Great Reads

September 2006 Special Advertising Section 

Countdown to Kindergarten
by Alison McGhee,
illustrated by Harry Bliss
Who it’s for: Toddlers and preschoolers
What it’s about: An anxious kindergartner-to-be frets and counts down the days leading up to her first day of school, terrified by rumors she has heard about teachers’ expectations.
What the experts say: “An adorable, very cleverly written book about pre-kindergarten jitters. It’ll put a smile on your face.”—Nancy Locken, owner of Auntie Em’s Bookstore

Danitra Brown, Class Clown
by Nikki Grimes,
illustrated by E. B. Lewis
Who it’s for: Ages six to tenWhat it’s about: Nonconformist Danitra helps her best friend, Zuri, cope with math and life at the beginning of a new school year.
What the experts say: “Fabulous watercolor snapshots and poetry portray inner city school students whose determination and hard work lead to success.”—Lynne T. Burke, Hennepin County Medical Center’s children’s literacy liaison

Spinning Through the Universe
by Helen Frost
Who it’s for: Ages nine to twelve
What it’s about: A collection of poems by and about fifth graders and their teacher as they interact with each other and the outside world.
What the experts say: “There are some real insights here, and at the end of the book is some good information about writing poetry.”—Kathleen Baxter, School Library Journal columnist, children’s literature consultant, and author

A Fine, Fine School
by Sharon Creech,
illustrated by Harry Bliss
Who it’s for: Ages four to eight
What it’s about: School is a fine place for learning, but imagine if the principal decided there should be more of it—like school on weekends and holidays, too!
What the experts say: “Creech’s book humorously stresses the importance of school learning while reminding all of us that some of the most important learning does not take place inside the classroom. The illustrations are a wonderful addition for anyone who enjoys scouring pictures for amusing details.”—Jenny Pettinger, Minnesota Children’s Museum literacy educator

No Child Left Behind
(Volume 3 of the PS238 series) by Aaron Williams
Who it’s for: Grade school and older
What it’s about: At PS238, a school for “metahumans,” children with superpowers learn how to use their power effectively while grappling with typical school tribulations.
What the experts say: “A real slice-of-life book about a kid with superpowers. It’s a tongue-in-cheek story about school and shows how, with or without superpowers, human nature is the same. The book has a nice touch of humor and is appropriate for all ages.” —Nick Postiglione, Source Comics and Games co-owner

The Daydreamer
by Ian McKewan,
illustrated by Anthony Browne
Who it’s for: Ages nine to twelve
What it’s about: Through his colorful daydreams, Peter Fortune sees the world through a myriad of viewpoints.
What the experts say: “The illustrations by Anthony Browne are stunning and beautiful, and where else can you read about ten-year-old boys who turn into cats and about vanishing cream that really makes people vanish?” —author Julie Schumacher

Drita, My Homegirl
by Jenny Lombard
Who it’s for: Ages nine to twelve
What it’s about: Drita has just moved from war-torn Kosovo to New York City. Her English is shaky and she feels quite vulnerable. To make matters worse, the most popular girl in the fourth grade, Maxie, teases Drita constantly. But when Maxie is assigned to do a report on Kosovo she discovers she and Drita have more in common than she ever expected.
What the experts say: “This book has a strong message, but it is disguised very well. The characters and school scene are so immediate and accessible that the readers feel they are right there with Drita, Maxie, and the rest of the class.”—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library children’s, teens, and world languages selector

The View from Saturday
by E. L. Konigsburg
Who it’s for: Ages nine to twelve
What it’s about: The Newbery Award winner weaves together the stories of four sixth-grade Academic Bowl competitors.
What the experts say: “I love it because each child’s personality and story are allowed to emerge slowly through Konigsburg’s masterful narration until she merges each voice to form a whole view.”—Meg Lloyd Robertson, Maplewood Library assistant branch manager

Bronx Masquerade
by Nikki Grimes,
illustrated by Chris Myers
Who it’s for: Young adults
What it’s about: In both poetry and first-person prose, Grimes tells the story of eighteen high school students in Mr. Ward’s English class who take part in Open Mike Friday, reading their writing, showing their artistic work, and sharing what they’ve read that spoke deeply to them.
What the experts say: “It’s an inspiring book. Teens will find many characters who live outside these pages and Grimes’ poetry is outstanding.”—Vicki Palmquist, children’s literature reviewer for the Children’s Literature Network