Book Description

With a slender design and appealing art, Cullinan and Galda present a thought provoking discussion on how children can read to respond, read to learn, and read to enjoy. This text provides evaluation criteria for selecting superior children's books, rather than listing thousands of titles and synopses. Booklists direct readers to quality literature, and extended discussions of selected titles demonstrate the selection criteria. Multicultural literature is discussed throughout the text, with a separate chapter on more specific multicultural issues. Numerous teaching ideas, many of which are contributed by classroom teachers, provide practical applications. This is a book for teachers, stressing the use of good books in a literature based curriculum. ... Read more

Book Description

Fantasy and Your Family by bestselling author Richard Abanes presents a much-needed assessment of fantasy—its benefits and its drawbacks. Abanes begins with an in-depth look at folklore, myths, legends, and fairy tales, and their connection to fantasy. Part one also discusses issues involving child development, the affects of literature on children, and how those affects can ultimately change the course of society. Additionally, Abanes examines pop culture, the media, mass marketing, and the commercialization of children’s literature by corporations interested primarily in making money.

This volume then looks at the life of fantasy writer J.R.R. Tolkien, the popularity of his fantasy works, their content, and what separates them from other fantasy volumes such as Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and the children’s horror books by R.L. Stine. A particularly interesting survey of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings includes a thorough analysis of its storyline, characters, and morality. These are compared side-by-side with Harry Potter.

Finally, Abanes gives an overview of our culture’s growing obsession with the occult, paganism, and witchcraft. Why is it happening? When did it begin? How is it influencing today’s youth? All of these questions are answered through a concise, easy-to-understand writing style. Especially fascinating are the numerous sources of documentations that shows children are indeed being drawn to the occult via Harry Potter. Included are dozens of quotes by Wiccans, neopagans, and occultists that clearly express their belief that Rowling’s fantasy will do much to further witchcraft and the occult. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

interesting, but ...
This book is interesting but takes the alleged occultism in Harry Potter far too seriously. There are far greater instances of superstitious ignorance to worry about. I recommed for a balanced and informative examination of the whole Harry Potter phenonemon, Return of the Heroes: The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter and social Conflict, but Hal GP Colebatch

A Factual Examination of Fantasy: Its Benefits and Its Power
With a professional, well-researched,and objective approach
Mr. Abanes examines the world of fantasy. He expertly documents each explored aspect with solid research.

This text is considered as the "Consumer Report on Fantasy."

Worth the Time to Read.
As a Christian artist who enjoys reading fantasy literature, I was a bit skeptical of FANTASY AND YOUR FAMILY before I read it. I had listened to arguments against the THE LORD OF THE RINGS and HARRY POTTER and quite frankly, none of them impressed me or caused me to think. However, I was rather surprised with Richard Abanes book. The book is well researched, documented, and supported.

The book is divided into four parts. The first section examines fantasy literature in general. The second section discusses J.R.R. Tolkien and THE LORD OF THE RINGS. The third part deals with Harry Potter and the fourth section deconstructs the arguments both for and against Harry Potter.

As mentioned earlier, I was surprised at how well documented and supported this book is. Even though I have enjoyed reading the Harry Potter novels and will probably continue to do so, FANTASY AND YOUR FAMILY helped make me aware of just how large the occult has influenced the writings of J.K. Rowling. For example, I had no idea that many of the characters refered to in the Harry Potter books (not main characters, but people mentioned in history, etc.) were actual occult leaders.

This is a great book for any thinking Christian or any parent to read.

Predictable Hysterical Foolishness for the Gullible
These are the same arguments that have been around to demonize anything from the Wizard of Oz to Superman cartoon. As the argument goes, the kids can't tell the difference between kids who drive and crash flying cars and reality. So, you have to protect them from anything with that wicked imagination in it.

Given that the classical stories of Ali Baba and the Seven Thieves, Wizard of Oz, or Sinbad, or Cinderella have the exact same wonderful "what if" imaginative world of make believe principles; why not ban all children's books except those that are bible stories? Would such a sterile harsh world be happy?

Good Fantasy vs. the Harry Potter Propaganda Machine
This book is an essential tool for parents and teachers who would like a better understanding of children's fantasy and see comparisons between various popular books labeled as fantasy. Despite the fact that Tolkien did not write for children and the Harry Potter books are marketed to ages 9-12, comparisons between the Harry Potter books and Tolkien's books inevitably come up. This book thoroughly reviews Harry Potter and Tolkien and shows the vast differences between them. The book also delineates the parallels between some of the occult practices Harry learns and real occultism, such as astrology, divination, numerology, and others. As a former professional astrologer and teacher of astrology who also practiced other forms of divination as well as spirit contact, I certainly have recognized in Harry Potter an endorsement of the practice of the occult and magick, even if it is presented in a make-believe context. In the back of the book, Abanes answers every objection made to the valid criticisms of the Harry Potter books and shows the flaws of the most popular defenses of the Harry Potter series, as well as responding to statements made by people such as author Connie Neal. This section reveals that arguments made against the critics of Harry Potter are usually sraw men arguments or are based on faulty reasoning and assumptions, not on the facts. This book is a great handbook for responding to the Harry Potter propaganda machine which has ignored scholarly and knowledgeable criticism of the Harry Potter books. ... Read more

Book Description

Identifying thousands of historical fiction novels, biographies, history trade books, CD-ROMs, and videotapes, this book helps you locate history resources for students. In the first half of each book, titles are listed according to grade levels within specific geographic areas and time periods. The second half of each book presents an annotated bibliography that describes each title and includes publication information and awards. The focus is on books published since 1990, and all have received at least one favorable review. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Resource
I love this book. I am homeschooling and find this to be one of my very favorite resource books. It is organized by historical period and then by grade level. I have found that using literature to teach history really brings it alive for my daughter. ... Read more

Book Description

A fun and easy introduction to the renowned Christian philosopher and novelist

In December 2005, Disney will release a live-action movie version of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the first in a series of films based on C. S. Lewis’s best-known works, the Chronicles of Narnia. For fans of the novels and of Lewis’s other works, this guide will illuminate the allegories that enrich the Narnia series–and introduce readers to Lewis’s life and adult books, such as Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters. The book explores how Lewis went from being a confirmed atheist to a committed Christian and offers an easy-to-understand overview of Lewis’s major nonfiction works, summarizing his arguments on the nature of God, the reason miracles occur, the purpose of pain, the need for absolutes, and other issues. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Nancy Drew collectors MUST HAVE this book!
This was the best and most well-researched book I've ever read about Nancy Drew. Not only does Ms. Plunkett-Powell "introduce" us to the REAL Carolyn Keene -- Mildred Wirt Benson -- but she gives us a history of how the idea for Nancy Drew was born and some of the politics involved in it for Wirt when Stratmeyer died and his daughter, Harriet, took over everything and tried to control too much of the writing. We learn which NDs weren't written by Wirt, and how much of the writing was changed as well as the covers.

She tells collectors how to know the worth of their stash. She goes through each of the characters and their start with the series. She even talks about the TV show and MOVIES in the 1930s that were made -- more for the fun of it than to truly showcase the books. Info about Russell Tandy, the illustrator of the early books and the first to design covers, also is described.

She hasn't forgotten anything. It's truly a work of genius for the Nancy Drew collector, a "must have" for all of us!

The Mystery of Nancy Drew's Ghostwriter...solved!
...and other fascinating background trivia for the queen-of-teen-sleuth buffs! I'm not a true Nancy Drew fan, I'm a bookseller with a mercenary interest in the vintage teenage sleuth, but this book almost made me a believer! The author approaches her subject matter with the infectious enthusiasm of the true fan, and delves into carefully guarded mysteries of secret ghostwriter identities, Riverview's true location, and other gems of trivia too numerous to cite, with a determination and verve Nancy herself would be proud of! Fun to read, captivating, and informative to the collector and bookseller alike! (and by the way, the writing is adult-level, not 4-8 yrs., as the description implies!)

Just as much fun as a Nancy Drew mystery!
What a fun read! I loved seeing all the old pictures, and was amazed by the "behind the scenes" intrigue of the Nancy Drew publishing syndicate. Plunkett-Powell really tracked down the many Carolyn Keenes, in true "sleuth style." Anyone who ever stayed up late reading their Nancy Drews with a flashlight under the covers will absolutely love this book.

Enjoyable and useful book.
As a young girl I couldn't wait for the chance to read a new Nancy Drew book. I would wait between new releases by rereading my old editions. The Nancy Drew Scrapbook is great. This book brings back a flood of childhood memories, and it also told me how valuable my old editions are today.

Thoroughly enjoyable retrospective of the famous girl sleuth
Collectors and non-collectors alike should enjoy this retrospective on Nancy Drew, the world famous girl sleuth. The author covers many of the fascinating highlights in Nancy long career in books, movies and TV. There are many photos of Nancy books, collectibles and other items. Collectors should enjoy reading all about their favorite detective and non-collectors will find this a nostalgic and enjoyable trip down memory lane. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

this book is awesome!
Nancy Drew's Guide to life is a MUST HAVE for every Nancy Drew fan!!There are some serious things in it, and then there are some absolutely outrageuos tips and advice.I love this book!It is really fun to read and its hilarious!Love Nancy Drew?You'll love this.Like her a little?You'll love it even more.

this book helps you out
This book gives girls lots of advice about being a detective, or in a case, becoming one! It has hints and tips, and some things, just stuff you need to know! It''s a very good book indeed!

It A Great Deal
It Sounds yuo can learn from this book about Nancy's adventures. please SOMEHOW GET IT!

Girl Power!
This is a must-own, and it's a great gift for your girlfriends. I used to own every Nancy Drew book, and her adventures--and her grown up teenager sophistication--came to mind on many occasions while growing up. How great to see some of them again in this new form!

Lighthearted and Fun
I have always been a big fan of Nancy Drew and really got a kick out of this book. A great little gift! ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive guide for parents, teachers, counselors and librarians to 500 children's fiction books that portray more than 100 common issues kids face, from bullies, siblings and fear of the dark to divorce, moving and chronic illness.The only comprehensive source of great children's books on nearly every issue kids experience. ... Read more

Book Description

For years, librarians have relied on A to Zoo for easy to use, up to date and comprehensive information on fiction and nonfiction picture books. As a subject guide, this valuable resource allows librarians to help their patrons identify picture books, alphabetically cataloged under more than 1,000 subjects headings and subheadings. The bibliographic guide provides full detailed information for each title, including subjects, and notations for Caldecott Award winners. This sixth edition features more than 3,000 new titles of the latest publications in the children's literature field. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A to Zoo
Teachers, Children's Libarians, this is a must have book for your reference!
Whether you only know the author, title, illustrator, or subject this book will assist. There is even a bibliographic guide to detail the subject headings of a book. Easy to use, and the greatest tool for planning theme related book activites for children.
Well worth the investment as it is a never ending resource.

A to Zoo: Subject Access to Children's Picture Books
The purpose of this book is to assist teachers, librarians, and parents to select the correct (picture)book for their ideal situation. This resource book would help anyone locate any book which fits their unique need quickly thus saving precious time. By arranging the publication into five parts the books are extremely easy to locate. A valuable resouce which may be used by teachers, librarians, or parents. Adorable illustions are used with each new letter of the alphabet. It is the only comprehensive guide of its kind on picture books. The book contains 18,000 titles catalogued under more that 1,000 subjects.

selecting children's literature
This book categorizes thousands of children's books (pre-k through 2nd grade) for easy selection of books to meet your needs/interests. Look under almost any topic and find relevant children's picture books. It is particularly helpful for elementary teachers and librarians. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great book, but not for preschoolers
Oops! Whoever assigned the reading level to this book was confused. This is a book for adults on the history and meaning of children's folklore. I first read it for a class I took on multicultural education, and now use it sometimes in a college course I teach on play. It's fascinating and brings back a lot of childhood memories. It has words to rhymes I had forgotten and directions for making the fortune tellers we used when I was in grade school. It's a wonderful book, but parents who order it for their young children will be disappointed!

Games children play - and where the games came from....
One Potato, Two Potato is the story of children's games, chants, jump-rope rhymes, and school yard folklore. I first encountered this book when I was in college (about 20 years ago), and was enchanted with the amount of research done for this work. I was also amazed at the memories it brought back, and the sheer amount of "stuff" I have forgotten over the years. Reading it again brings back memories of both times, college and childhood. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

Wonderfully funny stuff
I ran across a reference to Postmodern Pooh about a week ago, and I decided to read Crews' first Pooh satire before reading the latest. What a gas! Crews takes the prevalent methods of literary criticism leading up to the 1960s and apes them with a deft touch. One of my favorite moments was when "C. J. L. Culpepper, D.Litt., Oxon.," after determining the Christic nature of Eeyore, declares that Christopher Robin is a stand-in for God the Father. He proves this simply: "Christopher Robin" is an anagram for "I HOPE CHRIST BORN. R." ("I take this to be a decree in the hortatory imperative, dispatched to the Heavenly Host, urging the speedy fulfillment of the Incarnation and signed 'R' for REX.")

Admittedly, the book does drag at times, but only rarely, and probably due to Crews' too perfect mimicry of the rather dry literary personae being roasted over the flames. Not many books make me laugh out loud on every page -- this is one of them.

How dare this book ever be out of print?
This is a brilliant send-up of the pretentious critiques that has masqueraded as literary criticism since pseudo-intellectualism was first invented by which mental-nonentities could parade as our moral superiors. Just read it. Absolutely convincing, and a breath of fresh air. You will love it - unless you are one of the poseurs, of course. But it will still be devastatingly funny.

brilliant
A remarkably funny, yet substantial introduction to literary criticism through the works of A A Milne

Excellent prose humor
An hilarious parody of intellectual analyses of Winnie the Pooh. A must-read if you are tired of seeing "The Tao of Pooh," "The Tei of Piglet," etc. ... Read more

Book Description

A feast for the eye, with more than 200 illustrations, spanning thirty-five years of the career of Tomie dePaola.

Tomie dePaola is among the best-known, best-loved artist/authors creating books for children today. His art and his stories, filled with imagination, humor, elegance, and curiosity, emanate from a love of life reflected in everything he does.

Barbara Elleman, a critic in her own right, explores Tomie dePaola as artist and storyteller. The result is a fascinating, complete, and highly readable account that looks first at his life and then at the many genres he has drawn upon--autobiographical memories, folktales, Christmas themes, religious stories, and more. She shows patterns and motifs that thread through his work, points out major influences on his art, and gives a rare look at his fine art and his "non-book" designs.

Ms. Elleman's thoughtful narrative and selections of artwork that illustrate Mr. dePaola's diverse styles bring a fresh appreciation to the work of this unique artist/author. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Must Have!
I have met Tomie dePaola. This book was the next best thing to seeing him again. The text gives you insight into dePaola as an author and illustrator and a person. Many of dePaloa's books are based on events that have actually taken place in his life. Barbara Elleman shares pictures of dePaola's childhood and his memories with the reader. By the end of the book I felt as if I knew dePaola personaly. Elleman also gives the reader lots of information about dePaola's books and fine art. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR EDUCATORS, CHILDRENS' LITERATURE BUFFS, AND PEOPLE WHO WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE MAN BEHIND THE BOOKS THAT MANY CHILDREN AND ADULTS LOVE TO READ OVER AND OVER!!!!!!!!

This is a wonderful book!
I've always thought one of Tomie dePaola's gifts was his ability to create books and artwork that were accessible. He is one of the masters of the children's book world. Barbara Elleman has created a book that is also accessible. It can be enjoyed by all ages, I believe. And, it isn't JUST a book for Tomie dePaola's fans. She ends her "introduction" by writing, "I hope I have done his work justice." Yes, Barbara Elleman, you have! But, NOW I want to know more. Barbara Elleman doesn't claim to have written a biography. She claims to give a "hint of the man behind the art" and the stories. Trina Schart Hyman, in her preface, hints that Tomie dePaola is a complex person. Barbara Elleman hints that Tomie dePaola opened his files for her. Barbara Elleman, if he opened ALL of his "files" for you, maybe next you should write a BIOGRAPHY of Tomie dePaola. I believe YOU could do him justice.

A masterful biography of Tomie's life & artwork.
Barbara Elleman has done an excellent job of depicting Tomie dePaola as an artist and author who loves what he does and the people he does it for. Though the text is geared toward adults, it serves as a reference for all dePaola fans. Even children will enjoy looking at the extensivephotographs and illustrations of Tomie's artwork over the years. Though Tomie is a worldwide figure in the field of children's literature; Barbara presents him as a warm loving human being with family and friends. These aspects of his personality make it very easy for children to relate to him as a friend who has had experiences very much like their own. From Barbara's research and writing, fans of all ages are inspired by this artist-author. Owning a copy of this book is a must for all Tomie dePaola fans.

Superb book to get a glimpse of the life and art of Tomie!
Complete and thorough overview of Tomie dePaola's life and works. Barbara Elleman has done a wonderful job of capturing the essence of Tomie. The organization of this book is masterful. A Tomie fan can easily find the information about all aspects of his life and his art. This book is an excellent resource for Tomie fans. I would highly recommend the purchase of this book - if you are not a Tomie dePaola fan before reading the book, you WILL be a #1 fan AFTER reading it!! ... Read more

Book Description

Introduce your students to a Newbery Award winning book with this engaging teaching guide. Includes an author biography, chapter summaries, creative cross-curricular activities, vocabulary builders, reproducibles, and discussion questions. ... Read more

Reviews (628)

Out of the Dust Critique
I think the novel "Out of the Dust" is a great, emotional story. It was very touching and I thought that it was neat that Karen Hesse wrote the story in free verse poems. The poems gave me enough information for my imagination to fill in. I could read the story at many levels.

It is about a 14- year old girl, named Billie Jo. She suffered terrible dust storms in Kansas, the death of her mother, a non- communicative father, and the burning of her hands. She really liked to play the piano and was the smartest kid in the state.

In the beginning of the book, her father worked on the farm, her mother did work around the house, and Billie Jo helped out, played the piano, and went to school.

In the middle, a terrible accident happened. The Dad placed a pail of kerosene in the kitchen, and Ma thought it was water. She tried to make coffee using the kerosene. Then the pail caught on fire and Ma ran outside. Billie Jo picked up the bucket to keep the house from burning, and ran outside with it. As soon as she was outside, she threw the pail. Ironically, Ma was running back inside. The burning pail hit Ma and she was engulfed in flames. Billie Jo pushed her down and tried to put out the flames, burning her hands badly. A month later, Ma died, giving birth to a baby, who died shortly after. The tragedy was so horrible that I was drawn to find out how the story would end. Yet, the author didn't overwhelm me with morbid details.

Billie Jo and her dad barely talked. It took time for the two to work out their problems. At the end of the book, they met a woman who acted like Ma. She was called Louise. Pa married her and Billie Jo forgave him and vice versa. They overcame the past and moved on in life.

I like how Billie Jo gradually developed the problems and gradually solved them. In doing this, the author made everything believable.

The whole story improved with the addition of Louise. There was always tension between Ma and Dad. Louise's influence brought calmness to Dad and Billie Jo. She also re-introduced Ma's good ideas to Pa, who finally acted on them.
Louise also helped Billie Jo's confidence and sense of family increase. Through all this, these three characters grew in positive ways.

In summary, the free verse poems, which encouraged my imagination and the gradual positive resolution of Billie Jo's and Dad's problems, left me feeling stronger and more positive about life. This story touches anyone who reads it.

Out of the Dust
I recently finished reading the book "Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse. We are studying the Great Depression in history, and my History teacher thought it would be appropriate to read this book for further knowledge, and in depth descriptions. I think that reading this book, while studying the Great Depression is a great combination, and results in a rapid increase of knowledge. One of the most unique characteristics about this book is that it is written in diary format, completely in free verse poems, by Billie Jo, a 13-year-old girl living in Okalahoma, during the dust bowl. The best thing about expressing literature in poetry is that it adds emphasis on the dramatic parts; they also add emotion to places where emotion makes history a reality. Page upon page, Billie Jo describes how the dust storms impact the crops, as well as everyday life, and also how it feels to be living in the middle of the biggest dust storm in all of America; the Dust Bowl. As Billie Jo describes life during a dust storm, you are swept from your everyday life and brought into the reality of being in a dust storm. The descriptions are great, you feel as if you are Billie Jo, venturing into the wind, not being able to see, dust filling your mouth. This book explains the causes, effects, and impacts of the Great Depression, as well as many aspects of The New Deal. The FERA (federal emergency rescue association), a program in The New Deal, helps Billie Jo and her family with the farm, the CCC is also mentioned in the book. The story is not all about the dust storms however; "Out of the Dust" has a great plot, with many different things to pull you in farther. Many events happen that will alter Billie Jo's life forever, a horrible accident scars Billie Jo both mentally and physically, after which her relationship with her father will never be the same. As Billie Jo pursues to sort out her many family problems she surprisingly digs deeper into her soul than she ever thought was possible, finding things out about herself that she had never known before. I enjoyed this book very much, and I know you will too. If you enjoy learning more, while having suspense and a great, enthralling plot, this book is definitely for you!

it's a good story
Recommendation-
I recommend this book to anyone that's 13 years old and up because the first part of the story is emotional. Billy's mom died. "Ma died that day giving birth to my brother." Billy's mom died because of the fire in which she was burned badly. This is why I recommend this book to older kids. I like this book because when people that are close to you pass away it shows how you can get on with your live. "I was invited to graduation, to play the piano." This citation shows that people start to think that Billy is normal, and she can play the piano again.

Excellent book. Makes you think about what you have.
I read Out of The Dust when i was probably 11, and i LOVED it! For me, i love stories with a lot of drama and stories that make me cry. Some people don't like that feeling when reading a book. like i said though, i like it. As well as tears, there were also some laughs. it's a quick read and deffinately a good one!

NO GO FOR BILLIE JO
I'm sorry but unless you are looking to throw yourself in a state of depression, this book is of no use to you.
The story is about a girl who loses almost everything she has in a fire taking place around the time of the Dust Bowl. Sounds happy, huh?
And when I say that the girl, Billie Jo, loses almost everything, which is closer to 'everything' than 'almost', I mean, she loses almost everything.
Family? Her mother and unborn brother die in a kitchen fire, and the saddest part is that their deaths could have been prevented if Billie Jo hadn't flung boiling water out the door her mother had been walking through, and as you might imagine, that causes grief for Billie Jo, and her father as well. In fact, he goes on to become an alcoholic, or something like it, who lives in oblivion to pretty much everything. Even Billie Jo suffers from physical pain, when her hands were severely burned from the pot of boiling water she had unintentionally flung at her mother, causing her death.

Belongings? Well, her family, or as the previous reviewer put it, 'what was left of it'..(I give you credit, whoever you are!) ...lost their fields, which were their main staple of income, in the dust bowl.
Now, you might think that I'm exaggerating, but I assure you I am not. Before I had read it, my friends had told me how sick a book this was (and darn it, I couldn't agree more) and I just read it because I thought THEY were the ones exaggerating.
So, you can be like me, If you wish, and go along and read it, which might not be such a bad idea, so you can get a taste for yourself how morally depressing this book is, or you can play it safe and not risk the nightmares. ... Read more

Book Description

Featuring a stellar teamn of contributors, this book offers a unique introduction to the essential concepts necessary for the study of childrens literature. Incorporating thirteen essays from the highly acclaimed International Companion Encyclopedia of Children's Literature, the chapters guide the reader through the most relevant areas of criticism and theory and summarise their contexts and application. Bibliographies provide useful details of further information sources and a glossary explains the literary terms encountered in the book. This work is an indispensable guide for readers involved in literature, education or library science, or anyone interested in children's literature. ... Read more

Book Description

Designed around the new IRA/NCTE Standards, (reading, writing, representing, viewing, speaking, and listening) these 60 stimulating activities applicable to a variety of novels create opportunities for students to develop their skills as readers, writers, and speakers. Three sections center on reading and writing activity projects (e.g., essays, news stories, letters), visual display projects (e.g., charts, posters, bookmarks), and speaking and listening activities. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

What A Novel Idea!
I found this book extremely helpful! I am a college student that has been doing some teaching for the past few semesters. I have used numerous books that would help plan lessons to be taught. This book was the most helpful and interesting. It offers may fun and interesting comprehension activities that are easily taught to many different ages of students. The strategies in this book can be used when teaching a book or story that the students may be reading. "What A Novel Idea" is an excellent resource that I would recommend to any teacher that is looking for new and fun activities to help monitor their students' comprehension of a text. ... Read more

Book Description

This dictionary offers comprehensive coverage in 726 entries concerned with the "other" English literature, comprising 263 works of fiction by 164 authors from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and selected African nations. Entries on books include bibliographical data, plot summaries, settings and characters, and critical assessments. Biographical entries on authors note other writings and comment on influences, artistry, and critical recognition. There are additional entries on outstanding characters, memorable settings, and key motifs. ... Read more

Book Description

"This is a great resource that fills a tremendous need. It should be on parents' shelves at home as well as in every school." —Alvin F. Poussaint, M.D. Harvard Medical School

These are exciting times for African American children's literature. Never before have there been so many titles available. Now the three mothers who founded Black Books Galore! —the nation's leading organizer of festivals of African American children's books —share their expert advice on how to find and choose the best. This fully annotated guide opens the door to a wonderful world of reading for the children in your life. Here are the most positive, the best-written, and the most acclaimed books in every category, including board books, story and picture books, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, history, biography, fables, and more.

Invaluable for parents, teachers, and librarians, this easy-to-use, illustrated reference guide features:

• Quick, lively descriptions of 500 books, plus 200 additional recommendations
• Helpful guidelines for encouraging young readers
• Easy-to-find listings organized by age level and indexed by title, topic, author, and illustrator
• Portraits of selected authors and illustrators
• Listings of award winners and Reading Rainbow Books.

Reviews (1)

An excellent resource- comprehensive and age specific
This is a one-of-a-kind resource written by parents for parents. 500 books are reviewed and categorized by age and reading ability. The descriptions are uniquely kid-focused and include key indicators such as "contains Carribean dialect" or "use of the 'N word'"). This book would make a great gift to friends with African American children or a school library. Even those with an extensive collection of books featuring African American children and adults will find something new and promising. ... Read more