Book Reviews for 2000
3 Magic Balls by Richard Egielski
Reading Level: Ages 3-6
Rudy, left alone in Uncle Dinkleschmidt's toyshop, hears "Come…Take…Bounce" being whispered by three odd rubber balls. What would it hurt to give them one bounce?
Reviewer: SH
Cinderella Skeleton by Robert D. San Souci llustrated by David Catrow
Reading Level: Ages 5 - 9
Cinderella Skeleton (a lovely greenish, yellowish, dankish ghoul) must find a way to attend Prince Charnel's Halloween Ball in this spooky spoof of the traditional Cinderella fairytale.
Reviewer: SH
Madlenka by Peter Sis
Reading Level: Ages 3 - 8
Madlenka has lived in the same block in the same apartment in New York City since the day she was born. So when she discovers her tooth is loose, she takes a trip around her block to visit all her neighbors, the French baker, the Indian newspaper vendor, the Italian ice cream man, the German lady who sits by her window, the Latin American greengrocer and the Asian shopkeeper and finds that it is like taking a trip around the world. The fascinatingly detailed pen and pencil drawings reflect the feeling of a small town within a busy city and also create wonderful dreamy scenes highlighting the culture of each of Madlenka's friends.
Reviewer: LW
Clever Cat by Peter Collington
Reading Level: Grades K - 2
When Tibs the cat gets tired of waiting for his family to feed him, he takes matters into his own hands. But is it really so clever for a cat to take on responsibility? Read Tibs's story and decide for yourself. If you like Susan Meddaugh's stories about Martha the talking dog, you'll probably want to check this out.
Reviewer: PC
Where Do Balloons Go?: An Uplifting Mystery by Jamie Lee Curtis; illustrated by Laura Cornell
Reading Level: Ages 3 - 6
For everyone who’s ever wondered what happened to their balloon after they “accidentally” let it go. A great choice to read aloud with someone special.
Reviewer: PC
The Raft by Jim LaMarche
Reading Level: Grades K - 4
Nicky isn’t happy about staying at his Grandma’s for the summer, but when he finds a raft with animals drawn on it, it brings him closer to the real thing. If you are inspired to start drawing yourself, take a look at Jim Arnosky’s Sketching Outdoors in Summer (part of a series).
Reviewer: PC
A is for Salad by Mike Lester
Reading Level: Preschool - Grade 2
A is for salad and B is for Viking. Don't worry about the alligator and the beaver. They are just props to support the salad and viking hat in this wacky alphabet book.
Reviewer: SH
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
Reading Level: Preschool - Grade 3
Things get silly on the farm when Farmer Brown's cows find a typewriter and they use it to make their grievances known.
Reviewer: SH
Henry Hikes to Fitchburg by Donald B. Johnson
Reading Level: Preschool - Grade 2
Henry and his friend each have their own ideas about the best way to get to Fitchburg. This picture book is perfect for sharing with someone special.
Reviewer: PC
The Blueberry Shoe by Ann Dixon
Reading Level: Preschool - Grade 2
Somewhere on a mountain Baby loses his shoe, which is found, and lost, by many different animals, each of which see it as something different.
Reviewer: SH
To 2001 New Picture Book Archive
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Juvenile Fiction
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muoz Ryan
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 6
Esperanza lives on El Rancho de las Rosas in Aguascalientes, Mxico. Her life is ideal – filled with pretty dresses, dolls, and school – but everything is turned upside down when her family’s fortunes take a turn for the worse.
Reviewer: PC
Shakespeare's Scribe by Gary Blackwood
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 6
This book picks up shortly after Shakespeare Stealer. When the plague threatens London all public performances are banned and Shakespeare's company must take to the road. Widge finds many challenges along the way, hostile villagers, a new rival and a man who may know something about Widge's past.
Other tales of Elizabethian adventure include The Playmaker by J.B. Cheaney, Plots and Players by Pamela Melnikoff, and King of Shadows by Susan Cooper.
Reviewer: SJS
The Fall by Garth Nix
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 6
Nix, the author of Sabriel and Shade's Children has created another fascinating world in his new 'The Seventh Tower' series. The first book opens with Tal, a member of the Orange Order, in the middle of a dangerous climb up the Red Tower in an attempt to steal a sunstone. This desperate gamble leads him to a strange new world and an unlikely ally. The adventure continues in The Castle.
Reviewer: SJS
Growing Wings by Laurel Winter
Reading Level: Grades 4 – 8
Eleven-year-old Linnet's life is changed dramatically when she begins to sprout wings, in this allegory about growing up, feeling different, family secrets, and dreams for the future.
Reviewer: SH
Memories of Summer by Ruth White
Reading Level: Grades 5 - 7
From the author of Belle Prater's Boy, comes this short novel about loss. Set in 1955, it tells the story of thirteen-year-old Lyric's move to Flint, Michigan with her father and her sister, Summer. Things start to look up when her father gets a job, but changes in Summer may mean she will never be the same again.
Reviewer: PC
The Doll People by Ann M. Martin
Reading Level: Grades 3 - 5
The one hundred year old Doll family finally gets new neighbors – the fantastic, plastic Funcrafts. This story about the secret lives of dolls will have you wondering just what goes on in your dollhouse when you’re not around.
Reviewer: PC
Starbright and the Dream Eater by Joy Cowley
Reading Level: Grades 5 – 7
When residents in a near-by town fall ill with a mysterious disease called “spindle sickness,” Starbright Connor feels that most of the concern is created by media hype. Victims of the disease report disturbed sleep patterns for several weeks before falling into a deep sleep from which they never wake. Then Lena Tietz shows up with articles about an alien life force called the dream eater, which can cause a sickness that threatens to spread destruction over the entire earth. Is Lena just a crazy old woman or does she have good reason to claim that Starbright, the baby she helped bring into the world 12 years ago, has grown into the child destined to save the earth?
Reviewer: LW
Dovey Coe by Frances Dowell
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 6
Dovey, an outspoken 12 year old, is accused of murder when she is found with the body of Parnell Caraway, the rich, mean young man who was courting her older sister.
If you enjoy Dovey's perceptive narrative voice you'd also enjoy Scout's in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.
Reviewer: SJS
Don't Pat the Wombat by Elizabeth Honey
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 6
The light-hearted hijinks of the Coconuts, a group of Australian boys, are threatened when a chaperon at Nature Camp falls ill and is replaced by a vindictive teacher.
If you enjoy funny camp adventures try 4B Goes Wild by Jamie Gilson. For another look at the difficulties of coping with an unreasonable teacher try Standing Up to Mr. O. by Claudia Mills.
Reviewer: SJS
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Reading Level: Grades 3 - 5
Opal's lonely life changes when she inadvertently acquires a scruffy stray.
For other quiet dog stories try Sable by Karen Hesse, Eliza's Dog by Betsy Hearne, or Aldo Peaunt Butter by Johanna Hurwitz.
Reviewer: SJS
The Wadjet Eye by Jill Rubalcaba
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 6
Giving in to his best friend's urging Damon reluctantly leaves his home in Ancient Alexandria and faces sharks, intrigue and battle while seeking his father who is serving with Ceasar's legions.
Try these other adventures set in long ago times: Black Horses for the King by Anne McCaffrey, Beyond the North Wind by Gillian Bradshaw, and Detectives in Togas by Henry Winterfield.
Reviewer: SJS
The Wish by Gail Levine
Reading Level:Grades 4 - 6
Wilma's delight when a fairy grants her wish to be the most popular kid at Claverford Middle School soon turns to panic when she realizes the wish will last only three weeks.
For other tales of wishes gone awry try Well Wished by Franny Billingsley or Wishing Season by Esther Friesner. Other stories about school popularity are Wonder by Rachel Vail and Visiting Miss Caples by Elizabeth Kimmel.
Reviewer: SJS
Star in the Storm by Joan Hiatt Harlow
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 5
Maggie Wells’ dog, Sirius, is a valuable member of her family; relied upon for his strength and intelligence. So when most dogs are banned from the village, Maggie does her best to protect Sirius. If you like dogs and adventure, this exciting story about a brave Newfoundland will have you cheering Sirius on all the way.
Reviewer: SJS
The Devil and His Boy by Anthony Horowitz
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 6
In this fast paced historical adventure Tom Falconer is suddenly snatched from his bleak life at Pig's Head Tavern and thrust into the dangerous world of theater and royal intrigue. Other rousing historical adventures include: The Pirates Son by Geraldine McCaughrean and The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood.
Reviewer: SJS
Magic Steps by Tamora Pierce
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 6
Sandry, the heroine of Sandry's Book, faces her first challenge outside the walls of Winding Circle temple when she finds herself training a young boy whose magic is expressed through dance. This unlikely pair must face the most evil of all magics which is ravaging their world.
Recommended for fans of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Alanna: The First Adventure.
Reviewer: SJS
I Was a Rat by Philip Pullman
Reading Level: Grades 3 - 5
Pullman takes a wry look at the consequences of fairy tale magic in this rollicking tale of a small boy who insists he was a rat. After this, try Ella Enchanted.
Reviewer: SJS
Little Wolf's Book of Badness by Ian Whybrow
Reading Level: Grades 2 - 4
Worried that their son is too good, Little Wolf's parents send him off to learn badness at Uncle Big Bad's Cunning College.
Recommended for all lovers of The Stinky Cheese Man.
Reviewer: SJS
The Vampire in My Bathtub by Brenda Seabrooke
Reading Level: Grades 3 - 5
Jeff finds himself thrust into danger when he discovers that locked trunk in his closet contains Eugene, a gentle, inept, fugitive vampire.
If this one grabs you try Ma and Pa Dracula by Ann Martin and My Friend, the Vampire by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg.
Reviewer: SJS
Nell of Branford Hall by William Wise
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 6
Nell tells the story of her youth in the small village of Branford, England in the late seventeenth century. On a trip to London, Nell sees wonderful sights, but on one fateful day, she sees the horrors of the plague up close. She is grateful to return to Branford with her life, but will Branford stay safe for long? Based on a true story.
Reviewer: PC
Jake’s Orphan by Peggy Brooke
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 6
When taken from an orphanage to work on a North Dakota farm, Tree strives to prove himself and be adopted into the family.
Try these other compelling historical stories with similar themes: Gib Rides Home by Zilpha Snyder and A Family Apart by Joan Lowry Nixon.
Reviewer: SJS
The Janitor’s Boy by Andrew Clements
Reading Level: Grades 3 - 5
This is another winning story from the author of Frindle. Jack Rankin has a problem, his father is the head janitor in Jack’s new school building. Jack’s desperate attempts to hide the truth from his classmates are foiled the day Lenny Trumbull barfs in math class. The janitor cleans up the gross stuff, smiles at Jack and says, "Hi son" in front of the whole class. Jack is furious. When his attempt at revenge backfires, Jack’s punishment leads him to adventure and a deeper understanding of his father.
Reviewer: SJS
To 2001 New Juvenile Fiction Book Archive
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Young Adult Fiction
Beast by Donna Jo Napoli
Grades 7 - 10
This lush, sensual retelling of Beauty and the Beast is told from the beast's perspective. When Prince Orasmyn offers an imperfect sacrifice for a compassionate reason he is cursed to live as a lion until he earns a woman's love. Other 'Beauty and the Beast' retellings include: Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty & the Beast by Robin McKinley, Rose Daughter also by McKinley, and Roses by Barbara Cohen.
Reviewer: SJS
Year of the Griffin by Diana Wynne Jones
Grades 6 - 8
Four years have passed since the madcap adventures in The Darklord of Derkholm. Elda, griffin daughter of the Wizard Derk, is now a student at Wizard's University. All is not well at the university. Money is scare and when Wizard Cockoran sends out fund raising letters, assassins, angry dwarves and renegade griffins descend on the university. As in the first book Jones masterfully orchestrates the humorous chaos to a rousing conclusion.
Reviewer: SJS
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Grades 6 - 8
Mia's journal contains the concerns of many 14-year-old girls: school work, her looks, dreams about boys, run-ins with the snotty click and adventures with her best friend. Those worries pale when she learns her father is the Prince of Genovia, a small European principality, and that she is a princess and the heir to the throne. If you enjoy this tale of reluctant royalty try A Royal Pain by Ellen Conford and The Tin Princess by Philip Pullman.
Reviewer: SJS
Kissing Tennessee and Other Stories from the Stardust Dance by Kathi Appelt
Reading Level: Grades 6 - 8
These stories highlight the lives of a few eighth graders as they gather to celebrate their graduation. Their last days of glory, combined with their first tastes of disappointment, create a bittersweet mixture. As the invitation says, "You're invited."
Reviewer: PC
Conterfeit Son By Elaine Marie Alphin
Reading Level: Grade 8 and older
When his father, a serial killer, is killed in a shoot-out with police, 14 year old Cameron Miller claims to be Neil Lacey, one of his father's victims. Impersonation isn't easy. Cameron begins to doubt his course when he comes to care for the family.
Reviewer: SJS
Love and Other Four-Letter Words by Carolyn Mackler
Reading Level: Grades 7 - 9
Sammie Davis is sixteen years old and should be having the time of her life. Instead, her father is leaving and she and her mother (who, by the way, is FALLING APART!) are moving to a tiny apartment in New York City. Will her guitar and her dog Moxie be enough to get her through?
Reviewer: PC
Silent to the Bone by E.L. Konigsburg
Reading Level: Grades 7 - 9
On the day his baby sister is seriously injured, Bramwell Zamborska stops speaking. Is it because he feels guilty or does he know something too horrible to tell?
Reviewer: SJS
The Moon Pearl by Ruthanne Lum McCunn
Reading Level: Grade 7 – Adult
McCunn weaves a fascinating tale of three determined girls who choose to defy tradition and support themselves rather than marry This story was inspired by the spinsterhood movement in 19th century China.
Reviewer: SJS
Dancing With an Alien by Mary Logue
Reading Level: Grades 7 - 9
Branko finds his mission complicated when he actually falls in love with the earth girl he has selected to help repopulate his planet.
Reviewer: SJS
When I Was Older by Garret Freymann-Weyr
Reading Level: Grades 6 - 9
This author’s first young adult novel is a real winner. Her main character, fifteen-year-old Sophie, has a disappointing Dad, lingering grief over her little brother’s death, and a problem with boys who want to be more than friends. But when she meets the tear-tattooed Francis, she starts to think and see things differently.
Reviewer: PC
Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan
Reading Level: Grades 6 - 8
When thirteen-year-old Koly is married to an ailing boy, she tries to remain hopeful about her future. But bad fortune, combined with tradition, threaten to subject her to a lifetime of misery with her mother-in-law. If you liked Shabanu Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples, try this quick read.
Reviewer: PC
Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy by Sonya Sones
Reading Level: Grades 6 - 9
Cookie's happy life is shattered when her adored older sister suddenly starts hearing voices. The family's struggles are chronicled in this book of blank verse poems.
For fans of: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse and Make Lemonade Virginia Euwer Wolff.
Reviewer: SJS
Nobody Else Has to Know by Ingrid Tomey
Reading Level: Grades 6 - 9
Webber's grandfather faces prison for causing an accident that injured Webber and permanently disabled a young bicyclist. As his memory returns, Webber realizes that he, not his grandfather, was driving. Should he allow his grandfather to take the blame?
If you like this book, you'll also enjoy Blackwater by Eve Bunting.
Reviewer: SJS
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen by Dyan Sheldon
Reading Level: Grades 6 - 8
When Mary Elizabeth Cep's mother moves her from glamorous New York City to a quiet New Jersey suburb Mary decides to make herself over. Renaming herself Lola and wearing flamboyant clothing she attracts the animosity of Carla Santini which results in a conflict that launches Lola on a series of madcap adventures.
If you enjoy this book try: The Amazon Papers by Beverly Keller and Son of Interflux by Gordon Korman.
Reviewer: SJS
Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire
Reading Level: Grade 8 - Adult
This fascinating multi-level novel presents a fresh take on the Cinderella story. Plain Iris, her simple older sister and their pragmatic mother barely escape England with their lives. Destitute, they are taken in by an eccentric Dutch painter who paints a disturbing portrait of Iris that leads them all to a new life in the household of the rich van den Meer's and their exquisite, sheltered daughter Clara.
Other great fairytale spin-offs include: Beauty by Robin McKinley and Tam Lin by Pamela Dean.
Reviewer: SJS
To 2001 New Young Adult Book Archives
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Music and More
Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong
Grades 4 and older
This is a horrible, terrible, completely true story, wonderfully read by Taylor Mali. When you are done listening, check out the book so you can see the pictures. Still not satisfied? Check out one of the other recent books on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
Reviewer: PC
Life-Size
Grades K - 5
Lindsay Lohan of The Parent Trap is at it again. This time she plays tomboy Casey, who is trying to get her parents back together – by bringing her mother back from the dead! When her spell backfires and brings her doll, Eve, to life, she tries to find a way to undo it. But when the time comes, will she want to say goodbye to Eve? This movie is sad and funny, perfect for sharing with friends or family. To see more of Eve, played by Tyra Banks, check out Tyra's book Tyra's Beauty Inside & Out.
Reviewer: PC
Woody’s Roundup
All ages
“A Rootin’-Tootin’ Collection of Woody’s Favorite Songs!” Featuring Riders in the Sky, this CD of songs that could have been from Woody’s TV show will make you feel like you’re camping out under the stars with the cowboys (and cowgirls). For more cowboy music, try Always Your Pal, Gene Autry.
Reviewer: PC
Goodnight Moon And Other Sleepytime Tales
Ages 2 - 6
This video, featuring the classic bedtime story by Margaret Wise Brown, also includes other nighttime favorites. In between stories, kids talk about dreams and nightmares, and well know singers croon favorite lullabies. After hearing Tony Bennett sing “Hit the Road to Dreamland”, you might want to check out his CD for kids, The Playground.
Reviewer: PC
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Grades 4 - 6
Why not check out the latest Newbery award winner on tape? James Avery (best know for his role as Uncle Philip on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) does a fabulous job of narrating ten- year-old Bud's search for family in the time of the Great Depression. Be sure and pay attention to Bud Caldwell's Rules and Things to Have a Funner Life and Make a Better Liar Out of Yourself - you just might learn something! If you'd rather read the book, click here.
Reviewer: PC
My Louisiana Sky by Kimberly Willis Holt
Grades 5-7
Twelve-year-old Tiger Ann Parker has a mentally disabled mother and a “slow” father and is just beginning to discover how that makes her different from the other kids in small-town Saitter.But when she has a chance to leave Saitter for Baton Rouge, will the pull of home be too strong? This book on tape, narrated by Judith Ivey, gives voice to Holt’s cast of unique Southern characters.
Reviewer: PC
To 2001 New Music and more Archives
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Non-Fiction
Freedom Like Sunlight: Praisesongs for Black Americans by J. Patrick Lewis
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 8
Wonderfully illustrated by John Thompson, this poetry collection focuses on famous African Americans. From Marian Anderson to Malcolm X, these poetic portraits bring their subjects to life.
Reviewer: PC
The Girl Who Spun Gold by Virginia Hamilton; illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
Reading Level: Grades K - 4
A dramatic fairy tale about Quashiba, a beautiful girl whose mother lies to the King of the land about her ability to spin plain thread into gold. Yes, this is the familiar Rumpelstiltskin story, but here Virginia Hamilton has retold the West Indian version of the tale entitled "Mr Titman," meaning "little man." Award-winning artists Leo and Diane Dillon have created stunning illustrations using metallic paint and gold leaf to create a sumptuous world of textures and patterns.
Reviewer: LW
Odd Jobs by Ellen Weiss
Reading Level: Grades 3-5
Are you trying to decide what you want to be when you grow up? Is being a doctor too boring or a fireman too commonplace? How about being a Muppet Exploder or a Master Sniffer? This book explores those, and ten other, very odd careers you’ve never heard of.
Reviewer: SH
The Secret Footprints by Julia Alvarez; illustrated by Fabian Negrin
Reading Level: Grades K – 3
When a young West Indian mermaid accidentally stumbles upon a human picnic she must find a way back to the sea before her people’s existence is discovered. This Taino folktale is perfect for anyone who enjoys mermaid or selkie tales such as The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen or Greyling by Jane Yolen.
Reviewer: SH
Radio Rescue by Lynne Barasch
Reading Level: Grades K - 2
Based on the real-life experiences of the author’s father, who became one of the youngest ham radio operators in the 1920s. A fascinating look at early communication technology and the people behind it, this book will make you marvel over how far we’ve come.
Reviewer: PC
So You Want To Be President? by Judith St. George; illustrated by David Small
Reading Level: Grades 2 - 4
This is a must read for the upcoming election! St. George takes a look at past presidents, from Andrew Johnson (couldn’t read until he was fourteen) to Ronald Reagan (who was a movie star before he became President).You’ll also get a peek at life in the White House over the years and some good advice about what it takes to be President of the United States of America.
Reviewer: PC
Dinosaurs Forever by William Wise
Reading Level: Grades K - 3
“This book is dedicated to
Any and every reader who
Whether eight or eighty-four -
Ever has loved a Dinosaur.”
When you’re done with this one, check out one of our new dinosaur books, Dinosaurs! The Biggest Baddest Strangest Fastest by Howard Zimmerman.
Reviewer: PC
Lima Beans Would Be Illegal: Children’s Ideas of a Perfect World Compiled and illustrated by Robert Bender
Reading Level: Grades 2 - 4
What do you think would make our world a more perfect place to be? That’s exactly what Robert Bender asked kids and then he wrote their answers down and turned them into a book. If you like this one, try Please Don't Kiss Me at the Bus Stop! Over 700 Things Parents Do That Drive Their Kids Crazy by Merry Bloch Jones.
Reviewer: PC
Fair, Brown & Trembling by Jude Daly
Reading Level: Grades 1 - 3
This Irish Cinderella is named Trembling and instead of the ball, she goes to church. Three times, in fact, each time in a more beautiful gown. She causes such a stir, more than one prince fights for her hand. The soft but colorful illustrations make this old story seem new again.
Reviewer: PC
Under the Royal Palms by Alma Flor Ada
Reading Level: Grades 4 - 5
This is a simple biography in which the author relates stories and memories of her childhood in Cuba. The black and white pictures, together with the text, make it seem like you are looking through the author’s personal scrapbook.
Reviewer: PC
Mariana and the Merchild by Caroline Pitcher
Grades: Preschool - 3
In this folktale from Chile, a lonely old woman finds a fish-tailed baby in a clam shell and takes care of it knowing that some day the mother will come to take it back to the sea.
Reviewer: SH
Mammalabilia by Douglas Florian
Grades: Preschool - 2
A fun collection of tongue twisting poems and hilarious pictures, all featuring mammals. Some mammals are familiar, like the beaver and some not, like the rhebok.
Reviewer: LW
Touch the Poem by Arnold Adoff
Grades: Preschool - 3
A feast for the eyes and the ears, this unique collection of poems for young children highlights the senses and features stunning mixed media collages from photographs, paintings, paper and computer graphics. A book to look at carefully and enjoy again and again.
Reviewer: LW
Cannibal in the Mirror edited by Paul Fleischman with photographs by John Whalen
Reading Level: Grades 6 - Adult
This unique book pairs photographs of modern day America with writings from explorers, missionaries, and other writers, dating as far back as the 1st century. The eerie connections between these new photographs and the old descriptions of ancient ways will make you ponder just how civilized we have become.
Reviewer: PC
To 2001 New Non Fiction Book Archives
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Los libros nuevo en espaol y los libros nuevo bilinges
New Spanish and Bilingual Books
The Christmas Gift / El regalo de Navidad by Francisco Jimnez
Reading Level: Grades 1 - 3
En este cuento de su niez, el autor nos habla de una Navidad cuando su familia era muy pobre y tuvo que mudarse en busca de trabajo. El espera que todava va a recibir el regalo que el quiere – una pelota roja.
In this story from his childhood, the author tells about one Christmas when his family was very poor and had to move in search of work. He hopes that he will still receive the gift he wants – a red ball.
Reviewer: PC
My Very Own Room / Mi propio cuartito by Amada Irma Prez; illustrations by Maya Christina Gonzalez
Reading Level: Grades K - 2
Este libro bilinge cuenta de una nia que quiere su propio cuarto. Este cuento, llena de familia, es muy similar a Qu sorpresa de cumpleaos por Loretta Lopez.
This bilingual picture book perfectly captures a young girl’s feelings about needing some space for herself. This is a warm, family story, similar to The Birthday Swap by Loretta Lopez.