Take a photo of a barcode or cover
2.59k reviews by:
librarybonanza
Age: 3rd-5th grade
Good when combined with supplemental material
James just wants his own identity away from the confines of his parents' own dream lives working in music. While on an unwanted trip to England where his mother begins her European tour as a singer in a band, James stumbles across a mysterious portal to 17th century England. Here he is forced to join the Children of the Chapel Royal, a stage and choir group that performs before the queen.
This book may be good as a classroom novel studying the Elizabethan Era because it introduces several people of that age, architecture, food, and prominent thought of the time. This book is unique in that it presents a biracial (black and white) protagonist. His race is discussed in a genuine way that informs/connects with the reader regarding the attention that it garners. Unfortunately, as soon as it is presented it is not discussed again except to mention the underlying negativity that 17th century English people had against the "blackamoors."
My problem with this book is the confusing storyline that assumes the reader understands what is happening. Also the lengthy description of minor historical location that take up precious space in the book have a detrimental effect. Furthermore, the book dives right into the portal aspect without fully understanding the character and then teeters on the mystery of the portal for another 40 pages. It feels like this book was slaughtered in the editing process in order to get it to a reasonable length for the audience.
Good when combined with supplemental material
James just wants his own identity away from the confines of his parents' own dream lives working in music. While on an unwanted trip to England where his mother begins her European tour as a singer in a band, James stumbles across a mysterious portal to 17th century England. Here he is forced to join the Children of the Chapel Royal, a stage and choir group that performs before the queen.
This book may be good as a classroom novel studying the Elizabethan Era because it introduces several people of that age, architecture, food, and prominent thought of the time. This book is unique in that it presents a biracial (black and white) protagonist. His race is discussed in a genuine way that informs/connects with the reader regarding the attention that it garners. Unfortunately, as soon as it is presented it is not discussed again except to mention the underlying negativity that 17th century English people had against the "blackamoors."
My problem with this book is the confusing storyline that assumes the reader understands what is happening. Also the lengthy description of minor historical location that take up precious space in the book have a detrimental effect. Furthermore, the book dives right into the portal aspect without fully understanding the character and then teeters on the mystery of the portal for another 40 pages. It feels like this book was slaughtered in the editing process in order to get it to a reasonable length for the audience.
Grade: 4th-8th
The city of Ember was built underground by the top scientists 200-years-ago to preserve a city of people from the warring destruction above. But this city was only meant to last 200 years when the electrical generators would give out and the people would follow directions to find their way out to the surface. But these directions are lost in the city and the citizens are struck confused and fearful when the lights start to flicker and the machines start to break. When Lina finds a secret message in her grandmother's closet, she knows that it must provide some answer to the crisis at hand. With her reemerged connection with her old friend Doon, both discover a way out of the city into the world their ancestors left.
While the adventurous tale and suspense kept me grappled to the words, it was the genuine character development that truly kept me glued. Reminiscent of being mesmerized by the world of Harry Potter, Duprau draws the reader into the tragedy, success, hesitation, and courage of the characters.
The city of Ember was built underground by the top scientists 200-years-ago to preserve a city of people from the warring destruction above. But this city was only meant to last 200 years when the electrical generators would give out and the people would follow directions to find their way out to the surface. But these directions are lost in the city and the citizens are struck confused and fearful when the lights start to flicker and the machines start to break. When Lina finds a secret message in her grandmother's closet, she knows that it must provide some answer to the crisis at hand. With her reemerged connection with her old friend Doon, both discover a way out of the city into the world their ancestors left.
While the adventurous tale and suspense kept me grappled to the words, it was the genuine character development that truly kept me glued. Reminiscent of being mesmerized by the world of Harry Potter, Duprau draws the reader into the tragedy, success, hesitation, and courage of the characters.
Age: 3rd grade-7th grade
Media: Collage, mainly paint (background) and watercolor (people)
Due to the interest that middle school (and high school) children develop for more complex music like Jimi Hendrix, this picture book would appeal to older kids due to its subject and unique artwork.
Not too complex yet with a lyrical movement, the text of this book is precisely written about both Jimi's early musical journey and his childhood experiences. On top of the wonderful collage artwork, this nonfiction book lays the groundwork for the structure of nonfiction books. In the back is included more information about Jimi's life as a child and adult. On top of this are an author's note, an illustrator's note, and an extensive list of further research materials (books, discography, and websites). The author's note is particularly interesting because he discusses Jimi's accidental death on sleeping pills and alcohol. Although his death was unwanted, Golio, as a clinical social worker, further elaborates on substance abuse and provides websites and books for research on substance abuse.
Media: Collage, mainly paint (background) and watercolor (people)
Due to the interest that middle school (and high school) children develop for more complex music like Jimi Hendrix, this picture book would appeal to older kids due to its subject and unique artwork.
Not too complex yet with a lyrical movement, the text of this book is precisely written about both Jimi's early musical journey and his childhood experiences. On top of the wonderful collage artwork, this nonfiction book lays the groundwork for the structure of nonfiction books. In the back is included more information about Jimi's life as a child and adult. On top of this are an author's note, an illustrator's note, and an extensive list of further research materials (books, discography, and websites). The author's note is particularly interesting because he discusses Jimi's accidental death on sleeping pills and alcohol. Although his death was unwanted, Golio, as a clinical social worker, further elaborates on substance abuse and provides websites and books for research on substance abuse.
Ages: 8-12 years
Ah, I miss Greg and his lovely witicisms. On the New Year Greg resolves to help more people by offering suggestions for bettering their lives, like having his mom chew her potato chips more quietly. When his dad becomes determined to ship him out to military school, Greg finds a new mission: to not go.
What makes these stories great is that they're not entirely focused on a plot line. Sure, the plot helps the story along, but the silly side stories are just as important to the popularity of the book. Third in the series, this book may not be as wonderful as the first but it definitely holds up its own.
Ah, I miss Greg and his lovely witicisms. On the New Year Greg resolves to help more people by offering suggestions for bettering their lives, like having his mom chew her potato chips more quietly. When his dad becomes determined to ship him out to military school, Greg finds a new mission: to not go.
What makes these stories great is that they're not entirely focused on a plot line. Sure, the plot helps the story along, but the silly side stories are just as important to the popularity of the book. Third in the series, this book may not be as wonderful as the first but it definitely holds up its own.
Age: K-4th grade
Art: painting--Mexican influence (Diego Rivera?)
Catchy and easy-to-read rhyme scheme about a spider who desires company for tea. Alas, all her prospective friends run away in terror of being eaten. In the end, she tends to an injured moth who then spreads the word of her friendliness and docility. Although the story casts the spider in a very humanistic light, the bold paintings and delightful rhyme are perfect for the age group.
Art: painting--Mexican influence (Diego Rivera?)
Catchy and easy-to-read rhyme scheme about a spider who desires company for tea. Alas, all her prospective friends run away in terror of being eaten. In the end, she tends to an injured moth who then spreads the word of her friendliness and docility. Although the story casts the spider in a very humanistic light, the bold paintings and delightful rhyme are perfect for the age group.
Age: 0-2 years
Art: collage, die-cut pages
Simple introduction to animals and animals sounds. A spider is busy spinning her web while various animals stop by to ask if she would like to join them on their daily activities. The format of my book (not board) allows the listener to feel the web as it's being spun.
Art: collage, die-cut pages
Simple introduction to animals and animals sounds. A spider is busy spinning her web while various animals stop by to ask if she would like to join them on their daily activities. The format of my book (not board) allows the listener to feel the web as it's being spun.