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 pet
