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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Children's and Teen: 6 - 8 years old

Cover art for THE CAMPING TRIP THAT CHANGED AMERICA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 19, 2012
THE CAMPING TRIP THAT CHANGED AMERICA: THEODORE ROOSEVELT, JOHN MUIR, AND OUR NATIONAL PARKS
by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
"Wonderfully simple, sweet and engaging. (author's note, source notes) (Picture book. 7-10)"
Theodore Roosevelt's 1903 trip to the western parks included a backcountry camping trip—complete with snowstorm—with John Muir in the Yosemite Wilderness and informed the president's subsequent advocacy for national parks and monuments. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY HEART WILL NOT SIT DOWN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 10, 2012
MY HEART WILL NOT SIT DOWN
by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Ann Tanksley
"The human capacity to reach out to those who suffer is lovingly and inspiringly rendered. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A moment of communal compassion is remembered in this fictionalized retelling of a too-little-known tale. Read full book review >
Cover art for A BOY CALLED DICKENS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 10, 2012
Kirkus Star A BOY CALLED DICKENS
by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by John Hendrix
"This thoughtful and entertaining portrait offers a model for reading critically that will bear fruit as readers grow. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-9)"
Metafictive techniques and atmospheric graphite, ink and acrylic compositions effectively pull readers into the life and soul of 12-year-old Charles Dickens. Read full book review >
Cover art for STARS IN THE SHADOWS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 3, 2012
STARS IN THE SHADOWS: THE NEGRO LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME OF 1934
by Charles R. Smith Jr., illustrated by Frank Morrison
"Still, what baseball fan won't thrill at this game that included the likes of the Brown Bomber, Willie "the Devil" Wells and the Tan Cheetah? (Historical fiction. 8-12)"
Some of the best-ever baseball players face off in 1934 at the second annual Negro League All-Star game in Chicago. Read full book review >
Cover art for GEORGE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 3, 2012
GEORGE: GEORGE WASHINGTON, OUR FOUNDING FATHER
by Frank Keating, illustrated by Mike Wimmer
"Washington remains an historic hero despite flaws and defeats. These are recounted in far more accomplished biographies, and children will be better served by reading about the real man elsewhere. (author's note, artist's note, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 8-11)"
By the age of 15, George Washington had written out a list of precepts taught to him by his teachers, the "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation," by which he lived and was guided throughout his life. Read full book review >
Cover art for CALIFORNIA HISTORY FOR KIDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2012
CALIFORNIA HISTORY FOR KIDS: MISSIONS, MINORS, AND MOVIEMAKERS IN THE GOLDEN STATE
by Katy S. Duffield
"Caveat emptor. (bibliography, websites, index [not seen]) (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
The title says it all, almost, about "The Golden State," from early history to the near-present. Read full book review >