Outbreak: Plagues That Changed History

by Bryn Barnard

Illustrated by Bryn Barnard

Publisher: Crown

Copyright: 2005

ISBN: 0375829865

This fascinating, yet brief examination of plagues and diseases is sure to grab the attention of most upper elementary students who enjoy the "gross-out" elements; however, this title examines very thoroughly some of the most extreme diseases to plague mankind, including the Black Death, smallpox, tuberculosis, polio, and more. This book briefly explores diseases and their impact to history, as well as their continual transformation in today's world. A glossary is included.

Injeanuity

by Ellen Warwick

Recycling--that's what this book's all about. Using old jeans and making new things will excite teens and pre-teens who love sewing, arts and crafts. While the information provided will pique the interest of most students, this spiral-bound title may have a short shelf-life once pages are accidentally torn through heavy use. An optional purchase.

Triceratops

by Helen Frost

For the dinosaur-loving elementary student, this book offers an easy-to-read information book that they can handle. With large words, simple sentences (except for the dinosaur names) and colorful illustrations, this book will be a noise-maker in the dinosaur section. An glossary, index, bibliography of "read more" titles, and Internet sites to extend the excitement is sure to make this a great title for younger dino-lovers. Great for science classes and recreational reading.

Stuff to Hold Your Stuff

by Ellen Warwick

This spiral-bound book offers creative teens and pre-teens tips on how to make handbags, totes, and carry-alls. While the book offers some good ideas, it's doubtful that the spiral-bound title will survive many library check-outs. Optional purchase.

The Man Who Named the Clouds

by Julie Hannah

Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co

Copyright: 2006 ISBN: 9780807549742

No. Pages: 40

School Levels: Elementary

Grade Levels: 4-6 Cost: 15.95

Professional Reviews: Booklist 8/2006; Horn Book, Spring 2007; Kirkus Review, August 2006; SLJ, Oct. 2006

Call Number: 551.509

Review:

This account of the life of Luke Howard combines science, history, and biography into a wonderful information book about a little-known scientist who changed meteorological history. Using colorful illustrations, the actual artwork of Howard, and "journal-like" entries, readers learn about Howard's life work in naming the clouds, as well as the meteorological events such as rain, fog, and snow often associated with clouds. This book mentions the work of Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley which provides an easy "paired book" project for young scientists and teachers. Includes a bibliography and the Luke Howard website for additional study.

Substitute Groundhog

by Pat Miller

Illustrated by Kathi Ember

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co

Copyright: 2006

ISBN: 9780807576434

No. Pages: 30

School Levels: Elementary

Grade Levels: K-2

Cost: 15.95

Professional Reviews: SLJ, 12/2006

Classification: Easy

Review:

When Groundhog comes down with the flu the day before Groundhog's day, he must find a substitute. After interviewing several animals, he discovers that the best replacement is a "stranger from Texas"--Armadillo. This funny book is a definite "must have" for Texas libraries and offers a solid storytime favorite for a holiday that has few titles available. The clever ending provides readers with a chuckle---especially those from Texas!

Wild Lives: A History of the People & Animals of the Bronx Zoo

by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Copyright: 2006

ISBN: 037580630X

No. Pages: 87

Photos; Hardback

School Levels: Elementary

Grade Levels: 3-7

Cost: 18.95

Professional Reviews: Booklist, 3/15/2006; SLJ, 6/2006

Call Number: 590.737

Review:

This examination of the historical efforts of William T. Hornaday in creating the first public zoo in 1899, provides the reader with a unique perspective into conservation, animal habitat and safety. Using historical, as well as contemporary photographs, the reader explores the visual beauty and historical impact that the Bronx Zoo made on the nation as its director assisted in establishing wildlife sanctuaries in areas such as Montana, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Readers will appreciate the philosophy of Hornaday in preserving animals and their habitats, rather than destroying them for pleasure or capturing them for entertainment. A definite must-have for young conservationalists and a unique title for elementary or middle school science classes studying conservation and wildlife.

An Apple for Harriet Tubman

by Glennette Tilley Turner

Illustrated by Susan Keeter

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co

Copyright: 2006

ISBN: 9780807503959

No. Pages: 24

School Levels: Elementary

Grade Levels: K-2

Cost: 15.95

Professional Reviews: Booklist, 8/2006; Horn Book, Spring 2007; Kirkus Review, September 2006

Biography

Review:

This unknown account of Harriet Tubman's love of apples is shared by the author who interviewed Tubman's great-niece in 1984. As a child, Tubman was required to work in the apple orchards picking the fruit, but was never allowed to eat one. When she finally decides to taste the fruit, she is brutally whipped which leaves lasting scars on her body and her mind. From that point on, the reader is aware of the strength of this character as she seeks her own freedom and the freedom of others. Tubman's life offers the reader the first glimpse of how this strong, brave woman became the symbol of freedom for many. The book provides a satisfying conclusion of accomplishment and a testimony to personal promises, as Tubman eventually buys her own home, plants her own apples, and offers these symbols of freedom and wealth to her community, friends, and family. A great introduction to this historical figure and a direct tie-in for February's Black History Month.

Wildfire

by Taylor Morrison

Illustrated by Taylor Morrison

Publisher: Houghton-Mifflin

Copyright: 2006

ISBN: 139780618509003

No. Pages: 48

School Levels: Elementary

Grade Levels: 3-6

Cost: 17.00

Professional Reviews: Booklist, 4/1/2006; Horn Book, J/A 2006; Kirkus Review, April 2006; Library Media Connection, 1/2007; SLJ, May 2006

Call Number: 634.9

Review:

This excellent title for elementary students explores the importance of wildfires to the forests of Western America. Readers will be introduced to the impact of wildfires to the enviroment and how plants and wildlife often thrive as a result of nature's self-renewal through cleansing by fire. The book explores the techniques used by fire fighters in controlling the blazes and introduces the equipment and technology developed to help fire fighters study ways to contain mother nature. A School Library Journal 2006 "Best Book for 2006," this title could easily be paired with Elaine Landau's "Smokejumpers" to introduce fire fighting and the importance of natural fires to the environment.

The Gift of the Magi

by O. Henry

Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Copyright: 2006

ISBN: 9781416935865

School Levels: Elementary

Grade Levels: 3-8

Cost: 15.99

Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly 9/27/2006

Fiction

Review:

The classic story of unselfish giving between a young couple at Christmas is uniquely illustrated by a Viennese artist and retold in an oversized volume. An optional purchase for those studying short stories or who are interested in O. Henry's works.

I Wanna Make My Own Clothes

by Clea Hantman

Illustrated by Azadeh Houshyar

Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks

Copyright: 2006

ISBN: 9780689874628

No. Pages: 134

School Levels: All Levels

Grade Levels: 5-8

Cost: 9.99

Professional Reviews: School Library Journal 6/1/2006

Call Number: 646.4

Review:

For the creative diva, this book offers a unique approach to making (and changing)their wardrobe. An optional purchase for upper elementary and middle school collections, but still a unique title to add for the "wanna-be seamstress."

Title: I Wanna Re-Do My Room Author: Hantman, Clea

Illustration Type: Color Illustrator:Houshyar, Azadeh

Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks Copyright: 2006 ISBN: 9780689874635 No. Pages: 132

Photos: No Cover Type: Softback Indexed: No Media: Book

School Levels: Elementary Grade Levels: 5-8 Cost: 9.99

Professional Reviews: SLJ 6/1/2006

Recommendation: Classification: Non-Fiction (enter call #) Call Number: 745.5

Review: Think "extreme make-over: elementary style" for this title. This is a cute book that offers upper elementary and middle school students the options to make changes to their rooms. With simple tasks such as pillow-making and painting, creative home improvement wanna-be's will love experimenting with this book. A good connection with an art class project.

Did A Dinosaur Drink this Water?

by Robert Wells

Illustrated by Robert Wells

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co

Copyright: 2006

ISBN: 9780807588390

No. Pages: 32

School Levels: Elementary

Grade Levels: 5-6

Cost: 15.95

Professional Reviews: Horn Book Spring 2007; October 15, 2006

Call Number: 551.48

Review:

A cleverly disguised book about the water cycle poses the question "did a dinosaur drink this water?" Using cartoon drawings and an in-depth discussion of the water cycle, students explore the importance of water as a renewable source that has been around for millions of years. Using the image of a dinosaur drinking the same water as we drink today, students can examine how water changes in formation and throughout time, but how it has continued to replenish the planet for all to share.