyone to enjoy.
Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West, by Sid Fleischman

Rating: Marginal

Greenwillow, 2008, $18.99
ISBN: 978-0061344312

Age/Grade Level: ages 9 to 12

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This biography of Mark Twain was written by a Newbery medalist and generally received good reviews. It should be a sure selection. However, the unappealing writing style and seeming contradictions cited throughout the book make it a marginal choice for the library’s collection. Fleischman’s prose is tedious and unduly verbose. There is very little flow and children would find the text very difficult to follow. Although extensively and thoroughly cited, it seems as though the author constructed this entire book around a random selection of quotations that he found in other works. He is extremely subjective in certain parts of the book taking far too much artistic liberty- an act that he later tries to defend. (p.177) But the most glaring problem with the book is that it is full of contradications. For example, Fleischman states that Twain became depressed and gloomy near the end of his life. “His bleak view of life became as frozen and fixed as the north star”. (p.171) But less than a page later he writes that “Twain was never able to abandon his gift for laughter.”

Overall, the book does not capture the essence of Twain’s life or his works. The prolix descriptions will turn away young and old readers alike. The only redeeming qualities to this biography are wonderful illustrations, a very good timeline, and a chapter that includes one of Twain’s stories, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”.

Reviewer: Sarah Stimson, Orange County Public Library/Irvine University Park

Hairy Tarantulas

Rating: Very Good

Series: No Backbone! The World of Invertebrates
Bearport, 2009, $21.28

ISBN: 1597167045

Age/Grade Level: Ages 9-12

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A very informative book about tarantulas, their habitat, physical characteristics, and eating habits, with colorful photographs. This would be a great read-aloud for 3rd graders. It is leveld at 4.2 by Renaissance Learning.

Reviewer: Katherine Robinson, Richman Elementary School

The Day the World Exploded, by Simon Winchester

Adaptation by D.J. Zimmerman

Illustrated by Dwight Jon Zimmerman

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins, 2007
ISBN: 978-0061239830

Age/Grade Level: 4th-8th grade

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This beautifully illustrated account of the explosion of the volcano Krakatoa is an adaptation for younger readers of Simon Winchester's New York Times best-selling book, Krakatoa.

Although the events leading up to, during, and following the volcanic explosion are the main focus for this fascinating book, there is a broad range of simultaneous historical events and inventions interwoven in the narrative. The content is rich in detail about the famous explosion, the theory of plate tectonics, Sumatra and Java history, and the role of the telegraph in reporting this event.

The devastation and the loss of 30,000 people in this August 1883 catastrophe can only be imagined; its effects were felt around the world. The book held my interest, cover to cover.

Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

Asian Art (Come Look With Me series), by Kimberly Lane

Rating: Additional
Charlesbridge, 2008, $15.95

ISBN: 978-1890674199
Age/Grade Level: Ages 9-12

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Part of an art appreciation series for children, this Asian Art volume features twelve masterpieces from all parts of Asia. Each work of art is accompanied by its background and information about its creator. The book also features discussion questions for examining each piece and instructions on how to use the book. An interesting and educational read, it would make most sense as a companion to other books in the same series.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

The Story of the Samson, by Kathleen Benner Duble

Illustrated by Alexander Farquharson
Rating: Additonal
Charlesbridge, 2008, $16.95
ISBN: 97881580891837
Age/Grade Level: ages 8-11

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Sam and his grandfather relive the Samson's adventures on the high seas, and what a story it is, the ship having been a sealing schooner, then a whaler, an exploration vessel, a museum and a trade ship before finally burning up and sinking in the waters of Nova Scotia where its planks were used for building houses.

The author uses actual events to weave a tale about the ship and its many incarnations, an almost unbelievable history put in perspective in a note at the end of the book where other resources and websites are also listed.

Alexander Farquharson's sepia tones and full-color oils place the reader in the midst of it all, but the mixed format--half picture book, half non-fiction for older children--will make it difficult to recommend to either group.

Reviewer: B. Carswell, Orange County Public Library/West Garden Grove Branch

Tap Dancing on the Roof, by Linda Sue Park

Illustrated by Istvan Banyai
Rating: Additional
Clarion, 2007, $16.00
ISBN: 0618234837
Age/Grade Level: ages 5-10

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Sijo, a poetic form originating in Korea, is showcased in "Tap Dancing on the Roof." This attractive book with commendable spirit, falls flat intermittently, hampered by format and function to the syllabic servitude of sijo which in "English, has three lines, each with fourteen to sixteen syllables. As poet E. E. Cummings wrote, "since feeling is first, who pays any attention to the syntax of things," this poetry does not pack an emotional punch. And children, not concerned with meter, might not relish the poetic machination. Redemption comes as Park's renowned talent twinkles in poems "School Lunch" and "Frog." Pictures by Istvan Banyai are simplistically pleasant and accompany text well.

Reviewer: Rebecca Porter, Orange County Public Library/Laguna Beach Branch