The Klipfish Code

The year is 1942. Twelve year old Marit lives with her family in a small town in Norway when the country is attacked by Germany. When her parents join the Resistance, Marit and her brother Lars are sent to a nearby island to live with relatives. This suspenseful story by Mary Casanova brings attention to a country not often featured in fiction about World War II. It is a story of heroism and perserverance, is a real page-turner, and could be the basis of class discussion about the historical events as well as broader themes of human dignity and endurance.

Up To the Plate

Girls who play softball or little league baseball will enjoy this history of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. The League ran for 12 seasons from 1943 to 1955 in the Upper Midwest (including a Minneapolis team for a short time). The League started as a substitute for men's baseball during World War II, and the book includes photos of and interviews with former players. Written by Margot Fortunato Galt, this was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award (children's nonfiction) in 1996.

Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken

Louise is no ordinary farmyard chicken. She wants some adventure in life. In the first chapter she goes to sea on a sailing ship. But the ship is attacked by pirates and Louise narrowly escapes to return to the peaceful henhouse. Chapter 2 opens with Louise running away to join the circus when it comes to town. She learns to perform a high wire act, but almost becomes dinner for a hungry lion when she slips off the wire one day. In chapter 3, Louise travels to a land far away where she discovers a wonderful bazaar. Wonderful that is, until she is captured and put in a cage with other chickens. When Louise returns home this time, she simply must tell everyone the story of her adventures. Written by Kate DiCamillo, with wonderful illustrations by Harry Bliss; this can be a read-aloud, or used by individual readers who will love the detail in the illustrations.

Curse of a Winter Moon

In a change of pace, Mary Casanova takes us to 16th century France for the story of Marius and his younger brother Jean-Pierre who the local villagers believe is marked with the curse of a werewolf because he was born on Christmas Eve. Each year as Christmas approaches, the fear and hysteria around Jean-Pierre gets worse, until finally Marius must show his true character and defy the ruling institutions, including the church, in order to save himself and his brother. A short book, and a gripping read, this won the Minnesota Book Award for Young Adults in 2001. It may also be useful as supplemental material for world history classes studying the middle ages and early events of the Reformation.

Stolen Car

Danielle, 15, has a difficult life in Flint, Michigan. She lives in a run-down trailer court with her mom and a series of losers who wanna be a father and husband. Her best friend, Ashley, on the other hand, has a good life in a good neighborhood with good (if older) parents. Evan would like to Danielle's boyfriend, but she ignores him in favor of Reid, a classic bad-boy who selfishly uses her for his own ends. When Danielle finally sees the truth, she and Ashley steal Reid's cherished sports car and go for a soul-searching ride. Written by Patrick Jones, the realistic characters and life situations, make this a good read for teens. A number of local and regional teens are acknowledged by the author in the front.

Happy Birthday To Me!

For the next birthday in your family or class, here is a collection of funny birthday poems to share. Most are by Bruce Lansky, but a few other authors are included, including Dr. Seuss. If the poems aren't funny enough, the illustrations by Jack Lindstrom make the package complete.

Lake Street U.S.A.

During the 1990's, Minnesota-born photographer Wing Young Huie took hundreds of pictures along Lake Street in Minneapolis. During this era, neighborhoods along Lake Street were transformed into a multicultural brew of ethnicities. This book is a compilation of 500 of the photos that were used in a large exhibition along Lake Street in 2000. Intended for an adult audience; high school students studying photography as art or sociology will find this an interesting book to browse or pour over as the photos capture their imagination. It was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in the Nature/Minnesota category in 2002.

Funny Little Poems for Funny Little People

Here is a perfect little book for "poem-in-a-pocket" day. Just 4 x 5 inches in size, it includes a collection of short poems (mostly 4-8 lines) targeted to young readers, and written by Bruce Lansky. Lots of giggles will be found here, and readers probably can't stop with just one!

How the Easter Bunny Saved Christmas

Need a laugh or two on a cold winter day? This book will fill the bill.

Santa and the elves are preparing the sleigh on Christmas Eve, when Santa is accidently bonked on the head by a toy train, and is knocked out cold. Who can fill in for Santa on such short notice? In desperation, Mrs. Claus calls the Easter Bunny (he knows a little about overnight delivery, at least), who agrees to fill in. With accidents and mayhem along the way, the Easter Bunny and reindeer manage to finish the job sucessfully. Here is another laugh-filled story for young readers from Derek Anderson.

Over the River; A Turkey Tale

Thanksgiving has past for this year, but here's a story I missed along the way.

Mama, Papa, and Baby Turkey are going to the grandparents place for Thanksgiving. But a boy and his dog who are hunting for their Thanksgiving dinner have other ideas. Using the words of the popular Thanksgiving song by Lydia Child ("Over the river and through the woods....."); artist Derek Anderson adds a humorous twist that will have readers chuckling on each page, and anticipating dinner at the end.

Blue Burt and Wiggles

Blue Burt (a bird) and Wiggles (a worm) are best friends; and they live in the north woods. Fall is coming, other birds are flying south, but Blue Burt wants summer to last a little longer. He and Wiggles design a plan to turn fall into summer again. In another humorous story from Derek Anderson, readers will see that plans may go awry, but true friendship can last forever.

Imani in the Belly

With similarities to the story of Jonah and the whale in the Bible, this book retells a Swahili folktale. Grief stricken when her children are swallowed by Simba, the "king of beasts", Imani is instructed in a dream by her mother to "gather your faith and go after the beast". Imani too, is swallowed, but helps her children and others to escape by starting a fire in the beast's belly. Written by Deborah Newton Chocolate, illustrated by Minnesota's Alex Boies, this won the Minnesota Book Award in 1995. It illustrates faith, the first principle of Kwanzaa, and might be a resource during that season.

The Hunter

Hai Li Bu is a good hunter, but not even he can find enough food for his village when the drought comes. The people grow thin and weak, the children stop laughing, and they begin to argue and stop listening to each other.
While out hunting one day Hai Li Bu saves a small snake from the beak of a crane. He is surprised to learn that he has rescued the daughter of the Dragon King of the Sea. The Dragon King offers Hai Li Bu the reward of his choice. Hai Li Bu asks to know the language of animals, which will make him a better hunter. The wish is granted with one restriction: he must never reveal the secret of his gift.
The village is saved from famine, but when the animals warn of an impending flood, the villagers do not believe Hai Li Bu. How can he keep his secret?
Author, Mary Casanova first heard this story from a foreign exchange student. The illustrations by Caldecott winner Ed Young bring the story to life. The book won the Minnesota Book Award in 2001.

Not Enough Beds

It's almost Christmas, and Zachary's relatives have come to visit on Christmas Eve. The only problem is that there aren't enough beds for everyone. Some people must sleep in unusual places while others stay up all night. It's also an alphabet story as each person's name begins with a different letter, ending with Zachary, our star of the story. Written by Lisa Bullard, with great funny illustrations by Joni Oeltjenbruns (keep one eye on the text and another on the mice on each page!). A fun holiday story for everyone.

Snow

It's snowing outside as I write this, so what could be a more perfect book for today?

In Cynthia Rylant's newest picture book, she lyrically describes all kinds of snow. Here are a few brief examples:

"The best snow is the snow that comes softly in the night..."
"...the snow that begins to fall in fat, cheerful flakes..."
"Some snows fall only lightly..."
"And some snows fall so heavy they bury cars up to their noses..."

The acrylic illustrations by Minnesota's Lauren Stringer are a perfect complement to the text. And children who have heard that every snowflake is unique will probably study the illustrations to see if it's true here. A delightful read for a winter day.

Kiki's Hats

Kiki is a spunky, grandmotherly woman who knits hats to give away. But the story isn't just about knitting and hats, it's also about the wonderful feeling we get when we give something away, or do something to help another person. That continual giving and helping others is the "pay it forward" gift of Kiki's hats. Written and illustrated by Warren Hanson, this tells the story of a real Kiki, and how gifts make a positive difference in the world.

Great Joy

Here is a holiday gift from Kate DiCamillo. In the cold days before Christmas, a young girl named Frances sees a sad-eyed organ grinder and his monkey performing on the street near her apartment. She can't stop thinking about them, wondering where they go at night, and wishing she could do something to help. The simple story is enhanced with luminous illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline (also illustrated The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane). It is a heartwarming story for the holiday season.

Diverse-City

I want to mention this publication (actually a series of pubs), although it may be a little difficult to obtain copies if anyone is interested.
Diverse-City is a collection of poetry and artwork by teens incarcerated at the Hennepin County Home School. The program is part of a collaborative project of the Hennepin County Library, Intermediate District 287, Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation, with funding support from the Library Foundation of Hennepin County. More information is available at http://www.hclib.org/teens/Diverse_City.cfm. The program was recognized in Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults, 3rd edition, published by the American Library Association in 2000.
The honesty of the writers in expressing emotions and experiences is notable. Congratulations to all on this successful program.

I Don't Like to Read

Henry likes almost everything about first grade -- except reading. His teacher discovers that it's not that Henry doesn't like to read; the problem is that he can't read. After getting extra help at school and home, Henry begins to understand that letters make words; and soon he is reading and enjoying it. Written by Nancy Carlson, this might be just perfect for getting a reluctant reader on the right path.

The Broken Blade

Thirteen year old Pierre is the son of a voyageur. When his father injures his hand while cutting wood, Pierre signs on with his father's company in order to save the family from poverty. This novel tells the story of his first trip from Montreal to Grand Portage. The trip is filled with adventure and challenges, and Pierre grows in strength physically and mentally. This was William Durbin's first novel, and it won the Minnesota Book Award in 1998.