Grace for President

by Kelly DiPucchio

Grace Campbell can not believe that there has never been a girl president and decides that she'd like to change that starting by running for president in the school's own election.  Grace thinks becoming president will be easy until popular Thomas Cobb enters the race.  Grace thinks it will be even less easy after learning about the 270 electoral votes needed to win.  Tom calculates his win based on boys holding more votes than the girls and relaxes while Grace makes good on her campaign promises.  In early November, the students cast their votes and the best person for the job wins the election.  DiPucchio does a fine job explaining the Electoral College to a younger audience and Pham's illustrations bring Grace to life as she bounds from page to page campaigning.

4 of 5 stars - Recommended.

14 Cows For America

by Carmen Agra Deedy

While in the United States on scholarship during the 9/11 attacks, Kimeli Naiyomah feels the impact of the devastation on the American people and wishes to do something to help. He returns to his home in Kenya and shares his story with his Maasai tribe. Together they offer fourteen cows as symbol of life and sacred healing. A simple story brought to life by Gonzalez's beautiful and richly colored drawings. The end note gives additional story details which help to answer questions that are sure to arise. Readers may want to learn more about the Maasai people or follow the journey of the fourteen cows on-line at the publishers website. Also available in Spanish.

4 of 5 Stars - Recommended.

Animal Heroes : True Rescue Stories

by Sandra Markle

Nine true stories of animal rescues as recounted by their grateful owners. Stories are short and include an interesting and informational tie-ins. Stories include dramatic rescues from shark attacks, hypothermia, hurricanes, floods, and escaping September 11th. Each story ends with a happy afterward. Markle’s personal interviews provide insight to these wonderful human interest stories.

5 of 5 stars - Highly Recommended.

Originally posted 30Jan2011.

Thank You, Mr. Falker

by Patricia Polacco

Autobiographical story of Polacco’s struggle learning how to read. Trisha drew comfort in her artistic ability and the love and warmth of her grandparents. After her grandparents passed away, Trisha’s family moved away from the farm but not away from Trisha’s problem. School continued to be painful for Trisha until one day Mr. Falker discovers Trisha’s secret and helps change her world forever. Polacco’s words and heartfelt illustrations give her personal struggle warmth and depth. A great read-aloud opportunity.

Many resources are available on the web including Polacco’s own website which includes some wonderful bookmarks to print and share.

4 of 5 stars - Recommended.

Originally posted 30Jan2011.