The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs

The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs
by Betty G. Birney
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (2005)
Interest Level: Ages 8-12

Category: Historical Fiction

Type: Novel

Summary:

Small-town Eben McAllister dreams of traveling the world. While reading a book about the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, Eben laments that there is nothing in Sassafras Springs that is as interesting. His father makes him a bet that if Eben can find seven local "wonders" in the next seven days he can take a trip of his own.

Online Connections:

1. Author website: http://bettybirney.com/

2. A video introduction to the novel: http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=83f41721788e3315a14a&page=&viewtype=&category=

Book Connections:

1. The World According To Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
2. The Princess and the Peabodys by Betty G. Birney

Keywords: wonders, exploring, hometown

Shakespeare's Secret

Shakespeare’s Secret
by Elise Broach
Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated (2005)
Interest Level: Ages 12 and up

Category: Realistic Fiction
Type: Novel

Summary: When Hero Netherfield's family moves to a new town, she dreads her adjustment into her sixth grade class. Just as she fears, her first day of school starts terribly and gets worse from there. The only thing that saves her is the mystery presented by her elderly next-door neighbor. Could there be a treasure hidden in her house? If it's there, how will they find it? As Hero and her neighbor try to solve the mystery, a neighborhood boy befriends Hero and tries to help.

Online Connections:
1. Author website: http://www.elisebroach.com/index.htm
2. NPR: Who Wrote Shakespeare's Plays? http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92142217

Book Connections:
1. Masterpiece by Elise Broach
2. Desert Crossing by Elise Broach

Keywords: mystery, middle school, shakespeare

The Boy on Fairfield Street

The Boy on Fairfield Street

How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss

by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

Random House Children's Books (2004)
Interest Level: Ages 7 to 11

Category: Nonfiction

Type: Picture Book

Summary:

Krull examines the childhood of Ted Geisel revealing where he got the inspiration for some of his books and what struggles he faced along the way to becoming one of the most popular children's authors ever. The illustrations are warm and engaging, and the text accurately depicts a beloved author as an imaginative and curious boy.

Online Connections:

1. Author's website: http://www.kathleenkrull.com/

2. The Official Seuss site: http://www.seussville.com/ or http://www.seussville.com/lb/home.html

3. Website for the National Memorial to Dr. Seuss: http://www.catinthehat.org/index.html

Book Connections:

1. Lives of the Writers: the Comedies, the Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull

2. Houdini by Kathleen Krull

Keywords: seuss, geisel, writing, childhood

Apples

Apples

by Gail Gibbons
Holiday House, Inc. (2001)
Interest Level: Ages 5 to 8

Category: Nonfiction

Type: Picture Book

Summary:

Gibbons presents the history, growth, development, harvest and use of apples in this accurately illustrated picture book. She explains scientific terms and illustrates the cycle of the apple tree throughout the year. As a way to extend the text, Gibbons includes an apple pie recipe and information about how apple trees grow.

Online Connections:

1. Author's website: http://www.gailgibbons.com/

2. See video of author's interview with Reading Rockets: http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/gibbons

Book Connections:

1. The Vegetables We Eat by Gail Gibbons

2. From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons

Keywords: apples, plants, orchards

The Sisters Grimm

The Sisters Grimm: The Fairytale Detectives

by Michael Buckley

HNA Books (2005)
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 12

Summary:

After their parents disappear, the Grimm sisters live with their grandmother whom they had long believed to be dead. The Grimms learn that they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm whose stories are not "tales" but history. They find themselves embroiled in the mystery and intrigue of Ferryport Landing where they join the family tradition of investigating the Everafters who are trapped there.

Online Connections:

1. Sisters Grimm official website: http://www.sistersgrimm.com/newsite/index.html

2. Author Michael Buckley introduces the series on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u9iTZpy8ko

Book Connections:
1. The Usual Suspects (Sisters Grimm Series #2) by Michael Buckley

2. The Problem Child (Sisters Grimm Series #3) by Michael Buckley

Keywords: Grimm, fairytales

The Ugly Duckling

The Ugly Duckling
by Jerry Pinkney
HarperCollins Publishers (1999)
Interest Level: Ages 3 to 8

Category: Traditional Tale
Type: Picture Book

Summary:
A swan who grows up as an unwanted "duckling" learns his true beauty and the meaning of happiness when a flock of swans returns after a long, cruel winter.


Online Connections:
1. Information about the author/illlustrator http://www.friend.ly.net/users/jorban/biographies/pinkneyjerry/index.htm
2. Jerry Pinkney discusse illustration and children's art: http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/pinkneyj

Book Connections:
1. Aesop's Fables by Jerry Pinkney
2. Little Red Riding Hood by Jerry Pinkney

Keywords: duckling, swan, ugly, beautiful

My Dog May Be a Genius

My Dog May Be a Genius

by Jack Prelutsky