DIFFERENT, NOT LESS

As a child, Temple Grandin felt different than everyone else, and didn't seem to fit in with the children around her--she hated loud sounds, crowded places, frilly dresses, and being hugged. It was hard for her to communicate in words instead of tantrums in school. But the thing that made her stand out the most was the way her brain worked--as the title reveals, Temple thought in pictures. And when she was later kicked out of school and sent to live on her aunt's farm, that's when she found her true calling--inventing and building machines to solve problems for the farmers and help the animals be more comfortable. 

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures, thoughtfully written by Julia Finley Mosca and lovingly illustrated by Daniel Rieley, is an inspiring picture book biography that tells the story of Temple Grandin's struggles and triumphs in simple verse and charming art. This book also works as wonderful read aloud about celebrating differences, overcoming adversity, and believing in yourself. Additional backmatter, including a timeline, biography, and fun facts from the author's interview with Dr. Grandin, help provide a more complete picture of her life and work. 

A good fit for students in kindergarten through second grade--or anyone who loves stories about the power of determination and perseverance.

TAKING A STAND ONE ARGUMENT AT A TIME

In I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark, author Debbie Levy tells the life story of the respected justice of the Supreme Court as seen through her opposition to various obstacles and injustices from childhood to current day. The narrative, illustrated boldly and effectively by Elizabeth Baddeley, shows Ruth Bader Ginsburg standing up for what she believes is right by rallying against the status quo at the time--whether that be "No Jews" and "Whites Only" signs she saw around her; being told she had to write with her right hand even though she was left handed or that she had to take home economics instead of shop in school; or the prevailing belief of the day that women should have families but not careers--all with a litany of synonyms for dissent. And of course that passion for respectfully resisting injustice by dissenting (disagreeing, disapproving, differing, objecting...) cultivated in her early years has served her well first as a lawyer, then as a justice on the United States Supreme Court, where she continues to oppose to inequality under the law. 

This impassioned picture book biography of Ginsburg's life so far offers a portrait of a strong, determined, and accomplished woman as it deftly explores the idea that disagreeing doesn't necessarily make someone disagreeable, especially when she is fighting for equality for all. 

Recommended for 1st through 4th graders, particularly those with an interest in history or social justice, and includes informative back matter for those who want to find out more. 

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

Have you ever heard of any famous female magicians? Anything But Ordinary Addie: The True Story of Adelaide Herrmann Queen of Magic is a fascinating book about a currently little-known but certainly extraordinary woman. Mara Rockliff's fast-paced and engaging text and Iacopo Bruno's vibrant and larger-than-life illustrations pull young readers into Addie's exciting world of adventure, intrigue, and magic. 

Growing up, Addie was not content to fade into the background. She joined a dancing troupe and dazzled audiences at a time it was a bit shocking for women to appear onstage. When she met and fell in love with magician Alexander Hermann, it was Addie who proposed marriage to him. First, she became his assistant, helping him perform such illusions as setting her on fire and making her vanish. But when his resident acrobat goes missing, she volunteers to have him shoot her from the cannon, even though she has no training. The only trick she won't let her husband perform? The bullet-catching trick--definitely way too dangerous. 

But when the the unthinkable happens and Alexander unexpectedly passes away, the show must go on. And what better way to convince audiences to come see (gasp!) a woman perform magic than by performing the death-defying bullet-catching trick? 

This captivating picture book biography makes readers feel like a part of the action--as if they have front-row seats for the dazzling show that is Addie's life. It might even inspire some extra research to find out more about the Queen of Magic, who was famous in her own time but almost unheard of today. 

Recommended especially for readers in first through fourth grades. 

THE ANIMALS BEHIND THE STORIES

Winnie-the-Pooh and, much more recently, Ivan the gorilla have become beloved children's book characters. But both characters were also based on real-life animals, and the books Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker and Ivan: the Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate tell the little-known stories behind the celebrated ones.

The story of Winnie (originally named Winnipeg) begins with an army veterinarian in Canada who finds her at a train station and buys him from a man for $20. The bear shadows the vet as he works in army camps, endearing herself to all the soldiers, but after war breaks out, Winnie must begin her life at the London Zoo. It is there where a young boy named Christopher Robin and his author father meet Winnie, and so begins idea for one of the most beloved children's book characters of all time. Walker's story is engaging and gently told, and historic photographs of the real Winnie and her life in the army on the endpapers supplement the sweetly charming watercolor illustrations by Jonathan D. Voss throughout the story.

Though the story of Ivan the gorilla's time spent as a spectacle in a shopping-mall display is much newer to young readers, it has also captured their imaginations in a big way, and the children's novel The One and Only Ivan won Applegate the Newbery Award in 2013. Now she has turned to the non-fiction picture book to tell Ivan's story for children too young for the award-winning novel and provide extra background for those who loved it and want to know more. The warm and delightful artwork by G. Brian Karas pairs nicely with Applegate's simple but evocative words, and will pull young readers as they learn all about the esteemed gorilla's life from wild to shopping mall to zoo.

Both animal biographies are ideal for first graders and up.  

CALDECOTT CONTENDERS?

Every year awards are given by the American Library Association for the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children. The gold and silver medals that adorn the covers of winning and honor

books indicate the very best works published that year. The Caldecott Medal (named after 19^th century illustrator Randolph Caldecott) is awarded based on a book’s pictures and is awarded to the illustrator of the story. There is one gold medal winner and several silver honor books chosen each year.

Some truly fine books have been awarded medals over the years. From the very first winner in 1938 (Animals of the Bible, illustrated by Dorothy P Lathrop) all the way to This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen in 2013, the past 75 years have highlighted the very best artists working in their field. For a complete list of all the Caldecott  Medal and Honor books click here. Many of these books are available from Glendale Library, Arts, & Culture.  Contact your local branch to request copies.

The 2014 winner of the 76^th Caldecott Medal will be announced on Monday, January 27^th.  Below are several titles generating buzz this year:

Like many people, Laszlo is afraid of the dark. He can never seem to get away from it - it’s in the closet, behind the shower curtain, outside, and in the basement. Usually, the dark leaves Laszlo alone, but one night it pays him a visit (his nightlight burns out). Follow Laszlo as he gathers his courage and faces his fears in The Dark written by Lemony Snicket and illustrated by Jon Klassen.

The illustrations are spooky and atmospheric, almost claustrophobic at times, which perfectly captures the feeling one gets when the power goes out. The dark is an inky blackness, only punctuated by the direct beam of Laszlo’s flashlight. One criterion the Caldecott committee looks for is how well a book’s illustrations tell the story in the absence of text. In this regard, Klassen has hit the nail on the head. When going through this book and looking only at the illustrations, the storyline is perfectly clear and the pictures do a fine job of conveying the rising sense of tension that Laszlo feels as he moves through the house.

The Dark is a pretty strong contender for a Caldecott medal. Illustrator Jon Klassen won two awards last year and the result of this pairing between Snicket and Klassen is pretty incredible.

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos written Deborah Heiligman and illustrated by LeUyen Pham is a biographical picture book about the Hungarian mathematician. It follows Paul’s life from a small child fascinated by numbers to a genius whose work influenced the very computers and search engines we use today. Paul was an eccentric fellow, but he shared his passion for numbers and math with researchers all over the world.

Illustrator LeUyen Pham takes Paul’s love of numbers and incorporates them into every aspect of the illustrations. Numbers are subtly included in building windows, the geometry of rooftops, and in hidden mathematical equations. The amount of research behind Pham’s illustrations is impressive and she devotes meticulous details to show the reader the world the way Paul saw it, with everything a mathematical possibility.

Another strong Caldecott contender! The illustrations are bright and whimsical and make the reader want to pour over each page looking for the details. It will surely spark an interest in the way numbers operate all around us.

For readers of all ages. 

SIGNS TO FAME

From Mr. B, Children's Librarian at the Grandview Branch of GPL:

SILENT STAR: The Story of Deaf Major Leaguer William Hoy by Bill Wise / Pictures by Adam Gustavson

Born in 1862, William Hoy lost his hearing to meningitis when he was three; but not his determination, agility, or creativity. He fell in love with and mastered baseball. His fielding skills were superb, and with the help of hand signals from his third base coaches, he was able to keep his eye on the pitcher instead of turning around to see the umpire’s calls. While not yet in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Centerfielder Hoy, who retired in 1903 after 14 years in the majors, still ranks in the top 25 in career stolen bases, assists by an outfielder, and double plays by an outfielder.

Silent Star brings Hoy’s story to vibrant life in words and pictures without being maudlin or preachy. It is first and foremost a well-written picture-book sports biography of a stunning but now unrecognized athlete aimed at upper graders, but suitable for baseball fans of all ages (i.e. think adult holiday or birthday gift for the baseball fan in your life).

For all ages.

FATTY LEGS: A TRUE STORY

Sometimes its hard to go to school. So learns Olemaun Pokiak, an Alaskan Inuit girl who really wants to learn to read. Her sister is allowed to go to school, but didn't like it at all, saying they take everything away from you, including your name and your hair. Even her father is against Olemaun leaving the family to go to school. But Olemaun SO wants to read, she begs and pleads. Finally, her father agrees to send her to the school. When Olemaun gets there, school is NOTHING like what she had hoped it would be. The first thing they do is change her name to Olemaun and cut off her long braids! This is a true story that took place about 60 years ago and its good for 4th grade and up.

RETHINK HOUDINI

ESCAPE! THE STORY OF THE GREAT HOUDINI by SID FLEISCHMAN

Like a lot of biographies, this book also starts from the birth of the person:) The book is divided into different chapters and each chapter has some great pictures that add to the story's realness. You will find out in great detail about Houdini's many secret tricks and the reaction that he got from the public. The book also has a good message as well. That someone as unprivileged and poor like Houdini (whose real name is discussed in the book) overcame a lot of obstacles to achieve all that he did, and by doing so, he also made it possible for other people to think of magic and its many possibilites.

For grades 4th and up.

Wii THE BEATLES

Most likely you have been anxiously waiting for the new Wii game that is inspired by the world famous band THE BEATLES. However, before you start playing the game, learn more about this fascinating band that not only made history but paved the way for all the new boy bands whose music you probably listen to on a daily basis. The Beatles were a talented and successful band from Liverpool, England. They revolutionized the world of music and are icons not only in the music industry but in the entire world. Their sweet, innocent and romantic lyrics made people much more aware of the power of music.

THE BEATLES by MARVIN MARTIN can be checked out from the library at your convenience.

For grades 4th and older.

LEAVING THE GLORYTOWN: ONE BOY’S STRUGGLE UNDER CASTRO

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.

BARACK OBAMA

He represents hope, change, unity and greatness. History has been made, dreams have become reality and now countless people united can dream bigger than ever.

Barack Obama is our new president. However, before he became the president, he dedicated his time and energy in community work and in making a difference in peoples lives. His passion is contagious and his intellect is inspiring. Read this very short biography about our president and you too will feel the energy and the inspiration to dream big and follow where your passions lead you. The book is by NIKKI GRIMES and the illustrations are by BRYAN COLLIER.

For grades 1st to 3rd.

WHO IS CESAR CHAVEZ?

HARVESTING HOPE: THE STORY OF CESAR CHAVEZ written by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Yuyi Morales is a beautifully illustrated, very wordy picture book about the life of Cesar Chavez, starting from when he was a very young boy enjoying life with his family in Arizona. The text does a good job of retelling Chavez’s history, and appeals to audiences of all ages. There are a lot of good vocabulary-building terms, and readers will come away with more than a story of Cesar Chavez's life. The illustrations were given the Pura Belpre honor, and the beautiful artwork incorporates hand-made stamps and computer generated cut-outs. The scenes are realistic and the colors have deep earth tones. Not all picture books are for small children, and this title is perfect for 3rd grade and up.

NATURE'S BEAUTY AT IT'S COLDEST

Wilson A. Bentley, a.k.a. Snowflake Bentley, becomes fascinated with snowflakes at a very young age. As a boy, Wilson tried to draw the snowflakes he inspected with his microscope, but they would always melt before he could capture what they truly looked like. When he turned seventeen, his parents bought him a special camera with a microscope built in so that he could photograph the snowflakes and show the delicate designs of each one. This biography tells the story of an interesting man from the late 1800s, but Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin reads like historical fiction. On the sides of each page are random facts that add to the story. This is a Caldecott Medal winner for the fantastic woodcut illustrations by Mary Azarian. A wonderful story for third grade and up.

EVERYTHING YOU LOOK AT HAS ART

Chances are that you have seen the now famous paintings of Campbell's soup cans. But when Mr. Warhol had decided to paint them no one thought that it was a good idea except for him. Andy Warhol said "everything you look at has art" therefore he made art out of ordinary things in life. He experimented with a lot of different materials and techniques and made people see ordinary things in life with a whole new perspective. ANDY WARHOL: POP ART PAINTER by SUSAN GOLDMAN RUBIN will either inspire you to start making art or to start appreciating the ordinary things in life more.

For grades fifth and up.

THE BOY BEHIND HARRY POTTER

When you are done reading the last Harry Potter book and would like to know more about the boy who plays him in the movie versions than this small book is for you. While the 'real' Harry Potter was trying to live his miserable life with his bad aunt and uncle. Daniel Radliffe who plays Harry, lived a very good life with his family in England. The only problem that he had was to convince his parents that he could take the role and that it would not interfere with his growing up. After making the movies, now he is one of the richest kids in the world. Guess what, he is only a teenager and has already played the role of a lifetime. DANIEL RADCLIFFE by JOHN BANKSTON is a quick read with some pictures of the actor when he was just beginning to act in the very first harry Potter movie.

For ages 9-11.

HERE SHE COMES

This picture book biography about the famous designer Coco Chanel will inspire you to be as innovative and creative as she was. Coco was not afraid to be different, and her fearlessness gave her the opportunity to stand out and be admired for her uniqueness. Being from a very poor family and not having enough money to even buy food, she was able to overcome all that and become one of the wealthiest woman in the world. You will enjoy this simple book with very colorful pen and ink watercolor illustrations. You will also learn how she opened her first store and made women to want to dress up like her . DIFFERENT LIKE COCO by ELIZABETH MATTHEWS is in fashion to be read by everyone.

For grades 2 and older.