Experience the most celebrated moments in sports
February 25, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
I don’t know about you, but the Winter Olympics always get me in sports mode. It’s easy to find myself glued to the TV, cheering for the United States in everything from hockey to ski jumping to snowboarding (Yay, Shaun White!).
Just in time for the Olympics comes The Greatest Moments in Sports
What’s interesting about this book is what Len Berman states in the introduction, “What were the greatest moments in sports history? Ask 25 sports fans, and you may get 25 different answers.” Throughout the book, Berman offers up some stories, stats and pictures to help spark your next debate on this very topic. Consider the greatest play in Super Bowl history…when David Tyree leaped into the air, with defensive back Rodney Harrison draped all over him. He somehow held on to the ball for an absolutely amazing 32-yard play down to the Patriots 24-yard line. Or how about when Wilt Chamberlain scored a double triple-double? What about when Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston. Phew–pretty tough, right?
What I like about this book is that not only are the highly recognizable sports stars like Jordan and Woods highlighted, but so are Roger Bannister and Nadia Comaneci. What’s also cool is that the book comes with a CD that contains the live broadcast audio of a dozen incredible moments chronicled in the book, including the U.S. Olympic hockey team’s miracle on ice and Michael Phelps breaking Mark Spitz’s Olympic swimming record. Just what you need to relive those magical moments and send chills up your arms.
So what would you call the greatest moment in sports?
About The Author:
Len Berman is a veteran sportscaster and creator of “Spanning the World,” a monthly collection of sports bloopers, which was a 20-year staple on NBC’s Today Show. Berman is the recipient of eight Emmy Awards and is a six-time winner of New York Sportscaster of the Year. His daily Top 5 email is featured in The Huffington Post and is received by thousands around the country.
Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; Har/Com edition (November 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402220995
ISBN-13: 978-1402220999
Source of review copy: Publisher
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
I and I Bob Marley
January 25, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Cover of I and I Bob Marley by Tony Medina
Tony Medina writes an interesting introductory note in I and I Bob Marley
“Bob Marley’s music is known throughout the world. On classroom visits, when I mention his name, some children are unfamiliar with it. But when I start singing the lyrics “Don’t worry about a thing,” they suddenly come alive with recognition and happily sing along…It shows how we are connected by the universal compassion of Bob Marley’s timeless message of hope.”
I think it’s amazing how widespread Bob Marley’s music is–it’s even been used as a vignette on Nick Jr., which is partly why preschoolers will recognize the song. But it’s important to teach young readers about the people who have left their mark on music and have spread their heartfelt messages through song. Bob Marley is one of those people, born in the Jamaican countryside in 1945 and who seemed special from birth. Marley emerged from the rural farmland of Nine Miles and the government yard shantytowns of Trenchtown to become one of the most important musicians the world has ever known.
Medina’s tribute to Marley is unique in that it consists of poems that follow Marley’s journey from boy to icon. Not only is this book a wonderful introduction to Bob Marley, I think it’s also a great resource to teach children about poetry. After reading each poem, the reader can flip to the back of the book, which includes a notes section that explains each poem and gives a little history on Marley. This will aid young readers in interpreting each poem and its meaning. The illustrations in this book are also beautiful and will transplant you right to the heart of Jamaica where you’ll feel as though the sun is burning down on you.
Read BookTalk with Tony Medina and Jesse Joshua Watson at Lee & Low Books
Watch the Book Trailer:
Additional Information:
Author: Tony Medina
Illustrator: Jesse Joshua Watson
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (April 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600602576
ISBN-13: 978-1600602573
Source of review copy: Publisher
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at Playing By the Book. If you’d like to see the schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day.
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
What's a Tofu Quilt?
January 4, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Cover of Tofu Quilt
Poetry books such as The Tree that Time Built, and Poetry Speaks make wonderful collections to read through at once or to pick up at a whim for inspiration. Add Tofu Quilt
This collection of free verse poems tells the story of Yeung Ying, a young girl in Hong Kong in the 1960s who, against the conventions of society and family members, aspires to become a writer. In the 1960s, Ying was tired of hearing how important boys were. She knew she could write letters and recite poems even better than her boy cousins.
It was fascinating to read the story of Ying in poetry format that reads much like a diary. Young readers will find Ying endearing and enjoy hearing how Ying spent a summer living with her uncle and cousins before she started kindergarten, how her mother used what little money the family had to send Ying to a private school, and how Ying fell in love with books and writing.
As a book lover, I have to admit, I was partial to the poem my books where Yeung Russell talks about books being her world and companions. Even though her friends tease her, she loves them because their stories make her cry and she dreams that someday she will read her own book.
Fortunately that dream came to fruition with the publication of Tofu Quilt- an inspiring collection for any poetry lover.
It’s not often that you can read the colorful experiences of daily life in another country, but in Tofu Quilt, you can step into the creativity of a young girl determined to succeed. And what’s a Tofu Quilt you might ask? You’ll just have to read the book to find out.
To learn more about Ching Yeung Russell, please visit her official website.
Find discussion questions for the book at Lee & Low’s website.
Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 136 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600604234
ISBN-13: 978-1600604232
Source of review copy: Publisher
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at Picture Book of the Day. If you’d like to see the schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day.
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
Blast Off Into Space the 3D Way
December 28, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Cover of 3-D Explorer Solar System
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1…Blast off into this fun 3D pop up book that will take you on a journey to the planets and beyond.
Our solar system consists of the sun and everything that travels through space around it, including eight planets, several smaller dwarf planets, and over a hundred moons. It’s all covered in this spectacular 3-D tour– Solar System: A Journey to the Planets and Beyond (3-D Explorer)
Young readers will learn that each planet has a distinctive environment, robotic explorers have been sent to every planet, five other planets in the solar system are bright enough to see from Earth without a telescope, and two of the most distant planets (Uranus and Neptune) were found by astronomers using telescopes. While learning all about the solar system, young readers will not only be starry-eyed over the amazing illustrations, they’ll be amazed at the 5 pop-up scenes, including a rover vehicle landing on Mars, and the space shuttle carrying astronauts to and from a space station.
If your young readers love 3-D pop up books, you might want to check out the rest of this popular 3-D Explorer series by Silver Dolphin books because as the publisher states, “No rocket or space suits are needed to embark on this educational, entertaining mission!”
Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books; Pop edition (August 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592237584
ISBN-13: 978-1592237586
Source of review copy: PR agency
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at Practically Paradise. If you’d like to see the schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day.
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
The Nuts and Bolts of The Human Body
December 14, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Cover of The Wonders Inside The Human Body
As soon as your young reader picks up The Human Body (The Wonders Inside)
There’s so much to learn about the human body, it can be extremely difficult to explain to a young reader. But The Wonders Inside has created a fascinating resource sure to interest even the toughest science students.
Young readers will learn about everything from the body to cells to skin to the brain to reproduction. The amazing illustrations complement the facts in a way that makes the information easy to digest–pun intended. For example, the two-page spread that explains the sense of smell shows a giant nose where nasal hair helps prevent dust and dirt from entering, and the two-page spread that explains taste shows a giant mouth, so readers can understand what taste buds really are.
The book features special see-through, layer-by-layer views of the body’s organs and systems. Dramatic 3-D sections and cutaways show the body from unique angles and provide additional views of its inner workings.
Your body is like a machine and The Wonders Inside will fill you in on all the nuts and bolts.
Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books (August 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1571457186
ISBN-13: 978-1571457189
Source of review copy: PR agency
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at In Need of Chocolate. If you’d like to see the schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day.
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
Not Just Another Bug Book
December 7, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Cover of TheWonders Inside Bugs & Spiders
You do not want to miss the buzz over Bugs and Spiders (The Wonders Inside)
Young readers will learn about everything from insects, things with wings, bugs, spiders, and beetles. It’s jam-packed with facts such as the mosquito has a mouthpart shaped like a needle for piercing its food, caterpillars need to eat all the time, and most insects move their wings together, but the dragonfly beats its front and back wings separately.
Everything is covered from metamorphosis to mimicry to camouflage. But what’s stunning about this book are the illustrations. Five full-page acetate pages reveal the hidden workings of different animals’ bodies and the spectacular computer-generated illustrations will have the hair on your arms standing on end. You’ll see the hairy legs of a spider, the compound eyes of a horsefly and the fuzzy body of a bee.
Whether your young reader loves dragonflies, hoverflies, locusts, cicadas, tarantulas, or more, they’ll fill their quest for knowledge in this spectacular creepy-crawly collection.
Additional Information:
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books (August 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1571459073
ISBN-13: 978-1571459077
Source of review copy: PR agency
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at Rasco from RIF. If you’d like to see the schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day.
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage
November 30, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Cover of In Her Hands The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage by Alan Schroeder
Augusta Savage is hardly known today, which is why In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage
As a young girl in Florida in the 1890s, Augusta enjoyed nothing more than playing in an open pit behind her house filled with clay. Every afternoon, she sat barefoot at the edge of the pit, sculpting little clay figures. Although her mama didn’t mind, her preacher father disapproved–even going so far as stepping on one of Augusta’s creations.
When her family moved, Augusta missed the clay pits and for nearly a year didn’t make a single clay figure. However, one day, when she was riding in a wagon with her school principal, she saw a sign that read “Chase Pottery.” Augusta knew that meant clay and ordered the wagon to stop. She ran inside, dipped her fingers into a bucket of clay and was happy once again. The potter gave her three buckets of clay to bring home, but when her father found them, he threatened to throw them away. Augusta’s mother talked him out of it and from then on, Augusta began to pursue her dream.
Augusta traveled to New York without much money, and discovered that the trick to art was “sculpting what you know.” She was accepted into the Cooper Union School of Art where she was able to hone her craft.
This picture biography is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of being an artist, but the underlying themes of not giving up on your dreams and perseverance ring true in any profession. Hopefully, through this biography, more young readers will become aware of Savage’s contribution as the “guiding light of the Harlem Renaissance.”
Additional Information:
Author: Alan Schroeder
Illustrator: JaeMe Bereal
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600603327
ISBN-13: 978-1600603327
Source of review copy: Publisher
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at The Book Nosher. If you’d like to see the schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day.
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
Encounter dinosaurs like never before
November 16, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Cover of Learning in Action Dinosaurs by John Malam
Just seeing the cover of Dinosaurs (Learning in Action)
Since the cover is just so much fun, it will encourage even the toughest of readers to pick this book up. But the fun doesn’t end there. Open the first page and you’ll be surprised to hear the roar of a newborn Eorapter that literally pops off the page with a 3-D pop-up as it hatches from its egg. I had never heard of a Eorapter until I opened this book and was fascinated to learn that this little two-legged meat-eater was one of the world’s very first dinosaurs.
But that’s just the beginning of what young readers will learn as they enter the age of dinosaurs and experience them like never before. And what I like about this book is that it will appeal to all ages. My four year-old used it as a tool to learn the names of the dinosaurs that appear in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and older readers will learn everything from what a dinosaur was to dinosaur weapons to the end of an era.
And as they learn, they’ll be fascinated at the paper engineering by Alison Gardner and James Diaz. Flip a dinosaur egg open to spy a baby dino inside, lift flaps to see a dino’s bones, stretch one of the longest dinosaur’s necks, and sink your teeth in as an Allosaurus snaps right off the page.
Not only is this book a wonderful addition to any dinosaur lover’s collection, but with the holidays right around the corner, it will make a truly memorable present. After all, there aren’t many dinosaur books that allow your young readers to see, hear and encounter prehistoric creatures while also learning so much about them.
Additional Information:
Author: John Malam
Illustrator: John Francis
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 12 pages
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books; Pop edition (August 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592239404
ISBN-13: 978-1592239405
Source of review copy: PR agency
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at Tales from the Rushmore Kid. If you’d like to see the schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day.
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
Louis Sockalexis Native American Baseball Pioneer
November 9, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Cover of Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer
Chances are if you ask anyone who the first African American baseball player was to play in the major league and break the color barrier, they’d say Jackie Robinson. However if you asked that same person who the first Native American baseball player was to play in the major league, they probably would have a blank stare.
Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer
Growing up, Sockalexis faced difficult times. Native Americans did not have the same rights as white Americans and were forced to live on reservations. He often worked alongside his father, but dreamed of becoming a major league baseball player. In the spring of 1897, Louis packed his suitcase and boarded a train to Cleveland after being offered a role in the majors. But just like Robinson, life in the major leagues was difficult. Just as Robinson would trot on the field to calls and boos, Sockalexis trotted to the field amongst Indian war cries.
Louis knew he was not only playing for himself, but all of his Penobscot people. When he smacked a homer against the Giants in 1897, Louis had won the fans’ respect.
An afterword goes on to explain that Louis was one of the most versatile players in baseball. Being the first Native American to play in the major leagues, Louis paved the way for other Native American and minority players. The story of Louis Sockalexis is one of dignity and grace –a man who fought back to show that it doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, hispanic or Native American, the love of baseball stretches far beyond race.
Additional Information:
Author: Bill Wise
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (May 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600604285
ISBN-13: 978-1600604287
Source of book: Publisher
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at Abby the Librarian. If you’d like to see the schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day.
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
How We Are Smart
November 2, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Cover of How We Are Smart by W. Nikola-Lisa
Have you ever compared yourself to others? Perhaps you’ve wondered, “Why is he good at sports and I’m not?” or “Why is she such a great ballet dancer and I’m not?”
How we are Smart
The book starts off with a letter from Nikola-Lisa and Qualls, asking the reader to think about all the people they know. “Are some really good at sports? Do others excel in art? Can some play musical instruments well?” Then they introduce readers to the eight basic ways people can be smart: body, logic, music, nature, people, picture, self, and word smart.
Then Nikola-Lisa and Qualls go on to highlight twelve fascinating people who come from many different backgrounds, and whose gifts range from physics to ballet to politics. Each person is given a full-page spread that includes a quote, short bio, illustration, and a poem that wraps up each person’s accomplishments. After each poem, Nikola-Lisa asks, “Are you smart like them?”
The back of the book gets young readers thinking about multiple intelligences and how there are different ways to express each intelligence. It includes activities, so readers can learn more about the people in the book and discover new and exciting things about themselves. This book is a gem in that it teaches the importance of self-expression, how everyone has something different to offer, and how everyone is unique. What a wonderful message to send in a world that’s so competitive.
Additional Information:
Author: W. Nikola-Lisa
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (May 1, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1584302542
ISBN-13: 978-1584302544
Source of book: Publisher
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at the Books Together blog. If you’d like to see the schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day.
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
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