4 different titles

Up the Learning Tree
Henry is a slave who wants more than anything to learn to read. But the plantation master has threatened to cut off the fingers of those trying to learn. Henry devises a way to learn to read despite the threat of getting hurt. Would you take the same risks Henry takes just to learn to read? Frederick Douglass is quoted as saying, "Once you learn to read you will be forever free." What do you think that means?


Knockin’ on Wood
Knockin’ on Wood Starring Peg Leg Bates features a famous African American whose notoriety came from his talent at dance, tap, and rhythm. Oddly enough, as a youngster, he had his leg amputated in an accident, and so developed his talent using a wooden stick with a rubber bottom that his uncle whittled for him. The most fascinating detail shared in this story is that this infamous dancer was actually born in South Carolina. Somebody look it up and find out where he lived in SC. What other interesting facts did you learn about “Peg Leg” Bates?

American Moments: Scenes from American History
I love the illustrations in the book. They are photographs of sculptures! Each entry puts me right into the mind of the person from the memorable event in history. My favorite illustration was the Lewis & Clark one. The sculptor even has footprints in the sand, so you can tell he paid a lot of attention to detail. My favorite moment described is the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It was very suspenseful. Tell me what you like or dislike about this book.

Promises to Keep
Sharon Robinson tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the player who broke the color barrier for major league baseball. She helps readers understand the history behind African Americans and their journey to becoming equal citizens. She has many original photos and newspaper clippings shown in the book, and it really helps you understand the challenges that Jackie Robinson and his family faced during his life. Well done!

Ida B

Ida B. has a lot of change coming her way. This story told by Ida B. lets you inside her head and her thoughts. Ida B is a planner, even in her darkest moments. The title alone made me want to finish the book once I started. I finished it in one sitting, all 246 pages! This book, Ida B...and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save The World will make you really think about the way people handle change, for the good or bad. Are you like Ida B. in any way?

Operation Clean Sweep

Corn is in quite a dilemma in this turn of the century story. Operation Clean Sweep sets his parents against each other in an election for mayor. Corn, who can't decide which parent he wants to win, is also stuck in a secret about the election and his Mom's involvement. The time period is when women in Oregon had just been allowed to vote, and not all states were allowing that yet. Corn feels like he's in a no win situation. Have you ever been in a similar situation? Corn also shares his feelings about the U.S. involvement in the great war going on. Students can learn a little history behind the Women's Suffrage movement and more.

Buttermilk Hill

Piper has to face a divorce between her parents, but relies heavily on her best friend Lindy, who happens to be her exact same age, but also her aunt. They befriend Bucky, a poor kid from a neighborhood called Tacky Town. Piper feels left out of both her parents' new lives. Her mother has taken a new job and gone back to college, and doesn't seem to have time for Piper. Her father remarries, and now she has two stepbrothers, and her stepmother adds a baby to the family. Piper's only release is to be with her friends and write poetry. But Bucky has plenty of drama to take her mind off her own family issues. I had to get the tissues out for the end of this one. Tell me what you like about it?

The Young Man and the Sea

Finally! A book about fishing that I liked. I am not a fishing fan, though I know many are. The main character, Skiff, has had his fishing boat sink, and needs to raise enough money to buy a new engine. He decides to catch and sell lobsters all summer, which he knows how to do, to raise the funds. But a town bully rich kid, ruins his lobster traps. His father who stays mostly drunk when he’s not grieving over the recent death of his Mom is no help. Skiff then hears about a local man who caught a large tuna while deep sea fishing that was worth enough to replace his engine and more. Skiff decides to take a small boat deep sea fishing for a tuna. He has little experience or know-how but a lot of desire. Read about Skiff's deep sea fishing expedition which almost cost him everything, including his life.

Niagara Falls, or Does it?

Wow--what a great story to start the school year off! This book actually begins on the first day of school for Hank, the main character. Hank is not a real fan of school, but you'll have to read the story to find out why. Could it be his sour fourth grade teacher, the principal with a mole that reminds him of the Statue of Liberty (minus her lamp!), or a bully named Nick? Northside students will definitely like this story because Hank finds out that expressing himself with music and creativity come easiest for him, while writing and spelling make him struggle. Now that Northside is called Northside Elementary School of the Arts, this book really fits our school. Hank meets a brand new music teacher who taps right in to Hank's school problems, giving him a way to express himself best. Tell me what you think of Hank's "big splash" in the story!

More interesting notes: Henry Winkler (a co-author) of this story is widely know in film, movies, and tv shows. I remember him best as "Fonzi" from a sitcom show called Happy Days. I used to watch it religiously every Tuesday night as a child! I also remember him from the summer blockbuster "Holes." Henry Winkler was Stanley's father, the one who was so intent on discovering a cure for stinky feet. Who knew not only was he a successful actor and movie star, but he's also a successful writer too. Now I AM impressed! But I learned something else about Mr. Winkler. He had some of the same problems that Hank has in the story. Can anyone read this book and research to tell me what similar problems Mr. Winkler and Hank share?