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November
2001 Vol.2 Issue 11
This
month's book reviews
A
historical novel that combines
a geography lesson with adventure
"Star in
the Storm" by Joan Hiatt Harlow is a great adventure
story told by an author who calls on her own childhood memories
and the stories told by her family members. She obviously
loves Newfoundland and manages to weave much of the island's
lore into her story of Maggie and her great dog, Sirius.
"Star in
the Storm" is a well-reviewed paperback that has been
called "a dog story in the best tradition of the genre."
The book has a variety of strengths. Even though it is billed
as "historical fiction," in addition it should help
involve a child in the geography of North America. It should
appeal to kids because it concerns a young heroine who is
trying hard to relate to the world of adults and cope with
the variety of problems that adults lay on kids without even
being aware of it.
I suspect that
many parents who purchase this little paperback for their
child to read will end up reading it also and enjoying it
immensely.
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An
offbeat book for kids that like
offbeat, roller coaster ride type stories
An adult can
get some idea of what kind of book "The Cookie Company"
is by reading about its author, Ross Venokur. He claims that
in his life he has had the following jobs: hot air balloon
blower, llama roper, macaroni-and-cheese reviewer, mood catcher,
rainbow suspender tester, banjo picker, sand and dirt organizer,
pixie chaser, superhero trainer, grass grazer, and horseradish
sculptor. Of all his many occupations, he says he likes being
a writer the best. With this kind of claim by an author, you
ought to have a pretty good idea of the kind of book we are
talking about here. If your head is screwed on tightly when
you start this book, it might be loose when you've finished
it. Don't say you weren't warned. Your kid will probably love
it!
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A
novel that brings the events of
December 7th, 1941 to life for kids
"A Boy at
War," by Harry Mazer is a paperback novel that describes
the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor in a way that today's kids
can relate to. The main character in the story is Adam Pelko,
the teen-age son of a naval officer newly assigned to the
battleship Arizona in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The novel presents
a sympathetic treatment of the problems of growing up as a
kid in a military family, with the constant readjustments
called for as the father is reassigned from one station to
another.
Of course, the
novel vividly describes the surprise attack on a Sunday morning,
but, in addition, it puts young Adam Pelko right in the middle
of all the action. He and two teen-age friends were fishing
in a small boat in the harbor when the attack occurred. Events
are so hectic that the young boy is pressed into service to
help with rescue operations during that terrible day.
The novel sensitively
treats other troublesome happenings. It deals with the backlash
against Japanese Americans and the way it was handled in Hawaii
in contrast to the treatment of Japanese on the mainland.
Adam's father, as an officer on the Arizona, goes down with
the ship in the harbor and is listed as "lost in action."
Adam has to help his mother and younger sister, along with
himself, to adjust to their loss. It is a "coming of
age" book built around the December 7th attack that brought
the USA into World War II.
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An
inexpensive and entertaining biography
of one of America's most famous figures
Peter and Connie
Roop have authored about sixty fiction and non-fiction books
for kids. Connie Roop teaches high school science and Peter
had been an elementary teacher for twenty-five years. In 1987,
Peter was named Wisconsin State Teacher of the Year, but he
is now a full time author and speaker. With their two children,
they have been traveling in their spare time, with the intent
of visiting all of the continents.
In their 127
page paperback biography of Benjamin Franklin, the Roops show
that all that background enables them to tell an often-told
story in a way that should hold the attention of a modern
middle school kid. The book is not just a piece of fluff either.
It is indexed and presents a summary chronology of events
in Benjamin Franklin's long life. For the youngster who is
doing a serious term paper, there is a listing of sources
and website addresses. As a bonus, the book would be worthwhile
reading for those parents who want to read what their child
is reading.
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