I Hear America Singing!, Folk Songs for American Families, Kathleen Krull, Knopf, 2003. A beautiful hardcover book of songs collected and arranged for piano and guitar, with an introduction by Arlo Guthrie. Sixty-two of the best-loved American folk songs, including classics like "Michael Row the Boat Ashore," "On Top of Old Smoky," "Home on the Range," "I've Been Working on the Railroad" are here with easy-to-read music and lyrics. The book comes with a 70-minute cd with 23 of the songs created especially for it. Some of the classic folk songs are too sophisticated for younger children: "Good Night, Irene," for instance. For younger ones, see the lovely American Folk Songs for Children, reviewed below. For the rest of the family, put this one under the Christmas tree or give it for Hanukkah.

American Folk Songs for Children, Ruth Crawford Seeger (Pete Seeger's sister), 2002. Paper. Ninety of America's best-loved songs, both words and music, are accompanied by charming drawings, suggestions for text improvisations, rhythmic play and games. Complete with an easy-to-use index. Users praise the selection of songs and the suggestions for child play. One user built a music program for her own children's preschool using this book. Destined to become a classic. Give it to someone this holiday season.

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Click underlined text to be taken to PAPERBACK books for age range you're interested in. Descriptions include bold text where there is special content.

YOUNG CHILDREN
MIDDLE READERS
ADOLESCENTS, YOUNG ADULTS
SERIES TITLES (teen and pre-teen)

 

 

 

For Middle Readers:

Two new titles offer rich reading for middle-schoolers:

Graham McNamee, Sparks      Precious Gold, Precious Jade

Guest review of "Sparks" and "Precious Gold, Precious Jade":

These may be among the best small gifts you can give your middle-schooler.

Sparks is a charming story of a slower-learner coming to terms with himself. After rejecting his best friend because she is in Special Needs class, Todd finally sees his desire to be with her, while succeeding himself in challenging regular fourth grade. He comes to respect himself--his imagination, sense of humor, strength and abilitiejs--in a well-told, highly-detailed book. Personalities are well-developed and humor is rife in this childhood drama. Ages 9-12.

Precious Gold, Precious Jade, by Sharon E. Keisel, is a lovely story which confronts issues of otherness in the life of a young girl on the verge of adulthood. In her discovery of a new friend, Leeana, who is of "the others," Angelena finds her ability for compassion developed, and her own life ends up being at the crux of community conflict. Angelena is a heroine who is able to learn and grow, seeing truth when it is obscured and forging creative connections. Keisel's Gold Rush town is realistic and well-painted; Angelena's life seems plausible.

- [Guest review written by Catherine J. Walbridge, who lives & works in Chicago, Il.]

 

More paperback fiction for middle readers:

Ann's Story: 1747 Colonial Williamsburg: Young Americans, by Joan Lowery Nixon: Nine-year-old Ann McKenzie foolows in the footsteps of her doctor father in this well-researched, historical tale. The story of Ann's struggle to become a doctor like her father. Ages 8-12.

Captain's Command, by Anna Myers: a story of the sacrifices Americans made during World War II seen through the eyes of one soldier's daughter. Though Gail promised her father to watch out for her uncle, his bitterness keeps pushing her away. Only her dog, Captain, seems able to break through this barrier. Ages 9-12.

Cherokee Sister, by Debbie Dadey: Allie MacAllister would never have guessed that by trying on her best friend, Leaf's, buckskin dress, she would be mistaken as a Cherokee, rounded up by soldiers, and forced out with Leaf and her family. Ages 9-12.

Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories, by L. M. Montgomery: A collection of stories from the Anne of Green Gables books celebrates the joys and tribulations of Christmas and thehope a new year brings. Ages 10 and up.

Nonfiction: Dinosaurs Alive! Jurassic Park Institute, by Dennis Shealy: Are birds the descendants of dinosaurs? Read about what many scientists believe, and learn about the importance of newly discovered feathered dinosaurs. Ages 7-9.

Gib and the Gray Ghost, by Zilpha Keatley Snyder: From Newbery Honor-winning author Snyder comes a touching companion to Gib Rides Home. This story flllows the adventures of an orphan boy in the early 1900s as he tries to save a drying horse that gallops into his life during a snowstorm. Ages 9-12.

The Promise, by Jacke French Koller: A riveting story about the powr to heal and about having faith, even when it leads you where you don't want to follow. It's Jamie and Matt's first Christmas after their mother dies, and Matt is doing his best to keep traditions alive. But when his beloeved Labrador is mauled by a bear on Christmas Even, Matt turns to the only thing which gives him hope. Ages 7-12.

The Saddle Club, by Bonnie Bryant: Christmas is coming, and the Saddle Club is busily getting ready for an exciting holiday show. But part of their preparation involves raising money. When Lisa realizes that Carole and Stevie are having a hard time coming up with the cash, she takes matters into her own hands. Great stuff for girls who love horses. Ages 9-12.

Soldier Mom, by Alice Mead: Jasmyn is horrified when her mother, called up from the army reserves to go to Saudi Arabia, leaves Jasmyn and her baby brother with her new boyfriend. Ages 10 and up.

Songs of Faith, by Angela Johnson: Author is a two-time Coretta Scott King Award-winner, now bring readers of one family's painful separation during the Vietnam War and a powerful healing experience. Everything seems wrong in young Doreen's life, until she learns that if you have love, you are never alone. Ages 10 and up.

Space Race, by Sylvia Waugh: Chosen as an American Library Assoc. "Notable Book," a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, a Horn Book winner, and one of the New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing. Space Race portrays a meaningful message to children through characters who will stay with them long after the book is closed. Ages 10 and up.

Stickers: Dinosaur lovers will love this! "Jurassic Park Institute Dinosaurs Alive! Sticker Book" features reusable stickers. For any age at which dinosaurs are a passion, but probably most appealing to ages 7-10.

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For adolescents, young adults:

Two new paperback titles offer rich "come of age" reading:

Gary Paulsen, The Beet Fields.         Love & Other 4-Letter Words

Guest review of Beet Fields and Love:

Paulsen recreates the picture of one tragic and heroic summer in the life of a sixteen-year-old boy, while Carolyn Mackler, in Love & Other Four-Letter Words engages us in a sixteen-year-old girl's coming to terms over a summer with her parents' separation.

Older adolescents and young adults will identify with Paulsen's autobiographical account of his search for security and adventure, beginning with his work in the North Dakota beet fields. The boy is compassionate and loving, a hero for today's teenager, a hero from another time (the 50's) who can lead the life he leads precisely because of the age in which he lives. The story of "the boy" is essentially adult, with enough detail to make his moving tale a poignant image of adolescent struggle and the achievement of sexual maturity. Get Beet Fields now.

Carolyn Mackler's story of one summer in the life of a sixteen-year-old girl encountering adulthood is vivid and friendly. Sammie, after her parents' separation, finds new strengths in herself in a new setting. She resolves issues that brought her down,and she discovers new delights in New York. The author's tone is perfect: Sammie has the worries and spunk of a real girl. Details are plentiful. When Sammie reaches the end of her summer, she has grown internally
and reached a new plateau. Get Love now.

 

145th Street: Short Stories, by Walter Dean Myers: Ranging from humor and celebration to terror and grief, this Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book tells the story of Benny, a fighter on the way to a knockout; Angela, who starts having prophetic dreams after her father is killed; Big Joe, who wants a bang-up funeral while he's still around to enjoy it, and many more. African-Americans as main characters. Ages 12 and up.

Baboon King, by Anton Quintana, translated by Joen Nieuwenhuizen: Cast out by his parents and their people, every day young Morengaru misses human compansip and soon feels he's becoming more likt eh animals around him. Finally he finds belonging among the baboons. Ages 12 and up.

Both Sides of Time, by Caroline B. Cooney: The first in a trilogy of works; the others are "Out of Time," and "Prisoner of Time," telling the story, progressively, of 16-year-old Devanny Stratton who must escape time. Romance for adolescents. Ages 12 and up.

Carolina Autumn, by Carol Lynch Williams: 14-year-old Carolina has been through a terrible loss with the death of beloved family members. Through letters to her sister and by using her father's camera, Carolina tries to understand her painful past and move into the future. Insights into love, loss, survival, and hope. Ages 14 and up.

Gone from Home: Short Takes, by Angela Johnson: Praised as "remarkable" by The Horn Book Magaine. Explores the hardship, hope, and surprising acts of compassion in the lives of young people gone from home. Ages 12 and up.

Locked Inside, by Nancy Werlin: An Edgar Award finalist for bestYoung Adult mystery, Locked Inside is the story of one girl's struggle to confront the painful truths about herself and her family as she desperately tries to escape her kidnapper. Ages 14 and up.

Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien: TAPES The BBC has come out with an audio-tape set of Part I of The Lord of the Rings," a full-cast dramatization of the first part of Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring," just in time for the holidays. Also available on compact disc, the production is put out by Random House in this country. Tolkien enthusiasts of any age.

Nobody's There, by Joan Lowery Nixon: Abbie has been assigned to a volunteer program that matches teens with elderly. Abbie gets Edna Merkely, a cranky woman who is too active a membeer of the town's crime prevention group and ends up in the hospital. Can Abbie find the assailant? Ages 12 and up.

Time Capsule, Short Stories about Teenagers Throughout the Twentieth Century, ed. by Donald R. Gallo: Such award-winning authors as Richard Peck, Jackie French Koller, Graham Salisbury, and Chris Crutcher each explore a different decade of the 20thcentury through the eyes of teens with concerns and emotions similar to those of teens and young adults today. Ages 12 and up.

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Books to Share with Young Children

The Cinder-Eyed Cats, by Eric Rohmann: From the creator of the Caldecott Honor winner, Time Flies, this one takes the reader to a tropical island occupied by mysterious lions and hundreds of dancing sea creatures. Magnificent oil paintings and (very little) rhyming text in this inexpensive, paperback edition: $5.72. Ages 2-8.

FREDERICK and His Friends, by Leo Lionni. A collection of four Lionni favorite fables: Frederick, Swimmy, Fish is Fish, Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse. The artwork is just stunning, the 8-1/2 x 11 format allows Lionni's work to appear in full splendor. The author gained international renown for his painting, graphic design, illustration and sculpture. He has written more than 40 picture books for children, including four Caldecott Honor books. Three of the Caldecott Honor stories are included here. My grandson, 3, is getting this one for his birthday this month--would be great for Christmas or Hanukkah as well. Oh: did I mention that it comes with its own cd, with recordings of each story? A winner! Get this one for a favorite munchkin in your life. Ages 2-5.

Big Pink Pig, by Trevor Ricketts, Christopher O'Hare: Pig wants to lose weight. He tries the gymn; he tries running in the park. When nothing works, Pig realizes that he likes himself better the way he is. Ages 3-5.

Verse. Dog Days: Rhymes Around the Year, by Jack Prelutsky: "I am a dog who scribbles rhymes/About my many happy times," the 12 months of the year presented from a dog's point of view through rhyming quatrains and whimsical pictures. Ages 4-8.

Nonfiction. Horses, by Monica Kulling: There's a new horse on the farm. He was born yesterday but already weights 100 pounds. Follow this little colt as he grows into a horse during his first two years on the farm. Ages 2-6.

Night of the White Stag, by M. C. Helldorfer: Powerful story of loss and the redemptive power of faith. The winter after the king's war, Finder's father has not returned. On his way to the castle to seek food for his hungry family, Finder encounters an old man who is madly hunting for a white stag. The man is blind and haunted by the memories of war. Kinder knows that the stag does not exist but decides to guide the hunger through the forest in seach of the magical creature. Ages 5-8.

Nonfiction. On Beyond a Million, by David schwartz: Watch the numbers grow exponentially as Professor X teachers children to count by powers of 10 in this math-concept picture book. Ages 6-10.

Nonfiction. Penguins, by Joy Bean: Step into the icy world of penguins and learn fun facts such as how these birds get around and how they keep their chicks warm. Ages 2-6.

Polar Babies, by Susan Ring: Two polar cubs learn from Mommy how to swim, how to fish--and how to run from a scary polar bear, which must be the male of the species. One of the cubs only wants to sleep, until he learns how to run fast away from the threatening male bear. Colorful, a Step 1 Book for Preschool-Grade 1, easy reading. You'll have to explain about the scary male bear, though. Ages 4-7.

Two Fine Ladies Have a Tiff, by Antonia Zehler: Two young girls spending the day together squabble and get over it. A Step 1 Book, for Preschool-Grade 1. Colorful, easy reading.Ages 3-7.

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Latest Titles in Random House Series

[for Harry Potter books, go to our special Harry Potter page]

7th Heaven: "Lucy's Angel," by Amanda Christie: All new original stories which find Lucy giving her mom a treasured Christmas gift, Mary stranded at the airport, and Matt and his college roommate giving a ride to a man who looks and acts like Elvis. Ages 12 and up.

A to Z Mysteries #15: "The Orange Outlaw," by Ron Roy: O is for Orange... An art thief is on the loose and Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are on the case. A trail of orange peels, a missing pie, and an orange hair are their only clues. Ages 9-12.

Clearwater Crossing #20: "Don't Look Back," by Laura Peyton Roberts: In their last few days of summer, the members of Eight Prime are going through changes. With couplehood, college, and adjustment to being the oldest, things are going to change this year! Ages 14 and up.

Dinotopia #14, "The Explorers," by Scott Ciencin: Long ago, a group of brave Troodon knights undertook difficult quests tohelp their fellow Dinotopians. When five young descendants of these knights hear the heroic tales of their ancestors, they become inspired to form a brand-newExplorers club. Are these junior knights-9n-training ready for what's ahead? Ages 9-12.

Jurassic Park Adventures #2, "Prey," by Scott Ciencin: A band of teenagers armed with video cameras parachute into Jurassic Park. But their dreams of making a movie come to a halt when the dinosaurs rage out of control. Now their only hope is paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant and 13-year-old Eric Kirby. Ages 9-12.

Love Stories: His, Hers, Theirs, #5: "The Popular One," by Lizzie Skurnick: Ebony and her twin sister look exactly the same: yet their personalities couldn't be more different. Ebony's popular; her sister is a math nerd. But now Ebony has a crush on Mr. Mathematics. So if she could only borrow her sister's identity for a while... African-American main characters. Age 12 and up.

The Mummy Chronicles IV, "The Flight of the Phoenix," by Dave Wolverton: Ardeth Bay has something different in mind for Alex O'Connell. It is time for Alex to be tested. Alex's task, however, remains a mystery. All he knows is that, if he fails, he will never be a true Medjai. Ages 9-12.

The Older Guy: Love Stories: His, Hers, Theirs, #6, by Rachel Hawthorne: Kelly thinks she's done the right thing by lying to Michael about her age, but when she begins going to senior parties, things get tougher than she had imagined. Age 12 and up.

Replica #20: "Like Father, Like Son," by Marilyn Kaye: Chris Skinner, Amy's new boyfriend, has never met his father. So when he comes to ask Chris to be a donor for a bone marrow transplant, Chris isn't sure what to do. Ages 13 and up.

SVH Senior Year #34: "Troublemaker," by Francine Pascal: Something is happening between Jessica and Tia's boyfriend. But stealing your best friend's boyfriend is a big mistake--even bigger when he's your boyfriend's best friend. Ages 14 and up.

Tearing Me Apart: SVH Senior Year #36, by Francine Pascal: Will always thought his life was boring with the all-American family; he finds out that it's a hundred times better than watching his parents split up. Ages 14 and up.

Virtual Amy: Replica #21, by Marilyn Kaye: Andy tells Amy that her every move is being watched. There seems nowhere for Amy to hide, and the only answer seems to lie in a computer game. Ages 13 and up.

Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century, #3, "The Trouble with Fun," by Marilyn Sadler: When an important Earth scientist visits Space Station 9, Zenon agrees to entertain his daughter Teena. All Teena cares about is having fun, even if it means breaking all sorts of space station rules. Zenon wants to be a good hostess. But the trouble with fun is knowing which kinds will get you into trouble. Ages 9-12.

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