Thursday, December 31, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR
All of the Glendale Libraries will be closed to celebrate the New Year's Holiday starting December 31 at 5 p.m. through January 3, 2010. On Monday, January 4, regular hours will be in effect.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
MAYTE AND THE BOGEYMAN/MAYTE Y EL CUCO
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Mayte and Pepito are convinced that Don Aparicio, the grumpy ice cream seller, is really the bogeyman. Don Aparicio constantly complaints about badly behaved children who need to be taught a lesson. Mayte comes to believe that he is the Bogeyman (el Cuco) who kidnaps bad children and eats them or sells them at the market.
One day, Mayte and Pepito spy Don Aparicio carrying a bag with something strange inside. They follow him to the marketplace in hopes to rescuing the victim.
Beautifully illustrated in English and Spanish.
For readers Grades 1-2, ages 6-7.
Beautifully illustrated in English and Spanish.
For readers Grades 1-2, ages 6-7.
Written by Ada Gonzalez, illustrated by Christina Rodriguez.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
All of the Glendale Libraries will be closed for the Christmas holiday from December 24 through December 27. They will reopen on Monday December 28 at the regular times. Best wishes for the season.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
CAN YOU BE AN ECO WARRIOR?
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Julian and his friends set in a motion a plan that will take care of two things at once: to actually have a fun summer vacation and to see these redwoods that his uncle's company is trying to cut down and sell for a huge profit.
Set in Northern California, five kids set out to save a grove of almost extinct trees taller than the Statue of Liberty and older than the United States. Operation Redwood by S. Terrell French is a great story about kids who act on what they believe in even if the ending is a bit unrealistic. But that's why this is fiction. Great for readers 6th-8th grades.
Monday, December 21, 2009
WHAT DOES SEVENTH GRADE LOOK LIKE?
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Labels:
4th grade,
5th grade,
6th grade,
7th grade,
8th grade,
boys and girls,
crushes,
family,
friendship,
funny,
girls,
love,
romance,
self discovery
Friday, December 18, 2009
Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid
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Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ARE YOU AFRAID YET?
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2. When we get scared, our brain orders the release of adrenaline and a flood of other hormones into the bloodstream. Instantly, the body is ready to fight or flee.
3. A pumping heart has enough pressure to blast blood 30 feet into the air.
4. The ancient Egyptians were able to pull their brains out of their noses.
5. Black cats are actually good luck instead of bad (there is a scientific explanations as well)
Guess what? All of the above is true, now you need to read the book to find out the who’s and the how’s of this scary, mysteries book that has great illustrations as well as few cartoons to show us the seemingly impossible.
ARE YOU AFRAID YET? THE SCIENNCE BEHIND SACRY STUFF is written by STEPHEN JAMES O’MEARA and the illustrations are by JEREMY KAPOSY.
For grades 4th and older.
Monday, December 14, 2009
KIDNAPPING AND CLASSICAL MUSIC?
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A second mystery adventure has the two friends off to Scotland for the Edinburg Music Festival. Just as they are befriending this amazing pianist, Seneca, she's kidnapped and held for a million dollar ransom. Kari and Lucas are determined to rescue her themselves, because, really, what adult would believe them, especially the ones they suspect are involved in Seneca's kidnapping.
Labels:
adventure,
classical music,
Edinburg,
journalist,
music festival,
mystery,
pianist,
Scotland
Friday, December 11, 2009
QUINITO, DAY AND NIGHT/QUINITO, DIA, Y NOCHE.
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Quinito’s daily life is full of opposites. His sister Clara gets up early, while older brother Juan sleeps in, his mommy is short and his daddy is tall, he points out who is neat and who is messy, and so on. Whether he's happy or sad, quiet or loud, Quinito is always up to something……
This delightful bilingual picture book explores the concept of opposites. Written by Ina Cumpiano, illustrated by Jose Ramirez. Kindergarten, Ages 5-6.
This delightful bilingual picture book explores the concept of opposites. Written by Ina Cumpiano, illustrated by Jose Ramirez. Kindergarten, Ages 5-6.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
ONE SMALL STEP
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For grades 4th and older.
Monday, December 07, 2009
A LIBRARIAN SAVES THE DAY
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THE SMASHING SCROLL by Michael Dahl is the perfect mystery for you if you are just starting to read chapter books. Scary things happen. Giant scrolls telling the "World's Last Story" start rolling down the road, threatening to cover the Earth with it's parchment! And of course - the librarian saves the day!
For 2nd - 4th graders.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
PRESIDENT LINCOLN AND HIS BOYS.
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This particular book is unique because it presents the president from his children's viewpoint. The story spans from the time that Lincoln decides to run for president to the end of the Civil War.
The chapters are full of Lincoln's wisdom and insights. P.J. Lynch's illustrations add warmth and life to this touching and inspiring book on one of the most liked and famous presidents. A very good read.
For grades 4th and older.
Monday, November 30, 2009
ANOTHER GREAT SERIES?
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
FANTASTIC MR. FOX
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Mr. Fox loves nothing more than to hear how fantastic he is. He does everything that he can to get the compliments from his wife, including stealing chicken, duck and turkey from his nemeses, the three farmers. However, the farmers are well aware of Mr. Fox and they plot to capture their enemy and teach him a lesson. But... there is a reason why Mr. Fox is called Fantastic. This book is such a fun read that you can won't want to put in down.
For grades 4th and older.
Friday, November 20, 2009
A GRIMM SHOCKER!
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Sabrina and Daphne's parents awake after two years of magical sleep and are confused by all that has happened. Daphne and Sabrina's wish for a happy family reunion with their parents are dashed when their father insists they give up their detective ways and return to New York City. Before anyone can leave Ferryport though the Scarlet Hand's army begin to assault the Grimm home and they must make a run for safety deep in the forest. The only option open to the family is to join Prince Charming's ragtag army of Everafters in order to destroy The Master's plans of taking over the town and eventually, the world.
The seventh exciting book, The Everafter War by Michael Buckley is for readers in 4th and up.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
THE POSSIBILITY OF FLYING
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I won't lie, Francesca Lia Block is a wonderful author, but she is an author that will only appeal to certain people. I can't even tell you who those people are, but the way she writes is different than other authors because nothing about the stories are obvious. You have to find your way, much like the characters in one of her recent books THE WATERS AND THE WILD. This is a story about a 13-year-old girl, who's not really a girl. She makes friends with a 18th century slave girl, who's not really a slave girl, and an alien boy who's not really an alien. Or maybe they are these things. Whatever the case, this girl, who finds herself wanting to eat dirt all the time, keeps seeing another version of herself - in her room, walking down the street, out in the back yard. The "doppleganger" version is here to replace her, and it's only a matter of time before the reality sets in. Obscure enough for you? Recommended for 6th-8th grades.
Labels:
6th grade,
7th grade,
8th grade,
aliens,
boys and girls,
changelings,
fairies,
fantasy,
parents,
school life,
slaves
Monday, November 16, 2009
AUTHOR VISITS GLENDALE
Glendale Central Library
222 East Harvard Street
Glendale, CA 91205
For more information call the Children's Room (818)548-2034
Labels:
Amy Goldman Koss,
One Glendale/One Book,
Poison Ivy
Friday, November 13, 2009
IF YOU LIKE MATILDA ...
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And so begins the misadventure of Libby or rather, Liberty, as she wants to be called when she escapes the clutches of her evil father with the help of some comprehension ointment and a magic floating potion. But will Liberty get to the school before her father finds and catches her?
This Roald Dahl like book is for readers who love stories about abused children who triumph over the bad guys who have enslaved them. For 4th grade and up.
Labels:
adventure,
child abuse,
Dahl,
fantasy,
Kelly Easton,
magical elements,
talking animals
Thursday, November 12, 2009
MEET DYAMONDE
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She has gone through a lot of changes in her short life and is eager to find some sort of peace and comfort.
She makes a friend whose name is Reed. Reed likes to read. He gets teased a lot because here is Reed who likes to read. However, Dyamonde is not like the others, she becomes best of friends with Reed and together not only they read but start many new adventures. MAKE WAY FOR DYAMONDE DANIEL is by NIKKI GRIMES and the pictures are by R. GREGORY CHRISTIE.
For grades 2nd-4th.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
THE WHALES' EYES WILL LASER YOU
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Just plain silliness abounds in WHALES ON STILTS by M.T. Anderson. I mean really - who ever heard of whales on stilts taking over the world?! Well, it may seem unbelievable to you, as it was to many grown-ups throughout this book, but to Lily, Katie & Jasper, the reality of the situation is that in a matter of days, there will be whales stomping across the city! It is up to them to save the world, and they don't have much time! Easy to read, funny and adventurous, this is a great book for 4th -7th grades.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Wii THE BEATLES
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THE BEATLES by MARVIN MARTIN can be checked out from the library at your convenience.
For grades 4th and older.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
FOLLOW THAT GOOSE!
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A Recipe 4 Robbery by Marybeth Kelsey is a very pleasant old fashioned kind of mystery with lots of red herrings and narrow escapes. For readers 4th and older.
Labels:
cooking,
cucumbers,
friendship,
holidays and festivals,
jewelry,
mysteries,
thief
Monday, November 02, 2009
A GIRL WITH A BEARD
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
PUPPET SHOW THIS SATURDAY!
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for a free puppet show "The Pirate's Tattoo" presented by Moodoo Puppets. This special program is for children ages 4 and up. Children are welcome to come in costumes.
Glendale Central Library (upstairs in the auditorium)
222 E Harvard St.
Glendale, CA 91205(818) 548-2035
Monday, October 26, 2009
GONZALO GRABS THE GOOD LIFE/LA BUENA VIDA DE GONZALO
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After Gonzalo wins the lottery, he decides it’s time to leave the farm and grab the good life. The “Good life” of course, includes a mansion in Miami, a yacht, a fancy hot tub and live “la vida loca” in Hollywood. However, no matter where he goes or what he embarks on, Gonzalo does not find what he’s looking for. He feels as though something is missing, until finally he decides to return home because home is where the heart is! Very colorful. Tinny glossary of Spanish words in back of the book.
Ages 5-9. Written by Janice Levy and illustrated by Bill Slavin.
Ages 5-9. Written by Janice Levy and illustrated by Bill Slavin.
Friday, October 23, 2009
THE QUEST FOR TRUE BLUE LOVE
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Lulu Atlantis is not very happy. Her mother brought home a new baby and he gets all the attention. Her father is far away with no hint as to when he will return. All Lulu wants is "True Blue Love" and she has no idea where to find it. Her best friend, Harry, the top-hat-wearing spider, loves her unconditionally and will do anything for Lulu. Yogurt Skunk also tries to be Lulu's friend. But Lulu keeps missing what "True Blue Love" really is until a horrible accident changes everything. LULU ATLANTIS AND THE QUEST FOR TRUE BLUE LOVE by Patricia Martin is a book that might just answer a few of your questions about life. For 4th - 6th grades.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
ALVIN AT IT AGAIN
Poor Alvin, his dad thinks that camping will be a great bonding experience just like Henry David Thoreau and his father! Uh... that wasn't quite what Alvin had in mind when Alvin told him about his time travel experience. What's a boy to do if he's afraid of nature, the dark, getting lost, hit by lightning... gulp... or worse. Once again he goes to his older brother for advice, and between him and his uncle's survival tips, maybe camping won't be so bad after all.
Alvin's Packing List:
generator
night vision goggles
super duper flashlight
water purifying tablets
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters by Lenore Look has Alvin confronting more phobias but done in such a gentle and funny way that you can't help but chuckle along with Alvin. Along with the expressive character illustrations this book is a must for readers in 3rd - 5th.
Monday, October 19, 2009
THE SNOW GOOSE
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And...You need to read the book to find out what happens next...
The illustrations in the story are as beautiful and telling as the story.
THE SNOW GOOSE by PAUL GALLICO and the illustrations by ANGELA BARRETT.
For grades 5th and up.
Friday, October 16, 2009
TALES AREN'T JUST FOR WAGGING
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Like animal stories, then check out this book list.
Labels:
4th grade,
5th grade,
6th grade,
adventure,
animal story,
dogs,
friendship,
hardships,
kindness,
pets
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A P.I.?
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There was an Irish boy named Fletcher Moom, who only wanted one thing and that was to be a private investigator. He even took the online course from Bob Bernstein, the famous FBI agent turned private eye. He was first in his class and had a real badge to prove it, too. He just wanted to do some good and be a voice for justice against those who would bully and lie and cheat. You can see where this is heading....
One day, his badge was stolen and everyone doubted his abilities despite all his boasting. To prove himself and get it back, he took on a case for April Deveraux. As he got closer to finding the thief who stole her special lock of hair, Fletcher was accused of arson and jailed. His nemesis, a member of the notorious criminal Sharkey family, sprang him from police custody and together they forged an uncomfortable alliance to clear both their names of the recent rash of thefts and mayhem in the town.
A great detective novel full of twists and red herrings written with humor and full of characters you'll want to root for.
Half-Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer is for fluent readers 6th and up.
Labels:
boys,
crimes,
detective,
friendship,
investigative mystery,
Ireland,
private eye,
talent show
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
MEET AN OWL ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
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When: Saturday, October 17, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Central Library
222 East Harvard Street.
Glendale, CA 91025
The Wildlife Waystation, a non-profit refuge for wild and exotic animals, will bring an owl to the Library for you to meet up close. For additional information, please contact the Children's Room (818) 548-2035. For ages 4+ and their families.
Labels:
Big Read,
family program,
Great Horned Owl
Monday, October 12, 2009
EL BARRIO
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A young boy explores his neighborhood . Celebration of Hispanic culture and urban life is sure to fire children’s curiosity about where they live and what they can discover in their own neighborhood.
Bilingual edition written by Deborah M. Newton Chocolate, illustrated by David Diaz.
Ages 4-8.
Ages 4-8.
Friday, October 09, 2009
DON'T FORGET
Those attending this group will get the chance to attend a special pre-talk visit with the author on the evening of November 19. Details and invitations will be available at the end of the discussion group.
For Grades 4-8 and their parents
Snacktime Readers
Wednesday, October 28, 7-8:00 p.m.
Children's Room
Glendale Public Library / 222 East Harvard St. / Glendale, 91205
Labels:
Amy Goldman Koss,
One Glendale/One Book,
Poison Ivy
Thursday, October 08, 2009
TALES OF ENCHANTMENT
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TALES OF ENCHANTMENT by PLEASANT DESPAIN does just that and more! These stories are in volume seven of "The Books of Nine Lives" series and they will make you to think, smile, giggle and with no surprise, enchant! The tales are from countries like Russia, Germany, Ireland and Holland. They are short, simple and fun.
For grades 2nd-4th.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
DON'T DRINK THE FIT MIX
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Labels:
5th grade,
6th grade,
7th grade,
8th grade,
adventure,
animals,
competition,
contest,
corruption,
future,
kidnapping,
loss,
love,
video games
Sunday, October 04, 2009
THE BEST HALLOWEEN EVER!
The mayor of the city thinks that he has had enough of their antics and decides to cancel Halloween all together in order to punish them. However, what the mayor does not know is that the Herdmans are one group that will always find ways to make the worst of things to the best of things. They find clever ways to do almost everything and more. You will laugh out loud reading this book from the first page until the last word of the last page.
THE BEST HALLOWEEN EVER by BARBARA ROBINSON
For grades 4th and older.
Friday, October 02, 2009
DANCE, NANA, DANCE (BAILA, NANA, BAILA)
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A good read-aloud, written by Joe Hayes and illustrated by Mauricio Trenard Sagayo.
Ages 9-12.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
TANGLED LIVES
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The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World by e. l. Konigsburg is for mature readers in 7th grade and up.
Labels:
art history,
boys,
death,
Denmark,
friendship,
homosexuality,
marriage,
museum,
World War II
Monday, September 28, 2009
COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER
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Little Audrey by Ruth White is historical fiction about a young girl living in a coal mining camp during the Great Depression. As Audrey herself is struggling to recover from the illness which left her underweight and with bad vision, she has to also cope with the loss of a little sister that has left her mother with depression. Her father is an alcoholic mine worker who spends the little money he gets on drinking if he goes to work. There is always shortage of food and hunger lingers at home. The only two people who seem to notice her and like her for who she is, are her teacher and best friend Virgil and she loves them back because they are the only ones who seem to understand her.
Little Audrey's father dies in a car accident while drunk, which devastates the family even more, but ironically his death also brings the end of the tunnel in sight, as they become forced to move out of the mining camp. Her mother will now be able to earn money and bring it all home and Little Audrey and her three other sisters can go to a better school. For grades 5-8.
--Evelyn, Library Assistant
Little Audrey's father dies in a car accident while drunk, which devastates the family even more, but ironically his death also brings the end of the tunnel in sight, as they become forced to move out of the mining camp. Her mother will now be able to earn money and bring it all home and Little Audrey and her three other sisters can go to a better school. For grades 5-8.
--Evelyn, Library Assistant
Labels:
coal mines,
family,
for grades 5-8,
historical fiction,
poverty
Thursday, September 24, 2009
ANOTHER CINDERELLA
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While the group was small this month the discussion was lively. Here's how they rated Chinese Cinderella:
Brittany - 10 I loved this book. The fact that it was a true story was amazing. Even though it was very sad, it kept my interest and I could not put it down.
Jaime - 5 It was an interesting book but sometimes it was just too sad to keep reading.
Labels:
5th grade and older,
Cinderella,
snacktime readers
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
NEVER ENOUGH FAIRY TALES...
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Monday, September 21, 2009
BIG BOOK SALE
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Saturday, September 26, 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday, September 27, 10 am - 4 pm
3301 East Chevy Chase Drive, Glendale, 91206
MAP
Worth the drive up the canyon! More than 15,000 used Library books for children and adults will be on sale. Proceeds will benefit the Chevy Chase Branch Library. The sale will include adult and children's books on all subjects and of all types; something for every book lover. Sponsored by the Friends of the Glendale Public Library.
Early Birds: On Saturday, September 26, Friends of the Library members can attend the sale from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
For more information call (818) 548-2047.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
THE THREE LITTLE TAMALES
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This is a variation of the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs. Tio Jose and Tia Lupe own a taqueria in Texas. Three little tamales, two sisters and a brother want to run away from the taqueria before they can be eaten. They ran off into the desert. Each tamale built a little casita to live in. The first one build a house of sagebrush. The second build his casita of cornstalks, and the third builds hers out of cactus. Eventually Señor Lobo, the Big Bad Wolf, comes around looking for some lunch and with plans to blow their houses down.
Tamales are adorable, especially the smart one with her big glasses, and the brother with his dramatic eyebrows and mustache. Some Spanish words are scattered. There is a glossary at the front if you need help with the pronunciation. Pictures are wonderfully done. Written by Eric A. Kimmel. Illustrated by Valeria Docampo. For readers 4-8. Grades 1-2.
Tamales are adorable, especially the smart one with her big glasses, and the brother with his dramatic eyebrows and mustache. Some Spanish words are scattered. There is a glossary at the front if you need help with the pronunciation. Pictures are wonderfully done. Written by Eric A. Kimmel. Illustrated by Valeria Docampo. For readers 4-8. Grades 1-2.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
DOWN ON THE BAYOU - SOUTHERN GOTHIC FOR KIDS
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There are many emotional animal stories dealing with adventure and tragedy, but none as poetically beautiful as THE UNDERNEATH by Kathi Appelt. Many creatures lurk in dark places, waiting to come out into the light. Some are evil, but some, like two frisky kittens and their mom, are innocent and curious. Unfortunately, from their home underneath the porch of a mean old man called Gar Face, the cat family and their trusty watch dog and companion Ranger rarely get to experience the light. When they dare to risk it, their lives are changed forever. Written with captivating imagery and the dark enchanting tone of a much more mature novel, this story will draw readers in to its tangled web of raw feelings and vivd personification of the many animal characters. Appropriate for grades 6 and up.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
ONE BOOK / ONE GLENDALE
There's a lot to talk about in this one and Snacktime Readers will be featuring this title for its October 28 meeting, more details to follow.
Ms. Koss will be speaking at the Central Library on Thursday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m.
For more information, please call the Library (818) 548-2035.
Monday, September 14, 2009
LEAVING THE GLORYTOWN: ONE BOY’S STRUGGLE UNDER CASTRO
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As a very young child, Eduardo Calcines had the good fortune of living in a small community in the town of Cienfuegos, Cuba, with loving parents and grandparents, close friends and economic security. However, all this changed in 1959 when Fidel Castro became prime minister of Cuba. Castro’s regime gradually took away almost all luxuries, many basic needs and even some fundamental human rights that people had enjoyed in Cuba before the Revolution. Hunger, fear and isolation became ways of life, particularly for families who did not join the Communist party and instead applied for exit visas to leave Cuba for the United States. Viewed as worms and traitors, Eduardo and his family lived through a series of tribulations and grievances while they waited to get selected by the Cuban immigration to leave the country. Eleven years passed before Eduardo and his family finally arrived to the United States.
This excellent memory will help readers to understand the struggles that people experienced under Castro’s leadership and the opportunities that come with freedom.
For readers ages 12-14. Grades 7-9. Written by Eduardo F. Calcines.
This excellent memory will help readers to understand the struggles that people experienced under Castro’s leadership and the opportunities that come with freedom.
For readers ages 12-14. Grades 7-9. Written by Eduardo F. Calcines.
Labels:
biography,
Cuba-history 1959-1990.,
Cubans,
refugees,
United States
Thursday, September 03, 2009
BOOK FIESTA!
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BOOK FIESTA!: CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S DAY/BOOK DAY
In this bilingual story, children read aloud in various settings to celebrate El Dia de Los Niños, or Children’s Day. Includes facts about Mexico’s annual celebration of children and the book fiestas. A letter from the author and suggestions for celebrating el Dia de los Libros/Children’s Day/Book Day. Colorful illustrations. Bilingual edition written by Pat Mora, illustrated by Rafael Lopez. Kindergarten, Ages 3-6.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
WINDS OF DESTINY
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WINDS OF DESTINY by SERPOOHI CHRISTINE JAFFERIAN is an incredible story of human survival and adaptability. At times maybe this topic might sound cliche of some sort, but in life one must have the ability to cope and adapt in order to survive. Serpoohi who is the protagonist in the story takes everything that life bring in stride. With ease, she assimilates with different cultures without abandoning her roots.
It's not always easy to be a good person, to say the right things and to do the right things, however after reading this book, one can at least see the many possibilites...
For grades 5th and older.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
A PUNNY BUG DETECTIVE GRAPHIC NOVEL
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Cleverly done in mostlly hues of blues to convey the sense of pulp fiction and black and white noir films of old. It's a fun cheeky story where all the characters are bugs and the bugs are characters.
Joey Fly Private Eye in Creepy Crawly Crime by Aaron Reynolds is a definite must read for those who like the Chet Gecko mysteries.
For 4th & up.
Labels:
bugs,
crimes,
graphic novel,
insects,
investigative mystery,
private eye
Monday, August 31, 2009
COCO THE THE CARROT!
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Friday, August 28, 2009
A PERFECT SEASON FOR DREAMING/UN TIEMPO PERFECTO PARA SONAR
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Bilingual edition, written by Benjamin Alire Saenz, illustrated by Esau Andrade Valencia. Best for grades 2-3.
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