S. D. Nelson. Black Elk’s Vision: A Lakota Story Texas Bluebonnet Nominee, 2011-2012
The author provides a unique perspective on American history as he tells the story of a Lakota-Oglala medicine man named Black Elk. Told in the first person, Black Elk details a powerful vision given to him at the age of nine and recounts the struggles his people face as the Wasichu (pronounced Wha-shi-choo) or white man invades their land and forces them onto reservations. Black Elk is present at both the battles of the Little Bighorn and Wounded Knee, and later becomes part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. Throughout his life, he never forgets the vision given to him years earlier. The endpapers contain maps of the events in the book, and the back matter contains an author’s note, bibliography, index, and a detailed timeline of Native American events. This biography is an important addition to Native history.
Candace Fleming. Imogene’s Last Stand Texas Bluebonnet Nominee, 2011-2012
Imogene Tripp is a young history buff and community activist. When Mayor I. M. Butz decides to tear down the local historical society to build a shoelace factory, Imogene proves that she will not let this happen without a fight. The endpapers (the inside pages of the front and back covers) give historical tidbits and famous quotes that Imogene repeats during her quest to save the Society. The illustrations are delightfully amusing and further illuminate Imogene’s passion for history. This book would be a great introduction to some early elementary history lessons; but more than that, it is just plain entertaining!
Ted and Betsy Lewin. Balarama: A Royal Elephant Texas Bluebonnet Nominee, 2011-2012
This is the story of Drona, and later Balarama, who happen to be Royal elephants that lead the procession each year in a centuries-old festival celebrated every fall in India. Many fascinating facts are given about elephants, especially those trained to be part of the Royal family of elephants. The print is small, and some of the pages are extremely long for a picture book. Yet surprisingly, I found myself enthralled in the book. Wow! If you enjoy non-fiction, facts, and animals, then you will enjoy reading about the Lewin’s trip to India and all they learned about these magnificent creatures.
Barbara Kerley. The Extraordinary Mark Twain (according to Susy) Texas Bluebonnet Nominee, 2011-2012
Barbara Kerley. The Extraordinary Mark Twain (according to Susy) Texas Bluebonnet Nominee, 2011-2012
This biography is about the famous author, Mark Twain, and is told from the perspective of his daughter, Susy, who wanted the world to know the real man she called “Papa.” Kerley uses the daughter’s diary (which appears in several cute journal inserts) to reveal a more personal side of Mark Twain. Rich in vocabulary, the author shares some of Twain’s good and not-so-good traits with readers. Note: If you are not familiar with Mark Twain, he is a famed author who wrote such novels as Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and a number of other books.
Yona Zeldis McDonough. Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott Texas Bluebonnet Nominee, 2011-2012
This is a biography of Louisa May Alcott, the author of the classic Little Women. It begins with her birth in 1832 as the second child born to Bronson and Abigail Alcott. This rags-to-riches account of Louisa’s life includes her free-thinking parents and the hardships the family endures during her childhood; her early jobs and the death of her sister; and, how she came to write the famous novel, Little Women. At the end of the book, there are facts about her life and copies of her early poems, as well as a timeline of important dates in her life. Though I found some of her family’s behavior odd—especially their eating habits, this short read gives fascinating insights into a woman whose literature has touched the lives of so many people.
Jennifer L. Holm. Turtle in Paradise Texas Bluebonnet Nominee, 2011-2012; Newbery Honor, 2011
This is the story of eleven-year-old Turtle, whose mom gets a job working as a housekeeper for a woman who doesn’t like kids, and Turtle is sent to Key West, Florida, to live with relatives she has never met and who do not know she is coming. The story is set way back in 1935 so there may be some people and terms that are unfamiliar, but the historical setting only makes the storyline better. (Hint: Some of these people and terms can be explained in the “Author’s Note” at the end of the book.) The characters are fully developed, and I love the way the author drops hints throughout the book of who Turtle’s father might be. (My prediction was right.) This Newbery Honor book was hard to put down and I highly recommend it.
Mac Barnett. The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity Texas Bluebonnet Nomination, 2011-2012
This is a detective book in which twelve-year-old Steve Brixton finds himself on the wrong side of the law trying to clear his name. He must learn the true identity of the mysterious Mr. E and find thefamous Maguffin quilt before he was arrested for treason by—the Librarians. I loved reading this book for several reasons: First, the chapters are short; second, the action is constant; and third, the librarians are the “good guys” who are more important than the FBI and CIA. The book’s length and vocabulary may be a little challenging for third graders, but if you like detective books this one is worth checking out.
P. W. Catanese. Happenstance Found (Books of Umber) Texas Bluebonnet Nomination, 2011-2012
This fantasy book is filled with intriguing characters, places, and events. It starts with a boy named Happenstance who awakes beneath a city overflowing with volcanic ash. He cannot remember anything from his past and must trust Umber, the first citizen of the great city of Kurhaven, to help him. As Hap begins to realize his supernatural abilities, he also learns that he is being followed by a mysterious villain—is it man or monster? This is definitely a hard read for most elementary age students, but well worth the challenge. Highly recommended.
Jacquelline West. The Shadows (Books of Elsewhere Series) Texas Bluebonnet Nomination, 2011-2012
Olive Dunwoody moves into an old, Victorian mansion with her mathematically minded parents (whom she has nothing in common with), and soon learns this is no ordinary dwelling. The previous owners left everything behind, and this courageous eleven-year-old must figure out the house’s secrets and why someone or something wants to stop her investigation. Olive discovers spectacles which give her a special ability to enter paintings, cats that talk, and a hidden attic full of paintings where the climax of the story takes place. Though a little challenging for third and fourth graders, the action and suspense will keep readers engaged. Recommended.
Lee Bennett Hopkins. Amazing Faces Texas Bluebonnet Nomination, 2011-2012
This anthology of 16 poems celebrates the diversity of children in America and also highlights the universal feelings we all share. Some poems are specific to a particular ethnicity such as “Aunt Molly Sky,” “My Chinatown,” and “Living above Good Fortune.” Others, like “I’m the One,” “Hero,” and “A Young Soldier,” can be generally applied to all races. However, the feelings conveyed are common to us all. The illustrations by Chris Soentpiet are captivating, and as I read each poem I found myself reflecting on which emotions the poem stirred in me. I recommend this book to readers of all ages.
Mina Javaherbin. Goal! Texas Bluebonnet Nomination, 2011-2012
Ajani is a South African boy who just earned a brand-new, federation-size soccer ball. (Though the author calls the ball and the sport “football,” in America it is referred to as soccer.)The town is poor—Ajani and his friends play soccer in the alley and use a bucket for a goal—but when the boys are engaged in their sport, they feel like “football” champions. Then, a group of bullies attempt to take away their new ball. Ajani comes up with a strategy to spoil the bullies plan, and once again, the boys experience happiness and unity through their game. The full-spread oil illustrations are so detailed that the story could be told without the words. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.
