April 2016

I have my friend, Janice Gerson, to thank for introducing me to this lovely book. A smash in 1981 in Japan, the book is an autobiographical account of Kuroyanagi, who was Japan’s equivalent of Oprah. Gorwing up in World War II, she was expelled from school in first grade and placed in what turned out to be the most engaging and beautiful “special” school that recognized her uniqueness. I had tears in my eyes reading this book – as the school, Tomoe Gakuen, and its headmaster, Mr. Kobayashi, represent all that education can be. This may be one of the most touching books I have ever read, and I have sending copies to scores of friends.

Why wouldn’t Stan Lee create a graphic novel autobiography? The creator of virtually every recognizable superhero, Lee represents all that is good about the human spirit. His zest for life, kindness, sense of justice…this is a man all of us can learn from. Learning that he does not receive royalties for all of the iconic characters that he has created made me livid, yet Lee takes it all in stride. A book that truly delivers on its title.

I’m not sure why, but I have been reading a lot of novels set in World War II recently. This book is remarkably written and vividly depressing, as it sets a tone for war from a foot soldier’s point of view that is reminiscent of All Quiet on the Western Front.

Newbery Honor book that pits 13-year-old Matt, a white settler, with Attean, a Native American boy in the 1700s. Matt teaches Attean how to read in English, and Attean teaches Matt how to survive in the wilderness. An unlikely friendship ensues, and Matt faces a difficult choice in this highly-popular book among middle school students.

Katie tries to fit in with the “cool” kids at her high school by drinking, starving herself to death, etc. Cindy struggles with depression while maintaining a cool character on the outside. They are just two of the ten girls profiled in this book about the real issues facing many teen girls, with advice on how to deal with such situations. A good read for parents of teen girls, as well.

A collection of Twilight Zone-style creepy tales for pre- and early adolescent boys, often written with wicked humor and sure to delight many reluctant readers.

I have a philosophy about helping struggling boys to read: when in doubt, hand them a Gary Soto novel. This collection of stories for upper elementary and middle school boys deals with the every day issues they face – and adults are too often embarrassed to discuss.

This book had me at the description: “the high stakes of low blood sugar.” Fantastic!

Wonderfully illustrated introduction to entice your children to learn more about geography, something every American should contemplate.

With fun illustrations by Jennifer Black Reinhardt, this book reviews animal word pairs in a silly, engaging way.