This Month's Book Reviews

A dog story contains a sensitive and insightful look
at the Vietnam War

Kids' author Patti Sherlock in "Letters from Wolfie" captures much better than is presented in adult novels the ambivalence that developed during the Vietnam War on the part of the American public. Through the story of a boy and his dog, she shows how the gradual change in sentiment of the average patriotic American unfolded as the War ran its course.

A young reader can relate to the confusion of Mark, the main character, as he worries about his dog, his father's hawkish stand on the War, his mother's anti-war stance, and his brother's bitterness upon his return wounded from what he has come to view as a war that cannot be won. Mark's dog, Wolfie, turns out to be just another victim in a war that most Americans eventually came to see as a war that the U.S. should never have been in. By telling all of this from the viewpoint of a twelve-year-old, the author makes it possible for kids of today to have a better understanding of this important era of the nation's recent past. She does it without being strident or imposing on the reader her own judgment regarding the War.

A kids' novel that looks at how one kid
can con and use other kids

Todd Strasser, author of "CON-fidence," is a writer who has written a number of successful novels for kids. This one looks at how a middle school girl looking to be popular makes herself vulnerable to another girl who is manipulative and without conscience. The culminating "crime" is when the con artist lets the story's naïve heroine take the blame for embezzled class funds. The lesson is harsh, but the author's intent is to alert young readers to the concept that "popularity" is often only in the eyes of the beholder. Personal integrity is a much more valued asset.

A boy's eating too much chocolate
has some unusual consequences

Some books are written in such a manner as to keep their readers laughing all the way through. "Chocolate Fever" by Robert Kimmel Smith is just such a book. The author sneaks in some lessons on courage, helping others, taking things in moderation, and even racial prejudice. Still, the main intent is to keep young readers laughing. This is another great "read-aloud" book, especially for fourth and, maybe, fifth graders. After hearing it read to them, many will want to read it again on their own.

Story about a genius girl advocates
doing away with competitive learning

Andrew Clements, author of "The Report Card," is a best-selling children's author. Most of his books deal with kids' school-related activities. This one deals with a genius-level girl who wants to keep her high level abilities under cover so that everyone, including her family, perceives her as just a regular kid. Clements uses the girl's "problem" as a device to put the spotlight on schools' practice of pitting kids against each other competitively in earning grades. Clearly, he thinks there ought to be a better way to promote learning - especially cooperative learning. What is unusual about "The Report Card" is that the advocate for doing away with competitive grading is a girl who could always be at the top of the heap without even trying.