Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems)
by Linda Sue Park

A sijo is a form of poetry that originated in Korea. It has a fixed number of stressed syllables and is usually divided into three or six lines. The feature that makes sijo so unique is that the last line usually contains a twist or surprise.

Prior to reading this book, I was unaware of this form of poetry. I'm glad that there is now a collection for children and cannot wait to share these with my students. I especially liked the poem called "School Lunch." I wonder which will be my students' favorite?

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

14 Cows for America
by Carmen Agra Deedy

After returning to his home in Kenya during the summer of 2002, Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah shares the story of heartache that America was experiencing after the tragedies of September 11th. The Maasai people believe that in order to take away another's pain, you should give them something close to your own heart. Cows are a most revered animal to this tribe. Wanting to help carry the burden of so much sadness in America, the Maasai generously give fourteen cows as a symbol of their goodwill.

Intrigued by the title, I had no idea of how deeply I would be impacted by this book. The story is a true testament to the power and goodness inside people all over the world, despite the horrors of 911. The illustrations are breathtaking and even after reading the book several times, I still find intricate details I had not seen before. The last picture of the Twin Towers reflected in the young Maasai warrior's eye is an image I won't soon forget. I have waited a long time for someone to create a book for young readers that would share a bit of hope after the tragedies we faced that fateful day. I am so glad we finally have one and I can't wait to share it with my students next school year.

Please visit http://www.14cowsforamerica.com/ for more details about the story. You can also view a book trailer here.

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau
by Dan Yaccarino

Although Jacques was a sickly boy when he was young, he did not accept the thought of a future with limitations. He swam in the ocean to build his strength and discovered that the ocean and its inhabitants fascinated him. Besides his love of the ocean, he loved to build things and take apart things just to see how they worked. This combination of intrigue, determination, and wonder shaped Jacques into the famous underwater explorer, inventor, and protector that the world remembers today.

The simplistic text in this book introduces young readers to the amazing underwater scientist while highlighting the characteristics needed for success in any field. Yaccarino's vibrant illustrations capture undersea life and draw the reader into Cousteau's world. Facts are presented in easily accessible text, while quotes from Cousteau give the reader a deeper glimpse into his personality.

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

Mudshark
by Gary Paulsen

Lyle Williams was a born thinker and this fact made him the go-to guy for information about anything. Did you lose your homework? Ask Mudshark. Lost your pet cat? Mudshark will know exactly where to find him. No one knew exactly why Mudshark was so cool, everyone just knew that he was. One day, the librarian introduced the school to her new pet parrot and Mudshark's life began to change. He now had competition for title of "the answer guy"...a parrot that loved to talk!

Paulsen's voice shines through in this chapter book about the power of kids. I think my students will enjoy learning about Mudshark and finding out how he solves the biggest mysteries at his school, the missing erasers and whether or not a parrot can be psychic. The fast-paced text keeps the reader engaged and leaves you wanting to know more about the adventures after this story ends.

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

Surfer of the Century
by Ellie Crowe

There once was a surfer that mastered monster waves everyday. He could find the best Bluebirds and ride like nothing you've ever seen before! In fact, one day he found the perfect wave and rode for nearly two miles! Does this sound like a tall tale? Believe it or not, it's the true story of Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary Hawaiian surfer. He was born to swim, with large feet and hands to help propel him through the water at amazing speeds. His dream was to race against the best swimmers from the mainland United States, but he faced many challenges on his quest to become the best in the world.

This biographical tale is loaded with historical facts and examples of perseverance and dedication as well. What a great way to introduce young readers to a real-life hero that overcame obstacles to fulfill his dream. Waldrep's illustrations invite the reader into the sunny, Hawaiian environment and make you feel as if you're riding alongside Duke!

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

The Uglified Ducky
by Willy Claflin

Have you ever thought you were being raised in the wrong family? This is the question readers face as soon as they begin reading this story. Baby Moose mistakenly becomes part of a duck family, but quickly learns that he is not a proper duck. He cannot waddle, quack, swim, or fly. Mother Duck quickly takes him to the doctor for a few quick remedies, but Baby Moose simply cannot overcome his differences. Feeling like a failure, he stumbles upon some beautiful furry beasties with antlers and admires their stately ways. Thankfully, the furry beasties show him that he truly is the Moose he was born to be!

This version of the Ugly Duckling will have readers laughing as they empathize with Baby Moose. Although the ending is expected, young ones will enjoy hearing the adventure that leads Baby Moose to his destiny.

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

Sparrow Girl
by Sara Pennypacker

Although the adults around her won't listen, Ming-Li knows that the sparrows are truly not an enemy. Even though they are determined to eliminate every bird from their town, she is convinced that she must do whatever she can to save as many birds as possible. She finally persuades her brother into helping her and they successfully rescue seven sparrows. She is unsure how great her punishment will be, but feels certain that she has done the right thing.

This story, based on the Sparrow Wars of 1958 in China, captures the spirit and honest determination of a young girl beautifully. The fast-paced text couples well with Yoko Tanaka's amazing illustrations to portray the somber, yet hopeful storyline. I can't wait to share this story of an unlikely hero with my students next school year!

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

Calvin Coconut: Trouble Magnet
by Graham Salisbury

Would you want to go to school everyday if you lived in Hawaii? Probably not! Calvin Coconut has always lived in Hawaii so it doesn't feel so special to him. Although he loves spending time at the beach, it's not like a vacation.
When this book begins, summer is winding down and school is about to start up again. On top of his nervousness about going into fourth grade, Calvin's mom has just announced that one of her friend's daughters is coming to live with them. Preparing for fourth grade, giving up his room for the new girl, moving into the storage room in the garage, and dealing with Tito the school bully consumes is a lot to handle. Can Calvin figure out a way to not be such a magnet for trouble and mayhem?

What a great book for summer time reading! Calvin is a strong character that learns to control his impulsiveness, as well as any fourth grader I know! Elementary readers will easily identify with him and his "troubles," and might even learn a thing or two about becoming responsible.

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

Squirrel's World
by Lisa Moser

Squirrel is busy, busy, busy! He loves to help his friends all the time. Sometimes, however, his "help" makes more work for Mouse, Turtle, and Rabbit.

Emerging readers will delight in this fast-paced story that has as much energy as Squirrel himself! The illustrations capture the emotions and energy of the animal characters. This would be a great recommendation for readers that are embarking upon their adventure into beginning chapter books.

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

The Hinky-Pink
by Megan McDonald

Anabel, not Anabella, is a talented young seamstress that dreams of sewing with the finest fabrics instead of the simple repairs to which she is accustomed. She would love nothing more than to sew a ball gown for a princess! One day, quite unexpectedly, she gets her chance. Although she is locked in a tower and has only one week to create a masterpiece, Anabel is thrilled to be surrounded by silk, chiffon, and organza. Unfortunately, each night she is bothered by someone or something that is determined to destroy her bed linens and not let her have any sleep. Each morning, she awakes very tired and her sewing is less than perfect. Finally, Anabel figures out what this unseen adversary is searching for and accomplishes her goal of creating the best Farfalla gown for the princess!

Megan McDonald creates a quaint, updated version of this old tale. Alongside Brian Floca's illustrations, complete with nods to Old Italian landmarks, this book will delight princesses and princess-hopefuls alike!

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

Gruffen
by Chris D'Lacey

Lucy's mom is an artist that works with clay. Her art studio is called the Dragon's Den because her specialty is creating magical dragons. In fact, their house is protected by many of her creations. Gruffen's job is to protect Lucy from the monster that is flying around her window each night. Much to Gruffen's surprise, the monster turns out to be a really good friend.

This short chapter book is the first in a new series by Chris D'Lacey called The Dragons of Wayward Crescent. I have a feeling this series will be a great starting place for my emerging independent readers. It's what I will recommend before D'Lacey's Last Dragon Chronicles.

2010-2011 Horned Toad Tale nominee

Umbrella Summer
by Lisa Graff

Annie is certain that her symptoms that indicate she has several diseases or other health problems. She also feels that a person can't be too careful to prevent accidents. She stocks up on Band-Aids and is sure to wear her bicycle helmet wherever she goes (even if she's walking to her best friend's house down the street.) Since her brother died unexpectedly, she spends every minute trying to prevent another tragedy in her family. The grown-ups around her are very worried, but they don't know how to help her. After a misunderstanding with her best friend and acquiring an unlikely new friend, Annie learns how to stop worrying, put down her "umbrella," and begin to enjoy life.

When I first started reading this book I was confused about who Jared was and why his death was such a bid deal to Annie. I also couldn't understand how a 10-year-old could be so preoccupied with health problems. However, the more I read, the more I began to understand Annie's situation. The author does a great job giving the reader a glimpse into the characters' thoughts and emotions. I could hardly put the book down because I wanted to know what happened next. Was Mrs. Finch's house haunted? Would Rebecca forgive Annie? Would Doug figure out a way to help Annie? Would Annie figure out a way to help her parents? You'll have to read this book if you want to know the answers to these questions!

2010-2011 Horned Toad Tale nominee

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee