Our California by Pam Munoz Ryan (Grades 3-6)
Pam Munoz Ryan, a celebrated California writer of children’s literature, has created a book of poetry highlighting some of California’s major cities and regions. This collection of poetry focuses on the geography of 14 different locales using rhyme to bring these places to life for young readers. Famous events as well as the geography of these areas are presented in the format of poetry. State symbols are also included which could help lead in an academic atmosphere to a discussion of the use of symbols to represent an idea, place, person, etc. This book would also lend itself to addressing the common core standards for language arts that deal with poetry such as activating prior knowledge about local areas and retelling events based on information acquired from the text.
The book includes beautiful, bold paintings by Rafael Lopez which are representative of the artwork commonly seen in California locales. Pam Munoz Ryan is a well-respected author well known for her books such as Esperanza Rising and Riding Freedom.
Jake Drake, Bully Buster by Andrew Clements (Ages 7-10 years)
In this short chapter book, the main character named Jake is in fourth grade. He reminisces about his encounter with bullies starting in preschool. The story line is well constructed as the reader sees Jake on a daily basis learning how to cope with the painful existence of bullying.
Jake is required, at one point, to create a project with another student who has been bullying him at school. The two boys have to meet at the bully’s home, and it is in this environment that Jake begins to understand what motivates his tormentor. This book provides an interesting, youthful look at a problem facing society today.
Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo (Young Adult and Adult Novel)
Alina Starkov, the main character of this mystical fantasy, is an orphan living in a region called Ravka. Alina is a mapmaker who is taken with her best friend, Mal, to fight in the First Army. The setting is based on Tsarist Russia in the late 1800s.
Alina and Mal are forced to fight the Volcra which are vicious, mysterious creatures that feed on human flesh. These creatures exist in the Shadow Fold. which is an impenetrable darkness which threatens Ravka and the entire region. During this battle, a unique feature of Alina comes to light, and she is taken to the royal court where her “gifts” can be better assessed and cultivated.
It is here where the depth of the story begins to unfold and the possible romance begins. Alina is drawn to the Darkling, the head of the mystical elite. Even though she feels this attraction something warns her to be cautious and skeptical of him. This relationship and Alina’s possible powers help to create a fascinating story.
Shadow and Bone is the first of a trilogy written by Leigh Bardugo. Her characters are well drawn and the plot line is fast moving and intricate.
About the Reviewer: Kathy Larabell, volunteer book reviewer and a member of the Friends of the San Benito County Free Library states that “I am an educator who recently retired from an extensive career in teaching. Most of my teaching time was spent in middle school teaching language arts which I love. Reading has been my passion along with music and travel since I was a young girl. I hope you enjoy these reviews and these wonderful, creative books.”