This is a gripping true adventure story that will have wide appeal with kids. Much of the story is told in Knud Petersen’s own words, collected through hours of interview and hundreds of emails, which gives the book an authentic voice and brings the reader right into the action. And the action is nonstop. These brave kids had a fire in their hearts and they would stop at nothing to save their country from the Nazi invasion.
Booktalk: Have you ever built a cool science project? In middle school, Aprille Ericsson won second place in a science fair. She knew she wanted to keep creating amazing science projects. As an adult, she became an engineer and works at NASA building spacecraft.
Ericsson was one of the few girls in her middle school who loved math and science. Years later, she became the first woman to receive a PhD in mechanical engineering from Howard University. At NASA, she’s helped build spacecraft that can map the moon, monitor climate change, or even bring soil and rocks back from Mars. Learn how Ericsson’s passion for science has helped her pave the way for future engineers.
Snippet: One of Ericsson’s most recent projects will help scientists study the Earth’s polar caps. Greenhouse gasses are warming the North and South poles. The warmer temperatures are causing the ice caps to melt slowly. Scientists will soon be able to find out more with the new Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat-2). Ericsson was one of the managers in charge of creating a large instrument for ICESat-2 called ATLAS (Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System). The device wil be attached to ICESat-2 and will use lasers to measure the size of the ice caps. ICESat-2 is scheduled to launch in 2016.
Booktalk: For shy young Peter Mark Roget, books were the best companions — and it wasn’t long before Peter began writing his own book. But he didn’t write stories; he wrote lists. Peter took his love for words and turned it to organizing ideas and finding exactly the right word to express just what he thought. His lists grew and grew, eventually turning into one of the most important reference books of all time.
Snippet:
Peter’s family moved often, so making friends was difficult.
But books, Peter discovered, were also good friends. There were always plenty around, and he never had to leave them behind.
When he was eight, he started to write his own book. On the cover, he wrote Peter, Mark, Roget. His Book.
Trait: Ideas Writing a picture book biography can be tricky. How can you talk about an entire life with so few pages? You have to leave room for the art, too.
After you do your research and are ready to write, begin with the most important idea. Why was the person famous? Focusing on this idea as you write your draft will help you decide what to include in the story–and what to leave out.
Roget was famous because of his book.
When he was eight, he started to write his own book. On the cover, he wrote Peter, Mark, Roget. His Book.
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre & his world of insects by Matthew Clark Smith. Illustrated by Giuliano Ferri. unpgd. Two Lions/ Amazon Children’s Publishing, May, 2015. 9781477826324. (Copy borrowed from public library)
This lovely picture book biography is perfect for the budding entomologists in your personal or professional lives. Both the text and narrative work well to tell the story of one of the few scientists to ever win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Check out the full review at Proseandkahn.
Ballet is a form of dance that attracts few African Americans. Two African American ballerinas would like to change that and both of them wrote books.
FIREBIRD by Misty Copeland is really an essay in picture book form. The subtitle is Ballerina Misty Copeland shows a young girl how to dance like the firebird, character in a famous ballet.
Misty tells a potential ballerina of color what ballet means to her.
Sample: “you will soar become a swan, a beauty, a firebird for sure.”
One illustration in this book demonstrates the five positions of ballet.
Today Misty is a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre.
BALLERINA DREAMS by Michaela and Elaine DePrince is a biography reader in the STEP INTO READING series.
Michaela DePrince is an orphan from Sierra Leone who was adopted by an American couple.
She told her new mother that she wanted to study ballet. Her mother bought her a video of the ballet The Nutcracker.
Michaela began her dance lessons. When she was eight years old she was able to audition for The Nutcracker. She won two roles in the ballet. Eventually she danced the role of The Sugar Plum Fairy, an important roll. She is now a professional ballerina.
Sample: “The music begins, and my heart beats fast with excitement. I fly on to the stage.”
This book gives definitions of ballet terms such as combinations: putting ballet steps together.
The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy: A handbook for girl geeks by Sam Maggs, 2015
Read by Holly Conrad, Jessica Almasy
5 hrs.
Although it is essentially a book about fandoms of all types (Trekkers, Potterheads, cosplayers, and the like), The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy it is also a motivational book that entreats young women to embrace their fangirl passions without apology.
Booktalk: Want to blast into orbit? Walk on the moon? Snag a personal photo of a shooting star? Well your time is coming! And when it does, you’re going to need a guide filled with information. Grounded in the history of space travel and the planned future of space tourism, this guide book will tell you what to pack (hint: no bubble bath or juggling balls!); what to expect from your accomodations (a sleeping bag attached to the wall), and what to do for fun (leapfrog on the moon!). Get ready to rock your rocketship!
Snippet: Eventually, you’ll be able to orbit Earth or vacation on Mars. It’s too early to make reservations, but it’s never too soon to start thinking about it. This guidebook will help you enjoy your space adventure long before you board the ship. After all, how can you daydream about it without knowing what you’ll eat and where you’ll sleep? Or what it’s like doing all of this while floating upside down?
Booktalk: Everything you need to throw a party! DIY: Hundreds of perforated paper pieces, easy to assemble in dozens of ways to create your perfect party. Simply punch out the shapes desired, add some glue and string and you can make garlands, cupcake toppers, tray covers, chains, gift wrap, invitations, labels, tags, boxes, and much more.
The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club by Phillip Hoose. Narrated by Phillip Hoose and Michael Braun. (2015, Recorded Books)
This is the heretofore little-known story of schoolboys who challenged the Nazi army even as their country’s leaders collaborated with the Germans. Alternating first-person accounts of young saboteur, Knud Pedersen with carefully researched narrative, Phillip Hoose tells the compelling story of these daring young boys who were willing to risk their lives to free Denmark from German occupation. Without their parents’ knowledge, the boys raided, stole, and destroyed German property with nothing more than bicycles for transportation. Their heroic actions sparked the Danish resistance.
Michael Braun narrates the chapters containing Knud Pedersen’s first-hand recollections of the events. While his delivery is weighty, it lacks personality. It is through the actions of Knud that the listener learns to like and admire him, rather than through his speech. Perhaps because the book is targeted at a young audience (ages 12-18) and Knud himself was only a teen at the time, a younger voice would have been more appropriate. Author Phillip Hoose does an excellent job with the alternating chapters. He reads precisely and takes great care in the pronunciation of Danish names and places.
This is a well-researched, captivating story that proves the ability of individuals to effect change against overwhelming odds.
Neighborhood Sharks: hunting with the Great Whites of California’s Farallon Islands by Katherine Roy. unpged. David Macaulay Studio/ Roaring Brook Press, September, 2014. 9781596438743. (Purchased)
I finally got around to diving into this Sibert Honor! Click here to read the full review!
Nonfiction Monday 