Some Cross-Cultural Reads

Interested in learning about how kids in other countries live? Give these books a try!

The Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins. I enjoyed this peek into a different culture -- and Asha, the protagonist, is very relatable in spite of the differences. Set in India in the 1970s, Asha's roles as a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and granddaughter are rigidly defined, and she chafes under cultural mores that American kids may have a hard time understanding. The ending, too, is not the expected happily-ever-after; it's more realistic than that, and about as happy as it could be under the circumstances. I do wish there had been more descriptions of the setting, but, like Asha, the action was mostly confined to the home. A coming-of-age story for thoughtful girls interested in other cultures.

A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper. Though the narrator and setting are very similar to one of my all-time favorite books, Dodie Smith's I Capture the Castle, the story is much different -- more of a historical adventure than coming-of-age. It takes place on a remote European island in 1936. Sophie's family has lived there for centuries -- they are royalty, and Montmaray is, in fact, their kingdom -- but they are fairly isolated from European politics until 2 German officers arrive. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but there had better be a sequel -- lots of loose ends! Good for readers 6th grade and up.

Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel by Leslie Connor, illustrated by Mary Azarian. What a beautiful picture book, a quiet look at one woman's immigrant experience. When Miss Bridie moves to America from Ireland, she chooses to bring a shovel instead of a keepsake -- and then proceeds to put it to good use! Its tone reminds me of Cooney's Miss Rumphius, one of my all-time favorites. I think I'd love it even more if it were illustrated in a style other than woodcuts.

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements. 6th-grader Abby is failing sixth grade -- so when she is offered the chance to earn extra credit by writing to a pen pal, she jumps at the chance. Her pen pal turns out to be a student from Afghanistan, and both of them have a lot to learn from each other. This isn't my favorite by Andrew Clements, but it's still a good read for 4th-6th-graders.

The Day of the Pelican by Katherine Paterson. Paterson is one of my favorite authors, and as far as I'm concerned, all of her books are good! So even though I am only a little over half-way through listening to this one on audio, I feel comfortable recommending it. Meli and her family are Albanians living comfortably in Kosovo...until the Serbians start their campaign of terror against Albanians, and she and her family become refugees. A fascinating look at a recent historical event through the eyes of a 12/13-year-old girl.

Exquisite Corpse Adventure, Episodes 8 & 9 Available Now!

Don't miss out! Episodes 8 & 9 are online here. Episode 8 was written by Newbery Award-winning Natalie Babbitt and illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering. Episode 9 was written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. Enjoy!

Librarians for Lightning Thief

Miss Amy says:

I finished The Lightning Thief just in time for next month's movie premiere! This is kind of a coming-of-age fantasy story, because Percy is finding out who he is (mortal? god?) and what his place is in the world. I would describe Percy Jackson as a reluctant hero because he does not seek out the battles he has to fight, yet faces them head-on with a fearless bravery and a wry sense of humor. Mythology, friendship, family and loyalty are woven into this first book of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

Episode 7 of The Exquisite Corpse Adventure, Available Now!

This episode is written by Shannon Hale and illustrated by Calef Brown. Click here to read it.

Like Shannon Hale? Check out her Goose Girl series and her book Princess Academy, which won a Newbery Honor...all available at Baldwin!

Snowflakes!

It's that time of the year...snowflakes are falling!

Have you heard of Snowflake Bentley?

Born in 1865, he became a scientist who photographed thousands of snowflakes. Read all about him in this fascinating picture-book biography by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Mary Azarian.

To see real snowflakes photographed by a flickr user, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/fwwidall/sets/72157603415282264/

Pop by Gordon Korman

When Marcus moves to a new town near the end of summer break, he knows he'll want to try out for the football team. No kids are around for him to practice with, so he begins a solo quarterback target routine at the local park. While practicing one day, he's joined by a middle aged man. No name, not much talk, just good football and hard tackles - not what high school quarterbacks are used to! Marcus's skills improve and he looks forward to these odd practices. Over time, he discovers the name of his unofficial coach and what he has in common with his new football team. But, how is it that a middle aged man can cause so much trouble for a teenager? And, what secret does Marcus hide to protect his older friend and his family at the expense of Marcus's own reputation? Read about football, high school, friends, family and more in Pop by Gordon Korman.

Episode 6 Now Online!

Episode 6 of the Exquisite Corpse Adventure was written by Patricia C. and Frederick L. McKissack and illustrated by James Ransome. Click here to read it now!