The opening scene is of two teenage girls driving across the Golden Gate Bridge on their way to adventure in the big city during Christmas Break 1972 when San Francisco was the mecca of the Hippie Movement. However, we soon learn that Chloe is not going there for fun, but because she can obtain a legal abortion and her friend, M.J., is coming along for moral support. Things don’t always work out as easily as they thought. Along the way, things happen that they weren’t prepared for and tough decisions have to be made that can affect their friendship and future. Chloe finds that secrets can lead to betrayal and destroy what is good. On the surface this could be mistaken as a fun period piece, but there are insights into the moral aspects of abortion, the dark side of the free love/free drug Hippie culture and the impact of the Women’s Liberation movement. Some of these issues will still resonant with teens today and some will amuse. I wonder, though, how many will understand the pun in the title or know much about Haight-Ashbury going into the story. I do think, though, that this book gives a good picture of what was happening in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s and the reader of today will be able to gain a better understanding of the era while enjoying a good story.
Reviewer: Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School, Castle Rock, Washington
Carolan, Dr. Terry & Joanna TITLE: A President from Hawai’i RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5230-2 INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Zunon, Elizabeth PAGES: 24
There were aspects of this story I really enjoyed, and other things that I feel could be improved. The illustrations were filled with different textures and coupled with actual photographs. The colors utilized showed the beauty that is Hawai’i! Telling about President Obama growing up in Hawai’I was the premise for sharing a lot of cultural information about Hawai’i. I loved this aspect. I strongly feel that there should have been a pronunciation guide for the many Hawaiian words that were used in this book.
Violet the cat lived in a very unsavory environment before she landed at a rescue shelter. She knows she deserves more, but is often passed up for younger, more attractive cats. Finally adopted, she comes to share a home with two dogs. They start as enemies, but after an incident, Violet softens towards the two canines and all become friends. The cover of the book is what drew me to it, and I was not disappointed. The illustrations are very inviting and compliment the excitement of the storyline.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Castelluci, Cecil TITLE: The Year of the Beasts RATING: A
Fifteen-year-old Tessa is thrilled to finally be able to attend the local carnival without her parents. The catch is that she must bring her thirteen-year-old sister, Lulu with her. Tessa has a secret crush on Charlie and hopes to spend time with him at the carnival. The girls do meet up with the group of boys and to Tessa’s dismay Lulu becomes Charlie’s girlfriend by the end of the night. Although Lulu didn’t know about Tessa’s crush, her new relationship creates much tension between the sisters. Tessa finds herself drawn to a boy, Jasper, and loner outside of her social group and becomes his secret girlfriend. A day of swimming in a raging river ends tragically when Tessa’s best friend breaks her back, Tessa nearly drowns (she’s dragged out of the water and revived by Jasper), and Lulu drowns. Tessa struggles with survivor’s guilt and has great difficulty dealing with the tragedy, going as far to carve “I died” into her wrist. With the help of friends she starts to heal. The story told through alternating chapters of graphic novel and text. The graphic novel is a bit abstract at first and takes a while to really tie into the story for the reader. After reading the book the graphic novel makes more sense as it is about Tessa’s struggles, but this may be lost on some readers.
The reader can tell that illustrator David Catrow had tons of fun completing the illustrations for Bobby Pickett’s 1962 smash hit. One recommendation would be to have a copy of the song on CD included in the book. This would make a $16.99 package deal that would make a lot of people happy.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Cerullo, Mary M. TITLE: Giant Squid: Searching for a Sea Monster RATING: R
This engaging text discusses the elusive giant squid and the scientist, Clyde Roper, who studies them. It skillfully blends early stories that seemed like myths with the true science of these squid. It discusses basics about squid in general and then goes into detail about what is known about the giant squid. The story like text is balanced with large, colorful photographs that show many aspects of this amazing animal. One photo (p 19) may make younger readers a bit squeamish as it shows Clyde dissecting a dead sperm whale to find out what it had been eating. Includes glossary, index and references. It will make a great read for elementary students and for middle school students who need access to information at a lower reading level.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Christensen, Bonnie TITLE: I, Galileo RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Knopf @ 2012 PRICE: 17.99
ISBN: 9780375867538 INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR: PAGES: UNP
This picture book biography could be used as part of a bibliography in writing a report about Galileo. Author/illustrator Bonnie Christensen has done an excellent job of depicting the ups and downs in Galileo’s life. Galileo was imprisoned for the remainder of his life because he believed, like Copernicus, the universe was sun-centered not earth-centered. Galileo, like Da Vinci, was an extremely intelligent man. As with many great men his theories were not appreciated until long after his death. Illustrations bring to life the importance of Galileo’s life.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Clark, Claire TITLE: How Long Is a Day? RATING: R PUBLISHER: Capstone ã 2012 PRICE: $18.49
This book was very helpful and perfect for young children. The photos were clear and large, and the text was simple and informational. It is easy to read out loud and really simplifies so children can understand. This is a series that I would buy for my library for all my pre-school teachers. The other books in this series are “How Long Is a Year?” “How Long Is a Week?” and “How Long Is a Month?”
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Cousins, Lucy TITLE: Create with Maisy RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick @ 2012 PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780763661229 INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: PAGES: UNP
Lucy Cousins, author and illustrator, keeps busy with her favorite character, Maisy. “Maisy loves making things.” You probably guessed this from the title. Lucy Cousins has Maisy makes everything from beaded butterflies to a pasta necklace; a blossom tree to a button bowl. While some of these activities are familiar, it is pleasant to have them all in one book. One tiny suggestion would be a table of contents at the beginning so the reader can scan all the crafts at once.
