The Morning Sam Went to Mars; A Book About Paying Attention

Eight year old Sam is a smart boy, but he is easily distracted; and his parents and teacher often have to remind him to "Focus, Sam!". Eventually his father takes him to a counselor who helps him with strategies so he can stay on track better.  It's hard at first, but eventually Sam and others see his improvement, which allows Sam the chance (once in a while) to let his imagination run free.  Nancy Carlson is the author and illustrator of this resource book for children (and their parents) who have trouble paying attention.

Hawk Ridge; Minnesota's Birds of Prey

Minnesota ornithologist, Laura Erickson, has created another wonderful book about the birds of Minnesota--this time with a focus on raptors.  Twenty raptor species are profiled in this book including vultures, ospreys, eagles, harriers, kites, hawks and falcons.  Information includes nesting, breeding, and migration habits as well as any special signature traits of the species.  The introduction includes a history of Hawk Ridge near Duluth, as well as information on the challenge of counting and banding hawks there.  Illustrator Betsy Bowen, normally a woodcut artist, switches to painting with acrylics for this second collaboration with Erickson.  This is an excellent classroom resource for high school students studying raptors and bird migration.

The Real Boy

Set in a fantasy world called Aletheia, this is the story of a boy, who is a social misfit, and who works as the "hand" (i.e. lowest servant) of a magician named Caleb.  Oscar lives in the basement of Caleb's shop, and spends his days making potions, charms, and tinctures for Caleb to sell.  Then Oscar's world turns upside down when Caleb leaves on an extended trip, his apprentice is mysteriously killed, and Oscar is left in charge.  A healer's apprentice, Callie, helps him learn social manners and behavior, and together they must tackle a large mystery concerning why the magic (that everyone depends on) is suddenly doing bad things to people.  Written by Anne Ursu, with illustrations by Erin McGuire; junior high and strong upper elementary readers will be drawn into this fantasy world where everything depends on the magic.