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.