September 2011

Just Who Will You Be?: Big Question. Little Book. Answer Within. (ROUGHCUT)

By Maria Shriver 112 pages Adult

Danny Says

Why did I choose this book? Lots of reasons, but three in paricular: (1) I like Maria Shriver, and I wanted to show a bit of support for her during what must be a very rough time in her life; (2) what better way to start a new school year than to push yourself with what amounts to a terrific graduation speech; and (3) the book can be read while waiting at the doctor’s office!

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Dancing on the River: Navigating Life's Changes

By Mark Susnow 188 pages Adult

Danny Says

I read this book from cover-to-cover waiting at the airport and flying from San Jose to Los Angeles. Susnow takes a harrowing experience from his childhood and uses it as a metaphor for life lessons. Filled with practical advice that I think could really benefit all those looking to frame their lives in a more positive way.

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Sex on Six Legs: Lessons on Life, Love, and Language from the Insect World

By Marlene Zuk 272 pages Adult

Danny Says

Had to read this book, as I loved the title. I am not usually someone who is drawn to science books, but Zuk’s wonderful knack for creating intrigue at every corner while educating laypeople make her a natural teacher. Where was she when I was asleep in high school life science class? I think even arachnophobes would enjoy this book.

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Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence

By Geoffrey Canada 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Geoffrey Canada, founder of Harlem Children’s Zone, is one of my personal heroes for his work with inner-city youth. This terrific graphic adaptation of his own memoir of life on the streets is sure to attract even your most reluctant readers. Check that – it will especially entice your reluctant readers.

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Real Live Boyfriends: Yes. Boyfriends, plural. If my life weren't complicated, I wouldn't be Ruby Oliver (Ruby Oliver Quartet)

By E. Lockhart 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

The fourth in the Ruby Oliver series, this entry finds Ruby in her senior year of high school acting like her typical neurotic self. I think what sets Lockhart’s teen chick lit apart from others is that the situations are never too terrible and the humor is always high – making this ideal for teenage girl readers who are tired of reading about suicide.

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First Kiss (Then Tell): A Collection of True Lip-Locked Moments

By Cylin Busby 212 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Probably most appropriate for Valentine’s Day, this terrific collection of short stories by some of America’s leading young adult authors – from Nikki Grimes to Jon Scieszka – exposes teens to the trials, tumult and hilarity of young love.

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Mexican WhiteBoy

By Matt de la Peña 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This needs to be in every middle school teacher’s classroom library, as it is one of the best books I have read with my students that deals with the complexities of growing up biracial. Danny – yes, I like books with main characters who share my name – feels out of place in white neighborhoods and Mexican neighborhoods because he is a mix of both. This is the first book I have read by de la Pena, and I am definitely going to read a lot more.

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The Everything Kids' Baseball Book: From Baseball's History to Today's Favorite Players--With Lots of Home Run Fun in Between!

By Greg Jacobs 176 pages Children

Danny Says

The best part of the Fall is the return of football, and the worst part is the dwindling days of baseball. No worries, as this comprehensive guide will tell your kids everything they ever needed to know about the “first” America’s game.

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The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man

By Michael Chabon 40 pages Children

Danny Says

Chabon amazes me with his versatility as a screenwriter (Wonder Boys), Pulitzer Prize-winning scribe (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay) and now – children’s author. Specifically, he knows how to write in a way that gets guys interested in reading with his wonderful wit and, in this case, Jake Parker’s terrific illustrations.

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Grandpa Green

By Lane Smith 32 pages Children

Danny Says

You read it here first: congratulations to what should be the Caldecott winner for this year. I have always loved Lane Smith – his collaborations with Jon Scieszka are legendary (in fact, he won a Caldecott for the rioutous The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales), and while I have always loved Smith’s sense of humor, Grandpa Green might be his best. Readers of the hilarious Robert Munsch (author of the witty The Paper Bag Princess and the tear-jerker Love You Forever) may observe that while both author/illustrators were known for their funny books, the one they will be forever remembered by are their touching, personal stories.

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September 2011

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