The Moon Over Star by Dianna Hutts Aston

The Moon Over Star, written by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, 2008, New York: Dial Books For Young readers, (978-0-8037-3107-3)

Awards: 2009 Coretta Scott King Book Award
Author Website: http://www.diannahaston.com
Illustrator Website: http://www.jerrypinkneystudio.com
Media Used: graphite, ink and watercolor on paper

Annotation:
This story recounts the first space shuttle landing and moon-walk, from the eyes of a young girl.  She shares the experience with her whole family, and shares her dreams of one day being an astronaut with her grandfather.

Personal reaction:
At first, I did not like this book, as the poetic flow of it is not the style of book I am used to reading.  As I continued, the book started to grow on me.  I liked the way the author was able to bring to life the musings and dreams of a young child.  The girl's thoughts and dreams seemed very real to me.  

2009 Top 10 list

Young Thomas Edison by Michael Dooling

Young Thomas Edison, by Michael Dooling, 2005, New York: Holiday House Books, (0-8234-1868-5)

Awards:  Children's Crown Award Nominee by National Christian School Association

Author/Illlustrator Website: http://www.michaeldooling.com

Media Used: oil paint on linen canvas

Annotation:
This story tells of the many boyhood obstacles Thomas Edison overcame, including practically being deaf and being yelled at by his teacher, to become one of the greatest inventors  of all time.  Throughout his life, he patented 1,093 inventions.



Personal Reaction:
I rather enjoyed this book.  I did not know that he led such a normal life.  In my mind, I had always thought of him as some crazy/psycho genius.  He was a normal boy who had a curious mind.  The story was very simple, but the pictures added value to the book.  In one of the pictures, the beakers that Edison was working with were all labeled "poison."  I personally found this to be funny, as would most older readers.

Curricular Connection: many grade levels-science

My Top 10

Mirror by Jeannie Baker

Mirror, by Jeannie Baker, 2010, Sommerville, Mass.: Candlewick Press (9780763648480)

Awards: Winner of the Children's category at the 2011 Indie Book Awards.

Author/Illustrator Website: http://www.jeanniebaker.com

Media used: collage, mixed media

Annotation: Two side-by-side stories tell of the lives of two families, one in Australia and one in North Africa.  The illustrations show how they do similar activities in different ways, and how family is important in all parts of the world.

Personal Reaction: When I first opened this book, I was very confused.  I couldn’t figure out how to turn the pages!  Then I realized that the left side of the book opens like a normal book, and the right side of the book opens in the other direction.  This is done so that you can read the side of the book that tells of life in Africa from right to left, just as they read books, and you can read the side that tells of Australia from left to right, as they read books.  Although this book only has words on the first page, this book is very appropriate for older readers.  In this case, the lack of words makes it so that the reader has to think more in order to interpret the story and the meaning.  This book’s lessons and differences would be lost to a younger reader.

Published 2010/2011

Christmas In The Time of Billy Lee by Jerdine Nolen

Christmas In The Time Of Billy Lee, written by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by Barry Moser, 2010, New York: Disney Jump At The Sun Books (9780786818716)

Awards: N/A
Author Website: http://www.jerdinenolen.com
Illustrator Website: http://www.moser-pennyroyal.com/moser-pennyroyal/Blank.html
Media Used: unknown (paintings)

Annotation:  This book tells the story of Ellie, who made three Christmas wishes.  She wants her parents to see her invisible friend, wishes for happiness and for snow.  All of her wishes come true to make a wonderful Christmas.

Personal Reaction:
I liked the pictures in this book, and they really added to the story.  All children and adults who have ever had a Christmas dream will enjoy this book.  This story has a very good happy feeling.

2010/2011 publication date

Child of the Civil Rights Movement, by Paula Young Shelton

Child of the Civil Rights Movement, written by Paula Young Shelton, illustrated by Raul Colon, 2010, New York: Schwartz & Wade Books (978-0-375-95414-6)

Awards:  Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices 2011 Winner.

Author Website: http://www.paulasbooks.com

Illustrator Website:N/A

Media Used: watercolor paper, lead pencil, colored pencil, black lithograph pencil, several washes

Annotation:

This story tells the experiences of a young child who lives through the peak of the civil rights movement.  At only the age of four, the child participated in protests and watched the rise of Martin Luther King Jr.

Personal Reaction:

I enjoyed this story immensely.  It is written at a lower reading level, but the interest level is for someone older.  I enjoyed the fact that the main character was not aware of the impact that “Uncle Martin” was having on the protest.  Is importance wasn’t known until later, so this made the book more realistic.  One negative thing about the book was that I did not catch the name of the main character.

Published 2010/2011

Curricular Connection: American History highschool

Galileo by Leonard Everett Fisher

Galileo, by Leonard Everett Fisher, 1992, New York: MacMillan Publishing Company (0-02-735235-8)

Awards: N/A
Author/Illustrator Website: None
Media Used: Acrylic paints on paper

Annotation:
This story tells of the life of Galileo.  He was very talented in medicine and science, and overcame many obstetrical to become the father of modern science.  Lots of detail is given about his punishment by the church.

Personal Reaction:
This book is filled with information.  I learned more about Galileo in this 30-some page book than I had learned in all of my time in school.  I had no idea that he was so persecuted by the church.  This book will flabbergast readers, and cause them to think about how hard it must have been to live in a time when new ideas were not welcomed.

Curricular Connection: 7th grade social studies (scientific revolution)

Age of Bronze: A Thousand Ships by Eric Shanower

Age of Bronze: A Thousand Ships by Eric Shanower, 2001, Berkeley: Image Comics, Inc. (1-58240-200-0)

Awards: Nominated for several Eisner Awards.

Author/Illustrator website:  http://ericshanower.com

Media Used: unknown (black and white)

Annotation:

Paris, a very promiscuous man, discovers he is Prince of Troy, and leaves the woman he loves behind.  Paris is forced to go off to save the King's sister.  Instead of saving her, they kidnap Helen, starting a war.

Personal Reaction:
The first thing I have to say about this book is that I am not used to this much "almost" nudity in a picture book.  I suppose this is fairly standard for graphic novels, but I am  not a heavy reader of graphic novels.  Only 12 pages into the story, a detailed sex scene was taking place.  Other pictures feature a man's face nuzzled in a woman's cleavage, and a very detailed spread of a woman giving birth.  I would not recomend this book for anyone under the age of 13.

Fiction Graphic Novel

Curriculum Connection: 9th grade English companion to Homer's The Odyssey (or possible 12th grade English due to content)

POTENTIAL FOR CHALLENGE
This book is filled with nudity.  Parents often complain about books with nudity and profanity.  The books that are most likely to be challenged are books that parents can quickly flip through in order to see what the book is about.  If a parent was to flip though this book, they would immediately see full fledged nudity.  There are full page spreads featuring a man nuzzling his face in a woman's bare breasts, and many detailed sex scenes.  Many parents would not want their children exposed to this.  It is one thing to read a book that describes it, but to actually see it is on another level.  For many parents this is equivalent to allowing their 14 year old son to see a rated R film.  There are regulations in place to prevent such things from happening with movies, but not for books. 
This book should still be included in the YA section of the library because it has received an endless amount of wonderful reviews.  Many sources also list this book as teen material.  If need be, there are many sources to back up the purchase of this title.

Nicolaus Copernicus: The Earth Is A Planet by Dennis Brindell Fradin

Nicolaus Copernicus: The Earth Is A Planet, written by Dennis Brindell Fradin, illustrated by Cynthia Von Buhler, 2003, New York: Mondo Publication (1-59336-006-1)

Awards: N/A
Author Website: N/A
Illustrator Website: http://www.cynthiavonbuhler.com/
Media Used: Oil paint on gesso

Annotation:
This picture book tells the story of Copernicus, who studied his whole life to be a clergyman and physician, only to make a scientific discovery that goes against all religious teachings of the time.  Several interesting facts are revealed throughout the book.


Personal Reaction:
This is a very educational book, but not a very exciting one.  I did enjoy the various facts, such as that he died shortly after his book was published, and that he was a clergyman.  I never imagined that someone who made such a anti-religious discovery, such as stating that Earth was not the center of the universe, would have come from such a religious background.

Curriculum Connection: 7th Grade Social Studies (Scientific Revolution)

Daydreams of a Solitary Hamster by Astrid Desbordes

Daydreams of a Solitary Hamster, written by Astrid Desbordes, illustrated by Pauline Martin, 2010, New York: Enchanted Lion Books (978-1-59270-093-6)

Awards: ABC Best Books For Children, Junior Library Guild Selection
Author Website: N/A
Illustrator Website: N/A
Media Used: full color

Annotation:

Presented in a journal format, this book follows the Hamster and his close friends. These animals have many thoughts, ranging from what lunar hamsters eat, to what it is like to travel at the pace of a snail.

Personal Reaction:
This is one of the best picture books I have read for a while.  The humor is very dry and flat, making it so it would be most appropriate for a teenage reader.  If taken at face value, the book is boring and does not have a consistent plot.  When taken for a simple dry humor picture book, this book will leave you in tears of laughter.  The hamster is very self-centered, making for some interesting scenes.  The hedgehog is also an interesting character, as he walks around in a coat made of moss.  When you read this, be open to a non-standard picture book!

Published in 2010/2011

My Top 10

Barack Obama: The Comic Book Biography, by Jeff Mariotte

Barack Obama: The Comic Book Biography, written by Jeff Mariotte, illustrated by Tom Morgan, 2009, San Diego: IDW Publishing (978-1-60010-530-2) 

Awards: N/A
Author Website: http://www.jeffmariotte.com/
Illustrator Website: http://www.tommorganartist.com/
Media Used: Unknown (full color)

Annotation:
Barack Obama's early days, education, and dating life are shortly skimmed over, leading to the start of his political career, which was an anti-Iraq war speech. The 2008 election is the main highlight of this novel, telling of all of the difficult odds that he overcame to become President.

Personal Reaction:
This is an example of a book that I enjoyed reading in graphic novel format, as opposed tot he alternative of full text format.  Biographies usually bore me, as they all follow a standard format.  This book skips over the early part of Obama's life, and cuts straight to the cut-throat election of 2008.  The only thing that could have made this a more enjoyable graphic novel would be if the author incorporated some light hearted humor into it at times.  The text was very dry.

Graphic Novel Non Fiction

Curricular Connection: Highschool Government

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, illustrated by Christopher Bing, 2001, New York: Handprint Books (1-929-766-13-0)

Awards: N/A
Author Website: N/A
Illustrator Website: http://www.christopherbing.com/Site/Welcome_.html
Media Used: unknown (full color)

Annotation:
This version of the classic poem provides visuals to go along with the flowing text.  The poem follows Paul Revere as he sets out to warn people about the impending arrival of the British.  Dark colored illustrations set the mood for the seriousness of the event.

Personal Reaction:
I had heard the poem before, but this illustrated version made an impact on me.  The illustrations accompanied the text perfectly, using dark colors to make me understand the seriousness of Paul Revere's message and the lives of the people living in that time.  I now believe that without the illustrations, the poem falls flat.  This illustrated version is excellent in all ways.

Single Book-length poem

Curricular Connection: 8th Grade history

The Tree of Life by Peter Sis

The Tree of Life, by Peter Sis, 2003, China: South China Printing Co. Ltd. (9780374456283)

Awards: A Junior Library Guild Selection, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Author/Illustrator Website: http://www.petersis.com
Media Used: field sketches

Annotation:
This story describes the journey Charles Darwin underwent to make his famous scientific discoveries, such as evolution.  All the while, he was a disappointment to his father, and caused great controversy among leading scientists and religious figures.

Personal Reaction:
The Tree of Life is very appropriate for older readers.  Young readers who are the stereotypical audience for picture books, would not have the patience to read all of the small text and side anecdotes, nor would they understand the importance of the discoveries mentioned in the story.  The book also includes some original text from Darwin's work, which provides insight into his discoveries, without forcing students to wade through difficult text.

Curriculum Connection (7th grade biology and social studies)

Casey At The Bat, by Ernest Lawrence Thayer

Casey At The Bat, written by Ernest Lawrence Thayer, illustrated by Christopher Bing, 2000, New York: Scholastic Inc. (ISBN 0-439-33168-4)

Awards: Caldecott honor book
Author website:N/A
Illustrator website: http://www.christopherbing.com/Site/Welcome_.html
Media Used: Unknown (full color) with photographs

Annotation:
This poem tells the story of a baseball player who was cheered on by the crowd, only to strike out in the end.

Personal Reaction:
When I finished the poem, my reaction was "that was it....?"  I find it odd that they wrote a song/book about someone who misses the ball.  The whole poem, I was expecting Casey to save the game, just like the audience was expecting.  The end was rather anticlimatic.

Single Length Poem

The Declaration of Independence by Sam Fink

The Declaration of Independence: The Words That Made America, by Sam Fink, 2002, New York: Scholastic Inc. (9780439407007)

Awards: N/A
Author/Illustrator Website: N/A
Media Used: unknown (full color)

Annotation:
Each page of this book features a sentence straight from the Declaration of Independence, making for 133 pages of illustrated fun.  The illustrations feature side comments that add humor to the Declaratino of Independence.

Personal Reaction:
This version of the Declaration of Independence is much more enjoyable to read than the straight text version.  Although this version appears longer, it is a very quick read.  The side comments on the illustrations allow the reader to get a better idea of what some of the stiffly worded phrases mean.  The illustrations are well done and complement the text very well.  I would highly recommend providing students with this book instead of having them read the Declaration of Independence straight out of their textbook.

Curricular Connection: 8th Grade history or highschool government

The Wall by Peter Sis

The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain, by Peter Sis. New York: Frances Foster Books, 2007 (ISBN 978-0-374-34701-7)

Awards: Caldecott Honor Book, Robert F. Sibert Medal 
Author/Illustrator Website: http://www.petersis.com
Media Used: unknown (black and white with a hint of color)

Annotation:
 Through pictures and a hint of words, Peter Sis tells of his childhood behind the Iron Curtain.  He tells of mandatory loyalty ceremonies, and harsh school conditions, and the constant dream of freedom on the other side of the wall.

Personal Reaction:
I was surprised that I actually enjoyed this book.  It was written in a manner that was very easy to understand, and it kept my attention.  Peter Sis managed to get in a lot of information in a tiny space, and added just the right touch of humor (although the topic made even the humor serious) to make it interesting for people who do not want to read nonfiction.

2009 Class Top Ten List
Curricular Connection: High School World History

The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci

The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg, 2007 New York: DC Comics (978-1-4012-1115-8)

Awards: Booklist starred review

Author Website: http://castellucci.wordpress.com/

Illustrator Webstie: http://jimrugg.blogspot.com/

 Media Used: unknown

Annotation:

Four high school girls struggle through the difficulties of finding their place among high school society.  All four girls are named “Jane” with various spellings of the name.  They rebel against society and express themselves through art around the city.  

Personal Reaction:

I know this book has a "deeper meaning," but I was not thrilled with the story.  I like books with more action and less high school drama.  I can, however, see how this could be an empowering books for some people.  This book encourages you do do what you need to do to find your place in the world and express yourself.

2009 Top Ten Pick 

Isaac Newton and the Laws of Motion by Andrea Gianopoulos

Isaac Newton and the Laws of Motion, by Andrea Gianopoulos, illustrated by Phi Miller and Charles Barnett III, 2007, Minnesota; Capstone Press (ISBN 978-0-7368-6847-1)

Awards: Winner of the 2008 Teachers' Choice Award for Children's Books

Author Website: http://sites.google.com/site/gianopoulos/

Illustrator Website: N/A

Media Used: unknown (full color)

Annotation:

This story features the musings of Isaac Newton that led to him making momentous discoveries.  The main discoveries featured in this graphic novel are basic gravity laws, and the moon’s affect on the earth’s tides.

Personal Reaction: 

This book was not nearly as enjoyable as some of the others I have read for this class.  However, the format, at least, will certainly appeal to older readers.  It is done in classic graphic novel style, with thought bubbles over the character’s heads.  I did not enjoy the pictures very much, but the point did get across and older readers will at least be initially drawn to the book.  People who love graphic novels will likely enjoy this book more than I did.

Curricular Connection: 7th Grade Scientific Revolution

Starry Messenger, by Peter Sis

Starry Messenger: A book depicting the life of a famous scientist, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, physicist Galileo Galilei, by Peter Sis, 1996, New York: Frances Foster Books (ISBN 9780374371913)

Awards: Caldecott Honor Book, ALA Notable Book

Author/Illustrator Website: http://www.petersis.com

Media Used: unknown (author often does field sketches)

Annotation:

This book tells the story of Galileo and how he managed to discover that the earth was not the center of the universe.  Peter Sis describes, through pictures and words, the process Galileo went through to document his observations in the night sky.

Personal Reaction:

The pictures in this book are very reflective of the Galileo’s time period and do a great job setting the mood of the story.  One thing I like about this book is that there are two levels to the story.  One level is the very simply worded summary of Galileo’s life, and the other level is snippets of actual text from Galileo’s journals.  This allows older readers to get a feel for Galileo’s work without actually having to sit down and interpret the original journals.

Curricular Connection: 7th grade scientific revolution

Now & Ben by Gene Barretta

Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin, by Gene Barretta, 2006, New York: Henry Holt and Company (ISBN 9780805079173)

Awards:2007 Carolyn W. Field Award

Author/Illustrator Website: http://www.genebarretta.com

Media Used: Watercolor on paper 

Annotation:

A clever play on the common phrase “now and then,” this book tells of the modern technology that was invented by Benjamin Franklin.  Entertaining illustrations liven up the historical invention lesson in a way that will appeal to older readers.

Personal Reaction:

I learned many new things from reading this book, and was entertained while I learned!  The illustrations were bright and colorful, and were done in a classic cartoon style, thus keeping my attention (and I usually have a very limited attention span when it comes to educational books).  I really enjoyed the fact that the book related Ben Franklin’s inventions to present day.  This made it so I was able to better appreciate everything he did.  After reading this book, I am amazed at everything one man was able to invent.

Curricular Connection: 7th grade scientific revolution

My Top 10