Cindy:
Cinder (Feiwel, 2012), the first book in Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles series. This futuristic Cinderella story is a mix of fairy tale, sci-fi, and romance — perfect for a wide female readership and certain to spark discussion and anticipation of future installments. Watch your back, Hunger Games, this series could be the next big thing. My second choice for mothers and daughters to read together would be Kekla Magoon’s 37 Things I Love (in no particular order) (Holt, 2012) for its honest first-person portrayal of a teenage girl’s coming of age as she deals with death, hope, love, and friendship.

Elissa:
Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming (Random/Schwartz and Wade, 2011). It’s suspenseful, informative, and accessible; readers will come away with a fresh view of the feisty, pioneering woman and the events leading up to — and following — her disappearance.

Kitty:
Libba Bray’s hilarious and sharply observant Beauty Queens (Scholastic, 2011). A planeload of beauty pageant contestants crashes on what looks like a deserted island. The scope of the plot is mind-boggling — the girls are ultimately pawns in a massive global conspiracy — but the quieter message about the power unleashed when teen girls think society isn’t watching will resonate across generations. Bray’s narration of the audiobook edition is a tour-de-force performance.

Katrina:
The mature topics in Girl in the Mirror (Persea, 2013) by Meg Kearney will appeal to older teens (and give mothers a jumping-off point for discussion), but it’s as much about mother-daughter bonds and connection to family — both adopted and birth in this case. Ideal for girls with adopted, single-parent, or other unconventional family backgrounds. Its verse narrative will likely be a new and exciting format for teens and moms to explore together.

Katie:
The women in Wren’s family manifest magical powers when they reach puberty. Wren uses hers to bring her boyfriend Danny back from the dead, but then meets (living) Gabriel, who’s drawn to her gift. Although romance takes center stage in Amy Garvey’s Cold Kiss (HarperTeen, 2011), Garvey weaves female familial relationships as intricately as Wren creates her spell. The complex dynamics between three generations of magical women (think a YA Practical Magic) add depth — and plenty for teen girls and their moms to discuss.

Martha:
How about A. S. King’s Ask the Passengers (Little, Brown, 2012)? Protagonist Astrid is taking a class in the Socratic method at her close-minded, small-town high school, and so she spends the year “asking questions and not rushing to answer them” — an illuminating time for her, and an ideal springboard for book discussion. Is she gay? Or just in love with one particular girl? Once she determines her identity, should she hide it, like her best friend? Astrid makes some pretty crucial choices in the book, and readers will be right there to see why, and how; through the interspersed airplane interludes (Astrid spends a lot of time looking up at the sky and sending questions and love to the passengers on airplanes) readers get glimpses into other lives, just as full of struggle and conflict and not-easy answers as Astrid’s life is. Finally, seeing as this is a mother/teen daughter read-together, Astrid’s relationship with her (nightmare of a) mother would certainly provoke discussion…

Roger:
I think Elizabeth Wein’s Code Name Verity (Hyperion, 2012) would be an excellent choice; it’s the kind of YA book that makes a great adult crossover. While the story — a WWII thriller about two young women — is plenty exciting on its own, the narrative structure is tricky and would be fun to talk about.

Shara:
Pearl (called Bean) and her best friend Henry are comfortable with their respective familial dysfunctional in Pearl (Holt, 2011) by Jo Knowles, but the revelation of long-kept family secrets exposes the corrosive effect that silence can have on relationships. Homosexuality, friendship, and romance are just a few of the topics tackled by this dramatic novel.

The post YA mother-daughter reading recommendations appeared first on The Horn Book.

Get outside
Peep and Ducky by David Martin, illus. by David Walker, Candlewick, 1–4 years.
Phoebe and Digger by Tricia Springstubb, Candlewick, 3–6 years.
Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle by Chris Raschka, Schwartz & Wade/Random, 3–6 years.
It’s Our Garden by George Ancona, Candlewick, 5–8 years.

Get moving
Becoming Babe Ruth by Matt Tavares, Candlewick, 4–7 years.
You Never Heard of Willie Mays?! by Jonah Winter,  Schwartz & Wade/Random, 4–7 years.
Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball by John Coy, illus. by Joe Morse, Carolrhoda, 4–7 years.
Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton by Meghan McCarthy, Wiseman/Simon, 4–7 years.

Historical fiction starring girls
Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Little, Brown, 8–12 years.
Bo at Ballard Creek by Kirkpatrick Hill, illus. by LeUyen Pham, Holt, 8–12 years.
Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson, Delacorte, 10–14 years.
One Came Home by Amy Timberlake, Knopf, 10–14 years.

Teen audiobooks
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, read by Morven Christie and Lucy Gaskell, Bolinda/Brilliance, 14–17 years.
Eve & Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate, read by Jenna Lamia and Holter Graham, Macmillan Audio, 14–17 years.
Pandemonium [Delirium trilogy] by Lauren Oliver, read by Sarah Drew, Listening Library, 14–17 years.
A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix, read by Michael Goldstrom, Listening Library, 14–17 years.

These titles were featured in the May 2013 issue of Notes from the Horn Book.

The post Books mentioned in the May 2013 issue of Notes from the Horn Book appeared first on The Horn Book.

Holocaust Through Primary Sources series

Altman, Linda Jacobs The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising: Striking a Blow Against the Nazis
Middle school, high school     128 pp.     Enslow     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3320-7

Byers, Ann Rescuing the Danish Jews: A Heroic Story from the Holocaust
Middle school, high school     128 pp.     Enslow     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3321-4

Byers, Ann Saving Children from the Holocaust: The Kindertransport
Middle school, high school     128 pp.     Enslow     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3323-8

Deem, James M. Auschwitz: Voices from the Death Camp
Middle school, high school     128 pp. Enslow 2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3322-1

Deem, James M. Kristallnacht: The Nazi Terror That Began the Holocaust
Middle school, high school     128 pp.     Enslow     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3324-5

Hoffman, Betty Liberation: Stories of Survival from the Holocaust
Middle school, high school     128 pp.     Enslow     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3319-1

Hodge, Deborah Rescuing the Children: The Story of the Kindertransport
Gr. 4–6    60 pp.     Tundra     2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-77049-256-1

Rappaport, Doreen Beyond Courage: The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust
Middle school, high school     228 pp.     Candlewick     2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-2976-2

Schubert, Leda Monsieur Marceau
Gr. K–3     40 pp.     Roaring Brook/Porter     2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-59643-529-2

Thomson, Ruth Terezín: Voices from the Holocaust
Gr. 4–6     64 pp.     Candlewick     2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-4963-0

Exploration

Cowan, Mary Morton Captain Mac: The Life of Donald Baxter MacMillan, Arctic Explorer
Gr. 4–6     208 pp.     Boyds Mill/Calkins Creek     2010
Trade ISBN 978-1-59078-709-0

Great Explorers of the World series

DeFries, Cheryl L. Leif Eriksson: Viking Explorer of the New World
Middle school     112 pp.     Enslow     2010
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59845-126-9

Feinstein, Stephen Captain Cook: Great Explorer of the Pacific
Middle school     112 pp.     Enslow     2010
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59845-102-3

Green, Carl R. Cortés: Conquering the Powerful Aztec Empire
Middle school     112 pp.     Enslow     2010
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59845-099-6

Napoli, Tony Vasco da Gama: Discovering the Sea Route to India
Middle school     112 pp.     Enslow     2010
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59845-127-6

Robinson, Kate Lewis and Clark: Exploring the American West
Middle school     112 pp.     Enslow     2010
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59845-124-5

Sonneborn, Liz Pizarro: Conqueror of the Mighty Incas
Middle school     112 pp.     Enslow     2010
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59845-128-3

Hopkinson, Deborah Keep On!: The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-Discoverer of the North Pole
Gr. K–3     40 pp.     Peachtree     2009
Trade ISBN 978-1-56145-473-0

Ross, Stewart Into the Unknown: How Great Explorers Found Their Way by Land, Sea, and Air
Gr. 4–6    96 pp.     Candlewick      2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-4948-7

Serrano, Francisco La Malinche: The Princess Who Helped Cortés Conquer the Aztec Empire
Gr. 4–6     37 pp.     Groundwood      2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-55498-111-3

Habitats and wildlife

Facts at Your Fingertips: Endangered Animals series

Birds
Middle school     64 pp.     Brown Bear     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-936333-31-8

Fish
Middle school     64 pp.     Brown Bear     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-936333-32-5

Invertebrates
Middle school     64 pp.     Brown Bear     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-936333-33-2

Mammals of the Northern Hemisphere
Middle school     64 pp.     Brown Bear     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-936333-34-9

Mammals of the Southern Hemisphere
Middle school     64 pp.     Brown Bear     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-936333-35-6

Reptiles and Amphibians
Middle school     64 pp.      Brown Bear     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-936333-36-3

Frydenborg, Kay Wild Horse Scientists [Scientists in the Field]
Gr. 4–6     80 pp.     Houghton Mifflin Harcourt     2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-547-51831-2

Hague, Bradley Alien Deep: Exploring the Mysterious Living World at the Bottom of the Ocean
Gr. 4–6     48 pp.     National Geographic Books     2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-1067-6
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4623-1068-3

Miller, Debbie S. Survival at 120 Above
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Walker     2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-8027-9813-8

Yezerski, Thomas F. Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Story
Gr. K–3     40 pp.     Farrar     2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-374-34913-4

Farm life, husbandry, and gardening

Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool Garden to Table series

Hengel, Katherine Cool Basil from Garden to Table: How to Plant, Grow, and Prepare Basil
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-182-9

Hengel, Katherine Cool Carrots from Garden to Table: How to Plant, Grow, and Prepare Carrots
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-183-6

Hengel, Katherine Cool Green Beans from Garden to Table: How to Plant, Grow, and Prepare Green Beans
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-184-3

Hengel, Katherine Cool Leaf Lettuce from Garden to Table: How to Plant, Grow, and Prepare Lettuce
Gr. 4–6    32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-185-0

Heppermann, Christine City Chickens
Gr. 4–6     53 pp.     Houghton Mifflin Harcourt     2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-547-51830-5

Grow It Yourself series

Malam, John Grow Your Own Butterfly Farm
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Heinemann      2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4329-5109-2

Malam, John Grow Your Own Cat Toy
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Heinemann     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4329-5110-8

Malam, John Grow Your Own Sandwich
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Heinemann     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4329-5108-5

Malnor, Carol L. and Hunner, Trina L. Molly’s Organic Farm
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Dawn     2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-58469-166-2
Paperback ISBN 978-1-58469-167-9

Zoehfeld, Kathleen Weidner Secrets of the Garden: Food Chains and the Food Web in Our Backyard
Gr. K–3     40 pp.     Knopf     2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-517-70990-0

Life skills and wellness

Berkley, Elizabeth Ask Elizabeth
High school     240 pp.     Putnam      2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-399-25448-2
Paperback ISBN 978-0-399-25449-9

Bernstein, Daryl Better than a Lemonade Stand!: Small Business Ideas for Kids
Gr. 4–6     190 pp.     Simon & Schuster/Aladdin     2012
ISBN 978-1-58270-360-2
Paperback ISBN 978-1-58270-330-5

Kids of Character series

Concord, Juliet I Am Kind
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Gareth      2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4339-4868-8

Erroll, Mark I Am Honest
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Gareth     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4339-4862-6

Goodman, Errol I Am Helpful
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Gareth     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4339-4856-5

Hoffman, Mary Ann I Am a Good Citizen
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Gareth     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4339-4850-3

Joseph, Kurt I Am Respectful
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Gareth     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4339-4874-9

National, Walt I Am Responsible
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Gareth     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4339-4879-4

USA Today Teen Wise Guides: Time, Money, and Relationships series

Doeden, Matt Conflict Resolution Smarts: How to Communicate, Negotiate, Compromise, and More
High school     64 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-7020-8

Donovan, Sandy Budgeting Smarts: How to Set Goals, Save Money, Spend Wisely, and More
High school     64 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-7016-1

Donovan, Sandy Job Smarts: How to Find Work or Start a Business, Manage Earnings, and More
High school     64 pp.      Twenty-First Century     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-7015-4

Donovan, Sandy Scheduling Smarts: How to Get Organized, Prioritize, Manage Your Time, and More
High school     64 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-7019-2

Markovics, Joyce Relationship Smarts: How to Navigate Dating, Friendships, Family Relationships, and More
High school     64 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-7018-5

Scheff, Anna Shopping Smarts: How to Choose Wisely, Find Bargains, Spot Swindles, and More
High school     64 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-7017-8

I Can Make a Difference series

Parker, Vic Helping Animals
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Heinemann     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4329-5943-2
Paperback ISBN 978-1-4329-5948-7

Parker, Vic Helping Family and Friends
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Heinemann     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4329-5944-9
Paperback ISBN 978-1-4329-5949-4

The post Books mentioned in the April 2013 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book appeared first on The Horn Book.

Preschool

Suggested grade level for each entry: PS

Lots of Spots by Lois Ehlert (Simon/Beach Lane)
Frequently funny poems, rhymes, and the occasional tongue twister celebrate the spots, stripes, and colors of animals.The clean white backgrounds of Ehlert’s signature paper collages make the details pop. 40 pages.

In the Sea written by David Elliott; illus. by Holly Meade (Candlewick)
Poetry and striking woodcut-and-watercolor illustrations combine to create memorable portraits of twenty ocean creatures. Tone of the very short poems varies nicely: most are lightly humorous while others are evocative and almost majestic. 32 pages.

In the Wild written by David Elliott; illus. by Holly Meade (Candlewick)
Full-spread woodcut and watercolor art captures the essences and habitats of fourteen worldwide animals: a jaguar prowling the jungle floor, an evanescent polar bear in a blue-green sea, etc. Deftly composed verses include paradoxes and wry thoughts. 32 pages.

Leave Your Sleep: A Collection of Classic Children’s Poetry selected by Natalie Merchant; illus. by Barbara McClintock (Farrar/Foster)
Showcasing nineteen of the twenty-six poems that provided lyrics for Merchant’s album of the same name, the book works just as well on its own (CD is included). Detailed illustrations add humor and subtext to the sometimes enigmatic words. 48 pages.

A Little Bitty Man and Other Poems for the Very Young written by Halfdan Rasmussen; translated by Pamela Espeland; illus. by Kevin Hawkes (Candlewick)
Thirteen of Danish poet Rasmussen’s children’s poems are included in this collection, each with a bright burst of humor. Pencil and acrylic illustrations highlight the whimsy of the nonsense verses while underscoring the poems’ innocence and childlike dignity. 32 pages.

Primary

Suggested grade level for each entry: K–3

Everybody Was a Baby Once: And Other Poems written by Allan Ahlberg; illus. by Bruce Ingman (Candlewick)
Short poems are unified by Ingman’s creation of a friendly town of row-houses where children and witches, dancing sausages and animated bathtubs coexist. Ahlberg’s naughtiness and pinches of melancholy keep the whole thing safely on the wry side of cute. 64 pages.

Water Sings Blue: Ocean Poems written by Kate Coombs; illus. by Meilo So (Chronicle)
The creatures and allure of the sea are captured in twenty-three poems with as many moods as the sea itself. Shark, sea turtle, coral, or whale, So’s sea creatures are all engaging, but it’s the ocean itself that stars in her beautiful art. 32 pages.

Poetrees by Douglas Florian (Simon/Beach Lane)
Florian celebrates the utility and diversity of trees in thirteen poems on a variety of species, plus five on such features as seeds, roots, and bark. Handsome, freely rendered multimedia art, more evocative than representational, illustrates the quirky poems. 48 pages.

Shiver Me Timbers!: Pirate Poems & Paintings written by Douglas Florian; illus. by Robert Neubecker (Simon/Beach Lane)
Using stereotypical pirate-speak, each poem explores a familiar aspect of pirate lore and takes it to a new level of rhythm and rhyme. Digitally colored India-ink illustrations play well with Florian’s verse, which is balanced between light gore and silliness. 32 pages.

UnBEElievables: Honeybee Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian (Simon/Beach Lane)
Humorous verse echoes bee behavior, as much with sound as with sense; a paragraph of facts elucidates each spread. Repetitive patterns in the mixed-media illustrations reference honeycombs and fields of flowers as well as the bees themselves. 32 pages.

A Dazzling Display of Dogs written by Betsy Franco; illus. by Michael Wertz (Tricycle)
Concrete poems celebrate animals complete with lovable quirks and downright silliness. Stylish digital illustrations pop with color and capture the personality of each dog variety, from pug to maltipoo. 40 pages.

Around the World on Eighty Legs written by Amy Gibson; illus. by Daniel Salmieri (Scholastic)
Fifty-plus animal poems, in a variety of forms, are arranged geographically by region. Funny wordplay matches up with amusing illustrations in watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil that depict each animal accurately but with a twinkle of personality. 56 pages.

One Big Rain: Poems for Rainy Days written by Rita Gray; illus. by Ryan O’Rourke (Charlesbridge)
Illustrated with an appropriate palette of grays, blues, and olive greens, this anthology quietly celebrates rain. The twenty poems favor imagery over bouncy rhyme, with the pictures adding just enough snap to keep things from becoming too sleepy. 32 pages.

The Great Migration: Journey to the North written by Eloise Greenfield; illus. by Jan Spivey Gilchrist (HarperCollins/Amistad)
Poignant poems tell the story of the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the cities of the North. Many of the pieces give voice to unnamed travelers’ thoughts. Mixed-media collages add the right air of seriousness and history to the poetry. 32 pages.

Forget-Me-Nots: Poems to Learn by Heart written by Mary Ann Hoberman; illus. by Michael Emberley (Little/Tingley)
More than 120 poems that make good choices for memorization are presented in eleven sections; the collection is a treasure trove of the familiar and the fresh. Emberley’s watercolor, pastel, and pencil pictures both embellish and illustrate the poems. 144 pages.

You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Fables to Read Together written by Mary Ann Hoberman; illus. by Michael Emberley (Little/Tingley)
This series gets a refreshing variation, with its signature phrase (“you read to me! / I’ll read to you!”) replaced by pithy rhyming morals. The thirteen fables are mostly familiar; their traditional structure makes them a canny choice for the poems for two voices. 32 pages.

Dizzy Dinosaurs: Silly Dino Poems written by Lee Bennett Hopkins; illus. by Barry Gott (HarperCollins/Harper)
Nineteen dinosaur poems, as promised in the subtitle, poke a little dino-fun. Gott’s paintings exaggerate the animals comically, giving the prehistoric critters a variety of bright colors and showing their disparate sizes. 48 pages.

Nasty Bugs selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins; illus. by Will Terry (Dial)
Children’s poets such as Alice Schertle, J. Patrick Lewis, and Douglas Florian write about the yuckiest of insects, including lice, ticks, bedbugs, stink bugs, and the cockroach. The poets use a variety of styles while maintaining a consistently humorous tone. 32 pages.

Lullaby (For a Black Mother) written by Langston Hughes; illus. by Sean Qualls (Harcourt)
First published in 1932, Hughes’s poem has just the right smooth cadence for a picture book text. Superb accompanying collages, showing a mother and child at bedtime, display a dreamlike quality that suggests a transition from wakefulness to sleep. 32 pages.

The President’s Stuck in the Bathtub: Poems About the Presidents written by Susan Katz; illus. by Robert Neubecker (Clarion)
In forty-three poems, Katz gives each of our U.S. presidents their due, with footnotes providing a more complete discussion of the highlighted event or character trait. Neubecker’s illustrations emphasize the playful tone without deconstructing the verse. 64 pages.

Oh, How Sylvester Can Pester!: And Other Poems More or Less About Manners written by Robert Kinerk; illus. by Drazen Kozjan (Simon/Wiseman)
Kinerk covers all sorts of etiquette-related behavior in poems that are varied and funny; along the way readers should also find themselves picking up a tip or two. Slightly retro-looking digital illustrations feature a multicultural cast of characters. 32 pages.

Forgive Me, I Meant to Do It: False Apology Poems written by Gail Carson Levine; illus. by Matthew Cordell (HarperCollins/Harper)
This collection of light verse unapologetically riffs on William Carlos Williams’s “This Is Just to Say”, showing readers there’s plenty to be un-sorry about. Accompanied by an appropriately subversive cartoon, each poem mimics Williams’s structure. 80 pages.

World Rat Day: Poems About Real Holidays You’ve Never Heard Of written by J. Patrick Lewis; illus. by Anna Raff (Candlewick)
Twenty-two obscure but entertaining holidays get their own funny, playful poems, varying in length and style. Raff’s ink washes and drawings feature animals with lots of personality. 40 pages.

All the Water in the World written by George Ella Lyon; illus. by Katherine Tillotson. (Atheneum/Jackson)
Lyon celebrates the essence of life itself in a lyrical poem about the water cycle. In sweeping, digitally rendered art resembling watercolor and collage, Tillotson creates luxuriant ocean swirls and pelting streaks of rain. 40 pages.

Stardines Swim High Across the Sky and Other Poems written by Jack Prelutsky; illus. by Carin Berger (Greenwillow)
Ingenious book design and inventive poetry (combining a real animal with a quality that fits into its name) create this museum-in-a-book of unusual critters. Berger’s illustrations incorporate found objects and aged paper to tag and label the animals. 40 pages.

Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys written by Bob Raczka; illus. by Peter H. Reynolds (Houghton)
Focusing on nature and seasons, each of Raczka’s twenty-four haiku captures with amazing economy specific moments of a boy’s life. Reynolds depicts the characters’ glee and energy as well as natural elements in just a few deft lines. 48 pages.

The Hound Dog’s Haiku and Other Poems for Dog Lovers written by Michael J. Rosen; illus. by Mary Azarian (Candlewick)
Twenty haiku portray a range of dog breeds. Accompanying the poems are Azarian’s woodcut illustrations, printed in black and hand-colored with acrylics. The meticulously detailed woodcuts sturdily capture every dog and its setting, whether inside or out. 56 pages.

Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night written by Joyce Sidman; illus. by Rick Allen (Houghton)
Sidman celebrates the world that comes alive after dark; each poem is accompanied by an informative paragraph. The dark lines and subtle colors of the linocut prints make the perfect accompaniment to a book of night poems. 32 pages.

Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature’s Survivors written by Joyce Sidman; illus. by Beckie Prange (Houghton)
As Sidman points out, “99 percent of all species that have ever existed are now extinct.” In her fourteen poems, the survivors range from bacteria to us. The pieces vary in tone and form. Entrancing, bold linocuts are drenched in vivid watercolor. 40 pages.

Every Thing On It by Shel Silverstein (HarperCollins/Harper)
This posthumously published volume is every bit as good as Silverstein’s earlier collections. Drawings add to the entertainment, often providing the punch line. A little naughty and occasionally poignant, the volume has depth and humor. 202 pages.

Follow Follow: A Book of Reverso Poems written by Marilyn Singer; illus. by Josée Masse (Dial)
These poems subvert traditional tales by offering two points of view: what goes down on the left-hand of the page goes up on the right, with line breaks and punctuation revised for strategic effect. The poems require (and reward) close attention. 32 pages.

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse written by Marilyn Singer; illustrated by Josée Masse (Dutton)
Through a verse form she dubs the reverso, Singer mediates on familiar fairy tales and their shadows. The second stanza of each free-verse poem is the first reversed, providing an alternate perspective. Similarly bifurcated illustrations face the poems. 32 pages.

A Stick Is an Excellent Thing: Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play written by Marilyn Singer; illus. by LeUyen Pham (Clarion)
Eighteen poems celebrate the old-fashioned kind of play from morning to dusk. Pham’s illustrations match the retro feel of the games and feature a multicultural group of children, with wide eyes and wide smiles, enjoying the exciting play. 40 pages.

A Child’s Garden of Verses written by Robert Louis Stevenson; illus. by Barbara McClintock (HarperCollins/Harper)
McClintock offers a complete edition of these old favorites in a format generous with white space and spot art as well as illustrative fantasies. Occasional full-page pictures set the scene; eponymous gardens burgeon invitingly throughout. 80 pages.

Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku written by Lee Wardlaw; illus. by Eugene Yelchin (Holt)
In a series of haiku (technically “senryu”), a cat narrates the story of his adoption from a shelter and his new life. The animal’s fear, pride, and gradual trust come across clearly; graphite and gouache pictures match the poems’ sensitivity and humor. 40 pages.

Spinster Goose: Twisted Rhymes for Naughty Children written by Lisa Wheeler; illus. by Sophie Blackall (Atheneum)
Mother Goose’s twisted sister stars in this semi-subversive collection. The cautionary rhymes detail all manner of bad or impolite behavior, made even funnier by a mock-formal typeface. Ink and watercolor illustrations maintain a similar balance. 48 pages.

Pug and Other Animal Poems written by Valerie Worth; illus. by Steve Jenkins (Farrar/Ferguson)
Worth is fondly remembered for her books of “small poems” — delicate epiphanies springing from ordinary things. Jenkins’s collages of precisely observed creatures in bold tones effectively dramatize these eighteen welcome additions to her oeuvre. 40 pages.

Grumbles from the Forest: Fairy-Tale Voices with a Twist by Jane Yolen and Rebecca Kai Dotlich; illus. by Matt Mahurin (Wordsong/Boyds Mills)
Each of fifteen fairytales is distilled into two short poems, one by each co-author. The perspectives are often those of characters — or inanimate objects — not usually heard from in the traditional tales. Painterly illustrations echo each piece’s tone. 40 pages.

Intermediate

Suggested grade level for each entry: 4–6

Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems written by Kristine O’Connell George; illus. by Nancy Carpenter (Clarion)
In thirty-four poems, fourth-grader Jess describes the highs and lows of life with little sister Emma. The straightforward, honest poems cover a range of feelings. The illustrations capture both the endearing and irritating qualities of preschool-aged girls. 48 pages.

I Lay My Stitches Down: Poems of American Slavery written by Cynthia Grady; illus. by Michele Wood (Eerdmans)
Grady crafts her fourteen poems to honor the art of quiltmaking. Pieces recall quilt squares by using ten lines of ten syllables each. Working in intensely hued acrylics, Wood bases her quilt-shaped designs on the patterns that give the poems their titles. 40 pages.

A Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing, and Shout written by Paul B. Janeczko; illus. by Chris Raschka (Candlewick)
Thirty-eight works celebrate the aurality of poetry. Some of the organization is by number of readers or form; another section includes bilingual poems. Impressionistic illustrations feature whimsical combinations of watercolors and torn paper. 64 pages.

Sweethearts of Rhythm: The Story of the Greatest All-Girl Swing Band in the World written by Marilyn Nelson; illus. by Jerry Pinkney (Dial)
Twenty poems voiced by instruments summarize the history of swing, evoking the music, its players, and the time period. Vibrant watercolors capture the players’ courage, the joys of performance, the sober face of war, and the reality of segregation. 80 pages.

The Swamps of Sleethe: Poems from Beyond the Solar System written by Jack Prelutsky; illus. by Jimmy Pickering (Knopf)
This macabre journey to unknown (and unpleasant) planets is not for the faint of heart or lazy of mind: the flawless meter rewards careful ears, while trusting the reader to figure out challenging words. Comically creepy illustrations enhance the strangeness. 40 pages.

Lemonade, and Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word written by Bob Raczka; illus. by Nancy Doniger (Roaring Brook)
Raczka makes poems from a single word by rearranging various letters from that word, anagram-style. Some are imagistic: moonlight is “hot / night / thin / light / moth / in / motion.” Some are mini-narratives: friend is “fred / finds / ed.” 44 pages.

Freedom’s a-Callin Me written by Ntozake Shange; illus. by Rod Brown (HarperCollins/Collins/Amistad)
This collection, beginning with a man in a cotton field and ending with three newly free African Americans in Canada, is filled with a sense of urgency. Most of the accompanying paintings are dark, with dabs of white effectively conveying a sense of danger. 32 pages.

Older

Suggested grade level for each entry: 7 and up

Borrowed Names: Poems About Laura Ingalls Wilder, Madame C.J. Walker, Marie Curie, and Their Daughters by Jeannine Atkins (Holt)
Thirty vignettes concerning these three renowned mothers and their daughters offer just a few telling facts, beautifully phrased and skillfully arranged. Portrait photos, introductions, and afterwords round out the stories. 209 pages.

Lies, Knives, and Girls in Red Dresses written by Ron Koertge; illus. by Andrea Dezsö (Candlewick)
Koertge retells, in free verse and from various points of view, twenty-three familiar tales. It’s a swell mix of the comical, concrete, and macabre. Dezsö’s choice of cut-paper illustrations is brilliant, a nod to Hans C. Andersen’s skill in that medium. 88 pages.

October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard by Lesléa Newman (Candlewick)
Sixty-eight poems present a range of voices in this “historical novel in verse” about the October 1998 murder of gay student Matthew Shepard. Newman’s language serves the voices well, the poems always simple, accessible, and moving. 111 pages.

Time You Let Me In: 25 Poets Under 25 by Naomi Shihab Nye (Greenwillow)
In this exceptionally well-selected collection, the coming-of-age free verse poems speak poignantly on themes of love, family, heritage, trauma, and identity. What makes these poems so satisfying is their urgency and unabashed courage. 236 pages.

Partly Cloudy: Poems of Love and Longing by Gary Soto (Harcourt)
Soto presents seventy-seven original poems about teenage love. Divided into two sections, “A Girl’s Tears, Her Songs” and “A Boy’s Body, His Words,” the free-verse poems ring true: rich with image, accessible, and believable. 100 pages.

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“Because poetry and hums aren’t things which you get, they’re things which get you”
Lullaby (For a Black Mother) written by Langston Hughes, illus. by Sean Qualls, Harcourt, 2–5 years.
Leave Your Sleep written by Natalie Merchant, illus. by Barbara McClintock, Farrar/Foster, 2–5 years.
World Rat Day: Poems About Real Holidays You’ve Never Heard Of written by J. Patrick Lewis, illus. by Anna Raff, Candlewick, 4–7 years.
Stardines Swim Across the Sky and Other Poems written by Jack Prelutsky, illus. by Carin Berger, Greenwillow, 4–7 years.
Pug and Other Animal Poems by Valerie Worth, illus. by Steve Jenkins, Farrar/Ferguson, 4–7 years.

Weevils and worms and snakes, oh my!
Nic Bishop Snakes written by Nic Bishop, photos by the author, Scholastic Nonfiction, 5–8 years.
Unusual Creatures: A Mostly Accurate Account of Some of Earth’s Strangest Animals written by Michael Hearst, illus. by Arjen Noordeman, Christie Wright, and Jelmer Noordeman, Chronicle, 7–10 years.
Deadly! The Truth About the Most Dangerous Creatures on Earth written by Nicola Davies, illus. by Neal Layton, Candlewick, 7–10 years.
The Story of Silk: From Worm Spit to Woven Scarves [Traveling Photographer] written by Richard Sobol, photos by the author, Candlewick, 7–10 years.

The hero’s journey
The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle written by Christopher Healy, illus. by Todd Harris, Walden Pond/HarperCollins, 8–12 years.
Jinx by Sage Blackwood, Harper/HarperCollins, 8–12 years.
A Box of Gargoyles by Anne Nesbet, Harper/HarperCollins, 8–12 years.
Poison by Bridget Zinn, Hyperion, 11–14 years.

Love, exciting and new
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, St. Martin’s Griffin, 14–17 years.
This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith, Little, Brown/Poppy, 14–17 years.
Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt, Bloomsbury, 14–17 years.
The Look by Sophia Bennett, Scholastic/Chicken House, 14–17 years.

These titles were featured in the April 2013 issue of Notes from the Horn Book.

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Picture Books

Suggested grade level for each entry: K–3

Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty written by Linda Glaser; illus. by Claire A. Nivola (Houghton)
This account of how Emma Lazarus came to write her iconic poem is brief, yet telling — especially when complemented by bright, eloquent illustrations. 32 pages.

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring written by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan; illus. by Brian Floca (Roaring Brook/Flash Point/Porter)
Choreographer Graham, composer Aaron Copland, and sculptor/set designer Isamu Noguchi collaborate on the iconic Appalachian Spring. Concise sentences and an energetic line echo Graham’s approach to dance: nothing’s wasted, and in such exactness lies beauty. 48 pages.

Annie and Helen by Deborah Hopkinson; illus. by Raul Colón (Random/Schwartz & Wade)
This book looks at challenges Helen Keller and teacher Annie Sullivan faced and surmounted. Peppered with excerpts from Annie’s letters, the book considers Annie’s point of view and strength of character as much as Helen’s. 40 pages.

Sarah Emma Edmonds Was a Great Pretender: The True Story of a Civil War Spy written by Carrie Jones; illus. by Mark Oldroyd (Carolrhoda)
Sarah Edmonds, disguised as a man, fought alongside and spied for Union troops during the Civil War. Jones enumerates these feats with touches of humor, and she continues Sarah’s story throughout the war and her subsequent marriage. 32 pages.

Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World written by Laurie Lawlor; illus. by Laura Beingessner (Holiday)
From the naturalist’s early fascination with wildlife to her determination to finish Silent Spring before her death, this accessible account covers a commendable amount of information. Spacious ink and tempera spreads reflect the upbeat tone and Carson’s most passionate concerns. 32 pages.

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel; illus. by Melissa Sweet (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins)
Clara Lemlich’s Jewish family immigrated to New York City where she worked in a factory. The dangerous, unfair conditions set Clara off on her lifelong path as a union activist. Illustrations presented on fabric scraps or torn paper with machine stitching accentuate the text. 32 pages.

Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell (Little)
This inspirational book focuses on the great primatologist’s formative years. Homey, earth-toned pen and watercolor pictures portray young Jane, with her stuffed toy chimp, studying nature wherever and however she can. 40 pages.

The Bravest Woman in America written by Marissa Moss; illus. by Andrea U’Ren (Tricycle)
After illness disabled her lighthouse keeper father, Ida Lewis took over his duties. At age sixteen, she rescued four boys whose boat had capsized — the first of many rescues during a lifelong career. The stirring events are beautifully visualized in watercolor, ink, and acrylic art. 32 pages.

Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, A Civil War Hero written by Marissa Moss; illus. by John Hendrix (Abrams)
During the Civil War, Sarah Edmonds, disguised as a man, fought for the Union. Her dedication and bravery also made her the perfect spy. Moss emphasizes Sarah’s early work and initial mission, concluding the biography before war’s end. 48 pages.

Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle by Claire A. Nivola (Farrar/Foster)
Earle’s intimate knowledge of the creatures she’s spent over half a century observing, whether while snorkeling near the surface or walking on the ocean floor, permeates this enthusiastic biography illustrated with exquisitely detailed watercolor art. 32 pages.

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise: How Anne Carroll Moore Created Libraries for Children written by Jan Pinborough; Debby Atwell (Houghton)
Sun-dappled acrylic paintings accompany a simple narrative of influential librarian Moore’s early love of books on through to her career at the New York Public Library, where she created the innovative Central Children’s Room in 1911. 40 pages.

Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride written by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney (Disney/Jump at the Sun)
Truth’s determination and hard work as an abolitionist, preacher, and advocate for women’s rights are portrayed in a folksy narrative with illustrations conveying the strength of her personality. 40 pages.

Eleanor, Quiet No More written by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Gary Kelley (Hyperion)
Roosevelt’s own words define her growth from insecure child to reluctant but forceful political voice to respected citizen of the world. A triple-frame illustration of Eleanor addressing an audience convincingly conveys her metamorphosis and increasing confidence. 40 pages.

Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller written by Doreen Rappaport; illus. by Matt Tavares (Hyperion )
Rappaport covers the span of Helen’s life from birth through her years with Annie Sullivan and after. The focus is on Helen, but readers get an acute awareness of Annie’s sacrifices for her. The ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations are bold and often in intense close-up. 40 pages.

Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell written by Tanya Lee Stone; illus. by Marjorie Priceman (Ottaviano/Holt)
This picture-book biography chronicles the doctor who opened the first hospital for women, run by women, because no one else would hire her. Colorful gouache illustrations lend a perfect framework of energy to the text, drawing upon its provocative and often humorous tone. 40 pages.

The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter (Random/Schwartz & Wade)
Spare, inviting text takes Goodall from backyard observations to scientific study of chimpanzees in Tanzania. Stylized paintings show the jungle in cool blues and greens. Overall the volume gives an accurate, visually appealing account of Goodall’s life. 48 pages.

Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg (Houghton)
At the turn of the twentieth century, elderly Annie Edson Taylor decides she’ll go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, a feat never before attempted. The matter-of-fact narrative emphasizes Annie’s technical planning, while sepia-toned illustrations convey her grit and determination. 40 pages.

Intermediate

Suggested grade level for each entry: 4–6

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming (Random/Schwartz & Wade)
This gripping narrative begins aboard a ship helping guide Earhart, then backs up to explore Amelia’s life. Interspersed are short chapters about civilians claiming to have picked up mayday calls. The book’s structure and scope provide a taut backdrop for Earhart’s history. 118 pages.

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose (Farrar/Kroupa)
In 1955 Montgomery, fifteen-year-old Colvin refused to give up her seat on the bus. A compelling narrative balances the events of the civil rights movement with Colvin’s biography. 133 pages.

The Fairy Ring: Or, Elsie and Frances Fool the World by Mary Losure (Candlewick)
A well-researched, engaging account of what happened when two young cousins in early twentieth century England staged photographs of fairies. The sympathetic narrative goes on to report how they responded as adults when the story periodically resurfaced. 184 pages.

Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott written by Yona Zeldis McDonough, illustrated by Bethanne Andersen (Holt/Ottaviano)
Informative text and sophisticated illustrations capture the Alcotts’ uncompromising ideals, Louisa’s struggles with poverty, her growing fame, and her nurturing of her family through many losses. 48 pages.

Anne Frank: Her Life in Words and Pictures by Menno Metselaar and Ruud van der Rol, translated by Arnold J. Pomerans (Roaring Brook/Flash Point)
Annotated excerpts of Anne’s diary accompany extraordinary photographs of her life before and during hiding. The conclusion describes Anne’s death and the publication of her diary. 216 pages.

Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Sy Montgomery (Houghton)
This inspiring, informative biography of world-renowned animal-science expert Grandin features photos from her childhood and adult life, reproductions of her schematic designs for livestock facilities, and inserts on topics ranging from autism to factory farming. 148 pages.

Paiute Princess: The Story of Sarah Winnemucca by Deborah Kogan Ray (Farrar/Foster)
Nineteenth-century Native rights advocate Sarah Winnemucca used her education to make speeches, write letters, circulate petitions, and appeal to government officials. An evenhanded account of Winnemucca’s life, accompanied by dramatic full-color illustrations. 48 pages.

Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean written by Sarah Stewart Taylor, illustrated by Ben Towle (Hyperion)
Grace, who handwrites a newspaper for her small Newfoundland town, is riveted by Amelia Earhart. She gets the chance to ask Earhart all about her life when the pilot comes to town. Moody black, white, and cyan drawings evoke a strong sense of place and time. 80 pages.

First Girl Scout: The Life of Juliette Gordon Low by Ginger Wadsworth (Clarion)
Low founded the Girl Scouts to help empower girls of all races and ethnicities. Information is provided about the organization and its continued success after Low’s death. Wadsworth captures Low’s stubborn but charismatic spirit by blending facts and humorous sketches. 210 pages.

Young Adult

Suggested grade level for each entry: 7 and up

Zora!: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston by Dennis Brindell Fradin and Judith Bloom Fradin (Clarion)
Documenting the life of Zora Neale Hurston can present a challenge because she often lied about herself in print, beginning with the year of her birth. The Fradins make discrepancies part of the story, using Hurston’s autobiographical tall tales to give readers a strong sense of her. 180 pages.

Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller by Joseph Lambert (Hyperion/Disney)
A silhouette of a child in a dark room opens this comic strip biography. Cartoonist Lambert employs these silhouettes to give a sense of how Keller’s world might have felt from the inside — bewildering and, eventually, enlightened by language. 94 pages.

Genius of Common Sense: Jane Jacobs and the Story of The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Glenna Lang and Marjory Wunsch (Godine)
This biography shows Jacobs as independent-minded and outspoken; her authorship of her seminal work and role as scourge of so-called urban renewal are handled clearly and efficiently. 128 pages.

Up Close: Harper Lee by Kerry Madden (Viking)
This straightforward biography covers Lee’s childhood, her college years, her persistent rewriting of To Kill a Mockingbird, and her friendship with Truman Capote. Clear documentation from an impressive group of secondary sources is provided. 224 pages.

Jane Austen: A Life Revealed by Catherine Reef (Clarion)
Firsthand accounts of Austen written by relatives and friends, facts about late-1700s Britain, and Austen’s own novels and surviving letters highlight the connections between Austen’s works and her life. 195 pages.

The Brontë Sisters: The Brief Lives of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne by Catherine Reef (Clarion)
This thorough biography of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë chronicles their individual personalities and how early experiences with their surroundings, family, schools, and teaching had profound influences on their writing. 231 pages.

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith (Putnam)
Ida Mae wants to fly, an improbable dream for a black girl in 1940s Louisiana. When war breaks out, she counterfeits a pilot’s license and passes as white to join the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots. 275 pages.

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone (Candlewick)
This story of the effort to get women into NASA’s Mercury astronaut training program is thrillingly told and meticulously researched, with first- and second-hand sources and historical photographs. 134 pages.

Poetry

Suggested grade level listed with each entry

Borrowed Names: Poems About Laura Ingalls Wilder, Madame C.J. Walker, Marie Curie, and Their Daughters by Jeannine Atkins (Holt)
Each of these renowned women had a rocky early relationship with her child which blossomed into mutual respect. Thirty vignettes concerning each mother-daughter pair offer telling facts. Grade level: 7 and up. 209 pages.

Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic written by Robert Burleigh; illus. by Wendell Minor (Simon/Wiseman)
This vivid free-verse account of Earhart’s 1932 flight from Newfoundland to Northern Ireland, the first-ever solo transatlantic flight by a woman, describes what the legendary pilot might have seen and felt during that long, tense, exhilarating trip. Grade level: K–3. 40 pages.

Sweethearts of Rhythm: The Story of the Greatest All-Girl Swing Band in the World written by Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (Dial)
Twenty poems, voiced by instruments, summarize the history of swing. Verbal evocations of the music and its players re-create the time period alongside vibrant watercolors. Grade level: 4–6. 80 pages.

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Boys will be boys: Middle grade adventures
B.U.G. (Big Ugly Guy) by Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple, Dutton, 8–13 years.
The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen, Scholastic, 8–13 years.
Dragon Run by Patrick Matthews, Scholastic, 11–13 years.
Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool, Delacorte, 8–13 years.

Animals out and about
Construction Kitties by Judy Sue Goodwin Sturges, illus. by Shari Halpern, Ottaviano/Holt, 1–4 years.
Have You Seen My New Blue Socks? by Eve Bunting, illus. by Sergio Ruzzier, Clarion, 4–7 years.
The Black Rabbit by Philippa Leathers, illus. by the author, Candlewick, 4–7 years.
My First Day by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, illus. by Steve Jenkins, Houghton, 4–7 years.

Women’s History Month

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel, illus. by Michelle Sweet, Balzer + Bray, 5–8 years.
Miss Moore Thought Otherwise: How Anne Carroll Moore Created Libraries for Children by Jan Pinborough, illus. by Debby Atwell, Houghton, 5–8 years.
Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone, illus. by Marjorie Priceman, Octaviano/Holt, 5–8 years.
Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller by Doreen Rappaport, illus. by Matt Tavares, Disney-Hyperion, 5–11 years.

London calling
Freaks by Kieran Larwood, Chicken House/Scholastic, 8–11 years.
Etiquette & Espionage [Finishing School] by Gail Carriger, Little, 11–13 years.
The Madness Underneath [Shades of London] by Maureen Johnson, Putnam, 11–13 years.
The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress, Dial, 11–13 years.

These titles were featured in the March 2013 issue of Notes from the Horn Book.

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Picture Books

Suggested grade level listed with each entry

All Kinds of Kisses by Nancy Tafuri (Little)
This animal sounds concept book opens with a panoramic view of a bustling farm. The text, accompanied by bucolic close-up watercolors, describes the type of kisses each animal loves (“Little Calf loves Mooo kisses”). Grade level: PS. 32 pages.

Old Bear and His Cub by Olivier Dunrea (Philomel)
What distinguishes this bedtime-friendly daddy-loves-you book is its degree of acknowledged reciprocity. Old Bear may stare hard at Little Cub until he eats his porridge, but when Old Bear catches a cold, he (grudgingly) gives in to Little Cub’s orders. Grade level: PS. 32 pages.

Mr. Prickles: A Quill-Fated Love Story written by Kara LaReau; illus. by Scott Magoon (Roaring Brook/Porter)
Mr. Prickles, a porcupine, has good reason to be prickly: the other forest animals spurn his many friendly overtures. A pun-filled text shines a sympathetic light on the lonely protagonist, while playful illustrations bring out the best in the spiky hero. Grade level: K–3. 32 pages.

Sunday Love by Alison Paul (Houghton)
Sound effects and red, black, and white illustrations tell this story of Bruno the Burglar’s Valentine’s Day escape from prison to reunite with his true love — a sundae love, that is. Much of the appeal lies in the cinematic, Charlie Chaplinesque action. Grade level: K–3. 32 pages.

Bear in Love written by Daniel Pinkwater; illus. by Will Hillenbrand (Candlewick)
Bear finds a present on the rock outside his cave. He solves the mystery of his secret admirer by leaving gifts of his own and waiting to see who comes to claim them. Soft earth-toned illustrations are a perfect match for the child-friendly text. Grade level: PS. 40 pages.

Intermediate

Suggested grade level for all entries: 4–6

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry (Bloomsbury)
This Cinderella-inspired story features a resourceful heroine eager to change her fate and far more action than the traditional version. Readers will enjoy the touch of the familiar, but will still be surprised — and satisfied — by the twist at the end. 308 pages.

The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech (HarperCollins/Cotler)
Naomi falls immediately under strange boy Finn’s spell. Meanwhile, an old woman and her companion talk of murder and revenge. A plethora of connections and coincidences are tied together by Naomi’s painful honesty as she experiences all-consuming first love. 226 pages.

The Boy on Cinnamon Street by Phoebe Stone (Scholastic/Levine)
When pizza delivery boy Benny drops off a love note with Louise’s pie, her initial puzzlement develops into a full-blown crush. Friends Reni and Henderson help Louise deal with her feelings — and with the trauma she can’t quite remember. 236 pages.

Older

Suggested grade level for all entries: 7 and up

Girl from Mars by Tamara Bach; trans. by Shelley Tanaka (Groundwood)
Fifteen-year-old Miriam is bored to death in her small German town. Then she starts hanging out with Laura, sorting through a (mutual) attraction, and wondering what it means to love another girl. A nuanced portrait of small-town ennui and self-awakening. 180 pages.

David Inside Out by Lee Bantle (Holt/Ottaviano)
David begins a furtive sexual relationship with his teammate Sean. But Sean’s denials of his homosexuality begin to weigh on David, who questions whether their relationship will ever evolve. A refreshing contribution to the “coming out” genre. 184 pages.

Baby’s in Black: Astrid Kirchherr, Stuart Sutcliffe, and The Beatles by Arne Bellstorf; trans. by Michael Waaler (Roaring Brook/First Second)
This quiet, atmospheric biographical graphic novel depicts the brief, intense love affair between Astrid Kirchherr and Stuart Sutcliffe — the man known as “The Fifth Beatle.” 199 pages.

Kendra by Coe Booth (Scholastic/Push)
Kendra, fourteen, lives with her strict but loving grandmother. Hot guy Nashawn has Kendra doing things that shame as well as excite her. Does Nashawn love her? Kendra’s present-tense narration is intelligent and honest, grounded by her basic common sense. 293 pages.

Dying to Know You by Aidan Chambers (Abrams/Amulet)
The unnamed seventy-five-year-old narrator, a famous author, agrees to dyslexic Karl impress his book-loving girlfriend. While the author helps Karl work through much more than just his dating problems, Karl gives him impetus to write again after his wife’s death. 279 pages.

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen (Viking)
Mclean’s dad’s job sends the two of them to a new place every few months, allowing Mclean to continually reinvent herself. In their latest town, she tells the boy next door her real name — a strong hint that she may finally be home. 403 pages.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick (Dial)
Samantha’s type-A state senator mother has always warned her to stay away from the boisterous Garrett family next door. But Samantha falls in love with Jase — and the rest of the Garretts. The ensuing moral quandary is handled capably and with empathy. 398 pages.

Pinned by Sharon G. Flake (Scholastic)
Ninth-grader Autumn is great at wrestling and cooking, not reading. Her forthright, colloquial chapters alternate with Adonis’s. Born without legs, Adonis manages the school wrestling team, and Autumn unabashedly loves him despite his prickly superiority. 231 pages.

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn (HarperTeen)
In this update of “Sleeping Beauty,” Princess Talia is awakened by Jack, a Florida teen — then demands he take her home with him. Flinn builds a credible, magical romance between these two vastly different (and highly entertaining) characters. 371 pages.

After the Moment by Garret Freymann-Weyr (Houghton)
Leigh meets Maia, a recovering anorexic and cutter with a highly developed sense of self. They fall in love, but readers know up front that their romance is doomed. This engaging male-coming-of-age tale explores notions of violence, devotion, and trust. 329 pages.

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey (HarperTeen)
The women in Wren’s family manifest magical powers when they reach puberty. Wren uses hers to bring her boyfriend back from the dead, but the Danny who returns is a shadow of the boy she loved. Then Wren meets Gabriel, who’s drawn by her gift. 295 pages.

The Difference Between You and Me by Madeleine George (Viking)
Out lesbian Jesse is so in love with closeted bisexual Emily, student council vice president, that she agrees to keep their relationship a secret. Esther, a teenage political activist, awakens a true political spirit in Jesse. The narrative alternates among all three girls’ points of view. 263 pages.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Dutton)
This funny, heartbreaking novel is a lot of things: acerbic comedy, sexy romance, and extended meditation on life and death. Hazel and Augustus meet in a cancer support group and quickly develop a relationship that’s as profoundly intellectual as it is emotional and physical. 321 pages.

Stay with Me by Paul Griffin (Dial)
She’s a bright student, he’s a high school dropout; her family is loving, while his dad is abusive. Despite their differences, Céce and Mack fall in love. Their romance is cut short when Mack makes an impetuous decision. A subtle level of optimism balances this painful story. 293 pages.

Warped by Maurissa Guibord (Delacorte)
When modern-day teenager Tessa pulls a loose thread from an old tapestry, Will, a handsome, imperious young man from sixteenth-century England, appears. Charismatic heroine Tessa’s story is suspenseful, romantic, and funny. 341 pages.

Markus and the Girls by Klaus Hagerup; trans. by Tara Chace (Front)
Junior high student Markus has fallen in love fifteen times in two months. His friend Sigmund volunteers to be a go-between for Markus, who’s too shy to approach his latest love object. This romp of Shakespearean comedic complexity has a healthy dose of slapstick. 208 pages.

Illyria by Elizabeth Hand (Viking)
This atmospheric novel portrays illicit sexual love and theatrical talent as matters nearly sacred. Cousins Maddy and Rogan are the last of their family’s theatrical legacy. The lovers are torn apart when glamorous Aunt Kate chooses Maddy to attend acting school in London. 136 pages.

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler; illus. by Maira Kalman (Little)
Min is a quirky aspiring filmmaker; Ed’s a popular jock. Their breakup centers this unique novel, posed as a letter Min is writing to Ed. She’s also planning to leave a box of tokens of their relationship on his doorstep. Spare illustrations complement the accomplished prose. 355 pages.

The Ghost’s Child by Sonya Hartnett (Candlewick)
This poignant, bittersweet fable tells of a young boy, an old woman, and the strange, ethereal young man she loved. Masterful prose and a keen understanding of human nature create a melancholy air of frustrated romance. 176 pages.

The Big Crunch by Pete Hautman (Scholastic)
June has little intention of getting close to anyone after her family moves Minneapolis — they won’t be there long. Yet there’s something about Wes that keeps him stuck in her head. The characters’ chemistry practically burns holes through the page. 282 pages.

A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner (Dial)
Seventeen-year-old Cass is devastated by her best friend Julia’s death. Cass takes off on a cross-country bike trip; later, back home, she struggles to mend fences with her nemesis (and love interest) Heather, star of a play Julia had been writing. 263 pages.

The Heights by Brian James (Feiwel)
This revisioning of Wuthering Heights is set in contemporary San Francisco. Through alternating first-person narration, readers follow popular Catherine toward her tragic fate, while Heathcliff-stand-in Henry spirals from sensitive, lovelorn boy to violent, self-destructive brute. 247 pages.

Ever by Gail Carson Levine (HarperCollins)
Olus, god of the winds, falls in love with Kezi, whose father pledged her life in forfeit to the god Admat. Admat gives no sign of his existence, leaving the lovers to wonder if the sacrifice is truly necessary — a quandary sure to provoke discussions about faith. 244 pages.

Every Day by David Levithan (Knopf)
“A” wakes up in a different sixteen-year-old’s body every morning; bodies match his/her age and A never travels far geographically unless the host body does. But what happens when A falls in love? A profound exploration of what it means to love someone. 325 pages.

Ash by Malinda Lo (Little)
Ash first meets handsome fairy Sidhean, then forms an unlikely friendship — and falls in love —with the king’s huntress, Kaisa. The juxtaposition of Kaisa and Sidhean as Ash’s suitors invites readers to consider the constructs of romantic ideals. Don’t miss prequel Huntress. 265 pages.

Dark Water by Laura McNeal (Knopf)
Pearl starts an illicit relationship with Amiel, an undocumented migrant laborer. When fire consumes southern California, Pearl abandons her family to warn Amiel. McNeal captures the desperation of both love and survival with wrenching authenticity. 289 pages.

The Smile by Donna Jo Napoli (Dutton)
Elisabetta begins a secret courtship with Giuliano Medici. Their romance plays out against political intrigue, familial loyalty, and betrayal. Sensory descriptions and period detail establish depth of character for the woman who will become the subject of the Mona Lisa. 260 pages.

Recovery Road by Blake Nelson (Scholastic)
Narrator Maddie, full of anger and loathing, is sixteen and in rehab when she meets Stewart, with whom she feels an immediate connection. After rehab, Maddie rebuilds her life while Stewart returns to drugs. Readers will root for the characters in their respective battle. 310 pages.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver (HarperCollins/Harper)
The government has created a cure for the “deadly” disease amor deliria nervosa — a.k.a. love. Lena, counting the days until her “procedure,” is clearly destined to fall in love; enter amber-eyed Alex as the romantic hero. The story continues in Pandemonium. 442 pages.

Past Perfect by Leila Sales (Simon Pulse)
Chelsea’s family works as living history interpreters. Things get awkward when she traitorously falls for a boy working at the village’s rival. Acerbically funny Chelsea offers specifics about Colonial life (and the lives of interpreters) and meditations on heartbreak and love. 306 pages.

I’ll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan (Little)
Emily has a comfortable life with her middle-class parents; Sam and his younger brother are abused by their father. Regardless of circumstance, Emily and Sam feel an instant connection. An affirming exploration of the subtleties of love, compassion, and relationships. 392 pages.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith (Little/Poppy)
On a flight to London, where she’s grudgingly going for her father’s wedding, seventeen-year-old Hadley meets charming Brit, Oliver. After a world-altering kiss, she loses Oliver in the crowd. Determined Hadley anchors this poignant consideration of loss, fate, and love. 241 pages.

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor (Little)
Art student Karou seems normal enough — but she lives with chimaera, animal-human hybrids. When Karou meets angel Akiva, the two are drawn into the age-old war between chimaera and angels. This star-crossed romance continues in Days of Blood & Starlight. 422 pages.

What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson (Delacorte)
James longs to leave Tuscaloosa; his brother Alex also feels discontented. The catalyst is James’s friend Nathen, who sees Alex’s potential as a runner. Alex and Nathen become friends, then boyfriends, in a tender exploration of first love. 295 pages.

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr (Little)
Outcast Jennifer remakes herself into stylish “Jenna”; then her childhood pal, Cameron, reappears. The friends reconnect with a natural, bittersweet intimacy that tugs at the heartstrings as Jenna comes to terms with her secrets and insecurities. 217 pages.

All These Things I’ve Done [Birthright series] by Gabrielle Zevin (Farrar)
In 2083, Anya and Win are “star-crossed lovers and all of that.” She’s the daughter of a New York City crime boss; he’s the assistant district attorney’s son. Anya’s earnest voice and blend of strength and innocence will attract readers. 354 pages.

Poetry

Suggested grade level listed with each entry

Partly Cloudy: Poems of Love and Longing by Gary Soto (Harcourt)
Soto presents seventy-seven original poems about teenage love. Divided into two sections, “A Girl’s Tears, Her Songs” and “A Boy’s Body, His Words,” the free-verse poems all ring true: rich with image, accessible and believable. 100 pages.

The post Recommended love stories appeared first on The Horn Book.

Love among the ruins: romance in YA fiction
Ask the Passengers by A.S. King, Little, 13 years and up.
Not Exactly a Love Story by Audrey Coloumbis, Random, 13 years and up.
Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff, Razorbill/Penguin, 11 years and up.
Love and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo, Knopf, 13 years and up.

Board and flap books galore
I Can Do It Myself! and Now I Am Big! both by Stephen Krensky, illus. by Sara Gillingham, Abrams/Appleseed, 2–4 years.
I Say, You Say Animal Sounds! and I Say, You Say Opposites! both by Tad Carpenter, LB Kids/Little, 2–4 years.
What Happens Next? and Who Lives Here? both by Nicola Davies, illus. by Marc Boutavant, Candlewick, 2–4 years.
Boat Works: A Giant Fold-Out Book by Tom Slaughter, Blue Apple, 2–4 years.
Dinosaurs: A Giant Fold-Out Book by Simms Taback, Blue Apple, 2–4 years.

Down on the farm
Grumpy Goat by Brett Helquist, HarperCollins, 2–4 years.
Loopy Coop Hens: Letting Go by Janet Morgan Stoeke, Dial, 3–5 years.
Lucky Ducklings by Eva Moore, Scholastic/Orchard, 3–5 years.
I Spy Farm Animals by Edward Gibbs, Templar/Candlewick, 2–4 years.

Middle-school for Black History Month
Zora: The Life of Zora Neal Hurston by Judith Bloom Fradin and Dennis Brindell Fradin, Clarion, 11 years and up.
Spirit Seeker: John Coltrane’s Musical Journey by Gary Golio, illus. by Rudy Gutierrez, Clarion, 8–13 years.
Hand in Hand: 10 Black Men who Changed America by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illus. by Brian Pinkney, Disney-Jump at the Sun, 8–13 years.
Courage Has No Color: America’s First Black Paratroopers by Tanya Lee Stone, Candlewick, 11 years and up.

These titles were featured in the February 2013 issue of Notes from the Horn Book.

The post Books mentioned in the February 2013 issue of Notes from the Horn Book appeared first on The Horn Book.

Our Wonderful Weather series

Bodden, Valerie Clouds
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Creative Education     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-60818-146-9

Bodden, Valerie Hurricanes
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Creative Education     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-60818-147-6

Bodden, Valerie Snow
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Creative Education     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-60818-148-3

Bodden, Valerie Thunderstorms
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Creative Education    2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-60818-149-0

Inside series

Carson, Mary Kay Inside Weather
Gr. 4–6     48 pp.     Sterling     2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-4027-5881-2
Paperback ISBN 978-1-4027-8948-9

Stewart, Melissa Inside Earthquakes
Gr. 4–6     48 pp.     Sterling     2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-4027-5877-5
Paperback ISBN 978-1-4027-8163-6

Stewart, Melissa Inside Lightning
Gr. 4–6     48 pp.     Sterling     2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-4027-5878-2
Paperback ISBN 978-1-4027-8949-6

Stewart, Melissa Inside Volcanoes
Gr. 4–6     48 pp.     Sterling     2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-4027-5876-8
Paperback ISBN 978-1-4027-8164-3

Chin, Jason Island: A Story of the Galápagos
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Roaring Brook/Porter     2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-59643-716-6

Marrin, Albert Black Gold: The Story of Oil in Our Lives
High school     181 pp.     Knopf (Random House Children’s Books) 2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-375-86673-9
Library binding ISBN 978-0-375-96673-6

Simon, Seymour Seymour Simon’s Extreme Earth Records
Gr. 4–6     57 pp.     Chronicle     2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-4521-0785-1

Animal behavior

Cusick, Dawn Cool Animal Names: Porcupinefish, Zebra Eels, Leopard Geckos, Owl Monkeys, Giraffe Beettles, & 251 Other Bizarre Creatures
Gr. 4–6     80 pp.     Charlesbridge/Imagine     2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-936140-39-8

Davies, Nicola Talk, Talk, Squawk!: A Human’s Guide to Animal Communication
Gr. 4–6     64 pp.     Candlewick     2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-5088-9

Downer, Ann Elephant Talk: The Surprising Science of Elephant Communication
High school     112 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-5766-7

Animal Lives series

Pryor, Kimberley Jane Attracting Mates
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Smart Apple     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-401-7

Pryor, Kimberley Jane Food and Feeding
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Smart Apple     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-402-4

Pryor, Kimberley Jane Having Young
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Smart Apple     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-403-1  

Pryor, Kimberley Jane Homes
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Smart Apple     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-404-8

Pryor, Kimberley Jane Migration
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Smart Apple     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-405-5

Pryor, Kimberley Jane Movement
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Smart Apple     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-406-2

Animal Bodies Up Close series

Stewart, Melissa Amazing Eyes Up Close
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Enslow/Elementary (Enslow Publishers, Inc.)     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3889-9

Stewart, Melissa Fantastic Feet Up Close
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Enslow/Elementary (Enslow Publishers, Inc.)     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3890-5

Stewart, Melissa Incredible Ears Up Close
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Enslow/Elementary (Enslow Publishers, Inc.)     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3891-2

Stewart, Melissa Nifty Noses Up Close
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Enslow/Elementary (Enslow Publishers, Inc.)     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3892-9

Stewart, Melissa Talented Tails Up Close
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Enslow/Elementary (Enslow Publishers, Inc.)     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3893-6

Stewart, Melissa Terrific Tongues Up Close
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Enslow/Elementary (Enslow Publishers, Inc.)     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3894-3

Health and the human body

Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool Health & Fitness series

Dolphin, Colleen Cool Exercise: Healthy & Fun Ways to Get Your Body Moving
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-427-1

Kuskowski, Alex Cool Body Basics: Healthy & Fun Ways to Care for Your Body
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-425-7

Kuskowski, Alex Cool Eating: Healthy & Fun Ways to Eat Right
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-426-4

Kuskowski, Alex Cool Relaxing: Healthy & Fun Ways to Chill Out
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-428-8

Green, Dan Human Body Factory
Gr. 4–6     48 pp.     Kingfisher/Macmillan     2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-7534-6808-1

Inside My Body series

Parker, Steve How Do My Muscles Get Strong?: Muscles and Exercise
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.      Raintree      2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4109-4017-9

Thomas, Isabel Why Do I Burp?: Digestion and Diet
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     Raintree     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4109-4014-8

Rau, Dana Meachen Freaking Out!: The Science of the Teenage Brain [Everyday Science]
High school     64 pp.     Capstone/Compass Point     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7565-4486-7

Buddy Books: Body Systems series

Tieck, Sarah Circulatory System
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61613-497-6

Tieck, Sarah Digestive System
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61613-498-3

Tieck, Sarah Muscular System
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61613-499-0

Tieck, Sarah Nervous System
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61613-500-3

Machines and technology

Technology 360 series

Grabowski, John Television
High school     112 pp.     Lucent      2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4205-0169-8

Hillstrom, Laurie Collier Global Positioning Systems
High school      96 pp.     Lucent      2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4205-0325-8

Kallen, Stuart A. iPod and MP3 Players
High school     104 pp.     Lucent     2010
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4205-0166-7

First Facts: Transportation Zone series

Hanson, Anne E. Ambulances in Action
Gr. K–3      24 pp.     Capstone     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4296-6827-9

Olien, Becky Police Cars in Action
Gr. K–3      24 pp.     Capstone     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4296-6825-5

Schaefer, Lola M. Semitrucks in Action
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Capstone     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4296-6826-2

Kaner, Etta Earth-Friendly Buildings, Bridges and More: The Eco-Journal of Corry Lapont
Gr. 4–6     64 pp.     Kids Can     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-55453-570-5

New Technology series

Graham, Ian Forensic Technology
High school      46 pp.      Smart Apple     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-532-8

Graham, Ian Robot Technology
High school     46 pp.     Smart Apple     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-533-5

Oxlade, Chris Gaming Technology
High school     46 pp.     Smart Apple     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-531-1

Ross, Stewart Sports Technology
High school     46 pp.     Smart Apple     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-534-2

Zimmermann, Karl The Stourbridge Lion: America’s First Locomotive
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Boyds     2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-59078-859-2

Books for Presidents’ Day

Kalman, Maira Looking at Lincoln
Gr. K–3     40 pp.     Penguin/Paulsen (Penguin Young Readers Group)     2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-399-24039-3

McClafferty, Carla Killough The Many Faces of George Washington: Remaking a Presidential Icon
Gr. 4–6   120 pp. Carolrhoda 2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-7613-5608-0

Sandler, Martin W. Kennedy Through the Lens: How Photography and Television Revealed and Shaped an Extraordinary Leader
Gr. 4–6     98 pp.     Walker     2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-8027-2160-0
Library binding ISBN 978-0-8027-2161-7

Townsend, Michael Where Do Presidents Come From? And Other Presidential Stuff of Super-Great Importance
Gr. 4–6     156 pp.     Dial     2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-8037-3748-8

Swanson, James L. Bloody Times: The Funeral of Abraham Lincoln and the Manhunt for Jefferson Davis
High school     196 pp.     HarperCollins/Collins (HarperCollins)     2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-156089-7

The Civil War

Civil War Highlights series

Cooke, Tim Causes of the War: 1800–1861
Middle school     48 pp.     Smart Apple     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-813-8

Cooke, Tim The Confederacy Advances: 1861–1862
Middle school     48 pp.     Smart Apple     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-814-5

Cooke, Tim Home Front: 1861–1865
Middle school     48 pp.     Smart Apple     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-817-6

Cooke, Tim Politics of the War: 1861–1865
Middle school     48 pp.     Smart Apple      2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-818-3

Cooke, Tim Triumph of the Union: 1864–1865
Middle school     48 pp.     Smart Apple     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-816-9

Cooke, Tim The Turning Point: 1863
Middle school      48 pp.     Smart Apple     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-815-2

Gourley, Catherine The Horrors of Andersonville: Life and Death Inside a Civil War Prison
High school     192 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2010
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-4212-0

Jones, Carrie Sarah Emma Edmonds Was a Great Pretender: The True Story of a Civil War Spy
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Carolrhoda      2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-7613-5399-7

Kostyal, K. M. 1862, Fredericksburg: A New Look at a Bitter Civil War Battle
Gr. 4–6      48 pp.     National (National Geographic Books)     2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0835-2
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4263-0836-9

Rosenberg, Aaron The Civil War: One Event, Six People
Gr. 4–6     160 pp.     Scholastic     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-545-28926-9
Paperback ISBN 978-0-545-23756-7

Discovering ancient and medieval history

Barnard, Bryn The Genius of Islam: How Muslims Made the Modern World
Gr. 4–6   40 pp. Knopf (Random House Children’s Books) 2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-375-84072-2
Library binding ISBN 978-0-375-94072-9

Goddio, Franck The Treasures of the Seven Seas: Cleopatra and the Mystery of the San Diego
Gr. 4–6     45 pp.     Prestel     2011
Trade ISBN 978-3-7913-5096-7

Hartland, Jessie How the Sphinx Got to the Museum
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Blue Apple     2010
Trade ISBN 978-1-60905-032-0

Understanding World History series

Kallen, Stuart A. Ancient Egypt
High school     96 pp.      ReferencePoint     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-60152-152-1

Marcovitz, Hal Ancient Rome
High school      96 pp.      ReferencePoint     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-60152-186-6

Woog, Adam The Early Middle Ages
High school     96 pp.     ReferencePoint     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-60152-151-4

Woog, Adam The Late Middle Ages
High school     96 pp.     ReferencePoint     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-60152-188-0

Rubalcaba, Jill and Cline, Eric H. Digging for Troy: From Homer to Hisarlik
Gr. 4–6     74 pp.     Charlesbridge      2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-326-8
Paperback ISBN 978-1-58089-327-5

Music

Cline-Ransome, Lesa Before There Was Mozart: The Story of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-George
Gr. K–3     40 pp.     Random/Schwartz & Wade     2011
Paperback ISBN 978-0-375-83600-8
Library binding ISBN 978-0-375-93621-0

Ready to Make Music series

Landau, Elaine Is the Flute for You?
Gr. 4–6     40 pp.     Lerner     2010
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-5420-8

Landau, Elaine Is the Guitar for You?
Gr. 4–6     40 pp.     Lerner     2010
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-5424-6

Landau, Elaine Is the Trumpet for You?
Gr. 4–6     40 pp.      Lerner      2010
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-5422-2

Landau, Elaine Is the Violin for You?
Gr. 4–6     40 pp.      Lerner      2010
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-5423-9

Manzella, Teresa Ryan How to Analyze the Music of Bob Dylan [Essential Critiques]
High school      112 pp.     ABDO     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-090-7

Rubin, Susan Goldman Music Was IT: Young Leonard Bernstein
Gr. 4–6     178 pp.     Charlesbridge     2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-344-2

American Music Milestones series

Doeden, Matt American Latin Music: Rumba Sounds, Bossa Nova, and the Salsa Sound
Middle school, High school     64 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-4505-3

Farseth, Erik American Rock: Guitar Heroes, Punks, and Metalheads
Middle school, High school     64 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-4503-9

Kaplan, Arie American Pop: Hit Makers, Superstars, and Dance Revolutionaries
Middle school, High school     64 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-4504-6

Mendelson, Aaron American R&B: Gospel Grooves, Funky Drummers, and Soul Power
Middle school, High school     64 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-4501-5

Sachs, Lloyd American Country: Bluegrass, Honky-Tonk, and Crossover Sounds
Middle school, High school     64 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-4502-2

Sacks, Nathan American HipHop: Rappers, DJs, and Hard Beats
Middle school, High school     64 pp.     Twenty-First Century     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-4500-8

Dance

Ancona, George Ole! Flamenco
Gr. 4–6     48 pp.     Lee     2010
Trade ISBN 978-1-60060-361-7

Friedman, Lise Becoming a Ballerina: A Nutcracker Story
Gr. 4–6     48 pp.     Viking      2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-670-01392-0

Greenberg, Jan and Jordan, Sandra Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring
Gr. K–3     48 pp.     Roaring Brook/Flash Point/Porter      2010
Trade ISBN 978-1-59643-338-0

Williams, Ann-Marie Learn to Speak Dance: A Guide to Creating, Performing, & Promoting Your Moves
Gr. 4–6      96 pp.     Owlkids     2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-926818-88-7
Paperback ISBN 978-1-926818-89-4

Winter, Jonah Jazz Age Josephine
Gr. K–3     40 pp.     Atheneum (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing)     2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-4169-6123-9

Snow Day Activities

Creative Writing in 5 Simple Steps series

Dunkleberger, Amy Write a Mystery in 5 Simple Steps
Gr. 4–6, Middle school     48 pp.     Enslow     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3835-6

Lieurance, Suzanne Write a Romance in 5 Simple Steps
Gr. 4–6, Middle school  48 pp. Enslow     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3837-0

Litwin, Laura Baskes Write Horror Fiction in 5 Simple Steps
Gr. 4–6, Middle school  48 pp. Enslow     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3836-3

McKay, Laura Lee  Write Fantasy Fiction in 5 Simple Steps
Gr. 4–6, Middle school     48 pp.     Enslow     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3834-9

Peters, Jeffrey Edward Write a Graphic Novel in 5 Simple Steps
Gr. 4–6, Middle school     48 pp.     Enslow     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3888-2

Schuman, Michael A. Write Science Fiction in 5 Simple Steps
Gr. 4–6, Middle school     48 pp.      Enslow     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3844-8

Craft Star series

Fisher, Diana Rockin’ Crafts: Everything You Need to Become a Rock-Painting Craft Star!
Gr. 4–6     64 pp.     Walter Foster (Black Rabbit Books)     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-936309-40-5

Friday, Megan Green Crafts: Become an Earth-Friendly Craft Star, Step by Easy Step!
Gr. 4–6      64 pp.     Walter Foster (Black Rabbit Books)     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-936309-38-2

Friday, Megan Pet Crafts: Everything You Need to Become Your Pet’s Craft Star!
Gr. 4–6     64 pp.     Walter Foster (Black Rabbit Books)      2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-936309-41-2

Super Simple Cultural Art series

Kuskowski, Alex Super Simple African Art: Fun and Easy Art from Around the World
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-210-9

Kuskowski, Alex Super Simple American Art: Fun and Easy Art from Around the World
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-211-6

Kuskowski, Alex Super Simple Chinese Art: Fun and Easy Art from Around the World
Gr. K–3      32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-212-3

Kuskowski, Alex Super Simple Mexican Art: Fun and Easy Art from Around the World
Gr. K–3   32 pp. ABDO 2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-213-0

Super Simple Recipes series

Tuminelly, Nancy Let’s Cook with Apples!: Delicious & Fun Apple Dishes Kids Can Make
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-418-9

Tuminelly, Nancy Let’s Cook with Cereal!: Delicious & Fun Cereal Dishes Kids Can Make
Gr. K–3      32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-419-6

Tuminelly, Nancy Let’s Cook with Cheese!: Delicious & Fun Cheese Dishes Kids Can Make
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO     2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-420-2

Tuminelly, Nancy Let’s Cook with Eggs!: Delicious & Fun Egg Dishes Kids Can Make
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     ABDO      2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-421-9

Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool World Cooking series

Wagner, Lisa Cool African Cooking: Fun and Tasty Recipes for Kids
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     ABDO     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61714-658-9

Wagner, Lisa Cool Chinese and Japanese Cooking: Fun and Tasty Recipes for Kids
Gr. 4–6      32 pp.     ABDO     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61714-659-6

Wagner, Lisa Cool French Cooking: Fun and Tasty Recipes for Kids
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     ABDO     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61714-660-2

Wagner, Lisa Cool Italian Cooking: Fun and Tasty Recipes for Kids
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     ABDO     2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61714-661-9

The post Books mentioned in the January 2013 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book appeared first on The Horn Book.