The Girlhood Diary of Wanda Gag, 1908-1909

For readers who are interested in reading more about Wanda Gag, this book might be the place to start. It includes selected entries from Wanda's diary from 1908-1909. The selections are chosen from the longer diary entitled Growing Pains: Diaries and Drawings for the Years 1908-1917, republished by the Minnesota Historical Society in 1984.

Wanda Gag; Storybook Artist

Written by Gwenyth Swain, this biography of Wanda Gag won the Minnesota Book Award in 2006. Gag grew up in New Ulm, Minnesota and is the well-known author and illustrator of the picture book Millions of Cats which was a Newbery honor book in 1929, ABC Bunny a Newbery honor book in 1934, and Nothing at All a Caldecott honor book in 1942. Illustrated with photos and examples of Gag's artwork, this will be of interest to upper grade school students and others who would like to know more about her life. It can also be used by teachers to supplement art lessons or readings of Gag's stories.

Agate; What Good is a Moose?

Agates are a favorite objective for rock hunters along the North Shore of Lake Superior. In this unusual picture book, Agate is the name of a plain brown moose who is envious of the fabulous gems among his friends. He would like to be as tall as Diamond (giraffe), as clever as Opal (raccoon), as good a swimmer as Aquamarine (penguin). The watercolor art is stunning as each animal is painted in the color of his/her gem. Eventually Agate realizes that he is a "fabulous, knobbly, glorious, lumpity, terrific, bumpity, incredible, gangly, remarkable, spendid, magnificant secret jewel!" In the back, readers will find more information on the birthstones for each month--they also match the animals of the story. It is a very creative work by Minnesotans Joy Morgan Dey and Nikki Johnson.

Mississippi River: A Journey Down the Father of Waters

This book provides a personal travelogue, as well as a little history and geography of the Mississippi River, from Minnesota to the delta. Author Peter Lourie has explored many major rivers, and this canoe trip down the Mississippi took place in 1998. An interesting side note: he was in New Orleans when Hurricane Georges was threatening, but veered off to hit Biloxi instead--think about Hurricane Katrina when you read that part. This book was selected as a National Council of Social Studies Notable Trade Book in 2001.

Fearless John: The Legend of John Beargrease

Readers will enjoy this true story of John Beargrease, an Anishinaabe woodsman and U.S. mail carrier along the north shore in the late 1800's. John braved cold and ice, and wild animals to deliver mail and supplies to residents in the region. He is honored in modern times by the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon following a route he used long ago. Written by Kelly Emerling Rauzi, illustrated by Mila Horak, this book will introduce readers to a lesser-known Minnesota hero.

Mississippi Going North

When you think of the Mississippi River, what comes to mind? Perhaps a big, long, wide, muddy river that flows from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico?
This book will give you a new fresh perspective as it explores only the first part of the river, where it actually flows north. Author Sanna Anderson Baker uses poetry to describe the scenery and illustrator Bills Farnsworth uses oil painting to make the words come alive in this handsome book that takes readers to a part of Minnesota they may never see in person. Don't miss this one!

The Mighty Mississippi

Part of a beginning reader series, and authored by Minnesota's Marion Dane Bauer, this simple book introduces readers to the basic facts about the Mississippi River. A supplement of interesting facts in available in the back. In the coming weeks, I will be commenting on several other books about the Mississippi.

The Mayo Brothers: Doctors to the World

This picture biography for middle grade readers introduces William and Charles Mayo, founders of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. It also describes how they donated money for medical studies and various community projects in Rochester. Part of a series on 'community builders', it provides a lesson on working to make your community a better place.

Bookworks; Making Books by Hand

Written by Gwenyth Swain, this colorful book is packed with information. In addition to a concise history of bookmaking, it includes directions for a variety of book-related projects for children; from layout and design, to making paper, to different types of bound or folded books, and printing and illustration. The photos feature activities at the Minnesota Center for the Book Arts, and the book won the Minnesota Book Award in 1996. It is a nice resource for teachers who do "book" projects in their classrooms.

Godless

One of my favorite books from recent years, this is the story of Jason Bock, a 15-year old Catholic who is completely bored with church. He and a group of friends decide to start their own religion, and select the town's water tower as their new god. As this new religion grows, it takes on a life of its own. Full of interesting and quirky characters, this could be used as a basis for discussion about personal faith as well as doubts about faith. Written by Minnesota's Pete Hautman, this won the National Book Award in 2004 and won the Minnesota Book Award in 2005.

An Eritrean Family

Part of the "Journey Between Two Worlds" series by Lerner Publishing, this book tells the story of Yordanos and her family, refugees from Eritrea who settled in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The books author, Lois Anne Berg, lived in Eritrea for a time, and uses that knowledge to explain the difficult history of conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia. The book also describes the lengthy process for Yordanos' family to immigrate to the United States and their daily life here.

The Boyhood Diary of Charles Lindbergh 1913-1916

This book includes excerpts from the diaries of Charles Lindbergh. They include a selection about passenger train travel from Little Falls, Minnesota to Washington D.C. where his father was a member of the House of Representatives; a camping and boating trip with his father along the Mississippi River from the Headwaters to Palisade; and an automobile trip around Minnesota (where Charles was the driver at age 14) while his father campaigned for office. It's a brief but interesting look at the childhood of a famous Minnesotan.

The Rising Star of Rusty Nail

Setting: Rusty Nail, Minnesota, a typical small midwestern town where everybody knows your business. Among the motly collection of quirky characters in this story, two stand out, Franny Hansen and Nancy Orilee, both potential piano virtuosos. How can a small town produce and support such talent? Who will be their music teacher? Can they compete on a larger stage? These and other questions will keep readers going as they wait to find out who IS the best. Leslie Blume is the author of this story about big dreams in small town America.

WILD About Minnesota Birds

Subtitled A Youth's Guide to the Birds of Minnesota, this is a handsome book packed with information. The book is divided into four habitats: coniferous forest, desiduous forest, prairie and open grassland, and wetlands, rivers, and shores. In each habitat section, 12-20 birds are featured, each on a two-page spread. In addition to color photos, information is included about habitat, migration, nesting, life cycle, as well as specific places to find the bird. Words do not adequately describe how cool this book is. Bird lovers must check it out, and it is a great resource for classes studying birds.

Powerhouse: Inside a Nuclear Power Plant

Normally I would not get very excited about reading a book describing how electricity is produced in a nuclear power plant. However, this book caught my attention because it features the Prairie Island plant at Red Wing. It is a nice resource for classes studying how electricity is made.

Forest Fire, Hinckley, Minnesota 1894

One volume in a larger series called "Survival" by Kathleen Duey and Karen Bale, this is the story of Carrie Vaughn and Daniel Johansson, residents of Hinckley during the summer and fall of 1894. Both children hope that the fires burning near town will somehow stop or be put out without damage to the town. But then, suddenly, both children are running to escape the flames of the firestorm. Readers will experience what it is like to face disaster with courage and determination.

The Legend of the Lady's Slipper

This book recounts the Ojibwe folktale of Running Flower, a young girl who runs to a neighboring village in the dead of winter to bring healing medicine to her people who have fallen ill. In honor and recognition of her sacrifice, the northern forests have beautiful pink and white flowers called Lady's Slipper. This version of the story is authored by Kathy jo Wargin and illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen. For another version, readers might enjoy The Legend of the Lady Slipper (no 's on lady), written by Lise Lunge-Larsen and Margi Preus and illustrated by Andrea Arroyo.

Home of the Brave

Kek, a young Sudanese refugee, comes to Minnesota to live with an aunt and cousin. He arrives in winter and sees snow and ice for the first time, and he wonders if the people are like the weather--cold and unkind. Slowly he makes friends; a girl in foster care, an old woman who owns a rundown farm, and a cow who he names Gol ("family" in Sudanese). Written in free verse by Katherine Applegate, it could be a good read-aloud and discussion starter about why people immigrate and their feelings and experiences in a new country.

Minneapolis St. Paul Then and Now

While it was probably intended as a picture book for adults, and contains historical and current pictures of many historic buildings and sites around the Twin Cities; this is an excellent resource for students looking for historical pictures for a Minnesota history unit or a History Day project.

Kidding Around Minneapolis St. Paul

This travel guide for kids provides information on landmarks, museums, parks, sports, entertainment, food and other things to see and do in the Twin Cities. Each double page spread has information and an activity. The reading level is probably intermediate, but the activities cover primary and intermediate levels. Lists of other resources and major annual events are found in the back.

Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers

My string of posting every day was broken yesterday, when I was unsuccessful in getting online. So, I'll make up for it by doing two messages today.

Readers of Dogsong by Gary Paulsen will enjoy the stories Paulsen tells in this book. He reflects on the experience of raising and training sled dogs for the Iditarod. Cookie, his lead dog, is a central character in several of the stories. In addition, to supporting Dogsong, this could provide supplementary information in schools doing special projects related to the Iditarod.

The First Thing My Mama Told Me

A little girl, Lucy, finds a special way to celebrate her name on each birthday. After all it's a special name - it's the "first thing my mama told me"... Lucy loves her name and her parents who gave it to her. Written by Minnesota author Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Christine Davenier, it was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2003, and made the New York Times Best Illustrated Childrens Books list for that year.

Raptor Rescue: An Eagle Flies Free

Most of us have been blessed to see a hawk or an eagle soaring on wind currents. It's a wonderful sight. Readers of this book can explore behind the scenes at the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. This agency helps injured raptors recover from illness or injury, and hopefully return to the wild. Readers will follow the progress of S-137, a bald eagle who suffered a broken wing and gunshot wounds; from admission, x-ray, surgery, recuperation, flight therapy, and finally release. Written by Sylvia Johnson, with photos by Ron Winch, it is a fascinating introduction to the work of veterinarians and staff at the Raptor Center.

Scarecrow

Scarecrows. We see them in gardens and fields, with borrowed coats, button eyes, a slouch hat, and gloves that are too big. We may think we know a lot about them, but we really don't.... In this story, readers will learn about the daily life of a scarecrow. Written by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Lauren Stringer, it was a finalist for illustration for the Minnesota Book Award in 1999.

Paul Bunyan's Sweetheart

The newest tall tale in the Paul Bunyan collection, this is the story of how Paul falls in love with Lucette Diana Kensack from Hackensack (of course). Paul is so smitten that he will do anything to win Lucette's heart. However, Lucette has an unusual love test for him to pass first. Written by Marybeth Lorbiecki, illustrated by Renee' Graef, this is a wonderful addition to the Bunyan canon of tall tales.

Mud

We're having a January thaw today, and that makes me think of Spring. Spring makes me think of mud. For children, jumping in puddles and playing in mud is great fun! This book by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Lauren Stringer depicts the sheer joy and ectasy of playing in the mud. In this simple picture book, children can follow a young boy as he enjoys the first mud puddles in Spring. What fun! It won the Minnesota Book Award for illustration in 1997.

A Library Story: Building a New Central Library

Readers will follow the action in the construction of the new Central Library in Minneapolis. Along the way are personal reflections by several people involved in the design and construction of the library, as well as numerous interesting facts about libraries in general. Written by Jennifer Vogel, it is an interesting introduction to a unique building.

If You Were Born a Kitten

This simple picture book by Minnesota author Marion Dane Bauer, describes how twelve baby animals come into the world, and what happens when a human baby is born. The large illustrations by Jo Ellen McAllister Stammen compliment each animals story and show the special bond between parents and babies. It works nicely for a first introduction to how babies are born.

A Hmong Family

This book, by Nora Murphy, describes the history and culture of the Hmong, a unique ethnic group from Southeast Asia. The book follows the story of the Vang family as they lived in the mountains of Laos, fought against the Pathet Lao, escaped as refugees to Thailand, and eventually emigrated as refugees to the United States, first in California and eventually settling in Minnesota. It also describes the daily life of the family here.

Lighthouse: Living in a Great Lakes Lighthouse 1910 to 1940

Readers will learn about the history of Split Rock Lighthouse on the shore of Lake Superior. The text and historical photos relate the daily lives and activities of lighthouse keepers and their families during the early 1900's. Sidebars include additional information and activities. Use this book to supplement Minnesota history units.

Pioneer Farm: Living on a Farm in the 1880's

City children may have little experience with life on a farm, but in this book they will be introduced to life on a pioneer farm. Photographed on the Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota, this book describes a typical day on the farm, and includes such activities as feeding the animals, washing laundry, threshing grain, gardening, churning butter, and baking. Sidebars include additional information and activities. This is a nice supplement for Minnesota history units.