—Katrina Hedeen
Assistant Editor, The Horn Book Guide

Calhoun, Dia  Eva of the Farm
235 pp. Atheneum 2012 ISBN 978-1-4424-1700-7
Gr. 4–6 When life on the family farm as twelve-year-old Eva knows it is threatened by a recession, fire blight, and sudden medical expenses, she turns to her great passion — poetry — for comfort, self-expression, and a possible means of making money. Eva’s beautifully constructed, imagistic poems within this novel shine, allaying the minor lyrical inconsistencies of the main verse narration.

Engle, Margarita  The Wild Book
133 pp. Harcourt 2012 ISBN 978-0-547-58131-6
Gr. 4–6  Engle relates, with some fictionalization, her grandmother Fefa’s childhood in dangerous early-twentieth-century Cuba. Fefa suffers from “word-blindness” (dyslexia), but she slowly learns to read and write as a blank book from Mamá becomes her “garden” in which “words sprout / like seedlings.” Spare, dreamlike verse pairs perfectly with a first-person narrator whose understanding of written language is unique.

Hemphill, Stephanie  Sisters of Glass
154 pp. Knopf 2012 ISBN 978-0-375-86109-3 LE ISBN 978-0-375-96109-0
YA  Before his death, their father, a respected glassblower, declared that younger daughter Maria must marry Venetian nobility, leaving elder Giovanna to stay on Murano with the family. The sisters each long for the other’s future (and suitor); creative ingenuity allows for a satisfying resolution. A vivid fifteenth-century Venetian setting, true-to-life family tensions, and fairy-tale romance complete this novel told in elegant verse. Glos.

Hopkins, Ellen  Tilt
604 pp. McElderry 2012 ISBN 978-1-4169-8330-9
YA  Mikayla, Shane, and Harley alternate narration as they struggle to find balance amidst poor choices, family issues, and personal crises; snippets from secondary characters add perspective. The issues-laden plot and labyrinthine web of characters is the stuff of soap operas, which older teens may relish. Hopkins’s free verse, with thoughtful line breaks and word choices, is by turns poised and visceral.

Rosen, Michael  Running with Trains: A Novel in Poetry and Two Voices
102 pp. Boyds/Wordsong 2012 ISBN 978-1-59078-863-9
Gr. 4–6  With Dad MIA in Vietnam and Mom back in school, thirteen-year-old Perry takes the train back and forth between Gran’s and Mom’s every week; Steve is a lonely nine-year-old on an Ohio farm, enamored with the train that passes through his family’s property. Both boys’ alternating voices are unique and poignant in this verse novel about self-discovery and the nature of home.

Rosenthal, Betsy R.  Looking for Me
172 pp. Houghton 2012 ISBN 978-0-547-61084-9
Gr. 4–6  In some free verse and some loosely rhymed poems, Rosenthal tells the story of her mother Edith’s Depression-era childhood in a Jewish family with twelve children. The novel is episodic but gives individual personalities to the many siblings. Edith’s voice is touching and genuine; readers will maintain hope that she someday realize she’s more than “just plain Edith / who’s number four.” Glos.

Tregay, Sarah  Love & Leftovers
435 pp. HarperCollins/Tegen 2012 ISBN 978-0-06-202358-2
YA  Marcie’s dad comes out as gay, and she moves from Idaho to New Hampshire with her depressed mother. Missing her boyfriend and crew of friends nicknamed “the Leftovers,” she struggles to acclimate (and remain faithful). She returns to Boise midyear, but everything is different—including her. The first-person verse narration wrought with satisfying angst makes Marcie’s woes and joys palpable.

Wissinger, Tamera Will  Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse
128 pp. Houghton 2013 ISBN 978-0-547-82011-8
Gr. 1–3  Illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Sam is excited for his fishing trip with Dad — until little sister Lucy tags along. Poems of varied forms describe the fishing trio’s day: preparations, techniques (“Heeere, fishy, fishy, fishy…”), frustrations (“Lucy’s winning eight to… / none”), and eventual triumphs. Cordell’s buoyant illustrations are a natural fit for the upbeat verse. A “Poet’s Tackle Box” section outlines poetic devices and forms. Bib.

From the March/April 2013 issue of The Horn Book Magazine. These reviews are from The Horn Book Guide and The Horn Book Guide Online. For information about subscribing to the Guide and the Guide Online, click here.

The post From the Guide: Novels in Verse appeared first on The Horn Book.

—Katrina Hedeen
Assistant Editor, The Horn Book Guide

Alexander, Elizabeth  Praise Song for the Day: A Poem for Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration
32 pp. HarperCollins/Tegen 2012 ISBN 978-0-06-192663-1
Gr. K–3  Illustrated by David Diaz. A mother and son travel through a luminous American landscape as the words of the poem celebrating President Obama’s first inauguration reverberate throughout the book. There are no explanations here for the reader, just strong images and strong words: “On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp, / praise song for walking forward in that light.”

Bates, Katharine Lee  America the Beautiful: Together We Stand
32 pp. Scholastic/Orchard 2013 ISBN 978-0-545-49207-2
Gr. K–3  Ten renowned illustrators, including Bryan Collier, Raúl Colón, and Diane Goode, bring the words of “America the Beautiful” to life; each striking spread also presents an inspirational presidential quote in the side margin. Informative back matter includes a key to national landmarks and symbols; full lyrics; a note on democracy; and biographical information on Bates, author of the poem-turned-patriotic-ballad.

Daugherty, James  Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: A Pictorial Interpretation Painted by James Daugherty
48 pp. Whitman 2013 ISBN 978-0-8075-4550-8 New ed. (1947, Whitman)
Gr. 4–6  Daugherty powerfully illustrates Lincoln’s momentous Gettysburg Address. This updated edition includes a new afterword by historian Gabor Boritt that provides an overview of the days surrounding the 1863 speech. Daugherty’s emotive paintings — discussed one by one in an appendix — include allusions to other profound American moments, such as then-recent WWII, grounding Lincoln’s words within our nation’s larger history.

Gherman, Beverly  First Mothers
64 pp. Clarion 2012 ISBN 978-0-547-22301-8
Gr. K–3  Illustrated by Julie Downing. This book provides a fascinating perspective on U.S. presidents by focusing on the personalities and influences of their mothers. Each mom has her own section, descriptive epithet (e.g., Barbara Pierce Bush: “The Outspoken Mother”), amusing anecdote, and cartoonlike portrait; sidebars in varying formats contain important dates and facts. Gherman’s engaging text offers vivid characterization of these historic women and their powerful sons. Bib.

Keating, Frank  George: George Washington, Our Founding Father
32 pp. Simon/Wiseman 2012 ISBN 978-1-4169-5482-8
Gr. K–3  Illustrated by Mike Wimmer. This picture book biography provides a unique glimpse into Washington’s life and career, from childhood to his role in the American Revolution to his presidency. The first-person narration and supplemental quotations from his “Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation” present an insightful introduction to the Founding Father’s character. Lush oil on canvas paintings add weight and drama. Bib.

Kerley, Barbara  Those Rebels, John & Tom
48 pp. Scholastic 2012 ISBN 978-0-545-22268-6
Gr. 4–6  Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham. Kerley lightly outlines the commonalities and differences between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. There’s some oversimplification (e.g., taxation is mentioned as a problem, while lack of representation is not), but the text is lively and informative. Fotheringham’s lighthearted illustrations, in various shades of red, white, and blue, dominate each page and reinforce the tone. An author’s note and facsimile of the Declaration of Independence are included. Bib.

Smith, Charles R., Jr.  Brick by Brick
32 pp. HarperCollins/Amistad 2013 ISBN 978-0-06-192082-0
Gr. K–3  Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. In powerful verse that emphasizes the subjects’ dedication and hard work, Smith relates slaves’ contributions to the building of the White House in 1792; their labor provided many with trade skills, which then allowed them to “purchase freedom / earned brick by brick.” Cooper’s soft-focus sepia-toned art showing “black hands / white hands” working together on the historic project bolsters the inspirational story.

Next time: Novels in Verse

From the January/February 2013 issue of The Horn Book Magazine. These reviews are from The Horn Book Guide and The Horn Book Guide Online. For information about subscribing to the Guide and the Guide Online, click here.

The post From the Guide: American Politics appeared first on The Horn Book.

—Katrina Hedeen
Assistant Editor, The Horn Book Guide

Burleigh, Robert  George Bellows: Painter with a Punch
40 pp. Abrams 2012 ISBN 978-1-4197-0166-5
Gr. 4–6  Burleigh relates Bellows’s life, from his childhood in Ohio through his career in New York City as a painter of the Ashcan School. His style, fascination with the urban working class, and passion for sports are all touched on. The simple and clean design sets captioned photos and reproductions of the artist’s most famous paintings opposite detail-rich text. Bib., ind.

Heine, Florian  13 Painters Children Should Know
48 pp. Prestel 2012 ISBN 978-3-7913-7086-6
Gr. 4–6  This large-format volume provides a thorough overview of some of history’s most influential painters, organized chronologically from Hieronymus Bosch to Basquiat. Captioned high-quality images of masterpieces support the informational text, which addresses styles, backgrounds, and inspirations; engaging personal details and anecdotes are also included. Sporadic quiz questions and activity suggestions encourage reader participation. Timeline. Glos.

Kutschbach, Doris  The Art Treasure Hunt: I Spy with My Little Eye
46 pp. Prestel 2012 ISBN 978-3-7913-7097-2
Gr. K–3  This seek-and-find book offers a creative way to instill art appreciation in children. Spreads assign readers a list of things to find within a work of art—eighteenth-century Indian miniatures, a Hokusai woodcut, and Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte among them. A guide to the pictures reveals the puzzle solutions and includes brief artist bios.

Lewis, J. Patrick and Jane Yolen  Self-Portrait with Seven Fingers: The Life of Marc Chagall in Verse
40 pp. Creative Editions 2011 ISBN 978-1-56846-211-0
Gr. 4–6  In elegant verse, Lewis and Yolen put words to some of Chagall’s famous works. Paragraphs of supporting biographical text and vibrant reproductions of the art are paired with poems, mostly written in the first person, that feel like Chagall’s own authentic voice; occasional photographs are included. A novel way to package an artist biography and impart admiration of mastery. Bib., glos.

Novesky, Amy  Georgia in Hawaii: When Georgia O’Keeffe Painted What She Pleased
32 pp. Harcourt 2012 ISBN 978-0-15-205420-5
Gr. K–3  Illustrated by Yuyi Morales. In 1939, O’Keeffe was commissioned by the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (later Dole) to tour Hawaii and create promotional paintings of the exotic fruit. But she fell in love with other features of the islands—volcanoes, tropical flora, rare coral—and stubbornly wouldn’t “be told what to paint.” Novesky’s lulling prose is matched by Morales’s elegant, paradisiacal acrylics inspired by O’Keeffe’s art. Reading list.

Thomas, Isabel  Collages
24 pp. Heinemann 2011 LE ISBN 978-1-4329-5020-0 pe isbn 978-1-4329-5027-9
Thomas, Isabel  Drawing
24 pp. Heinemann 2011 LE ISBN 978-1-4329-5016-3 pe isbn 978-1-4329-5023-1
Thomas, Isabel  Painting
24 pp. Heinemann 2011 LE ISBN 978-1-4329-5018-7 pe isbn 978-1-4329-5025-5
Gr. K–3  Start with Art series. With only two sentences per page, these are very simple introductions to some types of visual arts for young children. Illustrations include reproductions of famous works in different styles. Photos show children painting, drawing, and making collages, helping readers see connections between the featured art and possibilities for their own creative work, as well as providing inspiration and encouraging expressiveness. Websites. Glos., ind.

Zalben, Jane Breskin  Mousterpiece
40 pp. Roaring Brook/Porter 2012 ISBN 978-1-59643-549-0
Gr. K–3  Museum-dwelling mouse Janson likes to explore at night. When she finds the modern wing, her creativity takes off as she emulates alluded-to artists (e.g., “she painted inside the lines” nods to Piet Mondrian), but her eventual “mousterpiece” is satisfyingly in her own unique style. Zalben nails the modern-art homages in her kid-friendly illustrations; the appended “Janson’s Favorite Artists” guide reveals the inspirations.

Next time: American Politics

From the November/December 2012 issue of The Horn Book Magazine. These reviews are from The Horn Book Guide and The Horn Book Guide Online. For information about subscribing to the Guide and the Guide Online, click here.

The post From the Guide: Artists and Masterpieces appeared first on The Horn Book.

Fitzmaurice, Kathryn A Diamond in the Desert
258 pp. Viking 2012. ISBN 978-0-670-01292-3
Gr. 4–6 In 1942, Japanese American boy Tetsu attempts to find dignity and purpose while living within the humiliating confines of the Gila River Relocation Center. Helping build a baseball field in the inhospitable desert provides some emotional relief; playing the game well further eases his anger. Informed by real-life memories of Gila River’s baseball team members, this novel delves deeply and affectingly into the human condition. Reading list, websites.

Florian, Douglas Poem Runs: Baseball Poems and Paintings
32 pp. Harcourt 2012. ISBN 978-0-547-68838-1
Gr. K–3 Fifteen poems (sixteen if you count the back cover) center on a baseball team’s season. Each entry features Florian’s signature wit and brevity: “With greatest greed / I take my lead. / My greatest need / Is speed” (from “Base Stealer”). The poems are set against double-page spreads with summery mixed-media illustrations featuring rubber-limbed baseball players—both male and female.

Freitas, Donna Gold Medal Summer
232 pp. Scholastic/Levine 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-32788-6
Gr. 4–6 Top gymnast Joey loves her sport and can’t understand why her best friend would quit just to have a social life—or why Joey’s older sister quit after winning Nationals, or why their parents find competitions too stressful to watch. A former competitive gymnast, Freitas provides an absorbing look at the challenging but rewarding life of a thirteen-year-old athlete.

Gutman, Dan The Day Roy Riegels Ran the Wrong Way
32 pp. Bloomsbury 2011. ISBN 978-1-59990-494-8
Gr. K–3 Illustrated by Kerry Talbott. A grandfather narrates the true story of Roy Riegels, the football player who ran the wrong way and cost his team the 1929 Rose Bowl championship. Digitally enhanced illustrations reflect the juxtaposition of past and present as Grandpa’s story alternates with an old-time radio announcer’s call of the game. An author’s note reveals how “Wrong-Way Riegels” moved on from his famous mistake.

Lang, Heather Queen of the Track: Alice Coachman, Olympic High-Jump Champion
40 pp. Boyds 2012. ISBN 978-1-59078-850-9
Gr. 4–6 Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. From the hardships of her Georgia childhood through the 1948 London Olympics at which she won gold and became a legend, this biography stands out for the lesser-known details it includes (e.g., Coachman’s dance performance aboard the London-bound ship). Cooper’s grainy sepia-hued pastels are striking; endnotes with more about Coachman and the historic 1948 Olympics support the thorough text. Websites. Bib.

Lupica, Mike Game Changers
207 pp. Scholastic 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-44315-9
Gr. 4–6 Talented, tough eleven-year-old Pop Warner football player Ben dreams of being quarterback of his team—but he’s short. As the season wears on and quarterback Shawn (the coach’s son) flounders, Ben proves he’s ultimately the right guy for the position. This story of football, friendship, and learning to be true to oneself is full of satisfying sports details.

Macy, Sue Basketball Belles: How Two Teams and One Scrappy Player Put Women’s Hoops on the Map
32 pp. Holiday 2011. ISBN 978-0-8234-2163-3
Gr. K–3 Illustrated by Matt Collins. Macy recounts the first women’s intercollegiate basketball game, played in 1896, through the eyes (and invented dialogue) of Stanford guard Agnes Morley. After an exciting game, Agnes concludes that “a lady can be tough and strong as well as refined and polite,” a view confirmed by the rough-and-tumble illustrations done in a rather sedate palette. An author’s note is appended. Reading list, timeline.

Nash, Ogden Lineup for Yesterday
56 pp. Creative Editions 2011. ISBN 978-1-56846-212-7
Gr. 4–6 Illustrated by C. F. Payne. Handsome, expansive portraits accompany Nash’s incisive alphabetic verse about nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century baseball stars (first published in SPORT magazine in 1949). Nash’s daughter, Linell Nash Smith, contributes thumbnail biographies of each player to round out the proceedings. A witty, informative, and attractively packaged volume. Websites.

Savage, Jeff Top 25 Gymnastics Skills, Tips, and Tricks
48 pp. Enslow 2011. LE ISBN 978-0-7660-3868-4
Savage, Jeff Top 25 Hockey Skills, Tips, and Tricks
48 pp. Enslow 2011. LE ISBN 978-0-7660-3869-1
Savage, Jeff Top 25 Soccer Skills, Tips, and Tricks
48 pp. Enslow 2011. LE ISBN 978-0-7660-3860-8
Torres, John Albert Top 25 Football Skills, Tips, and Tricks
48 pp. Enslow 2011. LE ISBN 978-0-7660-3858-5
Gr. 4–6 Top 25 Sports Skills, Tips, and Tricks series. Each title presents sport-specific skills, drills, and techniques, including the proper mechanics of passing, shooting, and scoring, as well as defensive strategies and game rules. “Pro Tips and Tricks,” mainly work-ethic quotes from such pros as Tom Brady and Mary Lou Retton, are scattered throughout the texts. Instructive action photographs include both professional athletes and kids at play. There are two other fall 2011 titles in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

These reviews are from The Horn Book Guide and The Horn Book Guide Online. For information about subscribing to the Guide and the Guide Online, click here.

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