If you’re a young person reading a wonderful book now–or who can’t wait to dive into one or two this summer–we hope you’ll take part in Read & Write, which invites school-age kids to write a short review or draw a picture about a favorite book (see entry instructions at right). The Books section will publish some of the reviews and drawings this summer. To get you started, here are 50 intriguing titles (plus 50 more on our Web site) compiled by Chicago-area librarians.
FRESH FICTION
Replay
By Sharon Creech (Ages 8-12)
Leo is a dreamer; that is why he loves getting parts in school plays. Leo wishes his real life were just a play, with the spotlight on him instead of his noisy family. Then Leo includes his quiet dad in his play fantasy.
Confessions of a Closet Catholic
By Sarah Darer Littman (Ages 9-12)
Middle-grader Justine Silver is looking for answers to some tough questions about God, religion and what she believes. When her Catholic friend begins Lent by giving up chocolate, Justine decides to give up being Jewish.
Defiance
By Valerie Hobbs (Ages 10-14)
Toby had plans to fish, swim, spend time with his dad, look at Mars and ride his bike this vacation. He didn’t plan for what did happen: finding new friends in a cow and a poet, finding his free will, or his cancer returning.
Project Mulberry
By Linda Sue Park (Ages 9-13)
Mulberry leaves are the only food silkworms eat, vital information if your project is all about silkworms. But finding tolerance between silkworm raiser Julia Song’s Korean mother and Mr. Dixon, the African-American man who supplies her with mulberry leaves, is her hardest hurdle to overcome.
Flush
By Carl Hiaasen (Ages 10-14)
Who is dumping something really stinking into the clear blue waters off the Florida Keys? Noah Underwood, with help from his younger sister Abbey and a wacky group of characters, must find out fast in order to redeem their dad’s act of eco-terrorism.
— Monica A Dzierzbicki, Indian Prairie Library
AMERICA’S GAME
Players in Pigtails
By Shana Corey (Ages 5-8)
Katie Casey is not an ordinary 1940s girl. All she thinks about is baseball. When scouts go looking for players for the first All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, Katie is ready to show her skills, despite sneers from people who don’t think girls can play baseball.
Baseball Saved Us
By Ken Mochizuki (Ages 5-9)
The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese during World War II resulted in the internment of more than 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent. For one young boy and his family sent to live at a camp, the creation of a baseball field there lets the boy hone his skills and use baseball to fight racism when he returns home.
Shoeless Joe & Me (A Baseball Card Adventure)
By Dan Gutman (Ages 8-12)
Baseball cards are tickets to the past for 13-year-old Joe Stoshack, who travels back in time to interact with famous baseball players. In this part of the series, Joe is taken back to 1919, where he meets “Shoeless” Joe Jackson of the Chicago White Sox.
Choosing Up Sides
By John H. Ritter (Ages 9-12)
For Luke Bledsoe, whose father is a Baptist preacher, playing baseball is considered meddling in the devil’s playground. Luke, born with an incredible pitching arm, is challenged with his desire to please his father and his need to plot his own course–and figure out if baseball fits in.
Shakespeare Bats Cleanup
By Ron Koertge (Ages 12 and up)
Kevin Boland, a great junior high baseball player, is stuck at home after becoming ill with mononucleosis. While baseball remains his first love, he learns a lot about himself and his family by writing poetry.
–Sarah Cherkasky, Thomas Hughes Children’s Library, Chicago Public Library
ABOUT ANIMALS
Babymouse: Queen of the World!
By Jennifer L. Holm (Ages 7–10)
Told in graphic-novel style, Babymouse creatively copes with the frustrations of her uneventful life by imagining herself as queen of the world or as a detective while trying to fit in at school.
A Room With a Zoo
By Jules Feiffer (Ages 7–10)
Nine-year-old Julie loves animals, particularly dogs. When her mom and dad say no to having a dog until she’s 10 1/2, they settle on a cat . . . and a hamster . . . and a fish, until Julie’s love for animals gets zanily out of control.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay up Late!
By Mo Willems (Ages 3–6)
The star of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” is back and is as clever as ever as he attempts to sweet talk his way into staying up past his bedtime.
Elvis the Rooster and the Magic Words
By Denys Cazet (Ages 6–8)
Each morning, Elvis demands his breakfast from the hens without a thought to saying “please” and “thank you.” A handsome peacock arrives, stealing the hens’ attention–and Elvis’ chances at getting his breakfast until he learns to be polite.
Whales on Stilts
By M.T. Anderson (Ages 9–12)
Part adventure, part science fiction, this thrilling read follows the sleuthing of 12-year-old Lily and her friends as they uncover an evil plot to develop an army of whales to conquer the world.
— Marcie Barnett, Barrington Area Library
STORIES IN SONG
New York State of Mind
By Billy Joel
Take a tour from the country into New York City along with two little dogs in this illustrated version of Billy Joel’s song. Includes CD.
Little White Duck
By Walt Whippo
It’s a busy day in the pond when the little white duck starts a commotion. Pair this book with Burl Ives’ rendition on “Burl Ives Sings Little White Duck.”
I Had a Rooster
By Laura Vaccaro Seeger
The pages are cut to build on each other as the song, about animals and the sounds they make, continues. Includes CD with title track sung by Pete Seeger.
What a Wonderful World
By George David Weiss and Bob Thiele
Ashley Bryan’s illustrations illuminate a world of children performing a puppet show with Louis Armstrong. The song is on such CDs as Louis Armstrong’s “All Time Greatest Hits.”
Howdi Do
By Woody Guthrie
An infectious attitude spreads through the neighborhood in the pages of this edition of Woody Guthrie’s classic song illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky. The song is on “This Land Is Your Land,” by Woody and Arlo Guthrie.
— Sharon Dudeck, Tinley Park Public Library
CAUDILL PICKS
A selection of books nominated for the 2007 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Award (for kids in grades 4-8).
Once Upon a Marigold
By Jean Ferris
Edrick the troll finds young Christian wandering the forest. Chris has fallen in love with Princess Marigold, who doesn’t like any of the suitors her queen mother has found for her. Will Chris have a chance?
Becoming Naomi Leon
By Pam Munoz Ryan
Naomi Soledad Leon Outlaw and her brother live happily in California with their grandmother, until one day when their mother and her boyfriend show up to take Naomi away. But Gram and the kids have run off to Mexico to find the kids’ father.
Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery
By John Feinstein
Stevie is excited to be attending the college basketball championship games in New Orleans. He hopes to meet his hero, Chip Graber. But first he overhears a conversation between Graber and a blackmailer, and realizes he has to help.
Locomotion
By Jacqueline Woodson
Lonnie Collins Motion (LoCoMotion) writes this book of poetry about things that happen every day, about his classmates, his little sister Lili, and finally about their parents’ deaths in a fire. A quick and memorable book.
Peter and the Starcatchers
By Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson
In this book about Peter Pan’s early life, Peter and other orphan boys are deckhands on the ship Never Land. Black Stache, the pirate, seeks treasure– “star-stuff” that falls from the sky and can make people fly!
— Constance VanSwol, Chicago Ridge Library
ACTUAL FACTUAL
Chameleon, Chameleon
By Joy Cowley (Ages 4-9)
Step by step, a hungry chameleon leaves his home in search of food and a new place to live. He encounters strange-looking creatures and also makes a new friend in this vivid photographic journey.
Actual Size
By Steve Jenkins (Ages 6-12)
Have you ever wanted to know just how big a great white shark’s teeth are but didn’t want to get close enough to find out for yourself? These life-size illustrations will let you see up close the size of tiny animals and parts of huge animals … including those scary teeth!
How to Be a Samurai Warrior
By Fiona MacDonald (Ages 7-10)
Imagine traveling to Japan 400 years ago in the time of the samurai warrior. See what is required of the samurai warrior and take the quiz at the end to see if this would be the right job for you.
Dot to Dot in the Sky: Stories in the Stars
By Joan Marie Galat (Ages 9-12)
The night sky reveals millions of tiny stars scattered in the dark. But if you know where to look and look closely, you can see the stars form constellations. Learn how to find them and the stories behind them and you’ll never see the night sky in the same way.
Mummies: The Newest, Coolest and Creepiest From Around the World
By Shelley Tanaka (Ages 9-13)
King Tut has plenty of company in this detailed look at mummies from around the world. Full of graphic pictures and interesting details, this captivating archeological dig through history is not for the squeamish.
— Sara Murray, Algonquin Area Public Library
CHICAGO READS
The Field Mouse and the Dinosaur Named Sue
By Jan Wahl (Ages 4-7)
Field Mouse has spent his entire life living a under a bone in the fields of South Dakota–until one day when paleontologists take it away. While searching for his former home, the mouse ends up in a crate headed for Chicago, where he eventually finds his bone in a most unusual place.
Bronzeville Boys and Girls
By Gwendolyn Brooks (Ages 8-11)
Experience the community of Bronzeville as it was in the ’50s, through the eyes of young neighborhood children. Brooks says a lot about being a kid and growing up in these simple yet eloquent poems.
Children of the Fire
By Harriette Gillem Robinet (Ages 8-12)
As the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 starts to break out across the city, 11-year-old Hallelujah escapes the watchful eye of her guardian and goes on the adventure of her life.
The Wright 3
By Blue Balliet (Ages 9-12)
In this sequel to “Chasing Vermeer,” amateur detectives Petra and Calder are joined by Calder’s best friend Tommy. As the three explore their special talents, they realize the importance of working together to unearth the mysteries that revolve around Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House in Hyde Park. Will they be in time to save the house from demolition?
House on Mango Street
By Sandra Cisneros (Ages 12 and up)
This is the story of Esperanza Cordero, told in small poetic vignettes describing her life as a Mexican-American growing up on Mango Street in Chicago. Esperanza’s voice is honest and simple as she reflects on the events of her life that are molding her into the young woman she is becoming.
— Amber Creger, Woodson Regional Library, Chicago Public Library
SIBLING REVELRY
Memories of Survival
By Esther Nisenthal Krinitz and Bernice Steinhardt (Ages 10 and up)
Moving tale of Esther Nisenthal and sister Mania’s survival in Poland during the Nazi regime. Esther’s embroidered pictures of their lives then are lush and stark. A powerful non-fiction story of sibling survival in poignant words and stunning artwork.
Toad Rage
By Morris Gleitzman (Ages 9-12)
Cane toads from Australia are hated, so much so that they are constantly run over by large vehicles and smashed flat like soda cans. One such toad, named Limpy, seeks to find out why such hatred exists and goes on a quest to try to establish cane toads as mascots at the Olympics. Never far from his thoughts is his little sister, Charm, small for her age because of pollution, but loved by her family just the same.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963
By Christopher Paul Curtis (Ages 9-13)
“Bud, Not Buddy” lovers will love this first novel about “The Weird Watsons of Flint, Mich.” Byron, 13, younger sister Joetta and 10-year-old narrator Kenny travel with their parents to visit Grandma Sands in Birmingham, Ala., where they are faced with segregation, hatred and murder.
Ish
By Peter H. Reynolds (Ages 5 and up)
Anyone who’s ever doubted his ability to create art will love this charming look at an artist who loses hope but regains it through the eyes of his sister, who sees his work as painting-ISH!
My Heartbeat
By Garret Freymann-Weyr (Ages 14-17)
Ellen, 14, wants to really know her older brother, Link. He is guarded, however, especially when it comes to his close relationship with his friend James. Beautiful novel where all question sexuality and how it defines, or does not define, who they are as people.
— Tracy Karbel, Glenside Public Library District,
FRIENDSHIP
Lost and Found
By Oliver Jeffers (Ages 4-8)
Sometimes “home” isn’t where you’re from; it’s where your friends are. The pictures are so expressive that adults might turn the pages and let the child tell them the story.
The Year of the Dog
By Grace Lin (Ages 7-11)
Pacy’s efforts to find where her Taiwanese heritage and her American life mesh takes us on a wonderful trip through her school life, to time with friends and celebrations of family.
The Boy Who Ate Stars
By Kochka (Ages 10 and up)
Twelve-year-old Lucy and her family have moved to a new apartment where she sets out to befriend everyone in the building, but then she meets autistic, 4-year-old Matthew. With the help of a cast of characters that includes a pampered pet trying to find his “inner dog” and her friend Theo, Lucy learns how to be with Matthew and to help others be with him in the midst of his sometimes confusing behavior.
The Misfits
By James Howe (Ages 11-14)
In the complex world of junior high, who others say you are can carry more weight than we’d like to believe. This group of junior high friends decides to take a stand at their school against name-calling. It’s a journey of self discovery for “the misfits” and their school, as well as for the adults in their lives.
Big Mouth & Ugly Girl
By Joyce Carol Oates (Ages 13 and up)
High schoolers Matt and Ursula are not friends–not even acquaintances, really. But when a horrible accusation is flung Matt’s way, Ursula comes forward with the truth.
— Amy Waters, Glen Ellyn Public Library
RED, WHITE AND BLUE
America the Beautiful
By Katharine Lee Bates (Ages 3 and up)
Celebrate the beauty of America’s landscape with Wendell Minor’s richly illustrated paintings.
Fourth of July Mice!
By Bethany Roberts (Ages 3-7)
Put on your red, white and blue clothes and enjoy the day with four mice. They swim, have a sack race and a picnic, and end the day with fireworks.
The Scrambled States of America
By Laurie Keller (Ages 4 and up)
The states are bored of living in the same place, so they decide to trade places.
So You Want to Be President?
By Judith St. George (Ages 8 and up)
Learn the good things and the bad things about being the president. Anyone can become the president, including you.
Uncle Chente’s Picnic/El Picnic De Tio Chente
By Diane Gonzales Bertrand
(Ages 3 to 8)
The family is thrilled to have Uncle Chente visit on the 4th of July. Then a huge rainstorm causes a power outage. How will the family celebrate now?
— Rosa Reyes Sanchez, Chicago Public Library
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THE WHOLE BOOK LIST AND MORE ON READ & WRITE ARE AT CHICAGOTRIBUNE.COM/BOOKS
Read & Write 2006
Read a book. Write a review. You may see it in the Chicago Tribune.
To enter, read a great book and write a review (no more than 150 words) or draw a picture that tells us why the book’s a must-read.
The review or drawing must include the title and author of the book; the reviewer’s name and age; and a completed, signed permission slip (below, or downloaded from chicagotribune.com/books).
Mail your submission to Chicago Tribune Read & Write, Attn. Desiree Chen, 435 N. Michigan Ave., 5th floor, Chicago, IL 60611. If you e-mail it, send it to tribmag@tribune.com. Note: If you e-mail it, you still must send the signed permission slip, as an attachment or via U.S. mail.
Entries are due July 7, 2006. Reviews may be edited by the Tribune for length and clarity. Sorry, we won’t be able to print all the reviews or return them.
PERMISSION SLIP/CHICAGO TRIBUNE READ & WRITE
I grant the Chicago Tribune permission to print, display and otherwise distribute my child’s book review and/or illustration, along with his/her first and last name, age, town of residence and school in the Chicago Tribune and/or its affiliates’ publications in any media, including electronic media.
Chicago Tribune Co. and its affiliates shall have an exclusive, irrevocable worldwide license and right to publish, copy, modify, display, distribute, perform and broadcast any material submitted by my child, in whole or in part, in any print, electronic or digital media or software of any kind now existing or developed in the future.
(Please print except where signature is requested.)
Child’s full name
Date
Street (incl. apt. #) Not for publication
City State ZIP
Home phone Not for publication
Birthdate School
Library (if applicable)
Parent/Guardian’s Parent/Guardian’s Signature
