BCTLA Book Reviews 2007
BCTLA REVIEWS 2007
"BCTLA Reviews" is coordinated by:
REVIEWS COORDINATOR
Pat Parker
REVIEWS EDITOR
Carolyn Cutt
The Canadian Education Index regularly scans and indexes "BCTLA Reviews" which is published in The Bookmark.
Items reviewed include print and non-print materials. To be considered for inclusion items should have significant association with the province of British Columbia through the author, performer, producer or subject matter; and should have been published within the last three years.
Publishers are requested to send materials they wish to have reviewed by the Reviewing Service to:
Pat Parker
April 2007
Frizzell, Colin. Chill -- Orca Book Publishers, 2006. -- 112 pp. -- ISBN 1-55143-507-1, -- $9.95, paper.
Reviewed by: Tara Worden-Gill, Former Preschool Teacher/Student
This well-crafted story of friendship and loyalty will hold the reader's interest, especially with its element of mystery. Sprinkled with humour and clever imagery ("... and collapsed to the floor like a bulk bag of gummy bears slipping off the storeroom shelf." [p.94]), Frizzell's suspenseful tale of two tenth-grade boys, the protagonist, Sean, and the title character, Chill, should appeal to both boys and girls at the upper intermediate and junior secondary level. Frizzell creates vivid, consistent characters with dreams and aspirations that the reader can relate to. The antagonist, the humourously-named 'Mr. Sfinkter', is immediately detestable, yet enigmatic. The only minor flaw to this novel is the somewhat pat resolution of Mr. Sfinkter's story, one wishes there was more background given to this evil character.
The book's cover illustration is particularly intriguing and effective. Chill would make a worthwhile purchase for upper intermediate or junior secondary libraries.
Recommended Grade Level: Upper Intermediate / Junior Secondary
Brouwer, Sigmund. All-Star Pride-- Orca Book Publishers, 2006. -- 144 pp. -- ISBN 1-55143-635-3, -- $9.95, paper.
Reviewed by: Tara Worden-Gill, Former Preschool Teacher/Student
This fast-paced, upper-intermediate/ junior secondary level novel achieves a good balance between international intrigue and our national sport of hockey. Hog Burnell, a tough, big, but kind-hearted junior hockey star, is on a promotional 'East vs. West' tournament in present-day Russia, which is effectively shown as corrupt and oppressive. The plot moves between Moscow and St. Petersburg, and several pivotal scenes take place on the ancient, swaying train that travels between the two cities. Secondary characters like the beautiful Russian translator, Nadia, the sinister 'Mr. Eyepatch', and the wealthy, villainous tour promoter, Matthew Martin Henley, are well depicted. Priceless art smuggling, double agents and traitorous all-star players keep the reader unsure of whom to trust until the final pages.
Although both the book cover and its title suggest a story aimed at hockey fans, the actual game scenes are very accessible, detailed but not overlong. This novel will appeal to upper intermediate and junior secondary boys and girls.
Recommended Grade Level: Upper Intermediate / Junior Secondary
Goobie, Beth. Hello,Groin. –– Orca Book Publishers, 2006. –– 288pp. –– ISBN 1-55143-459-8. –– $19.95 hardcover.
Reviewed by: Willow Reichelt, teacher on call, SD#33 (Chilliwack).
Dylan has supportive parents and a great boyfriend. She is pretty and popular, but she is hiding a big secret, one that threatens to tear her world apart. She is a lesbian, and she's in love with her best friend, Jocelyn. When Dylan makes a display for the library window showing a girl and a boy made of books, she chooses Foxfire for the girl's groin. The principal censors the groin area of the display before anyone can see it, and Dylan won't tell anyone what book it was. Dylan had chosen the title as an example of a book that deals with female strength and honour, but as time goes by the lesbian overtones of the book gain more weight. Dylan must find a way to come to terms with her own groin and come out before she can fight to reveal the groin on her display.
Hello, Groin is a completely different coming out story than would have been possible even a decade ago. Dylan is not afraid of persecution, and there is even a group of out lesbians at the school. What Dylan is afraid of is giving up on the dream of having a happy marriage and kids like her parents have. She wants those things, yet she knows that she is a lesbian. By accepting her true nature she is also accepting that her life will be more complicated.
Beth Goobie has done an excellent job of writing a book about sexuality that is not merely voyeuristic. Teenagers spend a lot of their time thinking about sex, so the focus on sex in this book is entirely realistic. Dylan's character is compelling, and even heterosexual readers will be able to empathize with her situation.
Warning: this book contains descriptive masturbation scenes. Be prepared to defend your purchase.
Recommended for High School Libraries
Reading Level: 7
Recommended Grade Level: 10-12
Johansen, K.V. Illustrated by Christine Delezenne. Torrie and the firebird. –– Annick Press, 2006. –– 156pp. : b&w ill. –– ISBN 1-55037-960-7. –– $9.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Rosemary Anderson, teacher-librarian, W.L. McLeod Elementary School, SD#91 (Nechako Lakes).
This is a highly fictional and humorous account of adventures with pirates on the Great Southern Continent (very similar to Australia). The Old Thing who narrated Torrie and the Pirate Queen has returned to join the feisty Captain Anna and her crew on an adventure quest to recover the stolen gem. They are trying to prove the innocence of Kokako, a young boy who is fleeing the angry mob. Their journey takes them to many places including deep forest and desert, and they encounter many dangers. Torrie soon becomes convinced that there is great significance connected to the giant missing gem and the ones that guard it. They encounter many creatures, both friendly and unfriendly, and learn many things from their adventures. The firebird assists them because the giant gem is actually her egg in the Oyon, which hatched, and did not destroy the Oyon as previously feared. The firebird continues her quest to find peace. Captain Anna and her crew successfully complete their adventure.
This is an interesting book for higher level readers. Although there is lots of action, there are also lots of descriptive passages that might not appeal to readers. The many illustrations and glossary help in understanding the story. It is also quite a lengthy book and the content does not seem to match the reading level and style.
F KYI
Kyi, Tanya Lloyd. Illustrated by Martha Newbigging. Jared Lester, Fifth grade jester. –– Annick Press, 2006. –– 80pp. : B&W ill. –– ISBN 1-55451-025-2. –– $7.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith).
After seeing a court jester in his sister's video, Jared decides to become one, relying on his years of gymnastics classes and his ability to juggle. A retired college expert on medieval courts shows Jared how jesters have changed the course of history through using sleight of hand or clowning skills to distract combatants and to calm international arguments.
Most importantly, the professor points out to Jared that a successful jester needs to exercise self-control so that he does not draw attention to himself until he wishes, but rather quietly observes and chooses the right moment for maximum effect.
In order to win the right to perform in a community presentation to the Queen of England, Jared first auditions for his school and is successful, along with the arch-bully, Violent. During the presentation to the queen, Violent's juggling of flaming torches goes amiss and the quick thinking of both Jared and the ambassador prevents the torch from landing on the queen. In talking with the ambassador, Jared found that his job description and skill requirements seem very much like those of a jester.
Illustrated with black and white cartoons , often full page, and cartoon drawings at the beginning of each un-numbered chapter, the book should appeal to readers in the intermediate grades.
Recommended Grade Level: Intermediate
Kyrkorka, Ian. Illustrated by Vladyana Krykorka. Carl the Christmas carp. –– Orca Book Publishers, 2006. –– 32pp. : ill. –– ISBN 1-55143-329-X. –– $19.95 hardcover.
Reviewed by: Willow Reichelt, teacher on call, SD#33 (Chilliwack).
Radim lives in Prague, and just like every year his family has bought a carp and is keeping it in the bathtub until they cook it for Christmas dinner. When Radim notices the fish's striking resemblance to his Uncle Carl he begins to feel sorry for it, and risks his parents' anger by setting Carl the Carp free in the river. His parents are indeed angry, but it is Christmas and all is forgiven. They are even able to laugh about it over their Christmas chicken dinner.
Ian Krykorka's text is enjoyable. North American readers will learn about a different Christmas tradition, but they will also see that some childhood experiences, like having to suffer through a meal of one's least-favourite vegetable, are universal. It is Vladyana Krykorka's illustrations that truly make this book stand out. The facing page for each page of text is a gorgeous full-colour illustration done in watercolour, tempera and mixed media. These illustrations sometimes spill across to the bottom of the text page. At other times there are small separate pictures under the text.
This is a beautiful book and would be an excellent resource for talking about holiday traditions around the world.
Highly Recommended
Reading Level: 5 Recommended Grade Level: 2-4
Langston, Laura. Exit point. –– Orca Book Publishers, 2006. –– 112pp. –– ISBN 1-55143-525-X. –– $16.95 hardcover.
Reviewed by: Garth Harkess
Exit Point opens with Logan, the sixteen year old hero, awakening to the reality that he is dead - killed in a car crash while drunk and speeding. He's dead, but there are things he has to do before he completely leaves the world behind. His family is grieving, and his little sister faces a terrifying future unless he can find a way to let someone know that she is being sexually abused by a relative. His deceased grandmother and a spirit 'guide', named Wade, help Logan understand the poor choices he made in life and help him to do the right thing before moving away from the land of the living. The plot is original and the characters and dialogue are interesting.
The author, Laura Langston, lives on Vancouver Island. She is the author of Lesia's Dream and Finding Cassidy.
The Orca Soundings series is extremely popular with teenage readers. At around one hundred pages, and with a reading level of about grade 3, they do not intimidate students who may be put off by the length of mainstream Young Adult novels. Canadian authors, interesting story lines and enticing cover art all help to make this series one of the very best for reluctant readers in secondary schools. Recommended for all junior and senior secondary school libraries.
McClintock, Norah. Snitch. –– Orca Book Publishers, 2005. –– 112pp. –– ISBN 1-55143-484-9. –– $9.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Garth Harkess
Josh lives with his older brother Andrew's family. He likes his nephew Digby, but he always seems to be at odds with Andrew's wife Miranda. Josh has been in trouble with the law for purse snatching and violent assault, and as part of his rehabilitation he has to attend a special program where people with anger management problems learn to train dogs. With the help of Mr. Weller, who runs the course, and his assistant Maggie, Josh bonds with his training dog, Sully, and learns to make peace with Miranda. He eventually reconnects with his old friend and partner in crime, Scott, who had snitched on Josh after their last robbery went wrong and who is the victim of a beating that Josh is falsely accused of committing. The plot is original and the characters and dialogue are interesting; the reading level scans at about grade 2, so this will appeal to the reluctant readers.
Nora McClintock writes Young Adult novels and mysteries including the Chloe & Levesque juvenile crime novels.
Recommended for ages 12+ Reading level 2.1.
Pausewang, Gudrun. Translated by John Brownjohn. Dark hours. –– Annick Press, 2006. –– 216pp. : b&w photos. –– ISBN 978-1-55451-042-9. –– $21.95 hardcover.
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith).
This excellent story, set in Germany near the end of WW II, is written by a grandmother, Gisela, as a gift for her granddaughter's sixteenth birthday. It tells of how the evacuated family became separated as allied planes bombed a train station. Gisela, herself then sixteen, rationed food and water, and kept hope alive for her three younger brothers and an unrelated little girl for two days and two nights trapped in the darkness of a bombed air raid shelter.
The book, written in Germany, shows the background developments that led the German people into support of the war, and while frankly accepting responsibility, clearly shows the human love and strength common to all. Suspense is achieved through realistic human behaviour. At a Fry readability level of Grade 5 or 6, this book of 20 chapters with one photo and two maps would be a valuable holding for libraries serving upper intermediate or secondary students.
Recommended Grade Level: Upper intermediate, or secondary
Pohl-Weary, Emily. Strange times at Western High. –– Annick Press, 2006. –– 224pp. : b&w ill. –– ISBN 978-1-55451-039-9. –– $11.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Willow Reichelt, teacher on call, SD#33 (Chilliwack).
On her first day of school at Western High, Natalie Fuentes manages to be the only "witness to a brutal attack [on the school's janitor], get on the principal's bad side, and make an enemy of the queen of the ant hill". Despite her dyed red hair, multiple piercings and funky zine-queen persona, Natalie had hoped to blend in at her new school. Alas, she instead becomes embroiled in a mystery.
With the help of several new friends (Jacob, the techie son of the janitor; Ramiro Lopez, the misunderstood graffiti artist; Ruth and Matt, the friendly neighbours; Suzy, who handily can print Natalie's zine for free) Natalie gets closer and closer to finding the culprit. In the process she runs up against a racist teacher and is further persecuted by the popular crowd.
Although Emily Pohl-Weary tries a little too hard to show how hip Natalie is, her character does come off as quite appealing. The mystery is compelling, and the reader is kept guessing until nearly the end. Teenage readers will probably like it a lot. The interaction between the teen characters is realistic, and the action is fast-paced. The doodle-like illustrations on each page are a nice touch.
Recommended
Reading Level: 7
Recommended Grade Level: 8-12
Polak, Monique. Home invasion. –– Orca Book Publishers, 2005. –– 112pp. –– ISBN 1-55143-482-2. –– $9.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Willow Reichelt, teacher on call, SD#33 (Chilliwack).
Josh's mother has to leave town to look after her ill father, which means that Josh is stuck living alone with his dorky new stepfather, Clay. Meanwhile, there is a serial home invader at work in Montreal who is the talk of the town, and Josh starts doing some home invading of his own: sneaking into people's houses so he can watch "normal" families interact. Josh slowly learns that even "normal" families have problems, and that maybe his stepfather has some redeeming qualities. Luckily, while Josh is in the middle of one of his own "home invasions" the real home invader attacks the family and Josh is able to save the day.
Home Invasion is an Orca Soundings high/low novel for reluctant teen readers. Monique Polak manages to keep the chaotic plot and dizzyingly rapid character development, typical of the genre, from crossing the line into being utterly unbelievable. Teen readers will identify with Josh's feelings toward his stepfather, and the plot, while not totally realistic, is exciting and well-paced.
This book would be a solid addition to your high/low collection.
Recommended
Reading Level: 3.6
Recommended Grade Level: 8-12
Skene, Pat. Illustrated by Graham Ross. What a Hippopota-mess! –– Orca Book Publishers, 2006. –– 64pp. : b&w ill. –– ISBN 1-55143-402-4. –– $6.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Christopher Hunt, teacher-librarian, Chilliwack Central Elementary Community School, SD#33 (Chilliwack).
It is sometimes difficult for a reviewer to write a "bad" review of a book, however, this book, What a Hippopota-mess, unfortunately, appears to be a mediocre jumble.
The concept behind the book sounds promising: a series of light and humourous poems about animals, each followed by odd and interesting facts about those animals. This may evoke more an image of a beautiful picture book with illustrated poems, fact captions and insets on the facing page. The reality is a small book that looks more like a typical beginner novel. Perhaps having a subtitle on the book would best indicate that it was largely poetry so as not to confuse young library patrons expecting a novel (although, this info is clear on the back cover blurb).
The animal information sections are presented in a mixture of fact sheets and interviews with a character from the poem. The intended audience and reading level of the book is approximately grade two to three. Readers this age will enjoy the factual paragraphs on various living things, however, the "interviews" are a little stilted and awkward. It may be suggested that the humour simply doesn't appeal to an adult reviewer's sensibilities, but there are many other books with a knock-knock joke level of humour whose merits are appreciated.
The poetry in the book is somewhat weak. The lines often clunk rather than scanning smoothly and many lines have gnarled syntax in an effort to make a rhyme. This book is not recommended for purchase for the budget-constrained school library. If one seeks poetry or intriguing animal facts, there are many others resources to satisfy.
Recommended Grade Level: not recommended
Spalding, Andrea and Alfred Scow. Secret of the Dance. Illustrated by Darlene Gait. –– Orca Book Publishers, 2006. –– 32pp. : ill. –– ISBN 1-55143-396-6. –– $19.95 hardcover.
Reviewed by: Gloria Reinheimer, teacher-librarian, Bear Creek Elementary School, SD#36 (Surrey).
The year is 1935 and the Indian agent has come to tell the village that dancing, like potlatch, is against the law. Fishing boats are packed with food and clothing. That night, Watlkina hears strange noises outside his house. Peeking through the curtains, he sees strange, blanket-wrapped shapes also loaded onto the boats. The next day his family motors away from the village, hoping the Indian agent thinks they are going fishing. After traveling for most of the day, the family docks at a remote village by a sheltered inlet. When night falls all the children are put to bed, but Watlinka cannot sleep. He secretly watches as the strange shapes are carried to the big house. Later he follows the sounds of drums and chanting. At the big house he comes face to face with all the masked characters of his grandmother's stories.
Spalding has collaborated with Judge Alfred Scow, aka Watlinka, to tell this story from Scow's childhood. It was a time when the government thought the only way to assimilate First Nations was to stamp out their culture. Spalding is always very careful to seek permission to tell her native stories. The author's note at the back of the book explains the laws and threats the government used. It also has a glossary, but explains that a guide to pronunciation is impossible. This is a good story that would make a great addition to any First Nations collection.
Like Spalding's Solomon's Tree , this book is highly recommended for Grade 1-3.
Stinson, Kathy. Illustrated by Heather Collins. The bare naked book. –– Annick Press, 2006. –– 32pp. : ill. –– ISBN 978-1-55451-049-8, –– $6.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Willow Reichelt, teacher on call, SD#33 (Chilliwack).
The Bare Naked Book shows a wide variety of people going about their normal daily activities. In the process it gives young children the names for all their body parts. Each part has various examples with illustrations ("In-a-lump belly buttons/ In-a-hole belly buttons/ Scrunched up belly buttons") and ends with the question, "Where's your______?" This simple format will appeal to preschoolers, as they will have a sense of accomplishment when they are able to link the ideas in the book to their own bodies.
This is a 20th anniversary edition of the book, and it is easy to see why it has stood the test of time. The text employs straightforward language and subtle humour, and the illustrations look like everyday people. There is no difference in tone between talking about toes and talking about nipples or penises, so children will feel that no part of their body is shameful. In addition, nudity is shown only where it would naturally occur, like in the bath, so it is not embarrassing.
The Bare Naked Book should be available in elementary libraries for parents to take out and read to their children. It would obviously be inappropriate during library storytime to have a whole room full of children looking for their nipples, etc.
Recommended
Stinson, Kathy. Illustrated by Robin Baird Lewis. Red is best. –– Annick Press, 2006. –– 32pp. : ill. –– ISBN 978-1-55451-051-1. –– $6.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith).
First published in 1982, this 25th Anniversary Edition includes forewords by both the author and the illustrator. The simplicity of the text and the illustrations, as a three-year-old dresses herself, makes this a timeless story celebrating independence and the joy of making choices, even when rational advice is being given by adults.
Highly recommended for inclusion in all primary school libraries.
Recommended Grade Level: Primary
Walsh, Ann. Flower power. –– Orca Book Publishers, 2005. –– 112pp. –– ISBN 1-55143-386-9. –– $9.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Willow Reichelt, teacher on call, SD#33 (Chilliwack).
Calendula (aka Callie) Powers wakes up one morning to find that her mother, Marigold, has chained herself to their neighbour's tree. Marigold is outraged that their neighbour is planning to cut down the tree to make room for a garage for his new motorcycle and she refuses to come down until he changes his mind. Chaos ensues as Callie's house is overrun with reporters, and things finally come to a head in a musical duel between the singing Grannies and the neighbour's biker friends. With all the adults behaving like children it is up to Callie to restore order and convince the adults to reach a compromise.
Flower Power is from the Orca Currents series of high/low books for middle school readers, and as such has the usual accelerated plot and sketchily rendered characters. Many high/low books manage to transcend their genre and create their own internal logic, but this one does not. The plot is too ridiculous to be believable, but not ridiculous enough to be laugh-out-loud funny. The character and story would appeal more to a grade four audience than to its intended middle-school one.
Ann Walsh is an award-winning author of historical novels for children. This story probably could have been expanded into a good novel for intermediate readers, but instead it is a mediocre high/low novel. If you buy all the Orca Currents books there is no reason to avoid this one, but if you are being choosy you could certainly do better.
Recommended with reservation.
Reading Level: 3.5
Recommended Grade Level: 5-8
Yee, Paul. What happened this summer. –– Tradewind Books, 2006. –– 192pp. –– ISBN 1-896580-88-2. –– $12.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Gloria Reinheimer, teacher-librarian, Bear Creek Elementary School, SD#36 (Surrey).
In What happened this summer, Yee has targeted a specific audience. All of his vignettes are about Chinese young people. His stories all deal with their struggles to balance the cultural ideals of our society with very traditional Chinese values. The teenagers in these stories are dealing with the issues of 'head tax' redress, homosexual siblings, church values, teenage marriage with the sole purpose of sponsoring a whole family for immigration, old family obligations, university versus art school, astronaut or long distance parents, pressure to do well academically, cheating, and returning to their own culture in Asia. Some of these problems are universal, but all of Yee's stories have a cultural twist.
These stories comprise the ultimate problem book. Each of the chapters deals with one issue, though the same character may be present in many. In one story Yee shifts from a male to a female character mid story, which is quite confusing for the reader. These are short, sharp tales that are almost like reading email. Yee is trying to show us that young Chinese, new immigrants or Canadian born, have a difficult time.
Recommended for Secondary Schools.
Brucker, Virginia Gifts from the heart : Simple ways to make your family's Christmas more meaningful. –– Insomniac Press, 2006. –– 336pp. –– ISBN 1-897178-30-1. –– $19.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith).
The book is attractively laid-out; browsers will be charmed by the black and white line drawings signed by the child artists and the numerous recipes throughout the book that are all listed in the comprehensive index.
Pertinent quotes from literary greats begin and end each chapter, titled to indicate the contents. For example "Christmas and Divorce" provides a great number of ideas to help deal fairly with the potentially competitive pull of two homes and families. The chapter "When the Holidays Hurt" contributes ideas to help meet the needs of shut-ins or people who are going through a period of loss or poor health.
A portion of the proceeds from each purchase will be donated for research funded by the Canadian Cancer Society. Merely reading the ideas in the book buoys a reader's feelings so making the book available to others by giving it or including it in a library's holdings should expand the ripple effect of wholesome feelings. This book, with a Fry Readability Score of Grade 8 is recommended for purchase by any library serving a population who celebrates Christmas.
Recommended Grade Level: Parents with students of all ages from primary through secondary
Danlock, Tyrone. In the wilds of western Canada. –– Trafford Publishing, 2005. –– 198pp. : colour photos. –– ISBN 141203447-7. –– $37.00 paper.
Reviewed by: Gloria Reinheimer, teacher-librarian, Bear Creek Elementary School, SD#36 (Surrey).
Tyrone Danlock has written 27 short stories about his wilderness encounters in Western Canada. He has met numerous animals of all sizes. During the years he writes about, he was both living and working in the wilderness. He includes safety tips, a glossary and some very beautiful photographs. Danlock hunts with a camera and pepper spray, but sometimes carries a gun for protection. The twin themes of conservation and ecology run through these stories.
The stories, however, are text heavy and use some flowery language. There is a lot of description of landscape and weather to set up the brief animal encounters. Danlock says he has purposely obscured the locations to protect the animals. He has divided the stories into geographic areas, but they need a common theme to tie them together. Danlock's love and respect for nature is obvious in his stories. This book is self published and would have limited audience appeal at the secondary school level.
Tanner, Mike. Flat-out rock : Ten great bands of the '60s. –– Annick Press, 2006. –– 160pp. : colour and b&w photos. –– ISBN 978-1-55451-035-1. –– $14.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith).
Simple, clear, factual and attractive, this book at a grade 11 reading level should fill any gap of general knowledge in the minds of high school rockers interested in Dylan, Beatles, Who, Doors, Joplin, Hendrix, CCR, Stones, CSN&Y and Led Zep.
Almost every page turn reveals two illustrations or an illustration and a colourful, informative sidebar. Band names as chapter titles are printed in 60s style lettering and the sidebars are reminiscent of tie dye fashion.
Each chapter is devoted to information on one band and includes not only lists of what Tanner considers their best albums and best singles, but cites groups or artists that were chief influences and those who were in turn influenced by each of these remarkable bands.
Discussions of each band are firmly established against the background of political and social changes that grew out of the economic and scientific developments of the western world after WW II. This time period could not be discussed without mention of drug use and this book deals with the topic in an even handed way, pointing out the number of artists who died young or had their careers severely limited through drug use.
The usefulness of this book as resource material for secondary school libraries is enhanced by the four-page index and two pages each of bibliography, cited materials, photo credits, and a list of influential songs by artists other than the featured groups.
Recommended Grade Level: Secondary
Lesynski, Loris. Illustrated by Michael Martchenko. I did it because… : How a poem happens. –– Annick Press, 2006. –– 64pp. : ill. –– ISBN 978-1-55451-017-7. $10.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Karen Schweitzer, retired teacher-librarian, SD#61 (Greater Victoria).
Poetry is a form of writing that a majority of students fear. But why? Most young children enjoy the rhyme and rhythm expressed in poetry. Many can recite their favourites and never tire of hearing them over and over. So what makes the transition from hearing to writing so difficult?
In their book, I Did It Because…, Loris Leynski and Michael Martchenko have combined their talents to make the writing of poetry not scary, but fun. The book is divided into sections that guide the student along in the development of a poem. It begins with "Feeling the Beat", then "Sounds and Wordplay", "Inspiration Sparks" and finally, "Writing in Rhyme".
Loris' skilful choice of topics, such as "Sock Fluff" and "No Smirchling Allowed", will hopefully succeed in reuniting the hesitant writer with a renewed love of poetry. In Loris' world of poetry, anything goes!
Michael Martchenko's humorous illustrations add to the enjoyment of the book.
A list of websites is included at the end of the book. They give students, teachers and parents great sites to check out.
I Did It Because is a book that should be in every intermediate classroom. Both teachers and students would benefit from reading and working through the ideas presented.
Recommended Gr. Level Gr. 3-6
May 2007 Auger, Dale. Mwakwa talks to the loon : A Cree story for Children. – Heritage House Publishing Company Ltd., 2006. – 32pp. : ill. : glossary. – ISBN 978-1-894974-04-2,
$24.95, hardcover.
Reviewed by: Sheila Black, teacher-librarian (on leave) SD 32 (Vancouver)
Kayas is a young Cree hunter who is very skilled because he knows the ways of the animals, birds, and fishes and can even speak with the beings he hunts. His great talents are known by his People, who are grateful and lavish high praise upon him. However, Kayas soon stops hunting and is happy to rest on his laurels until he discovers that his own boastful attitude has diminished his talents and he is no longer able to provide for his People. Humbled and regretful, Kayas seeks out The Elders who encourage him to enlist the help of Mwakwa, the Loon, who owes the People a favour. Mwakwa, indeed, helps Kayas reconnect with the natural world, but Kayas and his People must in return rejoice always during their feasts and pay homage to the spirits of the animals, birds and fish who feed them.
In this Aboriginal tale of hubris, Kayas learns that to live a successful and fulfilling life one must learn to respect the special talents one has and not take them for granted. When Kayas is reconnected with the ways of his community, he honours the strong connection between spirituality and the land. Kayas understands his social responsibility in that he is part of a whole, no better and no worse than anyone or anything else.
The powerful lessons imparted in this story are reflected in the equally evocative and beautiful paintings illustrating the quiet simple words of oral tradition. The story is also interspersed with Cree words and phrases listed in a glossary with their meanings and phonetic pronunciations.
Dr. Dale Auger, who both wrote and illustrated this story, is a Sakaw Cree from the Bigstone Nation in northern Alberta. He has a Ph.D in education and is also a visual artist and public speaker.
It should be noted that Mwakwa talks to the loon has been honoured as a co-winner of the 2006 Aboriginal Book of the Year.
Highly recommended for K-6
Tate, Nikki. Jo's Journey. — Orca Book Publishers, 2006. —144pp. — ISBN 1-55143-536-5. — $7.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Christopher Hunt, teacher-librarian, Chilliwack Central Elementary Community School, SD#33 (Chilliwack).
Jo's Journey, by Nikki Tate, is a follow up to Jo's Pony Express adventures in the novel Jo's Triumph. This second book, however, stands on its own story, independent of the history contained in the first book.
Miss Joselyn Whyte is a preteen orphan disguising herself as a boy in the 1860s gold rush era. She is traveling with Bart Ridley, a friend from her previous adventures; as yet, he is unaware his companion is a girl. Naturally, by appearing to be a boy in that era, she gains considerable freedom that she is reluctant to give up.
When Jo convinces Bart to accompany her on a journey into the Cariboo gold fields, she has no idea how difficult the trip will be. The two are lucky enough to be taken on as employees of a Mr. Emerson. He is a grandiose talker with a barely hidden temper; his initial generous demeanour soon changes to that of a bitter slave driver. The two children lead a miserable, slogging, backbreaking existence on the long road north. The climax of the novel comes when Bart falls into a river and is swept downstream. Jo finds him nearly dead from exposure and has to nurse him back to health. Afterward, Jo reveals her true identity, and the relief of her honesty helps set the optimistic tone of the final pages.
This novel is a short, easy read (grade three level) that packs in a lot of facts about the gold rush and pioneering life. Nikki Tate is an experienced rider who has gone on re-created horseback journeys so her knowledge of horses and trail riding is evident in the book. The one small drawback to the story is that it may be compared to Frances Duncan's Cariboo Runaway which has similar elements: a girl traveling incognito as a boy who is heading north on the trail to the gold rush. Yet, despite surface similarities, the stories are quite different. Jo's Journey is a great novel for use in classrooms studying this era; it will engage students by bringing textbook learning to life.
Recommended Grade Level: 2 - 6 (and older)
Christie, Peter. Well-schooled fish and feathered bandits : The wondrous ways animals learn from animals. — 48 pp. : photos : index : bibliography. — ISBN 978-1-55451-045-0. — $9.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Christopher Hunt, teacher-librarian, Chilliwack Central Elementary Community School, SD#33 (Chilliwack).
Peter Christie's Well-schooled fish... is a fabulous non-fiction curiosity book. Its subject is "social learning," the process through which some animals go beyond mere instincts to develop new skills which other animals in their species copy. By presenting the observations of researchers, Christie allows the reader to see evolution in action.
Some of the examples of social learning have been well covered in the news media (especially on science shows) but other examples in the book are lesser known. The examples included are very entertaining: there were several British bird species that learned to break open milk bottle seals (in the days of home delivery) to drink the cream; starlings, who like shiny objects, found a way to steal quarters from a change machine; a crow using a water fountain, and so on.
Other examples of social learning include animals' use of tools and their ability to make or modify tools. There are many examples of animal learning via observation, even including whales and birds that develop new songs after hearing another innovator who breaks away from the usual.
This book is great for those library patrons interested in learning fascinating facts about the natural world. It is an interesting read from cover to cover. Its layout, with plenty of insets, pictures, and captions allows for informative browsing as well. The reading level is approximately grade 5-6, though it could be used to enhance animal studies with younger students.
Recommended Grade Level: 4 - 8 (suitable for younger/older as well)
Rud, Jeff. High and Inside. – Orca Book Publishers, 2006. – 176pp. – ISBN 1-55143-532-2. - $8.95 paper.
Reviewed by Pat Parker, teacher-librarian, Arthur Hatton/Dufferin Elementary Schools, SD#73 (Kamloops/North Thompson).
In this Sequel to In the Paint, baseball is central to the action. The South Side Sports series features fast-paced sports books and this time the focus is on making choices.
Matt is afraid of being hit by the ball, so Charly, the team manager, gives up his Saturday mornings to help Matt with hitting practice. Matt's friend, Jake, the best player on the team, is introduced to marijuana, by his older cousin. Matt and Jake's friendship is tested when Matt is thought to be using marijuana, when in fact, he was only carrying Jake's marijuana-smelling jacket in his bag. Matt made a good choice in not being peer-pressured into using marijuana, but is feeling bad that his mother and others think that he might be guilty. There is a great sport story as the Stingers pursue the play-offs and a nice romantic touch as Matt and Andrea's relationship becomes more serious.
It is a small format paperback with a bright cover. Inside, the paper quality is good, but there is very little margin space.
The author is a news journalist and also wrote Long Shot: Steve Nash's Journey to the NBA.
Recommended Grade level 6-8
Crooks, Sylvia. Homefront and battlefront: Nelson BC in World War II. – Heritage House Publishing Company, Ltd., 2005. – 228pp. : b&w photos ; endnotes : bibliography : index. – ISBN 1-894694-38-4. - $24.95
Reviewed by: Pat Parker, teacher-librarian, Arthur Hatton/Dufferin Elementary Schools, SD#73 (Kamloops/North Thompson).
Sylvia Crooks has written a tribute to the generation who lived through World War II. It is a well-researched, well-written, comprehensive history of both the battlefront and the home front. Although the title implies it is the history of one small town, it could be the history of any number of towns. It is a compelling account of personal and community stories.
Crooks' teacher, Maurice Latornell, was the impetus for the writing of the book. When she went to the Nelson cenotaph to check the spelling of his name, she was struck by the number of other names there, and began thinking about their lives and too-early deaths.
In all, seventy men left Nelson, never to return. They were badminton players, golfers, basketball players, students, and academics. This book, written in chronological order, tells their stories.
It is a story told in a straightforward fashion and uses contemporary accounts: letters, military records, and newspaper articles. It does not overly sentimentalize, but does convey the irony of war. The book almost seamlessly switches to the home front and reports on activities showing massive local support and fundraising.
Included are wonderful photographs of the people and the era. There are reproductions of newspaper ads promoting overseas service, mailing gifts overseas, and public meetings.
A number of postscripts are also added: a geographical listing of memorials in Nelson and district, a list of the casualties and the dates of death and place of burial, the military units of the casualties, home addresses of Nelson and district casualties, a record of sources, a bibliography, and a personal name index.
The author was born and raised in Nelson and her father was the mayor from 1958 to 1963. She has been an editor, quiz show writer, public librarian and UBC professor. She has authored two previous books on library services.
Recommended Grade level 9-12
Lawrenson, Diana. Illustrated by Leigh Hobbs. It's true! Your hair is dead. – Annick Press, 2006. 96 pp. : b&w ill. – ISBN 978-1-55451-023-8. - $6.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Pat Parker, teacher-librarian, Arthur Hatton/Dufferin Elementary Schools, SD#73 (Kamloops/North Thompson).
This book, in the It's True series, contains chapters that reveal interesting facts and tidbits about hair. There are the science facts (how many hair follicles there are on the average head and what causes baldness), the historical (how Napoleon's hair revealed how he died), the fashionable (how hair and wig styles change), the religious (beliefs to do with hair and the biblical story of Samson), and several other details and stories. It isn't an academic treatise, but a bit of light fun and might be interesting to people who like trivia.
The author is a trained nurse who has also written Pickle the Perfectly Awful Pig, Inside the Australian Ballet, and Guide Dogs: From Puppies to Partners.
There are black and white photos and cartoon sketches. The paper is not of high quality. A glossary and index are included.
Recommended Grade level 5-12
Pearce, Jacqueline. The Truth about Rats (and Dogs). Orca Books, 2006. – ISBN – 978-1-55143-473-3. - $8.95
Reviewed by: Gloria Reinheimer, teacher-librarian, Bear Creek Elementary School, SD#36 (Surrey).
Connor's parents have a 'no pets' rule. His mother has a catering business so he can have no pets of any kind. Connor wants a dog and he pours over dog books. One day his mother finds a city rat in their backyard. Connor sees this as an opportunity. How about a dog that hunts rats? Connor and some classmates belong to a pet club and volunteer at the local animal shelter. One day the shelter apprehends a number of tame rats destined for snake food. Before he can stop himself, Connor volunteers to foster a rat named Oscar. How can he hide the rat from his parents?
Jacqueline Pearce has written an entertaining pet vs parents story. She has also woven in other issues, especially Connor's mandatory piano lessons, which he hates. Connor thinks his parents never listen to him and questions why should he have to practice piano when he clearly is not as talented as his sister.
This is an easy to read story that will appeal to Grade 3-5 students
Kyi, Tanya Lloyd. Rescues! Annick Press, 2006. – 144p. – ISBN – 978-1-55451-033-7. $9.95
Reviewed by: Gloria Reinheimer, teacher-librarian, Bear Creek Elementary School, SD#36 (Surrey).
A circus tent on fire, a submarine on the ocean floor, the Frank slide, an oil derrick in a hurricane, men climbing a dangerous mountain face, an airship crashing in the Arctic, a young boy lost in an old mine, these and many other stories included in this volume are all true. These tales tell of people who helped others. Some of these heroic people were trained rescuers, climbers, marine engineers and vets, but others risked their lives to help total strangers. They used bare hands, ropes, shovels and even a pocket- knife.
Tanya Lloyd Kyi has selected these stories for the True Stories from the Edge series. The stories are from 1854 through to 1997, days of limited technology to the recent past. These stories are fast paced, describing how brave people have stepped up to help those in trouble.
Recommended for Grade 4-7
Schemmer, Buff M. Chasing Sunsets. Hardcopys DPS Inc., 2006 - 200p. – ISBN 0-9735820-6-5 - Pbk. $12.95
Reviewed by: Karen Schweitzer, retired teacher-librarian, SD#61 (Greater Victoria).
In Chasing Sunsets , author Buff Schemmer approaches a very sensitive issue with great understanding and wisdom. It is evident that he has spent many hours with young people, as he is able to communicate the struggles and issues they must deal with every day.
Justin Baxter is a talented athlete and an all round student. He should be basking in the glory of his many accomplishments, but instead he must keep hidden the issue that will eventually claim his life.
A car accident that he feels responsible for, a tainted blood transfusion and then a devastating HIV positive test result, force his family to move from town to town due to ignorance and intolerance.
It is not until they settle in a small town do they finally receive love and acceptance. And it is here that Justin is able to let down the barriers that have held him captive and become the young man he was meant to be.
Chasing Sunsets will touch your heart, leaving a lasting impression and have you asking the question, "How would I react if confronted with a similar situation?"
This is a book that should be added to the required reading list for Grades 10 – 12. Follow up group and class discussions would be valuable.
Recommended Gr. Level 10 – 12
Harold, Hughina. Totem poles and tea. —Heritage House Publishing Ltd., 2006.—226pp. : b&w photos : index.—ISBN 1-894974-13-1.--$19.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Marilyn Aldworth, District Librarian, North Vancouver School District #44
In 1935,Hughina Bowden, a young woman fresh from nursing school in Victoria, accepts a job as a teacher-nurse at the Christian mission on remote Village Island. Fifty years later she revisits her old haunts on Alert Bay and gazes across the stormy waters to Village Island in the Broughton Archilpelago. This trip rekindled memories of her 2 years sharing a cold, leaky float-home with two elderly missionaries. Hughina's encounters with First Nations students and families, and her understanding of their culture came flooding back. She knew then that she had witnessed things in a bygone era that should not be forgotten.
She remembered her long, detailed letters that she wrote to her family in Victoria that described her experiences of working and living in the up-coast Indian village. After her mother passed away, Hughina discovered the box full of her letters, read them and relived those memorable days. In the mid-1960s CBC radio was reading human-interest stories so she sent her handwritten tales in to CBC's Morning Visit and they were aired for many weeks as a serial.
One of the listeners was Harry Wolcott, an anthropologist who had taught on Village Island to collect material for his dissertation. He contacted Hughina and documented their discussions in a Kwakiutl Village and School.
The book has original photos and easy, short chapters that are captivating and show an appreciation for the beauty as well as the challenges of the coastal life. Given that she knew very little about the environment and the culture that she was about to experience, Totem poles and tea is a fascinating account of a gutsy young woman's remembrances of her life in a First Nations coastal village and allows the reader to view a fascinating time in our history.
Recommended Grade Level: Grades 8-12
St. Stephen's Community House. The little black book for girlz : a book on healthy sexuality.- Annick Press, 2006.-208pp. : b&w ill.-ISBN 978-1-55037954-9.-$9.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Marilyn Aldworth, District Librarian, North Vancouver School District #44
Young women who hung out at the St. Stephen's Community House Youth Arcade Drop-In, in downtown Toronto, created this book. As a group they wanted sex education material that was equally positive and empowering to them. They also felt that there was a lack of resources on sexuality and relationships that they could relate to. Who better to write a book directed at youth than the peer group who wanted to encourage other young women to learn more about their bodies, their relationships, and their lives?
This book offers information without judgment - it gives honest, powerful, real-life information written with the collaboration of many youth and community professionals including social workers and doctors. Comprehensive resources are listed for each chapter and a glossary as well as many websites and telephone numbers are given at the back of the book.
Not only are there comprehensive facts about birth control, pregnancy, STIs, AIDs, abortion, relationships, periods, but the book also contains stories of personal experiences, poetry, and art created by a diverse group of teenage girls aged 14 to 19.
The format of the book is interesting and varied by typeface, fonts, question and answer pages, art, photos and illustrations. The little black book for girlz is sure to be an important resource for many teenage readers. Highly recommended.
Recommended for Secondary school libraries – Grades 8 – 12
Young, Heather E. More than a pretty face: the essential handbook for Canadian models.—Feather Books, 2003.—128pp. : b&w photos : glossary : index.—ISBN 0-9731607-0-5.--$30.00 paper.
Reviewed by: Marilyn Aldworth, District Librarian, North Vancouver School District #44
Many young men and women are interested in modeling, according to their participation in Canadian modeling schools and model agencies. A book like this serves as a valuable reference on the many aspects of modeling. Ms. Young's philosophy is simple: "I see the modeling industry as a business and I approach it with a practical and professional attitude." She has based this very informative book on practical, real-life experience over her last 14 years as an international model.
Valuable for the advice that it gives for both female and male models, as well as various other types of specialty modeling like petite, plus-size, hand, foot and runway models, it also provides useful information on agents, financial planning and Canadian markets.
Each chapter includes biographies, questions on how these models got started and what are the positive and negative aspects of modeling. The text is an excellent starting reference for teens that are thinking of modeling as a career. Parents of child and teen models would also benefit from reading this book before paying out large sums of money to an agency.
The format of the book is well designed and uses black and white photos, large typeface and "quick Model Tip" sidebars that contain useful hints. The book concludes with a set of Appendices containing lists of actors' unions and travel information, a glossary of modeling terms, a resource list of other books on grooming, self-help, and online references. There is also an index.
This book is highly recommended for career centres, school libraries, and public libraries.
Recommended Grades 8 – 12.
Gaetz, Dayle Campbell. Something Suspicious in Saskatchewan. –Orca Book Publishers. 2006.—208pp.—ISBN 1-55143-565-9. -- $8.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Rosemary Anderson, teacher-librarian, W.L. McLeod Elementary School, SD#91 (Nechako Lakes).
This is the fourth in the mystery series featuring cousin duo, Katie and Rusty. They travel to Saskatchewan with their grandparents to visit their aunt Margaret, and to keep out of the trouble their detecting has caused them. When they arrive, they find a suspicious fire, and deliberate vandalism. Their older cousin, Megan, whom they have not seen for a long time, is there with a man named Cliff, who works on the farm. Megan seems to be very unhappy and extremely thin, and their aunt is upset by several phone calls. Several other accidents happen and Cliff insists that it is Scott, Megan's friend from a neighbouring farm where Cliff used to work. Katie and Rusty keep investigating and find out that it is not Scott's fault, but Cliff who wants to buy the farm, but at a cheap price. If the farm is not producing well, then Aunt Margaret will have to sell it cheaply. Katie and Rusty tape a conversation with Cliff where he admits to doing these things, and the family calls the police and Cliff is apprehended. Aunt Margaret decides to rent out her farm to the Hutterites, and she and Megan are move to Victoria with the rest of the family.
This is a good book for intermediate readers. It has lots of action, and enough mystery to keep them reading. It is well written, at a suitable reading level, and also shows how to solve social issues that students will encounter. It is definitely recommended for elementary school libraries.
Recommended Grade Level: 4-8
Holubitsky, Katherine. The big snapper. – Orca Book Publishers, 2006. – 144pp.—ISBN 155143-563-2. -- $7.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Rosemary Anderson, teacher-librarian, W.L. McLeod Elementary School, SD#91 (Nechako Lakes).
Ten year old Eddie lives in the Queen Charlotte Islands where he spends a lot of his time fishing with his grandfather. His grandfather also tells him many stories about his fishing adventures. The best one is about the biggest snapper that of course got away. Eddie has a lot of life issues to deal with and he really looks forward to his fishing trips and the stories. His father went to the mainland a year ago, and has not returned. His mother is running a bed and breakfast, and many of the people who come to stay are rather obnoxious tourists. One day after Eddie had a big fish bite his line, and then get away, he is convinced that it was the big snapper that his grandfather had told him about. After that day, his grandfather becomes ill, and has to go to the mainland for treatment. After his grandfather leaves, Eddie's father returns to help the family, although Eddie's mother is not sure that she wants to accept his help. Eddie goes fishing with his father, and they catch the big snapper, which they estimate is about 60 years old. They return and are about to prepare the snapper for dinner when their guests complain that they do not want fish. Eddie takes the big snapper back down to the ocean and lets him go free. Soon after, his grandfather returns and is happy when Eddie tells him the story of catching the big snapper and then releasing it.
This story tells a lot about the culture and lifestyle of the people living in the Queen Charlotte Islands. It also deals well with social issues, illness of grandparents, and the split up of Eddie's parents. The book is well written, engages the interest of readers, and is a recommended addition to elementary school library collections.
Recommended Grade Level: 4-7
Hutchins, Hazel. TJ and the sports fanatic, -- Orca Book Publishers, 2006 --144pp. -- ISBN 1-55143-461-X. $7.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith
This comfortable book leaves the reader with a general feeling that situations often will work out all right. TJ signs up to play football because his best friend Seymour signs up, not knowing that the football in which his father, now not part of the family, had achieved notable success in, had been soccer. Neither boy is wildly enthusiastic about playing.
The coaches' positive attitude, Seymour's non-stop research, and TJ's Gran's enthusiasm for any game once understood helps TJ overcome his wariness of team sports and develop tenacity.
A parallel situation, requiring problem solving, has TJ's parents restructuring their hardware store business.
Divided into fourteen chapters, the text is enhanced with black and white illustrations and a few diagrams of football plays. The language is natural with humour that should appeal to readers in intermediate grades.
Recommended Grade Level: Intermediate
Lee, Ingrid. Illustrated by Stephane Denis. George, the best of all! -- Orca Book Publishers, 2006. -- 64pp. :b&w ill. -- ISBN 1-55143-623-X -- $6.95 paper. Orca Echoes. Ages 7-9.
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith)
This is the third and final book about George, the small plastic man who faces adventures at the hands of his owners, the sister and brother combination, Katie and Mackenzie. The one-page explanation of the adventures to this point is followed by many new adventures: George visiting a carnival, spending a night in a shopping mall, and thwarting a purse-snatcher. The charm of the story comes from George's adventurous view of the often common- place situation in which he finds himself. Sixteen black and white illustrations thoroughly support the Grade 3 reading level text.
Recommended Grade Level: Older Primary and early Intermediate
Farris, Jason. Hockey play-by-play: Around the NHL with Jim Robson. -- circaNow Productions, 2005. -- 112pp.: photos. -- ISBN 0-9739016-1-6. -- $44.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith
This very colourful book features full size photos of some of the game notes kept by radio and television broadcaster Jim Robson as he covered more than 2000 Vancouver Canuck NHL games, five all-star games and three Stanley Cup Finals from 1970 to his retirement in 1999. Along with the spiral bound books are photos of hockey collectors cards, program and magazine covers including a photo of dark-haired Pat Quinn.
The section called pre-game warm-up provides a guide to reading the game notes, complete with team rosters, names of officials, times of goals, end of period scores and landmark achievements.
Almost every page opening has a colourful sidebar recounting some information about each city the Canucks visited in away games.
The chapters of the book, are entitled 1st Period: The Original Six, 2nd Period: Campbell Expansion and 3rd Period: Ziegler and Bettman Expansion and Overtime Period: Franchise Relocation.
Between these lengthy sections are two page sections, beginning with Ist Intermission: Greats of the Game: Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr, and Wayne Gretzky.
The 2nd and 3rd Intermission sections called Wild and Weird includes information about one penalty free game between the Rangers and Canucks in 1976.
Time Outs deal with Robson's broadcasting career starting in Port Alberni and Nanaimo.
Even with the college reading level, this attractive book is fun to browse through and should make a popular addition to libraries serving intermediate and older students.
Recommended Grade Level: Intermediate and higher
Rogow, Sally M. Faces of courage: Young heroes of World War II. -- Granville Island Publishing Ltd., 2003. -- 162pp.:glossary : references. -- ISBN 1-894694-20-1. -- $16.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith)
Of the twelve separate stories of young people whose heroic actions saved the lives of others or who fought to return political freedom to Nazi occupied territories, the inclusion of the phrase "true story" in the table of contents indicate that only three are based on the lives of actual people while the others are fictional accounts based on conditions in Europe during WWII.
Each story is titled with the name of the protagonist, whose bravery and resilience in the face of danger engage the reader despite the short sentences and somewhat flat reporter-like tone.
The only illustration, a map of Europe in 1939, sets the stories in geographical place. as does the introduction. The foreword explains that the book's aim is to educate future generations and thus prevent atrocities like the Holocaust. The two-page glossary is useful and the two-pages of references should prove valuable to those who wish to research conditions that stimulated such heroism.
With a powerful cover and a grade four reading level this book should make a worthwhile purchase for a library serving intermediate or junior secondary readers.
Recommended Grade Level: Intermediate/Junior Secondary
Costain, Meredith. It's True! Hauntings Happen and Ghosts Get Grumpy. Illustrated by Craig Smith. Annick Press, 2006. 96p. ISBN – 1-5545102-1-X. Pbk. $6.95
Reviewed by: Gloria Reinheimer, teacher-librarian, Bear Creek Elementary School, SD#36 (Surrey).
Hauntings happen and ghosts get grumpy is a collection of short stories and facts about hauntings, psychic powers and alien sightings. Are these stories real? A girl appears at the cemetary gates and rides in a taxi , another ghost slaps people while they sleep, ghostly faces appear on the kitchen floor, in cellars, theatres and castles.
Do aliens really look like us? Scientists say this is impossible because alien bodies would have developed under conditions and gravity different from ours. To look like us they would have had to come from a planet just like ours. Was there really an alien craft that crashed? Have aliens performed surgeries on us or on our animals? Can Scotty really beam us up? Teleportation is possible, only we would not arrive looking the same.
Meredith Costain thinks all these things are possible and probable. She has collected vignettes, scientific fact and stories about all these phenomena. There are stories, check lists, newspaper articles and short bursts of information. She seems to be a believer. This book is non-fiction and makes interesting and sometimes scary reading.
Grades 4-7
Grant, Vicki. I.D. Orca Book Publishers, 2007. – ISBN 978-1-55143-694-4 $9.95
Reviewed by: Lavern Janzen, teacher-librarian, South Sa-Hali School, Kamloops.
"This just might be my lucky day." Christopher is dealing with a lot of pent up anger and frustration during his graduation year, and so the chance to take on a new I.D. could not be more timely. The wallet he finds could be the key to open a whole new life. The attention you get when you have some money is worth a couple of lies.
The author has portrayed an angry teenager, faced with decisions and fear about his future. Everyone seems to be out to get him: his stepfather, and his teacher, even people on the street. Chris' choices are laced with uncertainty and lead to lies he can no longer control without help.
The book cover sparks curiosity and the short crisp sentences and chapters keep even the most struggling readers engaged. Many readers will identify with Chris' critical thoughts and teenage viewpoint. The ending is abrupt, yet revealing in the irony and consequences one must face for his/her actions. This book is recommended for grades 6 and higher due to some mature subject matter. It ties in well with the social and emotional responsibility strands of the curriculum. The author has done a true-to-life presentation of a city kid who has allowed his unlikeable circumstances to direct his future.
Manuel, Lynn. The summer of the Marco Polo....Orca 2007..32 pp. ISBN 978-1-55143-330-1
Reviewed by: Gloria Reinheimer, teacher-librarian, Bear Creek Elementary School, SD#36 (Surrey).
This is the story of an aging ship, the Marco Polo, built in New Brunswick and used to haul cargo around the world. It is also the story of an eight-year-old girl, Lucy Maud Montgomery. In the summer of 1883, Lucy Maud was eight years old. Her mother had died when she was a baby and her father had gone west to Saskatchewan to find work. Lucy Maud lived with her maternal grandparents. That summer, during a storm, the Marco Polo ran aground not far from their Cavendish, PEI farm. The crew was rescued and boarded with local families. Even though the Macneills did not welcome company they took in the Norwegian, Captain Bull. Lucy Maud liked him splendidly. He told her stories of the once mighty ship while the lonely little girl spun stories and told family history. Her great grandmother had put her finger- print in a jug. When the ship's cargo had been salvaged, Captain Bull left saying Lucy Maud had made a finger print in his heart. Later that same summer another storm scattered the Marco Polo. The Islanders used the pieces in their farmyards, thus the Marco Polo left its thumb- print in Cavendish.
Lynn Manuel used the adult Lucy Maud's journals to tell this story, just as she used journals to tell Daffy's story in Lucy Maud and the Cavendish cat. Manuel says she finds her story ideas in the past. In The Summer of the Marco Polo, she gives us insight into the childhood of one of our best- loved authors. Surrounded by the people in her small town of Cavendish, Lucy Maud still had a lonely life.
Recommended Grade 3- up - great for unit on Canadian writers or a biography unit
Koops, Sheena...Voice of the Valley. Orca Books, 2006. – 215p. ISBN 1-55143-514-4
Reviewed by: Gloria Reinheimer, teacher-librarian, Bear Creek Elementary School, SD#36 (Surrey).
Onja Claibourne is fourteen. She lives on a Saskatchewan farm. Her mother, who once spent time in Egypt, has taught her to love archaelogy. Onja also loves to ride her horse, Ginger, through the valleys and fields that her family has homesteaded and farmed for over one hundred years. Onja's best friend has moved away, but their farm has been rented by an archaelogist and her son. Onja is dismayed to learn that the arcaeological exploration is being funded because the valley she loves so much will be dammed and water will cover the old homesteads and Native sites. As she grows fond of Etthan, the archaeologist's son, she knows she must do something to stop the flooding of the valley.
Sheena Koops' first novel is an awakening story. Onja finds she has romantic feelings and a worthy cause. Sheena Koops, however has used a number of difficult names...Onja. Etthan, caribou in Dene, Aniedi and the word kaffieyeh, an Arabic headress. When reading, one must keep referring back to get the proper pronunciation. Intermediate students may not be willing to do this.
Koops has also over used similies. Flowers look like they have false eye lashes, Uncle West looks like an American flag, his wife is like a minature pony who has a voice like jelly beans falling,something else is like cherry cough syrup. Etthan has a voice like hot chocolate but it is his rainbow qualities...red like..orange like..yellow like..seven similies in one paragraph.
Some of the story line is quite choppy. Onja is riding her horse looking at the valley..then thinking of something in her bedroom, back to riding her horse, her thoughts jump back to her bedroom.
This was a great story idea but it could have been told more simply to have greater effect.
Johansen, K.V. Nightwalker: The Warlocks of Talverdin – Book One.-- Orca Book Publishers, 2007. – 224p. – ISBN 978-1-55143-481-0. -- $9.95.
Reviewed by: Taryn Parker.
After his guardian dies, Maurey is reduced from student to unpaid servant at his grammar school. He is bullied because of his black hair and eyes, which make him look as if he is related to the sorcerers, who once inhabited the island. When it is discovered that Maurey is indeed a descendent of one of those sorcerers, or nightwalkers, he is sentenced to be burned alive. He is rescued by a young noblewoman and they set out for the nightwalkers hidden kingdom to warn them of an impending invasion.
This is an intelligent, well-written and very engaging fantasy story. An adult fantasy book would likely spend too many chapters setting up the "fantasy world" or environment and characters. With this book, the author, K.V. Johansen, skilfully begins the story right away, helping the reader to quickly learn about the main characters. After reading this book, the next book in the series is eagerly awaited. Also, without giving away the ending, the resolution of the major conflict at the end of the book is different from what you might expect. It is an intriguing ending, and the conflict is resolved in a satisfactory manner likely more appropriate for children.
The author, K.V. Johansen is a medieval scholar and author, who has written several children's books, as well as Quests and Kingdoms: A Grown-Up's Guide to Children's Fantasy Literature. This book shows that this author excels in writing children's fantasy. Readers who like fantasy books such as Eragon or trilogies such as Tad William's Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series, will thoroughly enjoy this book.
Recommended Grade level: Grade 6 and above.
Tullson, Diane. The Darwin Expedition. Orca Book Publishers, 2007. – 112pp. – ISBN 978-1-55143-676-0 $9.95
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith).
This excellent book is apparently named after the tongue in cheek Darwin Award which honours those humans who have improved the gene pool by accidentally removing themselves from it by dying in some foolish activity.
17 year old Liam and his best friend since first grade, Tej, survive a serious roll-over with Tej's pickup truck while taking a forestry road in the Coastal Mountains near Whistler, British Columbia, rather than waiting for the main road to be made passable after a traffic accident. Still following Tej's leadership, Liam agrees to hike cross-country to find the main road rather than follow the logging road. Their good quality snowboarding clothes and gloves protect them from the early spring rains, but their lack of food and water create serious doubt about their survival. Encountering a mother grizzly and cub for a second time, the boys are forced to attempt sliding down the scree of a landslide. When Tej breaks his leg, Liam has to go alone to find help.
The characters, their relationship and the adventures they encounter are very well handled. This book, at a Fry Readability level of Grade 3 with seventeen untitled chapters, would be a valuable purchase for a library serving junior or senior secondary. Only the inclusion of a very few swear words prevent this book from being recommended for elementary school libraries.
Recommended Grade level: junior and senior secondary
Grant, Vicki. Pigboy. Orca Book Publishers, 2006 – 101pp. – ISBN 1-55143-643-4 $9.95
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith).
Dan Hogg's intermediate class is reluctantly on a field trip to a heritage dairy and hog farm, and Dan is even more reluctant because it gives more ammunition for the bullies in his class to make fun of his name.
However, an escaped prisoner takes over the farm, , locks the farmer in an out-building, and ties up the bus driver and the substitute teacher. As he herds them and the entire class into a building which he intends to burn, Dan, having earlier phoned 9-1-1 on the prisoner's cell phone, manages to escape, losing his pants in the process.
In order to avoid pursuit, Dan jumps into the pigpen and begins throwing manure. After the man knocks himself out, Dan ties him up, duct tapes his mouth, and awaits the police. Through all this adventure Dan becomes more accepted by the class bullies, even in his underwear.
The author does a great job in capturing the flavour and humour of school society and successfully shows how exposed and alone many adolescents feel. The actions of her villain, however, are so dangerously threatening that they seem out of agreement with that humour.
At a Grade 4 reading level this book will probably find quite a readership in a library serving intermediate students.
Recommended Grade level: Intermediate
Maycock, Dianne. Lucky's Mountain. Orca Book Publishers, 2007, – 112pp. – ISBN 978-1-55143-682-1 $7.95
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith).
After her father's death in the mine, Maggie Sullivan and her family must leave the B.C. mining town to live with an aunt in Vancouver. It is during the depression in the 1930's and they can't afford the rent. Dogs are not allowed where her aunt lives, so Maggie can not keep her best friend, Lucky. He is a three-legged dog given to her by her father, who rescued him from a leg-hold trap. The mine owner suggests leaving Lucky with Louis Jenkins whom the children call Crazy Louis because he has a deformed face and lives in Pig Valley where he looks after the town's livestock. When Maggie falls over an embankment in a fight with a town boy who insults Lucky, Louis rescues her. She learns that he is a very gentle, caring person. When Louis offers her a kitten, which would be allowed in the Vancouver apartment, the story comes to a credible and satisfying end. This appealing novel, written at a Grade 6 reading level, should be a popular addition to an Intermediate School Library.
Recommended Grade level: Intermediate
Arsenault, Paul and Peter Assaff. Steve Nash. Heritage House. – 80pp. – ISBN 1-894974- 25-7. $16.95
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith).
This attractive tribute in thirteen chapters covers Steve Nash's life and career beginning with his early years as a strong player of both soccer and basketball in his home town of Victoria, B.C. The text continues through the years at Santa Clara University, his being booed as a first round draft pick for the Phoenix Suns, being booed at the first game after being traded to the Dallas Mavericks, leading Canada's National team in the 2000 Olympics, rejoining the Phoenix Suns and winning two consecutive MVP awards up to the beginning of the 2006-07 NBA season.
Even in his early years, knowledgeable observers saw in Nash an awareness of the flow of the game as it was happening rather than seeing it in disconnected fragments. That ability and his fierce determination have been cited as reasons for his success on the basketball court and also in creating the Steve Nash Foundation to promote education, health and personal development for impoverished children.
Although the print of the college level text is fairly small this book about a contemporary Canadian hero would be a valuable purchase for any school serving intermediate grade students and higher.
Recommended Grade level: Intermediate/Secondary/Post Secondary
Winters, Kari-Lynn. Jeffrey and Sloth. Orca Book Publishers, 2007 – 32pp. – ISBN 978-1-55143-323-3 $19.95
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith).
This large format picture book deals humorously with the real problem facing writers: how to begin. Jeffrey tries to write but can't think of anything to write about, so he doodles instead.
One of his doodles turns out to be a bossy sloth that nags Jeffrey to keep drawing and forget about the words, but once Jeffrey gets warmed up he uses the sloth's wish for a cozy blanket to create some adventurous projects that the sloth is powerless to ignore. Searching for the blanket, the sloth lives out the story told by Jeffrey, digging through the earth to India, swimming to France, and finally searching all of Canada.
Illustrations and text are spaciously arranged on full pages with no borders. Only one page does not carry an illustration. The text is presented clearly using a formal font to tell the whole story, with the story-within-the-story told by Jeffrey printed in a casual, hand-lettered style. A cheerful tone is set by the predominately yellow background of Ben Hodson's pictures done in acrylic and coloured pencil on watercolour paper.
This book would be an attractive addition to libraries serving primary students.
Recommended Grade level: Primary
Coulter, Laurie. Cowboys and Coffin Makers: One hundred 19th Century Jobs You Might Have Feared or Fancied. Annick Press, 2007 – 176pp. – ISBN 978-1-55451-067-2 $16.95
Reviewed by: Lesley Edwards, teacher-librarian, Seycove Secondary School, SD#44 (North Vancouver)
This book is a fact-filled entertaining look at jobs in 1800's America. The introduction explains how ordinary lives were made better or worse by the myriad of 19th century inventions. The table of contents alone will have you diving in. Arranged in categories, it covers everything from the mundane: coffin maker, peddler, and machinist to the seemingly exotic: snake charmer, doughboy, and lightening rod man. Written in an engaging style it places the reader squarely in the realities of 19th century life. The book includes a comprehensive index and, for those who want to learn more, a recommended list of titles for further reading. Quotes from primary source documents are dispersed throughout the text and add interest and authenticity. Editor turned writer, Laurie Coulter, is the author of several books for children including Secrets in Stone: All about Maya Hieroglyphs. Martha Newbigging's illustrations are humorous and full of life. (She did the art work for Archers, Alchemists, and 98 Other Medieval Jobs You Might Have Loved or Loathed.)
Highly recommended for grades 4-7. This book will make entertaining leisure reading or, for those studying the time period, provide a realistic look at the lives of common people.
White, Ellen Rice. Legends and Teachings of Xeel's, the Creator. Pacific Educational Press. – 112pp. –ISBN 1-895766-76-1 $16.95
Reviewed by: Lesley Edwards, teacher-librarian, Seycove Secondary School, SD#44 (North Vancouver)
Snuneymuxw elder Ellen White relates four traditional Coast Salish stories accompanied by comments and questions. She seamlessly ties these ancient stories and teachings to our lives today in a way that engages readers. Themes such as cultivating respect amongst peoples from different cultures and fostering learning and support within a community for young people who are disenfranchised, ring true in today's world. The stories are intended for young adults and older. They would provide a rich context for students studying First Nations' teachings and lore. Each story is illustrated with a black and white graphic rendered by First Nations artist Daniel Elliott. The images evoke the spirit of the West Coast, establishing the context for each story. A glossary is included.
White is a Resident Elder at Malaspina University-college and has been a teacher, storyteller, and healer for many years.
This book provides a welcome addition to First Nations West Coast literature and will be useful for students in Gr. 8 and up studying the legends and oral traditions of West Coast peoples.
Recommended Grade level Gr. 8+
June 2007
Gear, Adrienne. Reading Power: Teaching students to think while they read. Pembroke, 2006. 144pp., bibliography, index. ISBN 9781551382036 -$24.95 paper.
Reviewed by: J. Muir, teacher-librarian, Mount Pleasant Elementary School, S.D. #39 (Vancouver)
Adrienne Gear has been teaching for twenty years in grades K-7, and has experience both as an E.S.L. teacher and a teacher-librarian. The purpose of this book is to provide educators in elementary schools with a simplistic and highly practical guide to focusing the student reader's attention on their own thinking during reading.
Written in an interesting and clear manner, the strategies are based upon current research. The author establishes a clear definition of 'reading power' and 'metacogniton'. The content is organized around five reading strategies (powers): connect, question, visualize, infer and transform. For each reading power, there is a good explanation, several sample lesson plans and a book list of good literature for reading aloud, guided practice and independent student reading. The final chapter provides assessment sheets and rubrics for each reading power as well as suggestions for use with novels, literature circles and family literacy.
The text, which has clear headings, is filled with useful samples of student work and many black line masters.
Recommended – Elementary
Morgan, Norah and Juliana Saxton. Asking better questions. 2nd ed. Pembroke, 2006.
159 pp., bibliography, index. ISBN 9781551382098 - $24.95 paper
Reviewed by: J. Muir, teacher-librarian, Mount Pleasant Elementary School, S.D. #39 (Vancouver)
This resource is a well-written classic by two internationally acclaimed Canadian authors. They have experience in teaching from kindergarten to university. Juliana Saxton is currently Professor Emeritus at the University of Victoria in B.C. Norah Morgan, though deceased, is honoured through a scholarship at the Faculty of Education, Brock University in Ontario.
This book, a recently published 2nd edition, is valuable for teachers (K-12) and student teachers as well. The premise of the book is to help educators understand effective question-based instruction and is equally rooted in critical reflection and research. In this detailed text, teachers discover easy methods to develop questions needed to acquire information, enhance understanding and create reflection. The reader is led to understand that a classroom conducive to the process of learning through question needs the important components of thinking, feeling and empathy to be well developed.
A few samples of guided practice are provided. A variety of techniques and activities are given for finding the right moment to insert a question and for acknowledging the difficulties in this process. On each page, beside the main text, is a sidebar filled with inspiring and thought provoking quotes and helpful details about administrating this classroom practice. This dialogue does not deter from the main text at all. There is an appendix that contains an evaluation sheet, brief teaching prompts and some black line masters.
Recommended: High School and Elementary
Bogart, Jo Ellen and Jill Bogart. Illustrated by Dean Griffiths. Out and about with the big tree gang. Orca Publishers, 2006 –– 64pp. B&W ill. –– ISBN 1-55143-603-5. –– $6.95 pbk.
Reviewed by: Gloria Reinheimer, teacher-librarian, Bear Creek Elementary School, SD#36 (Surrey).
Keeley and Reg are twins, while Burt and Shawna are their friends. Each chapter of this book is a small story about their joint adventures. For example, Reg has been given his grandfather's compass but loses it over a cliff, Keeley wants to be an actress but gets stage fright, and a Saturday scavenger hunt has them running in all different directions. In another chapter, Reg breaks his favourite sled trying to avoid crashing into his friends and they have a contest building snow monsters. Through all these adventures their friendship comes first.
This book is the second in a series with the big tree gang. Jo Ellen Bogart has written it with her daughter, Jill. It is a bit of a disappointment. It is very hard to tell which character is which. There should have been a short introduction of the characters for those who have not read the first book. Even the illustrations, as the characters are drawn as animals and not children, add to the confusion. The stories express some good values, friendship, helpfulness and fun, but if adults feel the need to reread before getting the characters straight, students will not spend the time.
Bossley, Michele Martin. Jumper. –– Orca Book Publishers, 2006. –– 160pp. –– ISBN 1-55143-620-5. –– $9.95 paper. Ages 10+ Reading level 3.2.
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith).
Set in southern Alberta, this book about show jumping and friendship opens at internationally known Spruce Meadows. Focusing on the protagonist's desire to have a chestnut mare of her own, this story should prove popular for pre-teen or early teenage girls.
The information about the training of horses and riders for show jumping contributes greatly to the realism that holds the story together. However the actions of the "bad guy", a well-known, long term resident rancher and businessman, seem a bit extreme, including the forcible confinement of Reese's grandfather and her friend, Kayla.
Apart from this minor weakness, the attractive cover, 18 chapters of sizable print, and a grade 3 reading level, should make this a worthwhile purchase for school libraries.
Recommended Grade Level: Upper Intermediate / Junior Secondary
Brouwer, Sigmund. Sewer Rats. –– Orca Book Publishers, 2006. –– 112pp. –– ISBN 1-55143-485-7. –– $9.95 paper.
Reviewed by: Christopher Hunt, teacher-librarian, Chilliwack Central Elementary Community School, SD#33 (Chilliwack).
Sewer Rats is another in Orca's series of "high-low" books targeting reluctant readers (Orca Currents). The publishers continue their pattern of using established authors to write pared-down fiction in a very successful format.
This novel is about a group of misfit friends who, at school, exist on the periphery, yet, on the weekends, they are a legendary team of paintball gun warriors. The paintball wars are secretly held in the sewer tunnels under the city. The Sewer Rats team is undefeated.
Jim is the central character and narrator. He is very short which allows for easy maneuverability in the tunnels, his spatial abilities and map memorization are central to the team's success, and yet, he is secretly claustrophobic and creates a fantasy world to give himself the mental strength to stay in the tunnels. Lisa is a tough girl whose quick temper is influenced by her parents' divorce. Micky is the group's strong, athletic leader who is trying to deal with complicated emotions related to his police officer father dying in a heroic rescue attempt. A set of twin boys fill out the supporting cast of the paintball team.
Problems begin immediately when Carter, a new boy, wants to join the team, but Lisa has a hatred for him that confuses the others. The novel opens with Carter's stunt gone wrong at the local sewage plant—the stunt that Lisa said he must complete to join the Sewer Rats. The action and tension carry on through nearly every page.
The Orca Currents format often doesn't allow for much depth of characterization or in-depth analysis of the characters' issues, but then that is not their purpose. The characters, dialogue, and issues are quickly sketched in with skilful phrases that evoke assumptions about background information. The plot is always driving forward and the denouement gives teen readers the fantasy of restored equilibrium that they tend to like. This particular novel has a reading level of 2.7 and would be suitable for, and much enjoyed by readers from grades five through twelve. It will not sit idle on the shelves for very long between patrons.
Recommended Grade Level: 5 – 12
Brouwer, Sigmund. Illustrated by Dean Griffiths. Timberwolf Chase. –– Orca Book Publishers, 2006. –– 64pp. : B&W ill. –– ISBN 1-55143-548-9. –– $6.95 pbk.
Reviewed by: Gloria Reinheimer, teacher-librarian, Bear Creek Elementary School, SD#36 (Surrey).
Johnny Maverick and his friend Stuart live in the small town of Howling. They play hockey for the Howling Timberwolves. Everyone plays because the town is so small that they need all players regardless of ability. A new boy, Tom Morgan, has just joined the team. Tom used to live in Toronto where he played on championship teams. He is an overconfident bully who torments Stuart who is overweight and not an aggressive hockey player. The other team members are happy just playing, but Tom must win.
Brouwer has written a story that deals with bullying. He incorporates some strategies for dealing with bullies. One is humour. Stuart has watched Oprah, so he says "Your insults mean nothing to me" and "A whale, you call me a whale… Johnny, do I have a blow hole on my back?" Another strategy he tries is non-violence. When Tom wants to fight, Johnny tells him, "If you hit him, you just bounce off." Johnny finally comes up with an idea to prove to Tom that teamwork, not winning, is best.
Recommended for grades 2-3.
Brouwer, Sigmund. Illustrated by Dean Griffiths. Timberwolf Revenge. –– Orca Book Publishers, 2006. –– 64pp. : B&W ill. –– ISBN 1-55143-544-6. –– $6.95 pbk.
Reviewed by: Gloria Reinheimer, teacher-librarian, Bear Creek Elementary School, SD#36 (Surrey).
The Howling Timberwolves are playing in a hockey tournament in Calgary. Tom and Johnny are still not good friends. Johnny has dropped a toonie in the rink toilet. To make him retrieve the coin, Tom puts more of Johnny's money into the water. Now he must really put his hand in. Johnny wants to get even with Tom for making him reach into the toilet. He tells Stuart he doesn't want revenge, he just wants to get even. Johnny has played so well that he has been given a special Calgary Flames hockey stick. The boys play practical jokes on one another that begin to hamper the team's chances of winning the tournament. Tom, meanwhile, threatens Johnny's beloved hockey stick.
In this sequel to Timberwolf Chase, Brouwer again uses humour to deal with a serious issue, revenge. Stuart is once again the funny and sensible character. He keeps telling Johnny that he should look up revenge in the dictionary. He also says getting revenge is getting even. Brouwer's characters and their pranks are very believable. As in the previous book, he has found a great way to end the boys' quarrel.
Recommended for grades 2 – 4.
Gomes, Filomena. My mom loves me more than sushi. Illustrated by Ashley Spires. Second Story Press, 2006. – 24pp.: ill.– ISBN 1-897187-09-02. $14.95, hardcover.
Reviewed by: Marv Worden, retired teacher-librarian, SD#68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith).
Each of ten two-page spreads begins with the sentence, "My mom loves me more than ....." and then goes on describe some ingredients and techniques involved in making each particular dish from countries around the world. Some sentences are fairly long and complex for early primary but the patterning should aid understanding.
Attractive cartoon-like illustrations in colour should help make this book a popular celebration of the multicultural culinary richness we enjoy. The illustrator, Ashley Spires, lives in Richmond, B.C. Upper primary and even intermediate students should be enthusiastic about using the book as a launching pad to explore foods from other countries.
Recommended Grade Level: Upper Primary / Lower Intermediate
AUGUST 2007
Munzel, Alexander. Yes. Technical Software Inc., 1999. 379p. Illus. ISBN 0-9672566-0-7
Pbk. $27.00
Reviewed by: Carolyn Cutt, retired teacher-librarian, SD#39 (Vancouver).
The story opens during the author's adult years; he has achieved the American Dream, and now reflects with friends on his past conflicts, struggles and accomplishments.
Born in Russia of Jewish/German parents, then experiencing a lonely and isolated childhood back in Germany due to his parent's estrangement, Alexander becomes independent and rebellious. At age eleven, while living with his mother, an influential business lady in Berlin, he is ordered to report to the Jungvolk, a Nazi organization for young boys. The year is 1941. After the first meeting Alexander firmly refuses to participate, thus beginning his continuous rebellion against the Nazi regime.
Conflicts continue, and determined to follow his own course, Alexander alienates himself from his family. While serving in the Arbeitsdienst, the youth army, along the Russian front, each horrendous experience pushes him closer to the edge. When Germany finally surrenders, Alexander is happy to turn his back on war for good. But education and jobs are difficult to obtain, and still feeling oppressed by the controls in Germany, Alexander is determined to go anywhere to be free. Eventually immigrating to Canada, he battles towards success and says Yes to life.
This poignant, well-written biography keeps the reader spellbound. Along with daring escapades, a romantic story is also intermingled, adding to the intrigue. The text is interspersed with the author's own poetry which is sensitive, lyrical and a pleasure to enjoy. The language throughout is flowing and articulate. Several pages of black and white photographs, with captions, add to the realism and historical significance.
This text is not only a personal biography, but also a reflection historically of the Nazi control on youth during that era. Students should find this book a thought-provoking resource and an excellent stimulus for discussion.
Recommended for senior secondary students and high school libraries.
Reading level: Grade 10-12.
North, Dick. Sailor on Snowshoes: Tracking Jack London's Northern Trail. Harbour Publishing,2006. 237p. Illus. ISBN 1-55017-384-7 Pbk. $19.95
Reviewed by: Carolyn Cutt, retired teacher-librarian, SD#39 (Vancouver).
Jack London is quoted to have admitted that he brought nothing back from the Yukon but scurvy and a few dollars in gold dust, but in reality his experiences were the foundation of an extremely successful writing career. His classical literature has been said to have "romanticized" the Klondike gold rush. Certainly readers of all ages have been exposed to his classics, devouring both the history and the excitement of adventure.
Dick North, equally fascinated with London's adventurous feats, takes on a quest to retrace Jack London's trail to the Yukon. His main focus is an attempt to locate a cabin where London had lived, worked and allegedly signed his name on a log in the structure during the winter of 1897. The plot also contains a mystery as North struggles with the verification of a photograph supposedly taken of London and his group while resting at Sheep Camp on the Chilkoot Trail.
The book is a detailed account of North's journey while simultaneously delving into London's hazardous escapades during the 1890s'. Along the route, both present and past are compared with stories, references and interviews. For the author, recreating the trek in 1964 was still not an easy undertaking. Several exciting events add to the drama and suspense.
This well-researched, detailed work brings the reader closer to understanding not only the struggles of the Klondike, but also gives an insight into the writer, Jack London, as he became embroiled both in the gold rush frenzy and survival in the wilderness. Expertly narrated, the text is enhanced with informative black and white photographs including historical, from archives, and from North's personal journey. Also photographed are the twin cabins that have been built and located both in Dawson City, Yukon and Oakland, California, as a permanent memorial to the spirit of Jack London.
This book is highly recommended for secondary school library collections. An extensive index and bibliography is also included.
Reading level: grade 7 and up
Bossley, Michele Martin. Swiped. Orca Book Publishers, 2006. 109p. Gr. 3-5.
ISBN 1-55143-646-9 $9.95
Reviewed by: Carolyn Cutt, retired teacher-librarian, SD#39 (Vancouver).
Things are disappearing, at first several lunches from the student's lockers, and now an historical hockey book with a picture of Wayne Gretzky on the cover. Could there be a connection? When Robyn and her 'detective' friends, Nick and Trevor are able to trap the lunch thief, the valuable missing book becomes a more serious concern.
While the three friends assist the librarian to prepare for a fundraising literacy fair, they become more vigilant. Discovering that a series of discarded detective books are worth even more than the hockey volume heightens their suspicions. Would Ms. Pringle, the librarian, risk her job to sell these books?
Another in the Orca Currents series, this high-interest, fast paced novel will keep the reader guessing – who will be the next suspect? The story is well written, humorous and should be a popular addition to the elementary school library collection.
Recommended for grades 3-5, and especially for the reluctant reader.
Shwartz, Ellen. Yossi's Goal. Orca Book Publishers, 2006. 140p. Gr.2-4.
ISBN 1-55143-492-X Pbk. $7.95
Reviewed by: Carolyn Cutt, retired teacher-librarian, SD#39 (Vancouver).
It is 1891 and Yossi's family, having recently immigrated to Canada from Russia in order to avoid the soldiers' attack on the Jewish settlements, are facing the difficulties of surviving a Montreal winter. Yossi's parents and older sister work for very low wages in a garment factory, while Yossi manages to sell papers and deliver bundles of material before school for a few extra pennies. Excitedly he watches the French boys playing hockey, longing to own a pair of skates and learn the game. But when his father becomes ill from the poor working conditions, Yossi's dreams are put aside and he becomes unwittingly involved in the workers' quest for improvements.
This appealing story, told through the eyes of a young boy, depicts the hardships of immigrant families and chronicles the beginning of workers' unions. Though a serious subject, lightheartedness prevails as the Jewish and French boys, conversing in broken French and Yiddish, enjoy hockey and snowball fights together.
This well-written, entertaining novel is part of the Orca Young Readers series. The text contains short chapters, large print and appropriate vocabulary suitable for grade 2-4 readers. The subject matter will need clarification for young students, which should then promote interesting discussion. This book should prove to be a popular addition to an elementary school library collection.
Highly recommended – grades 2-4.
Smedman, Lisa .. Creature Catchers. Annick Press, 2007---200 pages...... ISBN 978-55451-057-3 $10.95
Reviewed by: Gloria Reinheimer, teacher-librarian, Bear Creek Elementary School, SD#36 (Surrey).
Victorian twins, Kenneth and Candace, are always trying to outdo each other. Like most Victorian parents, Lord and Lady Owen are rather distant. The twins, however, idolize their Uncle Nigel. He works for the Londinium Zoo as a creature catcher. He is credited with catching exotic beasts such as unicorns and fire-breathing salamanders. His next trophy will be a will o' the wisp. Just as he is about to set off for the moors to trap one, the local newspaper announces a creature catching contest for kids. Candace desperately wants to win as the pixie she hopes to capture will be the centrepiece of the wildlife park she dreams of establishing. Not to be outdone, Kenneth wants to capture a large stone troll. The twins stow away on Uncle Nigel's zeppelin. In no time at all, Uncle Nigel and the twins are on the moors, each looking for their special creature. Each one of the Owens runs into trouble. Both Candace and Kenneth fall victim to the bad tempered pixies and need the help of the gentle, kind hearted troll, Rumblegut. Uncle Nigel, far from capturing a will o' the wisp, becomes their captive. The children and Uncle Nigel's loyal man, Old Tom, have only a few hours to rescue him.
Creature Catchers is a fast paced, entertaining fantasy adventure set in the Victorian era. Lisa Smedman's story has fantasy creatures, pixies, trolls and will o' the wisps, but also introduces an element of reality. Like their contemporaries, Candace and Kennneth think that all things different should be on display, especially Rumblegut. He, however, thinks their park/zoo sounds more like a prison. The theme of the story changes from one of capture and display, to conservation and friendship, except for the nasty, troublesome pixies.
Recommended Grades 3-5
Ohi, Ruth. A Trip With Grandma. – Annick Press, 2007. – 32 p.: ill. – ISBN 1-55451-071-6. -- $6.95.
Reviewed by: Tracy Poelzer, teacher-librarian, Parkcrest Elementary, SD#73 (Kamloops/Thompson).
Sprout loves trucks, trains, and his special stuffed animal named Flatmouse. He also likes to see new places but he has never been away before - even for a sleepover - without his parents.
When Grandma invites Sprout and his big sister, Clara, on a trip to Bumper's Valley, he is excited but nervous, as it involves a long car ride and an overnight stay in a hotel. Even though he loves his grandma and she promises he can make many phone calls home, Sprout approaches the adventure with great trepidation.
Grandma is caring and understanding and gently allows Sprout to work through his fears without ever feeling the slightest bit silly or babyish. As the trip progresses he ends up having a wonderful time exploring and seeing new things before returning home to his parents with a newfound sense of confidence.
This would be a perfect story to share with any child feeling nervous about a first sleepover away from parents. The gentle, reassuring tone set by the dialogue between Grandma and Sprout, complimented by the energy and colour found in Ruth Ohi's signature line drawing/watercolour illustrations, make this book a treat to read aloud. It would also be an appropriate reading level for lower level readers to tackle independently.
Smedman, Lisa. From Boneshakers to Choppers: The Rip-Roaring History of Motorcycles. – Annick Press, 2007. – 124 p.: ill. – ISBN 1-55451-015-5. -- $14.95.
Reviewed by Tracy Poelzer, teacher-librarian, Parkcrest Elementary, SD#73 (Kamloops/Thompson).
This book would be a great addition to any non-fiction collection – especially appealing to those "info-kids" in your classroom or school. Smedman has done a fantastic job of covering a huge amount of information in an appealing, interesting format. An easy-to-follow table of contents and comprehensive index help readers find information quickly and easily.
The topic of the book would be especially appealing to male readers; however, the broad scope of information and facts could easily hook anyone interested in the topic. From a history of the creation of motorcycles, to their use in wars, to modern day fun and games and biker culture, this book covers a vast array of topics related to this "two wheeled wonder".
Punctuated with definitions of biker "lingo", tantalizing tidbits, and scintillating sidebars and "stop" boxes, this book is informative, visually interesting and fun to read. The "chunking" style of the presentation makes a large amount of information accessible without being overwhelming to the reader. The graphics, including photographs, historical posters and advertisements, magazine cover art and newspaper clippings, present additional, visual information in an enticing manner.
The book does an adequate job of providing photographs and illustrations that include both genders and a variety of ethnicities, but more representation would have been beneficial.
The reading level of the book is quite appropriate for the recommended audience (age 12+), and would probably be acceptable for competent readers as young as age 9 or 10.
