Close to Shore: The Terrifying Shark Attacks of 1916

Bibliographical citation:  Capuzzo, M.  (2003). Close to Shore: The Terrifying Shark Attacks of 1916. Location: Publisher. 140 pages. ISBN: 9780375822313.

Awards: Best Fiction for Young Adults (2004)

Author's website: none

Annotation: The shark attacks that took place along the Jersey shore during the summer of 1916 forever changed people's perceptions of this elusive creature.  Michael Capuzzo chronicles the journey of this shark and helps readers to understand its actions and motivations.

Personal Reaction: Michael Capuzzo's story detailing the shark attacks of 1916 is both menacing and thrilling.  I felt a personal connection to this story having grown up vacationing along the Jersey shore my entire life and also seeing Peter Benchley's movie, Jaws, as a teenager.  It is possible that is why I was so intrigued with Capuzzo's tale that followed this shark.   How is it that a shark that typically lives in the ocean ends up in a small creek in Matawan?   Although the historical documents and newspaper articles explored in this narrative clearly show the alarm and panic this shark was causing to the public, the other aspect of the text works to illuminate the shark's way of thinking and puts readers into the mind of the shark. This helps to understand the creature's movements and behavior. For the shark, it is all about survival and survival means food. The newspaper clippings, photographs, and maps of the shorelines provide visual images to assist readers in understanding the shark's path as well as the destruction it caused.  This is a riveting and captivating story of a terrible time in history.

Front/Back Matter: Table of Contents, Epilogue, Sources and Acknowledgements, Photo Credits.

*Bibliographical citation information, award information, as well as image retrieved from www.bwibooks.com (Titletales)

Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley by Sally M. Walker

Bibliographical citation:  Walker, S. M. (2005). Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books. 112 pages. ISBN: 1575058308.

Awards:  ALA Notable Children's Books (2006), Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal (2006)

Author's website: http://www.sallymwalker.com/home.html

Annotation:  This narrative thoroughly documents the history of the Civil War submarine, the H.L. Hunley, and describes in detail the challenging project of raising the Hunley 136 years after it sank along with the meticulous study and investigation of its remains.
 
Personal Reaction:  There are so many mysteries surrounding the Civil War submarine, the H.L. Hunley.  Finally raising the ship would shed some light on these questions, wouldn't it?  Well, Sally M. Walker has created a very interesting tale of the history of this submarine.  Not only does this narrative provide so many details about how the Hunley came to be, but also provides specific explanations of how this submarine was built.  The first few missions of the submarine are described along with the crew that was on each of these missions.  Walker clarifies the scientific principles that allow a submarine to dive and then rise in water in very simple terms that are easy to understand.  Additionally, Walker simplifies the scientific methods utilized to study and remove artifacts from the submarine.  These methods, if not properly explained, would be very confusing for readers. I think that is key, especially since this title is aimed at young readers.  The Hunley's excavation was done in such a methodical and painstaking manner since scientists had to make sure to properly do things in order to avoid damaging the Hunley.  It took five years to complete the task, and the group involved had to be very careful since they had not only scientific responsibilities to this archaeological site, but also moral ones, since the H.L. Hunley was considered a war grave.  Photographs alongside the text showing the various stages of the excavation, artifacts from the submarine, and reconstructed skulls of the crew, help to tell this very fascinating and mysterious story.

Front/Back Matter: Table of Contents, Prologue, Note from the Author, Source Notes, Selected Bibliography, Websites, Photo Acknowledgements, Glossary, Index.

*Bibliographical citation information, award information, as well as image retrieved from www.bwibooks.com (Titletales)

Ben Franklin's Almanac: Being a True Account of the Good Gentleman's Life by Candace Fleming

Bibliographical citation:  Fleming, Candace (2003). Ben Franklin's Almanac: Being A True Account of the Good Gentleman's Life. New York: Antheneum Books for Young Readers.  120 pages.  ISBN: 9780689835490.

Awards: Best Fiction for Young Adults (2004), SLJ Best Books for Children (2003).

Author's website: http://www.candacefleming.com/

Annotation: Detailing the long and industrious life of Ben Franklin, Fleming's biography shows how his multitude of accomplishments and discoveries impacted the way of life during his lifetime and how, because of his ingenuity, Franklin's work still influences our lives today.

Personal Reaction: Appropriately formatted like a newspaper printed on a printing press, this biography carefully covers all aspects of Ben Franklin's life.  Snippets of information on Franklin are provided in the form of articles that can be read independently of one another.  Each chapter is dedicated to a different area of Franklin's life and is filled with photographs of his family as well as the man himself, along with handwritten letters, maps and drawings, images of his inventions and historical documents.  Fleming's story portrays Franklin's love of writing and pursuit of knowledge.  Ben Franklin was so many things in his time: Inventor, Printer, Scientist, Writer, Postmaster, Teacher, and the list goes on. 

Although a forward thinker in many ways, Ben Franklin did not see women as equals.  He loved women, but felt that they had their place both socially and educationally, and should only learn practical skills such as reading, writing, and math in that would help them with their household chores.  It is important to portray these imperfections, and in doing so, Fleming has provided an account that is true to the character of Ben Franklin the man.  The layout of this book enabling young readers to read one page at a time makes the text more accessible and less daunting.

Front/Back Matter: Table of Contents, Letter from Author, Year by Year Look at Ben's Life, Bibliography, Picture Sources, Books about Ben for Young Readers, Web Sites about Ben, Index.

We Are The Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson

Bibliographical citation: 

Nelson, K.  (2008).  We Are The Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball.  New York: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children. 88 pages.  ISBN: 9780786808328.

Awards: Orbus Pictus Honor (2009), Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal (2009), Caldecott Medal (2009), Coretta Scott King Awards (2009), ALA Notable Children's Books (2009), SLJ Best Books for Children, (2008).

Author's website: http://www.kadirnelson.com/

Annotation: Using dialogue and rich oil paintings, Nelson conveys the struggles of Negro League Baseball and its players' love of the game.  Their contributions to today's game of baseball are sizeable and were accomplished despite subjection to oppression, hatred, and prejudice.

Personal Reaction:  Kadir Nelson writes this story as if he was having a conversation with the reader, thus making it very engaging and easy to read. He outlines the struggles of Negro baseball players and their dedication to play because of their love of the game and describes their perseverance in the face of bigotry.  Nelson takes the time to state each player's name and discusses each of them individually in order to emphasize all of the untapped talent within these men and the lengths that they would go to in order to play baseball. 

One focus of the story is upon Rube Foster's involvement in pushing the Negro leagues to become more organized and professional.  It is his quote that Nelson uses in the title of this book, "We are the ship, all else the sea" (Nelson, p. 9).  The idea of the ship just being one small object in an enormous body of water is a great analogy to what the Negro Leagues had to endure.  Ships must do battle with the sea as they are tossed and turned by the waves and only the strong will survive.  It is Foster's impact and determination that helped to move the leagues forward and get the recognition they deserved.  Beautiful oil painting capture the essence of this narrative, the subjects filled with so much expression that the characters look alive, almost like photographs.  It is also important to comment on the format of the book.  Instead of chapters, the book is cleverly broken down into "Innings."  It contains 9 innings and the last part is called "Extra Innings."

The focus of the 9th inning is on Jackie Robinson and his contributions not only to baseball but to the struggles of African Americans and their rights.  Robinson's success in the sport makes him an important part of this history.  It is fitting to end this story with an emphasis on Jackie Robinson since he is the link from that period of time to current baseball history and what the major leagues are today.  Kadir Nelson has skillfully weaved a piece of art to not only represent this history, but to display the beginning of integration in baseball. This title will definitely appeal to young readers of all interests, and especially to those with a love of baseball.  Can you tell that I really loved this book?

Front/Back Matter: Foreword (by Hank Aaron), List of Negro Leagues who made it to Major Leagues and Baseball Hall of Fame, Author's Note, Acknowledgements, Bibliography, Filmography, Endnotes, Index.

*Bibliographical citation information, award information, as well as image retrieved from www.bwibooks.com (Titletales)

Witches! The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem by Rosalyn Schanzer

Bibliographical citation:  Schanzer, R. (2011). Witches!  The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society. 144 pages. ISBN: 9781426308697.

Awards: Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2012), ALA Notable Children's Books (2012), SLJ Best Books for Children (2011).

Author's website: http://www.rosalynschanzer.com/

Annotation: This account of the Salem Witch Trials reads like a novel and is chock full of facts, transcripts from trials, confessions, and letters from both the accusers and accused.  The extraordinary artwork and clever text attract and engage readers.

Personal Reaction: Rosalyn Schanzer writes about a time in history that she refers to as a "disaster."  This term could not be more appropriate considering the horrible injustices that occurred and the disgusting conditions that those accused of witchcraft were forced to endure.  Although this topic is not new to me, I am always shocked at how easy it was for people to be accused and tossed into jail. In her narrative, Shanzer pulls readers into the panic and frenzy created by these accusations through using dialogue and pictures.  The scratchbord pictures really convey the themes within the text as well as the emotions and anguish of those accused, and the sadness of the story is also expressed through these images as well as the format of the book.  Its dark colors reflect the nature of the story (intended of course), and the size of the book reminds me of a small pocket bible or book that may have been used in the 1600s (coincidence?  I think not.)  All of these elements combined are what make this text fascinating for young readers.

Front/Back Matter: Table of Contents, A Few Accused Witches in Order of Appearance, Some Afflicted Accusers & Other Witch Hunters, Preface, Notes, Bibliography, Index, Note from the Author.

*Bibliographical citation information, award information, as well as image retrieved from www.bwibooks.com (Titletales)

Teen Cyberbullying Investigated: When Do Your Rights End and Consequences Begin? by Judge Thomas A. Jacobs

Bibliographical citation: Jacobs, T.A.  (2010).  Teen Cyberbullying Investigated: Where Do Your Rights End and Consequences Begin? Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishers. 195 pages. ISBN: 9780329776305.

Awards: n/a

Author's website: http://www.askthejudge.info/about/

Annotation: Using landmark court cases, this title discusses the outcome of cases involving students using technology to bully, threaten, or harass others via email, text or online sites.  Readers are asked to consider both personal rights and the rights of others.

Personal Reaction: What is interesting about this book is that Judge Jacobs presents numerous cases involving teens of all ages and discusses the initial situation, the reaction by school administration, the legal process that was taken, and the final outcome. He also follows up by discussing what the teen is doing now and how the incident has affected their lives. For example, several of the cases that he discusses are situations where teens created websites in order to heckle/badmouth teachers, administrators or fellow students. Jacobs discusses whether or not rights of the people involved were violated and what can or cannot be done. Did these individuals break the law? Or are they simply exercising their first amendment rights of free speech? It is a lot more technical than you think. These cases clearly show how intricate and individual each situation is. One of the questions asked is whether or not school was disrupted due to these websites? That is one of the many deciding factors in whether or not the student can be charged with breaking the law. Many of these cases are landmark, so pay close attention.

Front/Back Matter: Acknowledgements, Note regarding offensive language, Table of Contents, Foreword, Glossary of Terms, Additional Web Resources, Sources, Index.

 *Bibliographical citation information, award information, as well as image retrieved from www.bwibooks.com (Titletales)

The Elephant Scientist by Caitlin O'Connell & Donna M. Jackson

Bibliographical citation:

O'Connell, C. & Jackson, D.M.  (2011).  The Elephant Scientist.  New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.  70 pages.  ISBN: 9780329926311.

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Books (2012), Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2012).

Author's website: http://www.caitlineoconnell.com/index.php
                               http://www.donnamjackson.net/

Annotation: Rich, candid photographs and a cohesive, fluent narrative provide an exciting and comprehensive study of elephants in their natural environment.  O'Connell's enthusiasm for her research is evident and infectious as she explores the complexity of these great land animals.
 

Personal Reaction: The combination of Caitlin O'Connell's passion for the study of elephants and the artistry of her photographs is what makes this book so intriguing and enjoyable.  O'Connell's love for these (mostly) gentle giants shows in this documented study.  This title explains and defines every aspect of elephant culture in great detail.  The fact that every page contains beautiful photographs depicting exactly what is being described helps readers to understand the science in this research.  Of course this title was written for kids, but I feel that it does such an excellent job of explaining and then proving the scientific theory of how elephants interpret the vibrations that they feel with their feet.  I honestly don't think that I would understand it otherwise.  O'Connell and her team spent countless hours investigating, studying, and analyzing the movements and reactions of these elephants, and it shows in this thorough yet uncomplicated representation. Each photograph links readers to the narrative and captures their attention. 

Where I initially thought of elephants individually, I now understand how they function as families or family units.  Every action that each individual elephant takes has to do with the entire group.  They take care of their own and work together to find food and to keep each other safe.  Until now, I never appreciated that elephants are amazingly intelligent and compassionate creatures.

Front/Back Matter: Acknowledgements, Photo Credits, Map of observation area, Table of Contents, Explorations (other resources such as books, dvds, web links and videos of experiments), Pachyderm Terms, Selected Source Notes, Index.

 *Bibliographical citation information, award information, as well as image retrieved from www.bwibooks.com (Titletales)

An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 by Jim Murphy

Bibliographical citation: 

Murphy, Jim.  (2003).  An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. New York: Clarion Books.  165 pages.  ISBN: 9780395776087.

Awards: ALA's Notable Children's Books (2004), Best Fiction for Young Adults (2004), Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (2004), Newbery Honor (2004), Orbis Pictus Award (2004), Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal (2004), SLJ Best Books for Children (2003).

Author's website: http://www.jimmurphybooks.com/

Annotation: Jim Murphy's story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 helps readers to frankly understand the gruesome, frightening, and devastating impact this plague had upon the city of Philadelphia and how it forever changed its society, government, and medical community.

Personal Reaction: This title offers a riveting and alarming account of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 that struck the city of Philadelphia.  Jim Murphy describes in detail the panic and struggle of the city's inhabitants to try to avoid and survive this plague and spends a lot of time describing in detail the city's squalid conditions, the physical horrors of this disease, and in many cases, the botched medical treatment received by victims of this illness due to the lack of knowledge about the infection.  Also included in this account is a record of those individuals who remained behind and tried their best to help others and assume leadership in the city despite the excessive risk and danger of contracting this disease themselves simply by remaining. 

Since there was no understanding of how Yellow Fever was contracted, there were many ideas and rumors that the fever only affected those of certain religion or cultural background. Murphy explores the various opinions of why it is was believed that certain people were affected. He also examines the communities of people who throughout history were scapegoats that were blamed for the spread of this disease simply because they were refugees or immigrants.  Many believed that there was no way that "such a terrible killer could originate in their hometown" (Murphy, p. 126).  The last chapter in the book offers a comprehensive look at Yellow Fever throughout history and how it still remains a potential threat to us today.  Overall, this title offers an attention grabbing and thought provoking story of the epidemic that most definitely would engage its intended audience.

Front/Back Matter: Table of Contents, Map of the City of Philadelphia, Page from The Philadelphia Directory, Source Notes, Acknowledgements, Index.

 *Bibliographical citation information, award information, as well as image retrieved from www.bwibooks.com (Titletales)

How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous by Georgia Bragg

Bibliographical citation: Bragg, Georgia.  Illustrated by Kevin O'Malley. (2011).  How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous. New York: Walker & Co.  184 pages.  ISBN: 9780802798176

Awards: YALSA 2012 Nonfiction Award Nomination, ALA Notable Children's Books (2012), IRA Children's Book Award (2012).

Author's website: http://georgiabragg.com/

Annotation:  Aimed towards tween and teen readers, this book clears up many of the legends surrounding the deaths of famous people throughout history, instead providing real and more accurate medical diagnoses along with reasons for illness and subsequent death.

Personal Reaction: This title was quite interesting and definitely a good choice for those who do NOT have weak stomachs. (The Introduction has a warning that states: If you don’t have the guts for gore, do not read this book.) The book works to dispel many of the myths about the deaths of famous people in history while supplying more likely reasons and/or a diagnosis where appropriate. This book contains quite a bit about the medical methods of earlier times which will lead you to believe (rightly so!) that you are lucky to have access to modern medicine. The author's use of layman's terms in describing these illnesses as well as the cartoon illustrations scattered throughout the book help to give straightforward explanations and somewhat lighten the subject of death.  The illustrations supply a visual image that accompanies the explanation of death, clarifying medical procedures and historical facts.  A tombstone on the front page of each chapter provides the profession of each individual, as well as the dates and places of both birth and death.  Also provided are random facts that may or may not have to do with the individual being discussed in each chapter.  For example, the chapter on George Washington also provides the unrelated information, "Presidential Death Facts" and "Faces on American Money." The chapter also offers "dos & don'ts of  bloodletting" which does directly apply to the information gathered regarding Washington's death.  Overall, this title is sure to capture and keep the attention of the tween/teen audience it is intended for with its witty humor, sarcastic narration and just plain gross facts.

Front/Back Matter: Table of Contents, Introduction, Connections, Acknowledgements, Source Notes, Further Reading and Surfing, Index.

 *Bibliographical citation information, award information, as well as image retrieved from www.bwibooks.com (Titletales)

Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman

Bibliographical Citation:  Heiligman, D.  (2009).  Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith.  New York: Henry Holt & Company. 268 pages. ISBN: 9780805087215.

Awards:

Best Fiction for Young Adults (2010)

Booklist Editor's Choice (2009)

Michael L. Printz Honor (2010)

SLJ Best Books for Children (2009)

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults-Winner (2010)

Author Website: http://deborahheiligman.com/

Annotation:  Charles and Emma Darwin couldn't be more different from each other in their religious and scientific beliefs.  This story of their love and devotion shows how their marriage endures Charles's pursuit of the theory of evolution despite Emma's religious convictions.

Personal Reaction:    Prior to reading this book, I knew absolutely nothing about Charles Darwin's personal life and family.  The author, Deborah Heiligman, pulls readers in to the life of Charles and Emma Darwin from the moment that Charles draws a line down the middle of a piece of paper, writing "Marry" on one side and "Not Marry" on the other.  Charles is very practical in deciding what would suit him best, but once he decides that he would like the idea of someone sharing his life with him, there's only the matter of hoping that the woman he has in mind will say yes.  Emma and Charles Darwin had a 43 year marriage that worked extremely well for them, despite the fact that Emma was very religious and Charles did not believe in God but instead was constantly exploring scientific theories concerning evolution that during the Victorian era were quite controversial.  Each of them respected the other's beliefs, and Emma always supported Charles in his studies of science, although at times she was afraid for his soul.  Together they raised their children in a happy, open minded environment, and it was only their strong love for each other that helped them to survive family tragedy more than once.  Right up until the end they remained devoted to one another as well as their family.  Emma was always Charles's greatest supporter and most honest editor. 

Front/Back Matter: Table of Contents, Foreword, Acknowledgements, Family Trees, Source Notes, Selected Bibliography, Index.

 *Bibliographical citation information, award information, as well as image retrieved from www.bwibooks.com (Titletales)