Library Media Professionals, Classroom Educators and Administrators Alike Trust LMC Reviews
In each issue of LMC, our readers find 36 pages of reviews contributed by prcticing librarians, classroom teachers, and media/technology specialists. Our reviews support thoughtful collection development and help readers make more confident decisions when purchasing resources and meterials for their library and classroom programs. Here are some of our more recent reviews. For more, click teh archive files here and be sure to subscribe to LMC!
Bauer, Marion Dane
Marshall Cavendish Classics: Shelter from the Wind
2010. 112pp. $16.99 hc. Marshall Cavendish Children’s Book. 978-0-7614-5687-2. Grades 5-9
In this new edition of the 1976 coming-of-age classic brought back for a new generation, 12-year-old Stacy battles with anything that has to do with being a woman: her budding development, her father’s new wife, Barbara, and the new baby her father and Barbara will soon have. After running away, Stacy meets Old Ella, a tough woman who lives alone in a secluded old cabin. It is here that Stacy understands the source of her anger—her mother, her mother’s alcoholism, and subsequently her mother’s decision to leave her and her father. Many students will be able to relate to Stacy’s struggles especially with divorce being so common and the high occurrence of alcohol and substance abuse. The ending may be disappointing for some, because the reader never gets to see Stacy home again. Yet, the lessons Stacy learns carry more weight and speak for themselves. The author includes lots of symbolism and imagery making it a book with ample opportunities for discussion. It will interest boys and girls alike. Recommended. Bridget Slayden, Educational Reviewer, Rogersville, Missouri
Marshall Cavendish Classics: Shelter from the Wind
2010. 112pp. $16.99 hc. Marshall Cavendish Children’s Book. 978-0-7614-5687-2. Grades 5-9
In this new edition of the 1976 coming-of-age classic brought back for a new generation, 12-year-old Stacy battles with anything that has to do with being a woman: her budding development, her father’s new wife, Barbara, and the new baby her father and Barbara will soon have. After running away, Stacy meets Old Ella, a tough woman who lives alone in a secluded old cabin. It is here that Stacy understands the source of her anger—her mother, her mother’s alcoholism, and subsequently her mother’s decision to leave her and her father. Many students will be able to relate to Stacy’s struggles especially with divorce being so common and the high occurrence of alcohol and substance abuse. The ending may be disappointing for some, because the reader never gets to see Stacy home again. Yet, the lessons Stacy learns carry more weight and speak for themselves. The author includes lots of symbolism and imagery making it a book with ample opportunities for discussion. It will interest boys and girls alike. Recommended. Bridget Slayden, Educational Reviewer, Rogersville, Missouri
Sprecher, Brent
Political Power: Ted Kennedy
Illustrated by Alejandro Figueroa. 2010. 32pp. $3.99 pbk. Bluewater Productions. Grades 9-12
Although graphic novels have increased in popularity, the “bio-graphic” novel probably would not be the first choice of most. If all the historical facts were presented, and the illustrations were supportive of the text, historical graphic novels could be a persuasive learning tool for reluctant readers. However, this particular work includes some questionable images and stereotypical and apolitically correct terminology. School librarians and social studies teachers would be well advised not to add this work to their collections. Not Recommended. Sheila Acosta, Children’s Librarian, Thomas Jefferson High School, San Antonio, Texas
Political Power: Ted Kennedy
Illustrated by Alejandro Figueroa. 2010. 32pp. $3.99 pbk. Bluewater Productions. Grades 9-12
Although graphic novels have increased in popularity, the “bio-graphic” novel probably would not be the first choice of most. If all the historical facts were presented, and the illustrations were supportive of the text, historical graphic novels could be a persuasive learning tool for reluctant readers. However, this particular work includes some questionable images and stereotypical and apolitically correct terminology. School librarians and social studies teachers would be well advised not to add this work to their collections. Not Recommended. Sheila Acosta, Children’s Librarian, Thomas Jefferson High School, San Antonio, Texas
Sterling Biographies
2010. 128pp. ea. $12.95 ea. hc. Sterling Children’s Books. Grades 5-8
Buckley, James Jr. Lou Gehrig: Iron Horse of Baseball. 978-1-4027-7151-4
Fischer, David. Babe Ruth: Legendary Slugger. 978-1-4027-7147-7
Gigliotti, Jim. Jesse Owens: Gold Medal Hero. 978-1-4027-7149-1
Labrecque, Ellen. Jim Thorpe: An Athlete for the Ages. 978-1-4027-7150-7
Teitelbaum, Michael. Jackie Robinson: Champion for Equality. 978-1-4027-7148-4
Timblin, Stephen. Muhammad Ali: King of the Ring. 978-1-4027-7152-1
Middle grade readers will be riveted to these attractive biographies. Their smaller size gives the books a more “grown-up” feel, and the entire layout is appealing. These books are filled with photographs and a multitude of fascinating images. Each book opens with a timeline of notable events in the subjects’ lives followed by a brief yet captivating introduction that is sure to hook readers. Concise yet informative chapters are enhanced by quotations and sidebars, headings and text boxes. Terms appearing in the glossary are in bold text. The first-person accounts bring the subjects to life but what makes these titles truly stand out is how they blend the stories of these fascinating individuals seamlessly into an historical context. These would be an excellent addition to middle grade biography collections. Bibliography. Websites. Table of Contents. Index. Recommended. Cecelia Carmenates, Librarian, Holmes Middle School, Alexandria, Virginia [Editor’s Note: Also available in paperback.]
McKerley, Jennifer Guess
Monsters: Swamp Monsters
2009. 48pp. $27 hc. KidHaven Press (Gale) 978-0-7377-4569-6. Grades 3-6
This book features the long-storied swamp monsters that are things of legend, especially in the rural United States. Jennifer Guess McKerley’s book offers first-person accounts of swamp monster sightings, legendary tales, and pictures and drawings. However, the book feels disjointed and choppy. I found myself wondering several times why certain information was included. The tales are interesting and children interested in all things monstrous may be drawn to this book, but there are probably better-written choices available. Glossary. Index. Additional Selection. Michelle Hudiburg, Instructional Resource Center Director, Pittsburg (Kansas) State University
Monsters: Swamp Monsters
2009. 48pp. $27 hc. KidHaven Press (Gale) 978-0-7377-4569-6. Grades 3-6
This book features the long-storied swamp monsters that are things of legend, especially in the rural United States. Jennifer Guess McKerley’s book offers first-person accounts of swamp monster sightings, legendary tales, and pictures and drawings. However, the book feels disjointed and choppy. I found myself wondering several times why certain information was included. The tales are interesting and children interested in all things monstrous may be drawn to this book, but there are probably better-written choices available. Glossary. Index. Additional Selection. Michelle Hudiburg, Instructional Resource Center Director, Pittsburg (Kansas) State University
Scandiffio, Laura
Kids @ the Crossroads
2009. 72+pp. ea. $14.95 ea. pbk. Annick Press. Grade 4 & Up
Aztec. Illustrated by Tina Holdcroft. 978-1-55451-176-1
Crusades. Illustrated by John Mantha. 978-1-55451-146-4
Seen through the eyes of a child of the time, topics are covered in a blog type format. Specific words or phrases are highlighted, and the information appears in the margins or on a new page to give the reader more information in the form of paintings, pictures, book passages, timelines, maps, and various other primary sources. The main character introduces himself by information such as age, home, favorite food, prized possession. It is a great way for readers to see what children of that time period did and thought. Both titles are well researched and well written. Each illustrator adds their own flair to the time period and characters of the story through realistic images of the characters. Each book contains a summary of the event or time period. What a different way to connect students with history! Great projects could come from research using these titles by having the students create their own blog. Bibliography. Glossary. Index. Recommended. Maureen Mooney, Library Media Specialist, Caroline St. School, Saratoga Springs, New York
Kids @ the Crossroads
2009. 72+pp. ea. $14.95 ea. pbk. Annick Press. Grade 4 & Up
Aztec. Illustrated by Tina Holdcroft. 978-1-55451-176-1
Crusades. Illustrated by John Mantha. 978-1-55451-146-4
Seen through the eyes of a child of the time, topics are covered in a blog type format. Specific words or phrases are highlighted, and the information appears in the margins or on a new page to give the reader more information in the form of paintings, pictures, book passages, timelines, maps, and various other primary sources. The main character introduces himself by information such as age, home, favorite food, prized possession. It is a great way for readers to see what children of that time period did and thought. Both titles are well researched and well written. Each illustrator adds their own flair to the time period and characters of the story through realistic images of the characters. Each book contains a summary of the event or time period. What a different way to connect students with history! Great projects could come from research using these titles by having the students create their own blog. Bibliography. Glossary. Index. Recommended. Maureen Mooney, Library Media Specialist, Caroline St. School, Saratoga Springs, New York
Classroom Video Workshop Jr.
2009. $39.95. APTE, Inc. Grades K- 2
A good introduction to video editing for younger students, Classroom Video Workshop Jr. includes software and an idea book. The software is easy to install and takes users step-by-step through a simple video editing project that can be saved and viewed. A video can easily be imported or a pre-loaded one can be used. Users edit the video via sliding blocks; add titles, including text color and background; add special coloring effects; add sounds from programmed selections or imported ones; add image, frame, or text overlays; input credits; and share. The accompanying book includes lesson plans, each with standards, vocabulary words, and materials needed. Plans include a learning activity, instructions for the video, and post-production. An extended activity is given for each plan and printable resources can be found on the CD. The software is a good, simple introduction to video editing and provides a technological enrichment that students will enjoy. A link to the resources on the welcome page would have been nice, but they can be found by opening the CD to find the resources file folder. The edited videos could be included in a library’s electronic collection for other classes to view. Recommended. Betsy Ruffin, Librarian, Irving Elementary, Cleburne, Texas
Animal Science Part 7: Seal, Polar Bear, Sloth
2009. 18 min. $175. Landmark Media Inc. Grades 6-12
While this video in the Animal Science series does not stand out from the crowd of related animal DVDs, it does provide very interesting information on seals, polar bears, and sloths. Video clips of these animals are supplemented with extremely clear diagrams that are just as clearly explained by the narrator. Although dry at times, the narrator speaks slowly, so he is easy to follow. The video would need to be supplemented by some vocabulary lessons to explain technical terms as well as the more difficult words for younger students. The reviewer would recommend having students write down facts and new words as an activity to do while viewing the video. There is also some vocabulary related to sexual organs that immature audiences may not be able to handle. The connections made between these three animals are also pointed out. Recommended. Stacy Rosenthal, Librarian, Council Rock High School South, Holland, Pennsylvania
Auto-B-Good Character Education
2009. 45 min. ea. $59.95 ea. Live Wire Media. Grades K-4
Discovering Talent, Slow to Judge, & Forgiveness
Friendship, Commitment, & Imaginative
Trustworthiness, Heroic, & Peacefulness
The DVDs reviewed are part of a series of fully animated character education videos and resources, providing a new, entertaining way to teach character traits. All the characters are automobiles. They each have their own personalities, style, and voice. Audiences of all ages will appreciate the uniqueness of these videos, and older audiences will enjoy the subtle humor used throughout. Although I believe students will love watching and learning from these videos, Cali (the pink convertible) would be more effective with a different voice; her “valley girl” accent was difficult to understand. Each DVD includes Spanish and English versions, in addition to three different character segments. Discs come with a “Crew Chief Handbook” which includes objectives, questions, activities, and a “Mechanics Toolbox,” additional resources organized by character trait. The producer’s website offers more resources. Overall, this series is fun and could be a wonderful program for entire schools to embrace! Closed-captioned. Recommended. Brenda Rogers, Educational Reviewer, Kent, Washington
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
2009. 11 min. $59.95. Weston Woods (Scholastic, Inc). 978-0-545-19648-2. Grades PreK-2
Based on the book by Julia Rawlinson (Greenwillow Books, 2006) this DVD follows a young fox named Fletcher experiencing the change of seasons. Fletcher is very sad when his favorite tree begins to lose its leaves. And although he tries various methods to keep the leaves on the tree, they finally all fall off. However, one morning Fletcher wakes up and the tree has been transformed into something beautiful with icicles hanging from the branches. The pace of the narration by Katherine Kellgren and the music provided by John Jennings fit well with the concept of the changing of seasons. In addition to the story the viewer is also treated to an interview with Rawlinson who explains her writing process, her ideas, and her motivation. Additional resources are provided in the form of before and after viewing activities and a read-along option. The producers chose to use the original illustrations by Tiphanie Beeke and the soft watercolor images add depth to the story. This production would be an excellent introduction to the change of seasons. Recommended. Jo Anna Patton, Media Specialist, L. Clifford Davis Elementary School, Fort Worth, Texas [Editor’s Note: An online study guide is available.]
The Gym Teacher from the Black Lagoon
2009. 9 min. $59.95. Weston Woods (Scholastic, Inc). 978-0-545-19652-9. Grades PreK-2
Typical of the other nineteen titles in Mike Thayer’s Black Lagoon series, this entry follows a similar format. First the narrator recites all of the horrendous but totally impossible rumors circulating about the new gym teacher, Mr. Green. Then at the end the truth is revealed. Weston Woods has created a funny version of the title that follows the book closely. The illustrations, which are fully animated, are the original images from the text. As with other Weston Woods products, this one comes with summary, objectives, before and after viewing activities, in addition to suggested additional titles on the subject. The DVD includes not only the book and a read-along option, but also an interview with author Mike Thayer and illustrator Jared Lee. Those readers who delight in the Black Lagoon series will be equally delighted with this animated version of one of the titles. Recommended. Jo Anna Patton, Media Specialist, L. Clifford Davis Elementary School, Fort Worth, Texas
