Red Bird Sings

Adapted by Gina Capaldi & Q.L. Pearce

A picture book biography of Gertrude Simmons Bonnin who left her native lands in South Dakota at the young age of eight in order to attend boarding school in Indiana. Although she greatly missed her mother and the quiet traditional life she rejoiced in music class, becoming an accomplished music teacher, performer and composer. She also grew to despise inequality and spoke out for the rights of Native Americans, fighting for citizenship and fair treatment. The authors adapt Zitkala-Sa's own words to create this simple and beautifully illustrated biography. Teachers will find this a positive addition to their curriculum and will appreciate the Teacher Resource Book available from the book's website.

4 of 5 Stars - Recommended.

Sally's Bones

by MacKenzie Cadenhead

Middle schooler Sally Simplesmith goes about her day unnoticed, both at school and at home by her absent-minded workaholic father. To make life more challenging Sally greatly misses her recently deceased mother. Sally is ready to give up and melodramatically asks for death upon her mother's grave. Instead, Sally finds a much needed friend and companion in a tail-wagging pooch made from bones. Life begin changing for Sally, but her new found happiness is put to the test when her pet is accused of a recent crime spree. Cadenhead creates an interesting character in Sally and does a fine job addressing the issues of grief and loneliness.

3 of 5 stars - Recommended.