Gum in My Hair: How to Cope with Bullying Version 2.0. DVD. 21:22 min. with tchr’s. guide. Twisted Scholar. 2012. ISBN 978-0-9837899-2-5. $69.95.
Gr 4-9–The host of this entertaining and effective program uses lighthearted humor to help kids learn about bullying—what it looks like, who are the perpetrators, and how it can be prevented. Approximately half of all kids have been bullied and the same amount of kids has bullied others. The video host, along with students who have been bullied and two experts in the field, dispel common myths and share strategies for bullying prevention. Professional recommendations cover the importance of avoiding the bully, exuding self-confidence, cultivating friendships, telling the bully to stop and drawing attention to the behavior, and telling a trusted adult. This program sends an important message that bullying is not to be tolerated in our schools and that everyone has a responsibility to prevent it. Originally produced in 2003 and used in thousands of schools, this updated version features new research about the role of bystanders and the importance of having allies, new interviews with Leslie Walker, MD, and sociologist Pepper Schwartz, and more. This program should be required viewing for every upper elementary and middle school student.–Amanda Rollins, Northwest Village School, Plainville, CT
R. L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour, Vol. 1 & 2. 2 DVDs. approx. 2 hrs. ea. Shout!Factory. 2012. ISBN 978-1-60399-841-3/ ISBN 978-1-60399-842-0. $14.97 ea.
Gr 4-9–Each volume in “R. L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour” series, currently airing on The Hub TV Network, features five 20-minute episodes from the first season that combine creepy, spine-thrilling adventures with problems children face. In the two-part episode, “Really You,” in the first volume, a spoiled child learns a valuable lesson about love when her doll threatens to take her place. “The Dead Body” is a spooky ghost story. A Santa grants a boy’s wish by destroying his home in “A Creature Was Stirring,” and a werewolf father protects his daughter with a silver necklace in “Nightmare Inn.” The second volume continues with the spookiness and focuses mainly on the theme of friendship. “Red Dress” reveals that everything comes with a price, while “Game Over” and “Alien Candy” demonstrate that friends are our most valuable resource. “The Walls” and “Ghostly Stare” deal with greed. While all the stories may not end happily-ever-after, problems are faced head-on and valuable lessons are often learned. These spooky adventures feature guest stars such as Bailee Madison, Calum Worthy, and Grayson Russell. With its fine acting and mild scare factor, these episodes are sure to be popular with tweens and young teens.–Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY
The Americans on D-Day. DVD. 56 min. with tchr’s. guide on CD. Prod. by Labyrinth Media & Pub. Dist. by Livingbattlefield.org. 2012. ISBN 978-0-615-67814-6. $25.
Gr 7 Up–The June 1944 assault on Hitler’s Fortress Europe by Allied military forces is remembered as a pivotal point in 20th-century history. This well-crafted documentary takes an unusual approach to explaining the planning and execution phases of the invasion. In addition to the usual assemblage of vintage still images and film footage, the producers attempt to bring viewers to the front lines as a contemporary battlefield guide leads us into the foray as he assumes the roles of various soldiers—American as well as German— taking part in combat. Supplemented by a well-formulated mix of credible re-creations, interviews with actual participants on both sides, and crisp graphics, the audience is on the Normandy battlefields as well as in airborne gliders and naval landing craft as were the combatants on this horrifying day. While the content focuses on American forces, the larger picture clearly emerges and concludes with a moving visit to the vast American cemetery in Normandy. In covering World War II, only select highlights of the offensive are presented so that the film can be used within classroom periods. This film is also available as part of a trilogy—The American Road to Victory—which includes coverage of the Battle of the Bulge as well as the Allied push into Germany. Options include chapter selection, closed-captioning, and descriptive video as well as two extra segments on weapons, training, and the uniforms of this campaign. The accompanying CD includes basic lesson/activity suggestions. Even though the tour guide can be a bit overly intense at times, this is a solid purchase for all media collections.–Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL
Otto Frank, Father of Anne. DVD. 75 min. MVD Entertainment Group. 2012. ISBN unavail. $119.97.
Gr 9 Up–Anne Frank’s diary has been translated into more than 67 languages and, as a result of her father’s persistence, it has become the world’s greatest single document about the Holocaust. In David DeJongh’s revealing documentary, we meet Otto, Anne’s father, who was an officer in Germany’s army during WW I. The family fled to Holland during Hitler’s reign, and Anne’s diary was written while they were in hiding. Otto survived Auschwitz and was disconsolate over losing his daughters and wife. But his life took on a singular, passionate purpose when Anne’s diary anonymously came to him. He edited the diaries and doggedly pursued publishers to print the book. Finally, faced with rejection, he paid for the printing of the initial editions. Firsthand interviews and rare footage from Europe reveal controversies and battles unimagined by the Diary’s readers. There were also lawsuits over stage and screen rights. Testimonies revealing the Franks’ life in hiding and Otto’s own bias favoring his younger daughter contribute to a compelling investigation of a father’s mission to make his daughter’s voice heard. This film offers conflicting accounts form eyewitnesses about the events surrounding Anne and her diary as well as source material that is sure to spark discussion and debate. An excellent addition to Holocaust collections.–Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY
Carter’s Unfocused, One-Track Mind. By Brent Crawford. 7 CDs. 8:06 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-61106-285-4. $59.97.
Gr 9 Up–Will Carter returns as a sophomore to Merrian High after summer vacation, and his 15-year-old male hormone induced ADD is at a record high. He’s still in love with Abby, who has been accepted into the prestigious New York Drama School. She encourages Carter to apply, much to the initial dismay of his mother—he’s leaving “just when he is getting fit to live with.?? The possibility of moving to New York—and being alone with Abby—catapults Carter’s goldfish-like attention span to become focused on reaching his goals: raising a plummeting GPA (albeit with the help of numerous Saturday detentions) and being accepted at NYDS. A handful of side stories fill in the school year. Amber Lee gives birth (not Carter’s baby); Carter’s sister falls in love with his nemesis, Scary Terry; he and his “boys” form a flight club with one pair of boxing gloves; and the drama geeks thwart the principal’s plans to shut down the controversial musical, Rent. Carter’s internal conversations are cover-your-mouth funny in their perfect blend of male teenage crudeness, hidden vulnerability, and raw honesty. Nick Podehl talent as a voice actor is unmatched, and his narration here is spot-on. Brent Crawford’s terrific novel (Hyperion, 2012) offers listeners a glimpse into the typical mind of a young adult male who can’t remember his own phone number, but knows all the colors of his girlfriend’s bras. A must-have.–Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH
Sun Hill Market. 2 CDs. approx. 95 min. Prod. by Sun Hill Records. Dist. by AV Café. 2012. ISBN unavail. $15.
PreS-Gr 3–Steven Courtney follows-up his Million Smiles to Go (2011) with this incredible collection of 30 songs. Spanning rock ‘n’ roll, blues, country, and beyond, each track is richly constructed, featuring Courtney’s sometimes Tom Petty-like lead vocals accompanied by as little as an acoustic guitar or as much as a full band with a jamming brass section. Courtney wrote the majority of the songs, but he manages to put his unique, exciting stamp on traditional tunes such as “This Old Man,” “Rockabye Baby,” and “Wee Willie Winkie.” His impressive skill as a musician is evident in the strength of each song in this vast collection. Among the numbers are “Bag of Dreams,” “Day in the Country,” “Hat Like That,” “Monkey McKobboh,” “Spaceman,” “Skyscraper,” “Back to the Farm,” and more. Enjoyable listening for the whole family, this is a must-have for every collection.–Veronica De Fazio, Plainfield Public Library District, IL
Welcome to the Village! CD. approx. 37 min. Prod. by Aya World Prods. Dist. by NewSound Music. 2012. ISBN unavail. $13.98.
PreS-Gr 4–The voices of hundreds of children can be heard on Aaron Nigel Smith’s latest recording. Best known for his work on the PBS show Between the Lions, Smith will surprise listeners as he skillfully mixes original songs with traditional and classical tunes that he arranged in this well-programmed, charming album. Opening with the traditional Nigerian song, “Fanga Alafia” (the title means welcome and blessings), it continues with wonderful arrangements of “Man Gave Names” (a Bob Dylan song that features solos by Laurie Berkner, Lucky Diaz, and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo), “One Love” (Bob Marley’s reggae/rhythm and blues classic), and “Sound the Trumpet” (Henry Purcell’s baroque duet features Smith and a boy soprano). Other highlights include Dan Zanes’s solo on “Grateful” and the traditional call-response song from Ghana, “Che Che Cole.” Smith has done an admirable job of making “Banana Boat Song” (the traditional Jamaican mento song) and “Wonderful World” (the Thiele/Weiss classic) his own. He closes with “Siyahamba,” a South African hymn whose title means “We Are Marching in the Light of God” in Zulu. Proceeds from the sale of the album will aid the Cura Rotary Home orphanage and school in Nairobi, Kenya.–Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH
World of Wonder. CD. 32 min. CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.97.
PreS-Gr 3–San Francisco-based singer/songwriter Alison Faith Levy, formerly the lead singer of the kindie band The Sippy Cups, returns to the kid music scene with her first solo album. Each song has Levy’s trademark big production sound, whether a sensitive ballad, an up-tempo rocking number, or a middle-of-the-road tune. Lyrics of the ten original songs are smart and have lots of kid appeal. Highlights include a large-sounding rendition of “Itsy Bitsy Spider” with several added verses, the participation/movement songs “Reach for the Sky/Like a Spinning Top” (though these are technically two different songs, the gospel-inspired “Reach” leads smoothly into the rocking “Top”), the joyous soft-shoe/lullaby “Baby Anteater,” and the classic folksong, “I Had a Rooster.” Levy closes the recording with “One More Cupcake, a percussion-driven request for “just one more” because one treat is often just not enough. Welcome back, Alison!–Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH
Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy. By Albert Marrin. 4 CDs. 4:21 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-449-01476-9. $30.
Gr 5 Up–Albert Marrin takes the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 and uses it as a jumping-off point to discuss immigration and working conditions in the early 20th century in his powerful National Book Award nominee (Knopf, 2011). The fire, which was the most devastating disaster in New York City’s history until the terrorist attack of 2001, created huge cause for concern in the factories and sweatshops in America at the time. The immigrants, who had been working exceedingly long hours in unsafe conditions to make ends meet, were suddenly encouraged to join unions that would fight to give them workers’ rights. With this catalytic event, new laws were put in place to protect workers, many of the rights that we enjoy and take for granted today can be directly linked to this time period. John H. Mayer’s straightforward and even delivery takes listeners step-by-step through the history leading to the immigrant work culture existing in New York City at the time of the Triangle Fire. Although the audiobook can stand on its own, have the print version available so listeners can peruse the numerous photos. A must-have addition to school and public library nonfiction collections.– Jessica Miller, West Springfield Public Library, CT
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The following titles are reviewed in the November 1 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.
DVD
Art Instruction
Steps4Kids to Draw: Animals, People, Shapes & Things. DVD. 90 min. Steps4Kids. 2012. ISBN unavail. $24.99.
A Program for Magical Story Times. DVD. 15 min. with CD (22 min.), spiral-bound book, 3 paperbacks. Granny Press. 2012. ISBN 978-0-945110-17-0. $79.
Language Arts
The Raven: Edgar Allen Poe. DVD. 10 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Prod. by Seven Hills Voice Prod. Dist by TMW Media. 2012. ISBN unavail. $69.95.
Music
Read and Sing with Hap Palmer: Musical Picture Books for Young Children. DVD. 30 min. Prod. by Hap-Pal Music. Dist. by AV Café. 2012. ISBN unavail. $14.98.
Science
Birth of an Ocean: One Ocean, Episode I. DVD. 44 min. Prod. by Canadian Broadcasting Corp. Dist. by Bullfrog Films. 2010, 2012 release. ISBN 1-93777-221-7. $250.
Social Studies
American Experience: Clinton. 2 DVDs. 4 hrs. Prod. by WGBH Educational Foundation. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2012. ISBN 978-1-60883-619-2. $29.99.
The First Ladies. 2 DVDs. 7 hrs. PBS Dist. 2012. ISBN 978-1-60883-724-3. $34.99.
AUDIO
Many of these titles are available for download and/or in Playaway format. Check distributors’ websites, playaway.com, and audio download retailers for availability and price.
Language Arts
Alcatraz Versus the Shattered Lens. By Brandon Sanderson. 6 cassettes or 6 CDs. 6:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4618-0529-8, CD: ISBN 978-4618-0530-4. $51.75.
Artemis Fowl: The Last Guardian. By Eoin Colfer. 6 CDs. 7:30 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-307-99121-8. $37.
Between the Lines. By Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer. 7 cassettes or 7 CDs. 8:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-0089-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-3308-7. $77.75.
Breaking Stalin’s Nose. By Eugene Yelchin. 2 cassettes or CDs. 2 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-4560-8, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-4561-5. $25.75
The Car. By Gary Paulsen. 4 CDs. 4:20 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-1067-3. $39.97.
Classic Poems for Boys. CD. 65:08 min. with notes. Naxos Audiobooks. 2012. ISBN 978-184-379-618-3. $14.98.
Classic Poems for Girls. CD. 64:45 min. with booklet. Naxos Audiobooks. 2012. ISBN 978-184-379-620-6. $14.98.
Dancing Carl. By Gary Paulsen. 2 CDs. 2:21 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4692-4070-1. $39.97.
Diva: The Flappers. By Jillian Larkin. 7 CDs. 8 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-307-74718-1. $44.
Drowning Instinct. By Ilsa Bick. 8 CDs. 9:52 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4692-0761-2. $49.97.
Fake Mustache: Or How Jodie O’Rodeo and Her Wonder Horse (and Some Nerdy Kids) Saved the U.S. Presidential Election from a Mad Genius. By Tom Angleberger. 3 cassettes or 3 CDs. 3:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-4610-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-4609-4. $30.75.
Fury. By Elizabeth Miles. 8 cassettes or 8 CDs. 9 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-3346-9, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-3548-7. $87.75.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns: The Fire and Thorns Trilogy, Book 1. By Rae Carson. 10 cassettes or 10 CDs. 12:25 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-4935-4, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-4936-1. $87.75.
The Great Gazzoon: A Tall Tale with Tunes and Turbulence. By Rick Scott and Valley Hennell. 3 CDs. 4 hrs. with music CD, songbook. Prod. by Grand PooBa Music. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN 978-0-9733515-7-6. $24.99.
Hidden. By Helen Frost. 2 cassettes or 2 CDs. 2:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-2100-8, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-2099-5. $25.75.
How to Steal a Dog. By Barbara O’Connor. 4 cassettes or 4 CDs. 4 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-2370-5, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-2369-9. $46.75.
If I Were You Readers Theater Performance Kit. By Ron Hubbard. 3 CDs. with script, instructions, program book. Galaxy Press. 2012. ISBN 978-1-61986-172-5. $24.95.
I’m So Sure. By Jenny B. Jones. 7 CDs. 7:10 hrs. Oasis Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-61375-138-1. $27.99.
The Kill Order (Maze Runner Prequel). By James Dashner. 8 CDs. 9:58 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-449-01436-3. $44.
The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell. By Chris Colfer. 8 CDs. 8:59 hrs. Hachette Audio for AudioGo. 2012. ISBN 978-1-61969-125-4. $69.99.
Letters to Elise: A Peter Townsend Novella. By Amanda Hocking. 3 CDs. 2:50 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-5829-3. $39.97.
Long Lankin. By Lindsey Barraclogh. 9 CDs.10:06 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-5198-0. $54.97.
The Milo & Jazz Mysteries #1: The Case of the Stinky Socks. By Lewis B. Montgomery. CD. 48 min. Live Oak Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4301-1199-3. $15.95; with paperback book, ISBN 978-1-4301-1200-6: $20.95.
Minnie McClary Speaks Her Mind. By Valerie Hobbs. 4 CDs 4:30 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-449-01036-5. $30.
Mrs. Cooney Is Looney!: The Weird School, Book 7. By Dan Gutman. cassette or CD. 45 min. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4498-6432-3, CD: ISBN 978-1-4498-0433-0. $15.75.
Muncle Trogg. By Janet Foxley. 4 cassettes or 4 CDs. 4 hr. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 9780104561-3552-2, CD: ISBN 978-1-4561-3553-9. $46.75.
My Farm Friends. By Wendell Minor. CD. 8:24 min. with hardcover book. Live Oak Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4301-1096-5. $29.95.
My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece. By Annabel Pitcher. 5 CDs. Hachette Audio for AudioGo. 2012. ISBN 978-1-67969-127-8. $54.99.
Nanushka: A Russian Children’s Story. CD. 30 min. CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.97.
Pegasus: The Flame of Olympus. By Kate O’Hearn. 8 CDs. 8:29 hrs. AudioGo. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4458-2084-2. $69.95.
Rift: A Nightshade Novel. By Andrea Cremer. 10CDs. 12:11 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-449-01508-7. $60.
Space Cadet. By Robert A. Heinlein. 7 CDs. 7:30 hrs. Full Cast Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-936223-13-8. $49.
Such Wicked Intent: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, Book 2. By Kenneth Oppel. 7 CDs. 8:17 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-0297-5. $87.97.
Wake: A Watersong Novel. By Amanda Hocking. 6 CDs. 7:30 hrs. Macmillan Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4272-2214-5. $29.99.
Music
Catchin’ Some Peazzz. CD. 44:33 min. with lyrics online. Hot Peas ’n Butter. 2012. ISBN unavail. $17.
Electric Bananas. CD. approx. 40 min. AV Café. 2012. ISBN unavail. $15.97.
Moo Moo Cha Cha Cha and Other Fun Songs. CD. approx. 25 min. AV Café. ISBN unavail. $14.
Puzzle. CD. 33 min. Megs Melodies. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.99.
Raise a Ruckus. CD. 32 min. Hullabaloo Music. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.
Sing Loud. CD. 34 min. Prod. by Green Circle Music. Dist. by Melissa Green Music. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.99.
Someone Else’s Shoes. CD. approx. 48 min. Recess Music. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.99.
Spicy Kid. CD. 26:48 min. Prod. by Squirrel Mechanic. Dist. by Midwest Tape. 2012. ISBN unavail. $11.99.
W Is for Wapiti! An Alphabet Songbook. CD. 50 min. with hardcover book. Prod. by The Secret Mountain. Dist. by Independent Publishers Group. 2012. ISBN 978-2-923163-83-3. $16.95.
Social Studies
Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax Explosion of 1917. By Sally M. Walker. 3 CDs. 2:52 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-449-01466-0. $27.
The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery. By Steve Sheinkin. 6 CDs. 7 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-4490-1498-1. $45.
Witches: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem. By Rosalyn Schanzer. 2 cassettes or 2 CDs. 2:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-4313-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-4314-7. $25.75.
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