The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins

Kerley, Barbara.  2001.  The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins.  New York: Scholastic, Inc..  ISBN 978043911493

The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins is an interesting biography following the inspiration and achievements of Waterhouse, “as he liked to be called,” the designer of the first life-size dinosaur models.

Waterhouse, who wanted to show the world its first conception of dinosaurs, is followed from his workshop where he prepared his first dinosaur models for the Queen to his work as a lecturer and on to his designs for Central Park and their undoing by “Boss” Tweed.

This is a riveting story, and children of all ages will be enthralled by its dinner party inside a dinosaur, a political tyrant’s wrath and the mystery of where in Central Park dinosaur models are buried.

With all of its excitement, this story could easily be a work of fiction; however, the author and illustrator notes at the end of the book tell stories, which are full of interest and humor themselves, of the research involved in creating this book, the sources from which information was gleaned and the supplemental information about other key characters mentioned in the book.

The clear text and flowing storyline easily draws the reader into this unique story, while the illustrations focus on the journey, creativity and vision described throughout the text. The detailed and lively illustrations of Brian Selznick add to the creative tones and artistic theme of the book.

For those interested in dinosaurs, this is an important and little-known part of our history of understanding. This informative and exciting biography would be a wonderful addition to a segment on dinosaurs, artists or history, as all three are elements in Waterhouse Hawkins’ story.

The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins is the winner of the ABC Children’s Booksellers Choices Award (2002) and the Garden State Children’s Book Award (2004). It was also selected as an honor book by: Randolph Caldecott Medal (2002), Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children (2002), and Great Lakes Great Books Award (2003).

“Appealing on many levels, this picture book for older readers will be a favorite dinosaur book for years to come.”(Booklist/Sept. 2001)

"Kerley’s pithy text is a good match for Selznick’s attractive art, which is clear-eyed yet contains a dash of magic." (Horn Book/Spring 2002)

Hitler Youth: growing up in Hitler's shadow

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell.  2005.  Hitler Youth: growing up in Hitler's shadow.  New York: Scholastic Nonfiction.  ISBN 0439353793

Old-fashioned parents and school-yard brawls aren’t read in the same context in Hitler Youth as in other young adult books. Bringing to the surface an uneasy connection between the idea of the misunderstood youth of any generation and the Hitler Youth, Bartoletti details the involvement young Germans had in Hitler’s Germany.

Through the stories of several children who fought for, fought against or were victims of the Nazi regime and through several supporting black and white photographs, this book adds yet another layer to the devastation of the war.

These are sad and startling accounts of young Germans who were lied to by the German government and media and who often had no idea of the broader crimes being committed during the war, as well as the sad, tragic tales of those young Germans and Jews who were silenced by the government for their race, religion, anti-Nazi ideals and activism.

Bartoletti draws her information from personal interviews, journals, published speeches, books and other documentable sources to expose the conditions under which children were raised and educated in Nazi Germany. Particularly helpful tools are the bibliography, which includes notations for additional reading suitable for young readers, and a "Time Line of the Hitler Youth," which outlines major events and their corresponding years.

A scarring part of history, this book and its stories will be an indelible source for students learning about World War II. The stories affecting so many school-aged children may also create a new understanding of the ideologies of the time for today’s youth, for, in addition to their perceptions and accounts pertaining to the war, its crimes and its causes, the children’s accounts also touch on broader themes of family, camaraderie and respect.

This is a haunting, yet extraordinary, work of informational literature in which the author is able to allow the unadulterated stories of victim, hero and villain to be told.

Hitler Youth: growing up in Hitler’s shadow is the winner of the Carolyn W. Field Award (2006) and the Top of the List Editors’ Choice (2005). It has also received the following honors: John Newbery Medal (2006), Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children (2005), Parents’ Choice Award-Gold (2005), and the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal (2006).

“This solid offering deserves wide readership by today's young people, and it is certain to promote extensive discussion.”(Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books/June 2005)

"...this superb book is unreservedly recommended for middle school and high school readers." (Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter/Sept./Oct. 2005)

The Brain: our nervous system

Simon, Seymour.  1997.  The Brain: our nervous system.  New York: HarperCollins Publishers.  ISBN 9780060877187

“Wiggle your toes. Scratch your nose. Take a deep breath and yawn.” These are Simon’s opening words and instructions leading to the basic idea that all of these things are controlled by the brain.

In this revised edition The Brain, Simon continues to intrigue, excite and explain the machinations of the human brain. Having teamed up with the Smithsonian Institute for the production of his science books, Simon has produced another informative piece of work that has the backing of one of America’s most reputable institutions.

With his deliberate and approachable text, The Brain is able to engage young readers while educating them: “The cerebellum is the part of your brain that lets you drink water without spilling it…”

Designed to grab the attention of the researcher or casual page-flipper, this book is filled with vivid and relevant photographs, micrographs, and drawings that provide the reader with visual depictions of what the text describes. A photography note in the beginning of the book explains how many of the incredible pictures are possible.

Each page of text describes a slightly different aspect of the brain and its functions as one makes head-way through the book. Any of these pages could be viewed in varying orders depending on the interest of the reader; however, there is no index or glossary, so the reader may have more difficulty reading the book out of its printed order without prior knowledge of the terms used.

Easily, this book could be incorporated into lesson plans, anatomy displays or in connection with any neurological discussion (maybe an introduction to neurological disorders if a child’s family is being affected).

This is a fascinating look at the human brain that will have kids’ minds reeling with information.

The Brain: our nervous system (1997) is the recipient of the 1998 Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children. This review is based on the 2006, revised, edition.

“The variety of the photographic views and the lucid presentation provide an absorbing introduction to this amazing system…”(Horn Book Review/Spring 2007)

Once Upon A Tomb: gravely humorous verses

Lewis, J. Patrick. 2006. Once Upon A Tomb: gravely humorous verses. Ill. Simon Bartram. Cambridge: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763618373

Mostly humorous, but sometimes cautionary, J. Patrick Lewis treats his readers to poetic humor about death.

Lewis‘ rhymes take the forms of elegies, epitaphs and eulogies for the dearly departed from twenty-two various professions. From a gardener to a book editor, tattoo artist to poet, the quippy lines have the reader chuckling about death.

Though each has its own rhythm and meter, all are easy and fun to read aloud. Some of the poems include a great deal of imagery (“Soccer Player”), while others, if not most, focus primarily on the characteristics of the deceased (“Cafeteria Lady”).

As a result, these poems are far from morbid, and somehow achieve, for the most part, the rare balance between humor and reverence in dealing with the subject of death.

This is balance is not disrupted by the detailed drawings that accompany each poem. Bartram’s artwork easily and thoroughly interprets the poems in whimsical, sad, and ironic ways.

The subject matter may not be the preferred flavor for every reader, but, overall, the book is presented tastefully and in a way that does not offend.

"This rare look at the lighter side of death should elicit plenty of surprised giggles from young audiences." (Booklist/August 2006)

"A great selection for a Halloween read-aloud or reluctant poetry readers." (School Library Journal/August 2006)

Central Heating: poems about fire and warmth

Singer, Marilyn. 2005. Central Heating: Poems about fire and warmth. Ill. Meilo So. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375829121

Marilyn Singer has created a wonderfully intense and thought-provoking book of poetry. Fire is the motif here; an inventive addition to the book’s two companion compilations about water and earth.

Each poem focuses on a different aspect of fire or warmth, and, in turn, reminds the reader of the ways fire amuses, frightens, teaches and interests us in nature, daily life and celebration.

Singer primarily uses free verse but uses rhyme and rhythm effectively, so the less conventional style of poetry is not awkward for younger readers. In “Forged,” she repeats the first lines throughout (with small changes) providing consistency: (To understand metal/make friends with fire)…(To understand fire/get to know wood)…(To understand metal/make friends with fire).

Each poem is given a two-page spread to share with the artwork of Meilo So. The exciting lino cuts and wash illustrations accompany the text in glowing, red images that well-suited to the individual poem and the motif.

Singer’s poems evoke powerful images and feelings, intensifying the varying significance fire can bring. These poems would fit well into some or all fire-safety, science, history, Independence Day, birthday, or mythology curriculums and/or celebrations.

The pace of the book is slow, and may be difficult for younger readers to attempt to read the book all at once, but will be a creative asset if read in small, thematic pieces.

"This title…belongs on library shelves everywhere" (School Library Journal/January 2005)

"Its engaging design will surely entice readers to open and read, perhaps in front of their own candle, hearth, or stove." (Kirkus Reviews/December 2004)

Spinning Through the Universe: a novel in poems from Room 214

Frost, Helen.  2004.  Spinning Through the Universe: a novel in poems from Room 214.  New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.; ISBN 0374371598

Spinning Through the Universe is told from the perspectives of twenty-six students from room 214, Mrs. Williams, the teacher, and Mr. Carlson, the janitor. Each poem gives insight into one of the story arcs created in the first few poems, and emotions are high for the voice and for the reader.

What is so interesting about this novel is the stark contrast between one student and the next in terms of maturity. The circumstances each of these children describes about themselves and each other are easily relatable to the modern-day troubles placed on this age-group: some have much to worry about, while some have little.

Also of interest is the misinterpretation of the signals a child gives: for instance, Naomi notices EVERYTHING, but appears to be daydreaming most of the time, and Andrew appears at first to not understand the steps involved with his math work but actually grasps the concepts so well, he doesn’t need to work through the steps like the others.

This would be an excellent book for young readers, middle-school age, to help cope with their own woes, understand what others may be going through and as an introduction, to some, of adult concepts to which they may not yet have been exposed.

Additionally, as an introduction to poetry, Helen Frost goes into great detail at the end of the novel in the “Notes on Forms” section. Not only does she describe what type of poetry is used, but she also goes into detail about how she modified them, what other elements are used and general information about poetry. Notes are given on each poem for a thorough understanding of the style in which the poem is written.

Most rhymes are in different styles (22 different types of poem throughout the book), depending on whose voice is being used. The poems are incredibly well-suited to the middle-school age-group in vocabulary and topic, and address serious issues, such as battery, war, homelessness, race issues, cheating, as well as more childish woes like a missing bike, not being allowed a pet, and communication mishaps.

"Readers may be surprised at the complexity of rules governing the writing, so naturally does the author seem to capture the poetic essence of the children's voices..." (Publishers Weekly/April 2004)

"Interwoven dramatic stories and interesting poetic patterns give this book extra appeal." (School Library Journal/April 2004)

"Appropriate, original imagery and understated, natural voices make these poems sensitive and insightful." (Kirkus Reviews/March 2004)

Spinning Through the Universe is the winner of the Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry, 2005.