Katie Clark-Johnson, Chelsea Combs, Doug Elfstrom, Sigrid Espe, Jennifer L. M. Gaska, Brooke Haley, Raechel Keltner, Allison Kirchoff, Sarah Kolman,  Amanda Lincoln, Camry Monson,  Stew Otting, Rachel Prijatel, Erik Rockwell, Caitlin M. Sanders, Andrea Schenk,  Emily Schroeder, Theresa Schultz, Catherine Seeck, Kelly E. Smith, Nikki Sperry, Kayla A. Storelee, Kristin R. Swenson, Rachel Swiggum

L is for lollygag. Glover, Molly and Kate Hodson. Chronicle Books, 2008. frontdesk@chroniclebooks.com, 800-722-6657. 125pp. $12.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-6021-5. .

In this alphabet book, the reader is given definitions of crazy and strange words.  It is a great book for readers of all ages who enjoy a good laugh.  The authors have created a book that will keep people laughing and reading throughout each entire page.  It is a great book to use to introduce children as well as adults to new words to use in their vocabulary.  The authors’ use of humor and silliness enhances this alphabet definition book that will keep people of all ages entertained from cover to cover.  (RS)

The lacemaker and the princess.  Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker.  Simon and Schuster (Margaret K. McElderry), 2007.  customer.customerservice@simonandschuster.com, (800-223-2336).  199pp. $16.99.  ISBN 978-1-4169-1920-9.   

As Isabella, an eleven-year-old lacemaker, delivers lace to the palace at Versailles, she has an encounter with the queen and ends up with a new job.  Her new job is to be a companion to the queen’s daughter, Therese.  Isabelle’s life is turned upside down when she gets new friends, new clothes, and an entirely new lifestyle.  However, as the French Revolution is approaching, Isabelle hears about the poverty and hardships of the people living in the countryside and feels a connection to them.  As she struggles to discover where she belongs in life, Isabelle demonstrates the internal conflict experienced by many people during this era.  This historical fiction book is a good selection for students because it teaches them about history through the perspective of a child living during that time period.  This book also raises issues that children today can relate to such as friendship, equality, and the importance of freedom. (CC)

Lake and pond food webs. Fleisher, Paul. Lerner Publishing Group, 2008. info@lernerbooks.com, (800-328-4929). 48pp. $26.60. ISBN 978-0-8225-6731-8.

Aimed at a fairly young audience, Fleisher has written an advanced book, which describes energy transfers in food webs.  This book is good because it gives the specialized vocabulary at the very beginning, prepping students to be aware of the new words.  A glossary in the back is also offered to clear up any confusion. Organized like a chapter book, Fleisher gives new readers short sentences and thinking prompts to help with comprehension.  Pictures of real ponds and pond life allow the reader to make connections while also helping readers to understand the science.  This would be a good book to use in a first or second grade science lesson. (TS)

The land of the silver apples.  Farmer, Nancy.  Simon and Schuster (Atheneum), 2007.  customer.customerservice@simonandschuster.com, (800-223-2336).  496pp. $18.99.  ISBN 1-4169-0735-1.                      

As the fantasy of the plot unfolds, Farmer successfully suspends disbelief by creating lifelike characters among the magical setting.  The development of Jack as a character throughout the book makes the story believable and helps children relate to his experiences and emotions.  Farmer also includes an appendix and a list of characters, to ease confusion among children as they read the book.  Through the adventures of Jack and Lucy, students learn about the value of family relationships and the bond that ties families together.  As Jack travels underground to Elfland, his character matures and develops, teaching children the importance of changing and growing with age.  This book also sends students the message that it is important to be grateful for the blessings in life, especially the support of friends and family during hard times.  (CC).

Larry the king of rock and roll. Dart, Iris Rainer and Joyce Brotman. Penguin Group, Inc. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons), 2007. will.weissler@us.penguingroup.com , (800-631-8571). 165 pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-2454-6-6.

To his family, Larry has always been an ordinary dog, longing for attention and affection, but nothing more. When Larry actual speaks out to his family, in human words, their lives change dramatically. Larry’s pursuit of a career in music connects him to the pressures of human life—and to the readers’ perspective, he has become wholly human. The fantasy element of the story—a talking dog—is hard to follow and accept because of the way Larry is introduced. There is little attempt to suspend disbelief; instead, the reader must simply accept that Larry is a dog that can talk and function like a human. The story is enjoyable and fun, but readers may find it difficult to accept Larry as the rock star he is. (DE)

The last apprentice: Night of the soul stealer. Dealey, Joseph. Harper Collins Publishing (Greenwillow Books), 2006. spsales@harpercollins.com, (212-207-7000).  489pp.  $17.89.  ISBN 978-0-06-076625.

“It’s going to be a long, hard, cruel winter, son,” warned Tom’s mother, referring to Anglezarke Moor—the Spook’s winter home—where Tom will finish his apprenticeship by battling against boggarts and lamia witches.  Upon receiving a letter from Morgan, an outspoken and powerful former apprentice, the Spook decides it is time to leave his summer home of Chipenden to return to his winter home, Anglezarke.  Within the cellar of the Spook’s mysterious home lie pits of lamia witches and boggarts, as well as a “good” lamia witch named Meg Skelton. Meg’s memory has to be deliberately slowed, otherwise she might remember what treachery she is capable of causing.  As the book progresses, Tom learns secrets of his master’s past while dealing with his own father’s death and becoming sole possessor of his mother’s secret belongings.  Tom shows tremendous progress as an apprentice and discovers his true Spook talents.  Readers will be engrossed in this highly captivating and suspenseful fantasy.  This book teaches the importance of believing in oneself and remaining optimistic in times of strife.  Ages 12+.  (ES)

The last girls of Pompeii.  Lasky, Kathryn.  Penguin Group, Inc. (Viking), 2007. will.weissler@uspenguingroup.com, (800-631-8571).  184pp.  $15.99.  ISBN 978-0-670-06196-9.

This historical fiction chapter book is the story of a girl named Julia who lives in Pompeii in 79 A.D.  She was born with a withered arm, which is thought to be the Curse of Venus.  Julia’s parents have plans to send her off to the Temple of Damia and to sell Sura, her gorgeous slave and friend, in order to pay for her sisters’ expensive wedding.  Just before Mount Vesuvius erupts, the two girls run away and end up discovering family secrets as the members of her family meet their end. In fascinating notes at the end of the story, Lasky shares experiences from her visit to Pompeii, explains how her ideas came about and presents other related historical information.  This would make a nice addition to the study of Roman history. (CMS)

The last knight. Bell, Hilari. Harper Collins Publishing (Eos), 2007. spsales@harpercollins.com, (212-206-7715).  358pp.  $17.89.  ISBN 978-0-06-082504-1.

Sir Michael Sevenson is an 18-year-old young man determined to be a knight-errant, a person in search of ways to prove himself as a knight.  Sir Michael is accompanied in his quest by Fisk, the smart aleck convict only a year younger than Sir Michael.  Sir Michael and Fisk have clashing personalities: Fisk is negligent of the rules, while Sir Michael is ambitious, obedient, and honest.  Nevertheless, each adventure poses an opportunity to help, respect, and accept each other, especially in dangerous and risky situations.  Their first mission involves rescuing an imprisoned “damsel in distress” who has been accused of poisoning her husband; thus, the men have to return her before they get caught.  Along the journey, however, they learn that she might be innocent.  This low-fantasy book reveals believable characters on not-so-ordinary missions. It also teaches young adults about the importance of perseverance, honesty, integrity, and loyalty.  (ES)

Lavinia. Le Guin, Ursula K. Harcourt, Inc. (2008). bFirsc@harcourt.com, (212-592-1023). 279pp. $24.00. ISBN 978-0-15-10124-8. 

Lavinia is the account of the unspoken young woman in Virgil’s epic, The Aeneid.  The author takes readers back to ancient Italy and tells the story of the life of Lavinia.  Lavinia grows up in a peaceful home.  However, all that changes when suitors come looking to marry the king’s daughter.  Her mother demands that Lavinia marries Turnus, a handsome, courageous man from Ardea.  On journeys to the sacred land of Albunea, Lavinia meets a mysterious poet who speaks prophecies, telling her that she will marry a foreigner, cause a war, and that her husband will live for a short time.  A fleet of Trojan ships sails to Lavinia’s land, and Lavinia takes matters into her own hands.  The author uses incredible amounts of detail to give readers a vivid image of the setting and detailed characterization.  The plot moves quickly, providing readers with an exciting, fast-paced read.  Because of the difficult language and the violent scenes, this book is most suitable for high school students.  (CS)

Lazily, crazily, just a bit nasally: More about adverbs.  Cleary, Brian P.  Lerner Publishing Group (Millbrook Press), 2008.  info@lernerbooks.com, (800-328-4929).  32pp.  $15.95.  ISBN 978-0-8225-7848-2. 

This book teaches children about adverbs by using silly characters and sentences to describe what adverbs are and how they function in a sentence.  Through approaching this part of speech in a fun and goofy way, children are more likely to be interested and engaged as they learn.  The use of rhyme and nonsense phrases aids in the language development of children.  Throughout the book, many adverbs are used that are not necessarily used in everyday conversation.  By using large, unfamiliar words, this book also promotes vocabulary development among children.  The colorful and silly illustrations capture students’ attention as they enhance the text.  The adverbs included are also color coded for adverbs of manner, adverbs of time, and more, showing students the various functions adverbs can serve in a sentence.  This book is excellent for promoting language development among students as it teaches them about adverbs in a fun and exciting way.  (CC)

Leaves.  Stein, David Ezra.  Penguin Group, Inc. (B.P. Putnam’s Sons), 2007.  will.weissler@penguingroup.com, (800-631-8571).  30pp.  $15.99.  ISBN 978-0-399-24636-4.

In his first year, the young bear in confused as to why the leaves are falling off the trees.  He attempts to put them back on the branches, but shortly thereafter becomes sleepy and hibernates for the winter.  When he awakes in the spring, he welcomes the new leaves that begin to unfold and is convinced that they are welcoming him as well.  This book would be a wonderful way to introduce the concepts of seasons and hibernation to younger readers. (CMS)

The legend of Sleepy Hollow.  Irving, Washington.  Simon & Schuster (Atheneum), 2007.  customer.customerservice@simonandschuster.com, (800-223-2336).  38pp. $16.99.  ISBN 1-4169-0652-8.  Illustrated by Gris Grimly. 

In a rendition of this classic ghost story, the legend of the Headless Horseman is brought to life.  As Irving recounts the story of Ichabod Crane and Katrina VanTassel, vivid and frightening illustrations aid in setting the scary mood of the story.  As the plot unfolds, readers are held in suspense, wondering what will happen next.  When Ichabod is trying to outrun the Headless Horseman, a sense of suspense is developed not only through the text, but also through the horrific illustrations, mirroring Ichabod’s own fears as the story progresses.  For children with an interest in legends and ghost stories, this book is an excellent choice because it combines both literary and visual elements to create an intriguing tale, reflecting the moods and experiences of the characters. (CC)

The lemonade war. Davies, Jacqueline. Houghton Mifflin Co., 2007. childrens_books@hmco.com, (800-225-3362). 173pp. $16.00. ISBN 0-618-75043-6.

Evan and Jessie Treski are siblings who are very different from each other, but have a tight bond. However, this tight bond is shattered when Jessie skips third grade and is placed in the same fourth grade class as Evan.  In order to get even with his little sister, Evan challenges his sister to a lemonade war, and whoever sells the most lemonade gets to keep all of the earnings made from the lemonade sale.  Throughout this book, Evan and Jessie try to outwit each other in an effort to win the war, but learn that family is the most important prize of all.  The easy-to-read language, which encourages independent reading, as well as the theme of family, make this book appropriate to use among upper elementary school students.  (CS)

Let it shine: Three favorite spirituals. Bryan, Ashley. Simon and Schuster (Atheneum), 2007. customer.sustomerservice@simonandschuster.com, (800-223-2336). 42pp. $16.99. ISBN 0-689-84732-7.

Ashley Bryan shares three well-known hymns in a very unique way. Brilliant illustrations help give a one of a kind view to This Little Light of Mine, When the Saints go Marching In, and He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands. The illustrations use vibrant colors and shapes that directly enhance the book, coinciding with the lyrics of the songs.  This book is directed at early elementary students and would be great to use in a unit about different religions. (AK)

Letters from a slave boy: The story of Joseph Jacobs.  Lyons. Mary E.  Simon and Schuster (Atheneum), 2007.  customer.customerservice@simonandschuster.com, (800-223-2336).  208pp.  $15.99.  ISBN 0689878672.

Letters from a Slave Boy is a companion novel to Lyons earlier novel Letters from a Slave Girl.  This new novel focuses on letters written by Joseph Jacobs, the son of Harriet Jacobs, the main character from the previous novel.  The reader follows Joseph on his journey not only to escape slavery in the south, but also to avoid being recaptured and sent back.  Jacob soon realizes that even in the free North there are still major challenges in life for an African American during the mid 1800s.  The author accurately describes the legal rights of Jacob and of slave owners at the time, helping the reader to understand just how difficult life for Jacob would have been.  One of the major dilemmas that Jacob faces is whether he should use his very light skin color to pass for a white and avoid the prejudice that comes with his skin color.  But can a person really hide who they are on the inside?  This is a question that Jacob struggles with throughout the novel.  Lyons recounts this piece of historical fiction in a way that allows the reader to put themselves in the shoes of the narrator.  Older students and adults who are looking for a closer look into the challenges free and escaped slaves faced prior to the civil war should make this book their first pick.  (AS) 

The life & art of Wayne Thiebaud: Delicious. Rubin, Susan Goldman. Chronicle Books, 2007. frontdesk@chroniclebooks.com, (800-772-6657). 108pp. $15.95. ISBN 0-8118-5168-0-.

Wayne Thiebaud is a well-respected artist whose work is filled with “tasty hot dogs, delectable cakes, dizzy streets and sleepy deltas”. He is considered to be one of the giants of American modern art. Susan Goldman Rubin has put together a biographical book that helps explain the life and events of this great artist. Each page of this book is printed on a different piece of colored paper, giving the book a bright, creative feel. Rubin also wanted to highlight Thiebaud’s work by including color prints, particularly pieces that are less publicly known, to show the artist’s range of art. This book would make a colorful coffee table book, or a great art lesson introduction for children ages 10-14. (BH)

The life and crimes of Bernetta Wallflower. Graff, Lisa. Harper Collins Publishing (Laura Geringer Books), 2008. spsales@harpercollins.com, (212-207-7000). 250pp. $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-087593-0.

In this book, Bernetta Wallflower, faces several conflicts.  Her former best friend, Ashley Johansson, frames her in a cheating ring, which results in Bernetta being suspended from Mount Olive school.  Because of Ashley’s scheme, the school takes away Bernetta’s scholarship and the only way that Bernetta can return to school is to pay $9,000.  Bernetta feels hopeless, until she meets a boy named Gabe who comes up with a plan that involves lying and deceit.  This book can be used to show the value and importance of honesty in one’s daily life, and is great for junior high students who enjoy a lighthearted, humorous read.  (CS)

Life and times in ancient Egypt: Palaces, pyramids, and people in the time of the pharaohs. Kingfisher Publications Plc,. Houghton Mifflin Co. (Kingfisher Publications), 2007. childrens_books@hmco.com, (617-351-5000). 31pp. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7534-6149-5.

This book focuses on several aspects of life in ancient Egypt, including clothing, food, education, mummification, and the pyramids. Each topic has a two-page spread that includes text about the topic and several captions and illustrations to further understanding. The pictures include photographs of historical artifacts as well as illustrated drawing depicting what life was like. The end of the book includes acknowledgments of texts and illustrations used to complete the book, an index of key terms, and a quiz covering material from throughout the book that students can use to test their knowledge and comprehension skills. Teachers could also use this in a classroom in a unit on Egypt; however, independent reading would be most appropriate for third to fifth grade students due to the advance vocabulary. (NS)

Life and times in ancient Greece: Farming, festivals, and food in the golden age of Greece. Ferris, J. & Mason, C.  Houghton Mifflin Co. (Kingfisher Publications), 2007. childrens_books@hmco.com, (617-351-5000). 31pp. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7534-6150-1. Illustrated by Inklink Firenze

Divided by topic into short sections, Life and Times in Ancient Greece gives a broad overview of life long ago in a distant land.  Some of the topics covered are transportation, clothing, and food and drink.  Along with the main narrative, smaller texts describe the pictures and photographs.  In the back of the book is a quiz to test the reader’s new knowledge, an alphabetical index, and a pull-out map of Ancient Greece.

Life and Times in Ancient Greece is a straightforward informational book with vivid illustrations depicting an ancient culture; however, no citations are provided nor does a bibliography exist.  Although appropriate for second graders in terms of interest, the informal layout raises readability to a third or fourth grade level.  Portions may be used in isolation depending on interest and purpose. (RP)

Life and times in ancient Rome: Baths, banquets, and businesses in imperial Rome.  Mason, Conrad and Jonathan Stroud.  Houghton Mifflin Co. (Kingfisher Publications), 2007.  childrens_books@hmco.com,  (617-351-5000).  32pp.  $9.95.  ISBN 978-0-7534-6151-8.

This informational book, which emphasizes the culture of Ancient Rome around 128 B.C., is brimming with vivid illustrations that depict the Roman lifestyle.  The authors compile all of the crucial information into categories such as transportation, clothing, homes, and the Colosseum.  Readers can discover and visualize even the most minute details, thanks to the authors’ use of captions for each image.  Not one image lacks an explanation.

The students who read this book will be drawn in by the key phrases on the back cover, such as “See the awe-inspiring Colosseum,” and “Lose yourself in the excitement of chariot racing at the Circus Maximus.”  Teachers can emphasize the importance of discovering the reasons behind the words when they ask students to answer questions such as “Why did the author write this book?” and “How qualified is the author to write on this topic for this purpose?”  Finally, students may take the quiz provided at the end of the book to determine how well they processed the information in each section.  (CM)

Life and times in the Viking world: Boats, battles, and banquets in 11^th-century Scandinavia. Clewley, Sheila, Julie Ferris, and Conrad Mason. Houghton Mifflin Co. (Kingfisher Publications), 2007. 32pp. $9.95 ISBN 978-0-7534-61525-5.

What kind of transportation did the Vikings use? What clothing did they wear? What did they do in their leisure time? All of these questions and more are answered in this book.  Wonderful color illustrations support the informative text, which delves into the life of the Vikings in 11^th-century Scandinavia.  Upper elementary students will enjoy learning about the lives of the Vikings, especially if they are of Scandinavian descent. Students can quiz themselves on what they learned after reading this very informative book. (SK)

Lift every voice and sing. Johnson, James Weldon. Harper Collins Publishing (Amistad), 2007. spsales@harpercollins.com, (212-207-7000). 32pp. $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-145897-2. Illustrated by Bryan Collier.

James Weldon Johnson’s historic song is commemorated in this richly illustrated book. Lift Every Voice and Sing honors the fight of African Americans throughout the history of the United States. In addition, the back of the book contains the music and lyrics that has raised the hopes of so many. This book would be excellent to read during Black History Month or to help diversify a library. Recommended for readers aged 6-9. (BH)

Light. Zalben, Jane Breskin. Penguin Group (Dutton), 2007. will.weissler@us.penguingroup.com, (800-631-8571). 32pp. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47827-0.

This myth inspired storyline is accompanied by beautifully vivid illustrations. The author claims to promote peace at the end of the story in the Art Notes. This story has an apparent agenda and comes off as too preachy within the first pages. This book would not be appropriate in the public school setting because of the heavy Christian undertones about creation. Although animals are illustrated in full detail, the people of the text have little to no facial features. However, various races of people are portrayed which do add to the theme of peace and contentment around the globe. Overall, the message of how to gain peace by finding light in life is oversimplified and leads children to believe that it is easy to accomplish peace in the world. (KRS)

Light and sound. Goldsmith, Mike. Houghton Mifflin Co. (Kingfisher Publications), 2007. childrensbooks@hmco.com, (617-351-5000). 48pp. $9.95. ISBN 978-07534-6036-8.

Light and Sound provides students with beginning level information on the different ways humans need light in our lives and how the sun affects our survival on earth.  Goldsmith provides a section on light and darkness where he describes different kinds of natural light such as the moon, nature’s light, and the stars.  The second half of the book is dedicated to sound.  This section references different kinds of animals that use sound waves, how the human ear works, how humans produce sound, how sound travels, and what an electric sound is.  Throughout the book, significant vocabulary terms listed at the bottom of every page help reinforce everyday science terms that students need to know in order to build their knowledge in this subject area.  At the end of the book, four simple science projects are presented, which a first or second grade classroom teacher could incorporate into a unit on the five senses.  (RK)

The linden tree.  Mathews, Ellie.  Milkweed Editions, 2007.  webmaster@milkweed.org, (800-520-6455).  195pp. $6.95.  ISBN 978-1-57131-674-5. 

Set on an Iowa farm in 1948, this book discusses the hardships of one family as they cope with the sudden death of their mother while struggling to maintain their farm.  The linden tree where their mother is buried has a special significance for the children; as they deal with her death they often make trips up to her grave to seek comfort and peace.  Readers develop a sense of empathy for the characters and their hardships as Katy Sue, the youngest daughter, tells their story.  The family struggles to keep life on the farm as normal as possible, but the dynamics change drastically when Aunt Katherine moves in to help their family.  Tension and hostility builds as Aunt Katherine and Papa spend more and more time together, eventually developing a romantic relationship.  The children have a difficult time grasping the death of their mother and the changing relationships within their household, but they realize the importance of preserving their mother’s memory and eventually recognize the importance of moving on with their lives in order to be happy once again.  As Katy Sue and her siblings come to terms with a changing family, many children of divorced families and single-parent families will be able to relate to their struggles.  This book is an excellent piece of literature for students because it teaches them that strong family relationships can overcome hardships and recreate happiness and harmony.  (CC)

Little apple goat.  Church, Caroline Jayne.  Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2007.  info@eerdmans.com, (800-253-7521).  28pp. $16.00.  ISBN 978-0-8028-5320-2.

This charming picture book about a goat can be used as an introduction to teaching children about different seasons.  The story begins by describing Little Apple Goat’s love for apples, pears, and cherries from the orchard and how she always spits the seeds out over the hedge.  One blustery autumn night, however, the orchard is destroyed by strong storms and Little Apple Goat is distraught.  However, once spring comes, Little Apple Goat begins to notice blossoms peering out over the hedge.  These blossoms, formed from the seeds she spit out, create a new orchard.  This lighthearted and captivating children’s book appeals to young readers and teaches them that springtime brings new life and that seeds grow into trees.  The bright illustrations combined with the simple text make this book entertaining and interesting for young readers.  (CC).

Little blue truck. Schertle, Alice. Harcourt Inc., 2008. bFirsc@harcourt.com, (407-345-2000). 32pp. $16.00. ISBN 978-0-15-205661-2. Illustrated by Jill McElmurry.

Alice Schertle gives us a joyful story of why kindness is always important and what could happen if one was not respectful to those around them. The little blue truck wanders down the road, but always gives a friendly “Beep, beep!” to all the animals he passes. When a big, important dump truck rushes by, all the animals are eager to greet him, too. But the big dump truck is too important and in too big of a hurry to say hello back. Then, the big dump truck gets stuck in the mud and calls out for help, but since he was not friendly with the animals, they do not bother to help.  The little blue truck knows, however, that it’s always best to help out someone in need and with a little help from the animals, they get the big dump truck out. This book’s rhythmic text gives the story a fun, upbeat feel while still delivering an important lesson to the readers. (BH)

Little house, big adventure: Mary Ingalls on her own.  Willard, Elizabeth Kimmel.  Harper Collins Publishing, 2008.  spsales@harpercollins.com, (212-207-7000).  180pp. $16.89.  ISBN 978-0-06-000906-9. 

Throughout this book, readers gain more insight into what the life of Mary Ingalls might have been like.  As Mary moves to the Iowa College for the Blind in Vinton, Iowa, she is forced to leave her family behind and begin her own life.  Mary expresses her fear and loneliness as she moves to a strange place; however, the friends she meets at school help her to overcome this fear and provide comfort when she longs for home.  This book is an excellent addition to the classroom because it provides children with a sense of what life must be like for children who are blind.  This selection is interesting and engaging, as readers will be able to relate to Mary’s character.  Many children have had to move into new homes and they can relate to the insecurities and difficulties Mary has when she first moves into school.  Mary’s character provides students with many valuable lessons and teaches them the importance of overcoming obstacles, self-discovery, family relationships, and the comfort of close friends.  Mary’s brave, courageous, and determined character sets an excellent example for students while teaching them valuable life lessons.  (CC)

Little people and a lost world:  An anthropological.  Goldenberg, Linda.  Lerner Publishing Group (Twenty First Century Books), 2007.  info@lernerbooks.com, (800-328-4929).  112 pp. $30.60. ISBN 0-8225-5983-8.

This book is about a special breakthrough in the world of paleoanthropology. In 2003, archaeologists digging in a cave on Flores Island in Indonesia made a fascinating discovery.  They uncovered an extremely small humanlike skeleton.  The remains of the body were only three feet tall.  The archaeologist team assumed the skeleton was only a child, but changed their minds after observing the molars.  Was this a woman, small human, or a newly discovered ancestor of us all?  This book takes a look into this intriguing discovery and the scientific controversy that surrounds it.  (SO)

Living color. Jenkins, Steve. Houghton Mifflin Co., 2007. childrens_books@hmco.com, (800-225-3362). 32pp. $17.00. ISBN 978-0-618-70897-0.

Living Color uses red, blue, yellow, orange, purple and pink to categorize and teach about different animals. Every animal is depicted in an illustration and has a paragraph further explaining them. The explanation gives students interesting facts about each animal, and a further explanation of each animal appears in the back of the book.  This book provides a great quantity of information on each page, and difficult vocabulary might be frustrating to students. Though most appropriate for upper elementary, even these students may need guidance when reading this book. (AK)

Llama, llama mad at mama. Dewdney, Anna. Penguin Group (Viking), 2007. will.weissler@us.penguingroup.com, (800-631-8571). 32pp. $15.99. ISBN 978-0-670-06240-9. .

Llama, llama mad at mama is an incredibly inviting story that any parent and child can relate to. The illustrations are detailed and colorful and show the expressions of the main characters very well. This is a story that would be very appealing to pre-school and kindergarten students.  Incorporates a rhyming scheme, which is used throughout the story to make it more fun and interesting for the reader. Any child can relate to getting impatient while shopping, and this story allows the reader to see it from the viewpoint of the mother who wants to work as a team while shopping and spend time with little Llama Llama. (KRS)

Long may she reign. White, Ellen Emerson. Holtzbrinck Publishers (Feiwel and Friends), 2007. elizabet.fithin@hbpub.com, (646-307-5770). 708pp. $15.95. ISBN 0-312-3676-8.

Meg Powers, the daughter of the President of the United States, was kidnapped by terrorists and brutally beaten, starved, and left for dead.  However, Meg survives, and is about to begin her first year of college.  Meg must not only handle her physical challenges, but also must leave the security of the White House and learn to make new friends.  Throughout her first year of college, Meg struggles to adapt to life outside of the White House, as well as finding her true self in the world.  Readers can identify with themes of self-discovery and perseverance.  The careful development of Meg allows readers to feel the struggles that Meg faces everyday.  This book can also be used to spark conversation about terrorism, prejudices, and today’s world.  However, the profuse use of profanity makes this book more suitable with young adult readers and makes this book questionable to be used within schools.  (CS)

Louis Sockaleis: Native American baseball pioneer. Wise, Bill. Lee & Low Books, 2007. jstevens@leeandlow.com, (212-779-4400). 32pp. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58430-269-8. Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. 

This biography of Louis Sockaleis is the story of a man who had a dream as a child and was not willing to give it up for anything. Wise portrays both the struggle and the success that Sockaleis experienced during his life in a delightful story that is easy to read.  The illustrations help to create the mood of the past and add to the baseball atmosphere.  This is a great example of a strong Native American person pursuing their dreams and fighting prejudice.  Elementary students will appreciate this uplifting story.  (AS)

Love, Meg. Purtill, C. Leigh. Penguin Group, Inc., 2007. will.weissler@us.penguingroup.com, (800-631-8571). 297pp. $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-116-3.

This book is about Meg Shanley, a fifteen-year-old girl who tries to adjust to a new life in Hollywood with her older sister Lucie, the only family she knows.  Meg’s life dramatically changes as an uncle she never knew about shows up, telling her that she has a grandmother in Queens, New York.  Against her older sister’s wishes, Meg flies to Queens to yet again start a new life.  In New York, Meg learns about her family, makes new friendships, and even has a budding romance with a handsome, popular boy named Juny.  Far away from home, Meg makes self-discoveries about who she is and will never be the same again.  Through the careful development of the characters, readers identify with the conflicts that Meg faces as she struggles to find out who she really is. The theme of self-discovery is a message that readers can apply to their everyday lives.  This book appeals to upper junior high and high school students who enjoy a lighthearted, pleasant read. (CS)

The luck of the Loch Ness monster: A tale of picky.  Flaherty, A.W.  Houghton Mifflin Co., 2007.  childrens_books@hmco.com, (617-351-5000).  32pp. $16.00.  ISBN 0-618-55644-3.  Illustrated by Scott Magoon.

This story puts a unique and fun twist on both the legend of the Loch Ness Monster and the concept of picky eating.  According to this book, the Loch Ness Monster begins as a tiny worm in the water and grows bigger as Katerina-Elizabeth, a picky eater, throws her morning oatmeal overboard into the water.  The worm steadily increases in size with each passing day until it is eventually too big to leave Loch Ness and becomes known as the Loch Ness Monster.  Although Katerina-Elizabeth grows up to be shorter than the rest of her family members, she still lives a happy life.  The sense of adventure and fantasy in this book would appeal to older and younger students alike, although the text is more complex and better suited for older children.  The message of this story is that although eating a variety of foods is beneficial, it is also alright to be a picky eater.  The author’s note in the back also describes how eating tendencies are genetically determined, which could be incorporated into a science lesson.  This book presents an interesting tale of the Loch Ness Monster and intrigues children through its excellent incorporation of adventure and fantasy.  (CC).

Luna moths: Masters of change.  Markle, Sandra.  Lerner Publishing Group, 2008.  info@lernerbooks.com, (800-328-4929).  48pp.  $27.93.  ISBN 978-0-8225-7302-9. 

As students learn about luna moths through this wonderful and informative book, they will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature.  With photographs, diagrams, and pictures throughout the book, children not only get the opportunity to read about luna moths, but they also can see luna moths.  Each page has at least one “moth fact” on it, which describes an interesting fact about moths and enhances the main text of the page.  A glossary, index, and list of sources are all included in the back of the book to clarify terms and further students’ understanding.  Part of a larger series, Insect World, this book about luna moths teaches children what the luna moth looks like, how it acts, and how it progresses through its life cycle.  By reading other books in this series such as Termites, Praying Mantises, and Mosquitoes, students can gain an understanding of many different types of insects and their characteristics and habits.  These quality books about insects provide students with a valuable resource and foster an appreciation for nature and all of its creatures.  (CC)

Lungs: Your respiratory system.  Simon, Seymour.  Harper Collins Publishing (Collins), 2007.  spsales@harpercollins.com, (800-242-7737). 32pp. $16.99. ISBN 0-06-054654-9.

The Smithsonian has remained true to its mission to support “the increase and diffusion of knowledge” in this text about lungs.  Through the use of facts, definitions, and diagrams, this text goes deep into the respiratory system to show the true importance of the work that lungs do everyday.  From birth, the lungs are on the job making everything humans do possible. This text takes it a step further, providing details on how the entire respiratory system functions and explaining the basics of why the lungs are so important.  This physiological journey should be taken by upper elementary or early middle school aged children. (KES)