More than Petticoats

Subtitled: Remarkable Minnesota Women; this book is a collection of approximately 10-page biographical sketches of 13 remarkable women. The subjects include: Jane Grey Swisshelm, Harriet Bishop, Martha Ripley, Frances Densmore, Liang May Seen, Fanny Fligelman Brin, Lena O. Smith, Elizabeth Kenney, Blanche Yurka, Maud Hart Lovelace, Marjorie Child Husted, Wanda Gag, and Jeanette Ridlon Piccard. All were born before 1900, lived at least part of their life in Minnesota, and broke through social, cultural or political barriers to advance the role of women. They fought the social norms and prejudices of their time, and each made a lasting contribution to society. Written by Bonnye E. Stuart, this could be a resource for History Day projects.

Fish of Minnesota Field Guide

Think of this as the pocket version of "The Great Minnesota Fish Book". It includes information on 70 species, organized by family and then in alphabetical order. A table of contents and index are also available to locate profiles. Each species has a two-page spread with a description, color illustration, habitat, range, food, reproduction, average size, fishing records and miscellaneous notes by the author, Dave Bosanko. This is another essential resource for school library reference collections.

The Great Minnesota Fish Book

The subject of many positive reviews when published in 2008, this is a gorgeous (and large) book about fish. It includes information on 105 of the 161 species of fish in Minnesota. Divided into three sections for game, rough, and little-known but interesting fish. Each fish has a half to one-and-a-half page profile with a large color illustration of the fish. Written by Tom Dickson with beautiful detailed illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri, this belongs in high school library reference collections and can be used for browsing or research reports.

Business as Usual

In this second story about the West 7th St. Wildcats, the group runs into some difficulty when the sixth grade class begins their big economics unit. Rivalries emerge as the group members are placed in different project groups. Which group will develop the most successful product? Can the boys maintain their friendship through this class competition? Written by David Haynes, this is a good school story for intermediate readers. It is also multicultural and set in St. Paul.

The Gumma Wars

Lawrence Jackson Underwood (Lu for short) is a member of the West 7th Wildcats, a group of pals who play games and spend time together. Another member of the group, Tony Rodriquez, is about to have a birthday. Lu and Johnny Vang pool their allowances to buy a nice gift. As the big day draws close, Lu has a new problem. His parents are going out of town and each of his grandmothers (gumma's--his pet name for them) have promised to take care of him. The only problem: the gummas don't like one another and can't agree on anything. Although it sounds really serious, this story by David Haynes, is actually pretty funny, and is set in the West 7th area of St. Paul to boot!

Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig

The Watson's next door neighbors, the Lincoln sisters, have decided to plant flowers to beautify their yard. They smell so wonderful that Mercy comes by to have a look---and eats every one! That's too much for Eugenia Lincoln and she calls animal control to have Mercy arrested. How will Mercy escape this unfortunate situation? Read the latest by the team of Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen to find the answer.

Mercy Watson Fights Crime

Everyone is asleep at the Watson's home, until Mercy hears a noise downstairs. When she investigates, she finds a thief in the kitchen; and readers will be off on another funny Mercy Watson adventure as she chases and captures the thief. Here's another winner from the team of Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen.