Molly Bannaky
By Alice McGill

This adventurous story tells of how a brave woman was exiled from her country and sentenced to work as an indentured servant in an American Colony. Her knowledge of how to read and write serves her well and she is soon prospering in her new home. This story is controversial because young Molly, a Caucasian, serves seven years in servant hood and marries an African slave even though this sought of thing is not heard of. Needless to say, Molly Bannaky teaches her children and their children how to read and write. One of her descendants is a famous scientist and mathematician that will surprise the reader. This is a must read for children in Grades 2 – 6 who love history, family life and courage.

Jamberry
By Bruce Degen

This fun story in rhyme offers a unique approach to seeing colors and rhymes through four types of berries. The simple text will keep young readers captivated and the colorful illustrations will make them want to hear the story over and over again. The journey takes a little boy on his canoe to Berryland where he sees blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries everywhere. This is an excellent book to share with toddlers and preschoolers, alike.

Pickin’ Peas
By Margaret Read MacDonald

Self-Esteem is important for success in any arena. In this story a little girl has the confidence she needs to keep her garden safe from a pesky rabbit or so she thinks. While the little girl sings happily picking the biggest peas; the rabbit sings, jumps and lands on his knees picking the peas little girl leaves behind. This is a fun and exciting book of repetition that children will want to hear again and again. The text is easy to understand and Preschoolers to Grade 3 will want to sing this chant— “Pickin’ peas, land on my knees” repeatedly.

Library Lion
By Michelle Knudsen

The library is just not same after a big lion enters its doors. Even the head librarian learns that a lion can be helpful in the library. Following the rules is the law, but will the lion break to rules to help someone in need or will he keep quiet and don’t help at all. Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen gives a lighter side to the strictness of being quiet in libraries.

Circle Unbroken
By Margot Theis Raven
Pictures by E.B. Lewis

Margot Raven teaches each reader of the rich story of sweet grass baskets of the South Carolina and Georgia Low-Country. A young boy and girl start out in Africa near a flowing river, across a wide, deep ocean in faraway Africa. Both grow to become a man and woman and are stolen from the village from African and brought to the port of Charleston, SC. They share common bonds, marry and soon share their intricate art of sewing sweet grass baskets to their children’s children. Raven gives the reader the chance to learn a craft, learn about a culture, and learn to know a people that continued a tradition from the faraway land of Africa. My thoughts are comforted by the tradition that is shared, valued and continued throughout many generations-regardless of the troubles and heartache that these people encounter.

Heartbeat
By Sharon Creech

Sharon Creech does a great job sharing the many experiences of the 12 year old girl Annie. Annie becomes a character that you learn to love, pity, and soon admire. Her little life ponders the excitements and fears of her mother’s pregnancy, the declining health of her grandfather, the extreme moodiness of her best friend Max, and the joys and pitfalls of running, teachers and coaches. Perhaps, my favorite poem is found on page 31 entitled- Fears and Loves. The saddest poem that comes to mind is found on page 123 entitled- The Stranger. This book of poetry is full of emotional rhythms that cover the very essence of a growing child. Since one’s emotion is the cheerleader to what we are feeling inside this book proved to be a one team competition. Mrs. Creech brings to life the story of a girl trying to understand the many rhythms of life and how she fits within them.

Hoop Kings - Poems
By Charles R. Smith Jr.

These poems by Charles Smith Jr. prove his knowledge of the game of basketball and his mastery of the English language. Mr. Smith uses exceptional analogies for twelve (12) powerfully talented contemporary basketball players. His versatile use of poetry forms makes this book a must read for poetry lovers, basketball and English language fans. Mr. Smith energetic play on words is clear enough for even a third grader. This book is recommended because of all the above mentioning.

Never Mind!
By Avi and Rachel Vial

This story between twin brother and sister Meg and Edward started off with humor and imagery. Edward and Meg are like night and day, oil and water. These seventh grade twins are an unparallel pain. They intentionally attend different schools and are glad about it until trouble begins. The book gives a great description of sibling rivalry but uses a bad word page 26. Never Mind is the name of Edwards’s phony band that Meg tries to use to impress her “snobby” friends. While this book shows the mischievous and humorous acts of soon to be teenagers, I do not recommend it.

It Rained all Day that Night: Autographs Rhymes and Inscriptions
Compiled by Lillian Morrison
Illustrated by Christy Hale

Lillian Morrison uses sentimental and moralistic verse to create a book for children ages 8 and older, who appreciated clever ways to share the thoughts and intentions of the heart and mind. Children witness commemorative notes for generations. Included in this book with appropriate and funny illustrations by Christy Hale are some of our favorite messages of friendship, inspiration, one-liners, and nonsense. This book gives a direct, down-to-earth and humorous shorthand for all generations.

My Mommy
By Susan Paradis

Susan Paradis offers a rich, colorful art to describe the sweet message of a mother/ daughter bonding. The paintings give a magically powerful showing of how a mother cares for her daughter. This is a companion piece to My Daddy that she wrote in 1998. This book is appropriate for children in preschool- possible 3rd grade. However, the message that is conveyed can be found by an audience of young and old.

Evangeline Brown and the Cadillac Motel
By Michelle Ivy Davis

Michelle Davis writes a story about a sixth grader named Evangeline, who lives with an alcoholic father in a motel that her father owns. Evangeline hates living in the dingy Florida motel and wishes her mother was there to share her many emotions. Ms. Davis aims at reader 8-14 years old in this uniquely touching novel that is bound to inspire readers of all ages. This book shows the concern of a teacher, the need of a friend and the memory of a loved one.

Cluck O’ Clock
By Kes Gray
Illustrated by Mary McQuillan
Kes Gray use rhyme to describe a full day on the farm for a group of chickens. This is a great tool for helping children tell time and learn how the hens clock watch from food time until fox time. Readers will take an adventure of how hens face an Olga and eventually learns his lesson. Mary McQuillan has great illustrations that are appropriate for children-full of color and shape.