Tales of the Heart

BURKS, James. Bird & Squirrel on the Run! illus. by author. Scholastic/Graphix. 2012. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-545-31283-7.
Gr 2-6–Stalked by a ferocious feline, two critters with polar-opposite personalities–carefree Bird and scared-of-everything Squirrel–flee together south toward safety, and their hair-raising, humor-filled, save-each-other’s-skin adventures gradually transform an uneasy alliance into deep-felt friendship. Burks’s graphic novel sparkles with crisp color artwork, quip-cracking dialogue, and plenty of heart.

BUZZEO, Toni. One Cool Friend. illus. by David Small. Dial. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3413-5.
PreS-Gr 3–A “very proper” tuxedo-wearing boy discovers a kindred spirit at the penguin display at the aquarium, pops the critter into his backpack, and goes about making Magellan feel at home, all under the large-size nose of his seemingly oblivious father. A hoot, with perfect comic interplay between the wryly straight-faced storytelling and supple-lined artwork.

CRUMMEL, Susan Stevens & Dorothy Donohue. City Dog, Country Dog. illus. by Dorothy Donohue. Marshall Cavendish. 2004. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-2-223-42222-7; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5538-7.
K-Gr 4–After meeting at art school in France, best pals Henri T. Lapooch and Vincent van Dog must surmount discordant personalities and preferences to find common ground. Filled with clever references to the canine characters’ true-life inspirations (Toulouse-Lautrec and van Gogh), this Aesop-based story blithely blends upbeat text, vibrant collage artwork, and a resounding moral (“Vive la difference!”). Audio version available from Spoken Arts Media.

DICAMILLO, Kate & Alison McGhee. Bink & Gollie. illus. by Tony Fucile. Candlewick. 2010. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3266-3; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5954-7.
Gr 1-3–Two girls–one tiny, tousled, and puckish; the other tall, tidy, and coolly self-possessed; both delightfully quirky and headstrong–embark on three hilarious adventures that showcase their differences while celebrating the special bond they share. Droll dialogue, splattered-with-color cartoons, and perfect comic timing add up to a whole lot of fun. The zany escapades continue in Bink & Gollie, Two for One (Candlewick, 2012). DVD and audio version available from Weston Woods.

ESBAUM, Jill. Tom’s Tweet. illus. by Dan Santat. Knopf. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85171-1; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95171-8; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98472-3.
K-Gr 2–Coming across a fallen-out-of-the-nest baby bird, a scruffy stray cat exclaims, “Hello, breakfast,” but “Dadburn it!,” the quivering tot is just too skinny to consume, and “Consarn it!,” too helpless to leave on its own. In this riotous read-aloud, rousing rhymes and rambunctious caricature-style cartoons describe how Tom goes from chompers-ready predator to tweety-cuddling chum.

GORBACHEV, Valeri. How to Be Friends with a Dragon. illus. by author. Albert Whitman. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-3432-8.
PreS-Gr 2–Simon loves everything about dragons, and while listening to his older sister expound upon the basics of befriending these beasts (from “be nice” to wear your seatbelt if he takes you flying), the boy envisions imagination-soaring interactions with a smiling green-scaled companion. Engaging narrative and airy artwork gracefully balance realism with fantasy, humor with gentle affection.

GREY, Mini. The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon. illus. by author. Knopf. 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-375-83691-6.
Gr 1-4–The nursery-rhyme twosome runs away to 1920s New York City, where they find fame as vaudeville stars, turn to crime after going broke, and are tragically separated after an unsuccessful heist. However, true love withstands the vagaries of fate, resulting in a joyful reunion years later. Colorful collages and snappy narrative shine with playful details and invigorating élan.

HOWE, James. Otter and Odder: A Love Story. illus. by Chris Raschka. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $14. ISBN 978-0-7636-4174-0.
Gr 1-3–Gazing into the “round, sweet, glistening eyes” of his soon-to-be dinner, Otter finds himself falling for his food source, Myrtle the fish. Can this star-crossed, cross-species couple overcome wagging tongues and innate predator-prey instincts to find their happy-ever-after ending? The lyrical narrative and childlike artwork convey wise truths about following one’s heart and cherishing love.

KOSTECKI-SHAW, Jenny Sue. Same, Same but Different. illus. by author. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8946-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4668-1116-4.
K-Gr 2–When pen pals Elliot and Kailash begin to exchange drawings and letters, they discover that even though they live in two different countries–America and India–they have much in common. Jewel-toned mixed-media illustrations dynamically depict details of both worlds, encouraging readers to identify aspects unique to each culture while appreciating the universality of shared interests and affection.

LANGSTAFF, John, retel. Frog Went A-Courtin’. illus by Feodor Rojankovsky. Harcourt. 1955. Tr $17. ISBN 978-0-15-230214-6; pap. $7. ISBN 978-0-15-633900-1.
PreS-Gr 4–An amphibian dandy gallantly woos the lovely Mistress Mouse, wedding preparations are made, and the couple celebrates with animal and insect guests until a pouncing cat brings an end to the festivities and prompts an early honeymoon departure. This sprightly retelling of a folk song harmonizes toe-tapping couplets with spellbinding homespun artwork. Audio version available from Weston Woods.

LEAR, Edward. The Owl and the Pussycat. illus. by Jan Brett. Putnam. 1991. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-21925-2; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-698-11367-1.
PreS-Gr 4–Lear’s whimsical poem about two seemingly mismatched lovers unfurls against a lush-hued, lavishly imagined Caribbean setting. Mingling detailed realism with fanciful charm, the sun-shimmering paintings depict the tender courtship between dashing fowl and dainty feline aboard their “pea-green boat,” while another romance–a tale of two tropical fish separated and reunited–plays out beneath the ocean’s surface.

MILLER, Bobbi, retel. Miss Sally Ann and the Panther. illus. by Megan Lloyd. Holiday House. 2012. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-1833-6.
K-Gr 3–When the feted American folk heroine meets a mean-as-tarnation varmint in the woods, a tree-felling, gorge-clawing, Milky Way-curdling brawl ensues, a “conbobberation” that lasts until both combatants prove their mettle, smile at one another, and become “great and glorious friends.” A rip-roaring tall tale with tongue-tingling language and bold-as-brass artwork.

PINKWATER, Daniel. Bear in Love. illus. by Will Hillenbrand. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4569-4.
PreS–Someone has been leaving tasty treats for Bear, causing him to sing jubilant songs and to leave his own sweet offerings. Kindness adds to kindness until the two finally meet–it’s a shy bunny–to share their mutual enthusiasm for food, music, and one another. This charmer soars with scrumptious storytelling and sweet-as-pie paintings.

RICHARDSON, Justin & Peter Parnell. And Tango Makes Three. illus. by Henry Cole. S & S. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-6898-7845-9; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2410-4.
PreS-Gr 3–Two male penguins forge an enduring bond, construct a nest, and start a family by caring for an abandoned egg. Set in New York City’s Central Park Zoo and based on a true story, this tale pairs enchanting sherbet-hued watercolors and fine-tuned text to speak volumes about the importance of tolerance and the power of love.

RUNTON, Andy. Bright Lights and Starry Nights. illus. by author. (Owly & Wormy Series). S & S/Atheneum. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-5775-1; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5439-2.
K-Gr 3–Two unlikely besties embark on a star-gazing camping trip marked by mishaps that test their verve and their nerve before finally catching sight of an awe-inspiring vista and winning a few new pals. Starring an amiable round-eyed owl and a spunky comma-shaped worm, this wordless sequel to Friends All Aflutter! (Atheneum, 2011) conveys events and emotions with ebullient drenched-in-dusky-hues cartoons and pictograph thought bubbles.

SAUER, Tammi. Nugget & Fang: Friends Forever or Snack Time? illus. by Michael Slack. Houghton Harcourt. Apr. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-85285-0.
PreS-Gr 2–Nugget and Fang are boon companions until Nugget swims off to school and is taught that minnows can’t be buddies with sharks (as per the food chain). They part ways, but when Nugget’s life is endangered, faithful Fang gets the chance to prove his affection. Tongue-in-gill text and buoyant deep-water-hued cartoons send a heartfelt message about friendship.

STEAD, Philip C. A Home for Bird. illus. by author. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-711-1.
PreS-Gr 4–While out foraging for “interesting things,” a toad instead finds a friend (an illustration shows the wooden-looking bird falling off a cuckoo clock on a passing-by pickup). Worried that his pal’s stony silence is symptomatic of homesickness, Vernon takes Bird on a daring quest to locate his abode. Deadpan text and effervescent artwork relate a smile-inducing tale of altruism and empathy. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

STEIG, William. Amos & Boris. illus. by author. Farrar. 1971. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-374-30227-6; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-312-53566-7.
K-Gr 5–While sailing the high seas, a venturesome mouse falls overboard and is rescued by an affable whale. Despite vast disparities in size and stomping grounds, the two mammals forge a friendship that resurfaces years later when Boris ends up in dire need of Amos’s assistance. Lighthearted watercolors and an eloquent narrative create a wise, witty, and wonder-filled tale.

WEEKS, Sarah. Woof: A Love Story. illus. by Holly Berry. HarperCollins/Laura Geringer. 2009. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-025007-2.
K-Gr 2–Smitten by a pretty white cat with sparkling green eyes, a dog tries to articulate his feelings to her, but his “woofs” and “grrrs” only send her scampering up a tree…until he digs up a “shiny brass [trom]bone,” trumpets his emotions with passionate gusto, and wins her heart. A read-aloud romp with breezy rhymes and exuberant collage artwork.

WILLEMS, Mo. City Dog, Country Frog. illus. by Jon J. Muth. Hyperion/Disney. 2010. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-0300-4.
PreS-Gr 2–On a glorious spring day, a tail-wagging pooch meets a smiling amphibian and amity blossoms. Through the seasons, City Dog returns to frolic and reminisce with his pal. When winter’s visit finds Country Frog no longer there, spring’s return brings the comfort of remembrance and a new companion. Spare text and touched-with-light watercolors create an uplifting ode to friendship.

Easy Readers, Endearing Friendships

BELL, Cece. Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover. illus. by author. Candlewick. 2012. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5475-7.
K-Gr 2–When the evening doesn’t go as planned, single-minded Rabbit overreacts, but logical Robot remains unruffled and demonstrates how to roll with the punches, until he runs out of steam and Rabbit comes to the rescue. Funny situations, nuts-and-bolts visual high jinx, and a satisfying meeting-of-minds resolution leave readers rolling with laughter.

HOWE, James. Houndsley and Catina: Plink and Plunk. illus. by Marie-Louise Gay. Candlewick. 2009. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3385-1; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6640-8.
K-Gr 2–Though best friends, a floppy-eared dog and snowy-furred cat have dissimilar interests–he likes canoeing while she likes bicycling. After a few frustrating outings, they discover that they must help one another overcome fears in order to share these favorite pastimes. Part of a charmingly illustrated and invitingly told series featuring two winsome characters.

LOBEL, Arnold. Frog and Toad Are Friends. illus. by author. HarperCollins. 1970. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-023957-2; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-444020-2; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-0-06-197410-6.
K-Gr 3–Frog is outgoing and spontaneous while Toad is more staid and set in his ways, but these companions share a tried-and-true friendship filled with heartwarming empathy and a genuine appreciation for one another’s foibles and fortitudes. The first in a series of grin-making adventures, told with accessible language, packed-with-personality artwork, and everlasting child appeal. Audio version available from HarperFestival.

WEEKS, Sarah. Mac and Cheese and the Perfect Plan. illus. by Jane Manning. HarperCollins. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-117082-9; pap. $3.99. ISBN 987-0-06-117084-3.
K-Gr 2–In this second adventure about two feline friends, happy-go-lucky Mac is determined to get curmudgeonly Cheese out of the alley and off to the seashore, but when Cheese’s hemming and hawing causes them to miss the bus, he grudgingly finds a way to placate Mac and make some fun. Rhyme-filled text and comical artwork shine with humor and affection.

WILLEMS, Mo. Let’s Go for a Drive! illus. by author. (Elephant and Piggie Series). Hyperion. 2012. RTE $8.99. ISBN 978-142316482-1.
K-Gr 2–Meticulous-minded Gerald the elephant formulates a plan for the perfect road trip, sending ever-peppy Piggie scrambling to gather supplies. When one small detail (they don’t have a car) derails the undertaking—as well as Gerald–Piggie cheerfully comes up with a new plan. Kinetic cartoons, zesty text, and an unforgettable friendship combine in this laugh-out-loud addition to a never-miss series.

True Tales

BUCKLEY, Carol. Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends. photos by author. Putnam. 2009. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25443-7.
K-Gr 5–After years in the entertainment industry, Tarra retired to Tennessee’s Elephant Sanctuary but never paired off with a pachyderm pal like the other inhabitants. Surprisingly, the role of BFF was filled by a feisty stray dog. Crystal-clear photos and straightforward text describe how the two unlikely but devoted companions romp and play, communicate, and look after one another.

HATKOFF, Isabella, Craig Hatkoff, & Paula Kahumbu. Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship. photos by Peter Greste. Scholastic. 2006. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-82973-1.
K-Gr 5–Stranded on a coral reef by a 2004 tsunami, a baby hippopotamus was rescued, transported to an animal sanctuary in Kenya, and placed in an enclosure occupied by a 130-year-old tortoise. The long-lasting bond that ensued has amazed scientists and inspired many. Engaging close-up images and compelling text relate events with clarity and an emphasis on hope. The story continues in Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship (Scholastic, 2007).

JURMAIN, Susan Tripp. Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and the True Story of an American Feud. illus. by Larry Day. Dutton. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47903-1.
Gr 2-5–As different as “pickles and ice cream,” tall, shy Thomas and short, loquacious John were the best of friends, working together to shape their newly born nation, until a passionate disagreement about presidential powers caused a political and personal rift that only time–and true affection–could overcome. Vivacious text and witty pencil-and-watercolor artwork blend historical detail with winning humor. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

LARSON, Kirby & Mary Nethery. Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival. illus. by Jean Cassels. Walker. 2008. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-9754-4; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-8027-9755-1.
K-Gr 3–Left homeless by the devastating storm, a dog and a cat–dubbed Bobbi and Bob Cat for their bobbed tails–wandered the streets of New Orleans for months, surviving only by sticking together, until they were finally rescued by animal shelter volunteers. Simple narrative and soft-toned realistic paintings tell a stirring tale of companionship. DVD available from Nutmeg Media.

THIMMESH, Catherine. Friends. Houghton Harcourt. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-39010-9; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-76921-9.
K-Gr 2–Strikingly photographed instances of remarkable animal amity–an elderly orangutan cuddling with a cat, a lion cub and piglet snuggled up and snoozing, a polar bear romping with a sled dog–are paired with simple rhyming verses that elucidate the wonders of friendship (prose paragraphs provide background information). This audience-grabber will inspire discussion along with “oohs” and “awws.”

Illustration by James Ransome from This Is the Dream (HarperCollins, 2006).

Fifty years ago this May, people around our country turned on their televisions to the sight of children being viciously assaulted with fire hoses and snarling dogs by uniformed grown men, their faces twisted with hatred. The violence in Birmingham, Alabama, stirred a swelling of national conscience and raised questions demanding an answer: Do we really believe that “all men are created equal”? What would our country look like if we really did? What has to change to make that dream a reality?

Until recently, most books for children about the Civil Rights Movement focused on the great leaders. Now, authors and illustrators are using multiple lenses, choosing to illuminate the inner workings of a populist revolution in which many people, with differing beliefs, made difficult choices. Historical fiction and poetry delve empathetically into motivations, situations, and dilemmas. Enticing nonfiction presents a variety of primary sources representing multiple viewpoints, asking readers to compare and contrast versions of reality, draw their own inferences, find personal meaning, and examine the art of history-telling.

These books about the Civil Rights era contain universal themes: How do we recognize and address our own prejudices? How do we make social change happen? How do we find the strength to overcome adversity and do what we know to be right? How can one person change the world? Give these titles to students so that they may start to answer these questions for themselves.

Panning the Scene
Background, Overviews, Introductions

ARONSON, Marc. Race: A History Beyond Black and White. S & S/Atheneum. 2007. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-689-86554-1.
Gr 10 Up—This weighty tome breaks down the social construct of “race,” revealing how it developed, morphed, and impacted societies from the Ancient Greeks to today. Aronson mixes in graphically detailed atrocities alongside deeply personal examinations of his own prejudices and hypothetical modern-day scenarios to guide deeper understanding.

BARTOLETTI, Susan Campbell. They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group.Houghton Mifflin. 2010. Tr $19. ISBN 978-0-618-44033-7.
Gr 7 Up—In an unflinching chronology of the K.K.K., Bartoletti purposefully draws from and presents primary sources representing a range of perspectives, including that of violent white supremacists themselves, in the form of images, interview clips, and more. Guaranteed to provoke fruitful discussion. Audio version available from Brilliance Audio.

OSBORNE, Linda Barrett. Miles to Go for Freedom: Segregation and Civil Rights in the Jim Crow Era. Abrams. 2012. RTE $24.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0020-0.
Gr 6-10—Osborne thoroughly supports her historical examination of segregation with well-chosen quotations, rare photographs, ephemera, and other visual information from the Library of Congress. This cleanly written history of the Jim Crow era is ideal for anyone studying the times, or simply interested in our shared past. A highly readable, substantive title.

PINKNEY, Andrea Davis. Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down. illus. by Brian Pinkney. Little, Brown. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-07016-4.
Gr 2-5–With the 1960 Greensboro Woolworth counter sit-in as a central example and food as a metaphor, Pinkney’s highly readable poetic phrases relate how ordinary people’s nonviolent actions eventually led to integration. Brian Pinkney’s buoyant color washes with vibrant ink drawings enhance the spirited tone of his wife’s words.

RAMSEY, Calvin A. Ruth and the Green Book. illus. by Floyd Cooper. Carolrhoda. 2010. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5255-6.
Gr 1-4–A young African American girl uses the Green Book to find black-friendly businesses on her family’s 1950 car trip from Chicago to rural Alabama, easing the pain of her first encounters with Jim Crow. Cooper’s art, using a grainy, subdued palette that subtly evokes historical photographs, supports this understated but interesting slice of history.

SHANGE, Ntozake. We Troubled the Waters. illus. by Rod Brown. HarperCollins/Amistad. 2009. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-133735-2; ebook $11.99. ISBN 978-0-06-206563-6.
Gr 6 Up–Shange’s spare, dialect-strong poems are vivid, emotional snapshots of the Jim Crow South from a black perspective. They leave plenty of thought-provoking, unspoken ideas between the lines. Together with Brown’s photograph-inspired muralistic oil paintings, this powerful book invokes personal reactions to historical wrongs.

SHELTON, Paula Young. Child of the Civil Rights Movement. illus. by Raul Colón. Random/Schwartz & Wade. 2010. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84314-3; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95414-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98281-1.
K-Gr 3–Colón’s richly textured pastels match Shelton’s inviting, friendly descriptions of being a small child among the loving inner circle of leading Civil Rights families. These vignettes from Andrew Young’s daughter simultaneously magnify and humanize the struggle.

SHORE, Diana Z. & Jessica Alexander. This Is the Dream. illus. by James Ransome. HarperCollins/Amistad. 2006. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-055519-1; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-055520-7; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-06-055521-4.
K-Gr 3–Glowingly illustrated with a strong palette, this short “House That Jack Built”-metered picture book starts with imagery of segregation, proceeds to iconic nonviolent protests, and culminates with integrated, happy modern children. This excellent read-aloud celebrates the gains of the Civil Rights Movement with a heartfelt sense of patriotic pride. Younger children will need explanations throughout.

STOTTS, Stuart. We Shall Overcome: A Song That Changed the World. foreword by Pete Seeger. illus. by Terrance Cummings. Clarion. 2010. RTE $18. ISBN 978-0-547-18210-0.
Gr 4 Up–The anthem of the Civil Rights Movement steadied and fortified the righteous. Here is a mini-ethnomusicological study of the song, from its origins through its role at many dangerous and important protests. Archival images, strong poster-art-inspired red/black/white artwork, and a CD accompany the story of the song’s journey.

WATKINS, Angela Farris. My Uncle Martin’s Words for America. illus. by Eric Velasquez. Abrams. 2011. RTE $19.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0022-4.
K-Gr 4–In the grand tradition of deifying King, this title works well as a lap-read companion to Doreen Rappaport’s Martin’s Big Words (Hyperion, 2001). Bold text emphasizes the simple concepts of King’s satyagraha philosophy while taking on a more complete, but age-appropriate, history of the movement. Bright oil-painted portraits backed by stars and stripes lend a patriotic tone.

Zooming In
Places & Events

BAUSUM, Ann. Marching to the Mountaintop: How Poverty, Labor Fights, and Civil Rights Set the Stage for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Final Hours. National Geographic. 2012. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0939-7; PLB $28.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0940-3; ebook $19.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0945-8.
Gr 6 Up–When the Civil Rights Movement arrived in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968, the volatile mix of poverty, racial discrimination, and the black community’s own splintered loyalties came to a boil. This behind-the-scenes exposé sheds light on a specific place and time usually overshadowed by the subsequent assassination of King at the Lorraine Hotel.

BRIMNER, Larry Dane. Birmingham Sunday. Boyds Mill/Calkins Creek. 2010. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-613-0.
Gr 6 Up–Brimner homes in on the racially charged atmosphere of Birmingham in 1963 by hooking readers with details about the four victims of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing. These 48 pages, packed with photographs and sidebars of related information, reveal the shocking extent to which raw violence and danger were prevalent.

CONKLING, Winifred. Sylvia & Aki. Tricycle. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-337-7; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-1-58246-438-1.
Gr 4-6–Meet Sylvia and Aki, two real Southern Californian girls facing government-supported discrimination during World War II. Extrapolating from interviews, Conkling has crafted an alternating-narrator novel that compares and contrasts experiences by Americans of Mexican and Japanese heritage. This title reminds readers that the Civil Rights Movement wasn’t just about inequities faced by African Americans.

DUDLEY, David. L. Caleb’s Wars. Clarion. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-23997-2; ebook $11.99. ISBN 978-0-547-53420-6.
Gr 7 Up–In this novel of World War II-era rural Georgia, Caleb, a 15-year-old African American, chafes at the ways his family and community take Jim Crow for granted, despite his brother’s service in the U.S. Army. Getting to know a German POW assigned to work with him intensifies Caleb’s determination to claim his dignity.

EVANS, Shane W. We March. illus. by author. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-539-1; eook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-46681-084-6.
PreS-Gr 3–Evans’s expansive, richly colored, simplistic paintings depict a young African American family preparing for and attending the 1963 March on Washington. With carefully chosen, spare language, this simple book powerfully re-creates the event. Brief back matter provides much-needed context.

KITTINGER, Jo S. Rosa’s Bus: The Ride to Civil Rights. illus. by Steven Walker. Boyds Mill/Calkins Creek. 2010. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-722-9.
Gr 1-4–A fresh twist on the familiar tale of Rosa Parks’s defiance and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, with straightforward, simple storytelling, focuses on the historical nature of the bus itself. Walker’s bright oil paintings balance the text and mood throughout. Endnotes offer additional information for the inevitable questions from a read-aloud audience.

LEVINE, Kristin. The Lions of Little Rock. Putnam. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25644-8; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-1-424-2435-3; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-101-55044-1.
Gr 5-8–This novel depicts 1958 Little Rock, roiling in racial tension in the wake of the Little Rock Nine. Desperately shy Marley befriends a new classmate at her still-segregated white middle school. When it’s discovered that her new friend is actually a black girl passing for white, the two must decide how important their friendship is. Audio version available from Listening Library.

LEVINSON, Cynthia Y. We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March. Peachtree. 2012. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-627-7.
Gr 7 Up–Fifty years ago, thousands of children purposefully set out to get themselves arrested and abused by marching in defiance of the most militant government-supported segregationists. This photo-essay interweaves the stories and memories of four disparate participants with contextual photographs and information, reveling in the marchers’ can-do spirit and sense of power. Audio version available from Listening Library.

LONG, Mark & Jim Demonakos. The Silence of Our Friends: The Civil Rights Struggle Was Never Black and White. illus by Nate Powell. First Second. 2012. pap. $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-618-3.
Gr 9 Up–Fiercely segregated 1968 Houston is the backdrop for this hard-hitting graphic novel memoir. It follows a confused white suburban kid and his photojournalist father when a black activist and his family enter their lives. The black-and-white palette contributes to a gritty, film noir tone as the authors openly depict people’s ugliness, uncertainty, selfishness, and cowardice.

MAGOON, Kekla. The Rock and the River. S & S/Aladdin. 2009. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-7582-3; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-7803-9; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4391-5335-2.
Gr 7 Up–Sam, a 13-year-old African American Chicagoan in the summer of 1968, is torn between the pacifist path promoted by his reverend father and the more militant actions of the Black Panther party favored by his older brother. A sequel, Fire in the Streets (S & S, 2012), goes into greater detail about the day-to-day lives of the Black Panthers. Audio version available from Brilliance Audio.

NELSON, Marilyn. A Wreath for Emmett Till. illus. by Philippe Lardy. Houghton Harcourt. 2005. RTE $17. ISBN 978-0-618-39752-5; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-547-07636-2; ebook $7.99. ISBN 978-0-547-77317-9.
Gr 9 Up–Nelson’s powerful crown of sonnets eulogizes the black 14-year-old brutally lynched in Mississippi in 1955, applying changing perspective, allusions to famous poets, vivid imagery, and metaphor. The sophisticated poetry, expounded upon in the back matter, is accompanied by simple, symbolic artwork, creating a cohesively charged and moving experience.

PARTRIDGE, Elizabeth. Marching for Freedom: Walk Together, Children, and Don’t You Grow Weary. Viking. 2009. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01189-6; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-1-101-15097-9.
Gr 6 Up–From Bloody Sunday to the March on Montgomery, this nonfiction book presents the events of the summer of 1965 in Selma, Alabama, in a photo-journalistic story arc, complete with real-life teenage “characters” found through extensive interviews. Well-chosen, striking photographs contextualize the chronological retelling, supporting the real-life drama. Audio version available from Brilliance Audio.

SCATTERGOOD, Augusta. Glory Be. Scholastic. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-33180-7.
Gr 4-7–In 1964 when her small Mississippi town closes Glory’s beloved swimming pool to avoid integration, the naive white 11-year-old takes a stand. Glory’s story, focusing primarily on members of the white community, compares and contrasts the small actions and inactions of different characters.

TOUGAS, Shelley. Little Rock Girl 1957: How a Photograph Changed the Fight for Integration. (Captured History Series). Compass Point. 2012. PLB $33.99. ISBN 978-0-7565-4440-9; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-0-7565-4512-3.
Gr 4-8–The focus here is the shocking photograph of 15-year-old Elizabeth Eckford being viciously jeered by a white peer as she and her fellow black students integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Tougas explains the context of the photograph and how the iconic image affected history.

WILLIAMS-GARCIA, Rita. One Crazy Summer. HarperCollins/Amistad. 2010. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-076088-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-06-076088-5; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-0-06-196667-5.
Gr 5-9–Spending the summer of 1968 at a Black Panther summer camp is not what the three African American sisters of this novel intend when they visit their estranged mother in Oakland, California, but what they learn about racial identity and pride changes their lives forever. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

Portraits
Featured Faces

BRIMNER, Larry Dane. Black & White: The Confrontation between Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene “Bull” Connor. Boyds Mills/Calkins Creek. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-766-3.
Gr 6 Up–A fascinating photo-journalistic, two-person biography about the obstinate men who led black and white factions against each other in 1960s Birmingham, Alabama, not only showcases the important role played by the oft-overshadowed Rev. Fred L. Shuttleworth, but also reveals how extremist factions overrode the more moderate voices of other Birmingham residents.

HOOSE, Phillip. Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice. Farrar/Melanie Kroupa Bks. 2009. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-374-31322-7; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-312-66105-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-429-94821-0.
Gr 6 Up–Hoose’s slice of little-known history introduces readers to Claudette Colvin, the teenager who did exactly what Rosa Parks became so famous for nine months later. However, Colvin was marginalized by the very same famous adults (the NAACP, Dr. King, etc.) readers have been taught to revere. Guaranteed to spark a “That’s not fair!” response.

JEFFREY, Gary. Medgar Evers and the NAACP. illus. by Nick Spender. (A Graphic History of the Civil Rights Movement).Gareth Stevens. 2012. PLB $23.95. ISBN 978-1-4339-7495-3; pap. $8.15. ISBN 978-1-4339-7496-0; ebook $23.95. ISBN 978-1-4339-7498-4.
Gr 3-7–The richly colored, pamphlet-size graphic novels in this series are excellent fodder for reluctant readers. This old-fashioned dramatic comic-book retelling of the 1963 assassination of Mississippi Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers attributes a hero’s due to the man’s pride and perseverance. A brief textual preface and afterword frame the action.

NELSON, Vaunda Micheaux. No Crystal Stair: A Documentary Novel of the Life and Work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller. illus. by R. Gregory Christie. Lerner/Carolrhoda LAB. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6169-5; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8727-5.
Gr 7 Up–The fascinating proprietor of Harlem’s National Memorial African Bookstore touched the lives of thousands of black Americans. This unique quasi-journalistic approach is comprised of faux memories from people Michaux affected, peppered with historical ephemera and Christie’s simple line ink drawings. Begs analysis of what makes a life well lived.

PINKNEY, Andrea Davis. Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America. illus. by Brian Pinkney.Hyperion/Disney. 2012. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-4257-7.
Gr 4 Up–In this compilation intended for sequential reading, Andrea Pinkney’s comfortable storytelling style showcases the intelligence, perseverance, and leadership of 10 black men from Benjamin Banneker through Barack Obama. A poem and a full-page lively facial portrait preface each fascinating biography; Brian Pinkney’s smaller, paint-washed scenes are also inset throughout.

STOKES, John A. with Lois Wolfe & Herman Viola. Students on Strike: Jim Crow, Civil Rights, Brown, and Me.National Geographic. 2008. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0153-7; PLB $23.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0154-4.
Gr 5-9–In 1951, Stokes and other black students in Farmville, Virginia, organized against the city to request a high school building as nice as the one the white students attended. Reading Stokes’s chatty style is like hanging out with a guy who’s reminiscing about the accidentally remarkable things he did when he was young.

TEITELBAUM, Michael & Lewis Helfand. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Let Freedom Ring. illus. by Sankha Banerjee. (Campfire Graphic Novels Series). Campfire. Jan. 2013. pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-93-80028-69-9
Gr 4-6–Drawn reproductions of iconic news photographs alternate with text boxes and imagined private moments as the biographers portray age-appropriate aspects of this very public figure’s life. A straightforward graphic-novel biography, each page rich with color, detail, and nicely balanced design.

Rhona Campbell is a teacher-librarian at Georgetown Day School in Washington, DC.

It seems as though not a day goes by without the media covering a story about children’s health. Fast-food restaurants decide to list the nutritional information of their entrees. School districts ban soft-drink vending machines in their cafeterias. Childhood obesity is at epidemic levels. Affecting everyone is the recent Supreme Court decision on healthcare reform. The downside to all the attention is shading the notion of health with alarmist, prohibitive, or political attitudes. Getting children interested in the topic may be as hard as getting them to eat vegetables. The following titles for preschool through teen readers find the joy in being healthy, whether through realistic voices or characters, empowering youth to make their own choices, revealing fascinating facts about what goes on underneath our skin, or encouraging readers to lead active lives. Here’s to reading for health!

Thinking About Health

Elementary School

BUNTING, Eve. My Dog Jack Is Fat. illus. by Michael Rex. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5809-8.
K-Gr 1–Exercise and smaller portions are on the menu after the vet determines that Carson’s dog, Jack, is overweight. But as Jack struggles on a treadmill, Carson snacks on junk food. Comic illustrations anticipate the role reversal at Jack’s next appointment when the vet gently advises Carson to try “a little bit of what Jack’s been doing.”

BUTTERWORTH, Christine. How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? The Story of Food. illus. by Lucia Gaggiotti.Candlewick. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5005-6.
PreS-Gr 2–Retro-style cartoon illustrations and an engaging text follow the production of common edibles so the younger set can see where the food in a typical lunchbox comes from. Gaggiotti’s rendition of MyPlate (a new USDA nutrition guide) and a page of food facts reveal that lunch is just one component in a full day of healthy eating.

CAMPBELL, Bebe Moore. I Get So Hungry. illus. by Amy Bates. Putnam. 2008. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24311-0.
K-Gr 3–Though Nikki knows it’s wrong to find comfort in junk food, her mother’s unhealthy eating habits offer uneasy validation. After a medical scare, Nikki’s overweight teacher begins to turn things around by eating better and walking around the school every morning; Nikki decides to join her. Watercolor scenes add to this sensitive and thoughtful story.

CHILD, Lauren. I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato. illus. by author. Candlewick. 2000. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-76-361188-0.
PreS-Gr 2–Carrots become “orange twiglets from Jupiter” and mashed potatoes are made of cloud fluff from Mount Fuji as the enduring Charlie convinces his picky, younger sister, Lola, to eat her dinner. Kids and parents will appreciate Charlie’s creative approach to vegetables while humorous mixed-media art adds to the fun.

COBB, Vicki. Your Body Battles a Stomachache. photomicrographs by Dennis Kunkel. illus. by Andrew N. Harris. (Body Battlefields Series). Millbrook. 2009. PLB $25.26. ISBN 978-0-8225-7166-7.
Gr 1-4–Cells magnified by a scanning electron microscope combine with superhero illustrations and conversational text to provide a complete picture of how our bodies rally to fight off a variety of infections and injuries. Though the focus is on healing and not overall health, there are hints scattered throughout. Other titles in the series are equally engaging.

COREY, Shana. Mermaid Queen: The Spectacular True Story of Annette Kellerman, Who Swam Her Way to Fame, Fortune, and Swimsuit History! illus. by Edwin Fotheringham. Scholastic. 2009. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-439-69835-1.
Gr 2-5–Born in 1886, this inventor of water ballet and the modern swimsuit broke down barriers in both sports and fashion and “believed exercise was key not just to health but to self-esteem.” Bright digital-media illustrations evoke the period and capture Kellerman’s zest and grace. Those looking for a role model will find an incredible one here.

GUTMAN, Dan. Ms. Leakey Is Freaky! illus. by Jim Paillot. (My Weird School Daze Series). HarperCollins. 2011. PLB $15.89. ISBN 978-0-06-170403-1.
Gr 3-5–An overzealous health teacher will stop at nothing to get her students to eat right, even if it means ambushing them at the grocery store. Admonishments like, “Do you know what they put in a 3 Musketeers bar?” could prompt readers to take a look at nutritional labels. Zany cartoons packed with kid-appeal are interspersed.

HARPER, Charise Mericle. Henry’s Heart: A Boy, His Heart, and a New Best Friend. illus. by author. Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8989-9.
K-Gr 3–Genially drawn with its own eyes and mouth, Henry’s heart beats in response to emotional and physical changes. Information about circulation and heart-friendly foods gets woven into the story of Henry’s wanting a new puppy, making it easy for children to learn how to make their own hearts happy (and healthy).

MCCARTHY, Meghan. Strong Man: The Story of Charles Atlas. illus. by author. Knopf. 2007. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-82940-6; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-92940-3.
Gr 1-5–Tormented by bullies, skinny Angelo Siciliano developed his own fitness routine and eventually became Charles Atlas, “The World’s Most Perfectly Developed Man.” Just as Atlas gained millions of young fans in his time, today’s readers will be inspired by his determination and commitment to health in this picture-book biography boasting colorful cartoon illustrations.

ROCKWELL, Lizzy. The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness. illus. by author. Crown. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-37-582203-2; PLB $17.99. ISBN 978-0-37-592203-9.
PreS-Gr 3–Cheerful illustrations of active children in a park are followed by a diagram of a skeleton. The simple format repeats with muscles, the brain and nerves, lungs, heart and blood vessels, and the stomach and intestines. While providing a vocabulary for body parts, the book relays the connection between exercise and a healthy body.

Middle School & Up

BRANCATO, Robin F. Food Choices: The Ultimate Teen Guide. (It Happened to Me Series). Scarecrow. 2010. Tr $40. ISBN 978-0-8108-6109-1.
Gr 9 Up–Brancato offers wide-ranging information, including what classes to take to become a professional chef, the precautions needed to guarantee the safety of purchased food, and background on why we eat the way we do. Woven throughout are testimonials from teens, rounding out a title that works for reports as well as for encouraging smart decisions.

FRY, Erin. Losing It. Amazon. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-76-146220-0.
Gr 5-7–Bennett has a sedentary lifestyle, begrudgingly accepting his obesity until his father suffers a stroke. Staying with an aunt rife with good intentions who places him on a diet, Bennett finds a way to live healthier and stand up for himself by joining the cross-country team. Fry effectively captures the triumphant returns gained from hard work.

MCCLAIN, Lee. Sizzle. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5981-1; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6093-0.
Gr 6-9–Sent to live with relatives in Pittsburgh, Linda is a fresh-ingredient foodie who must adjust to being part of a family where the matriarch hosts a TV show called “Cooking with Cans.” Readers will find a bright and likable character in Linda, whose healthy practices come effortlessly from her passion about good food. Audio version available from Brilliance Audio.

POLLAN, Michael. The Omnivore’s Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat. adapt. by Richie Chevat. (Young Readers Edition). Dial. 2009. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3415-9.
Gr 7 Up–With a detective’s tenacity, Pollan investigates how the meals that end up on our tables come from four different food chains (industrial, industrial organic, local sustainable, hunter-gatherer). Added sections, like tips for eating and a Q&A with Pollan, offer motivation for readers who want to change their food habits. Engrossing and thought-provoking.

SCHLOSSER, Eric & Charles Wilson. Chew on This: Everything You Don’t Want to Know About Fast Food.Houghton Harcourt. 2006. Tr $16. ISBN 978-0-61-871031-7.
Gr 6 Up–Just as Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation (2001) shed game-changing light on the country’s food industry and eating habits, this book for a younger audience offers a classic and still-engrossing examination of fast-food chains and how junk food gets marketed to children. As restaurants advertise lower-calorie alternatives, the information here is a yardstick for assessing change.

TELGEMEIER, Raina. Smile. illus. by author. Scholastic/Graphix. 2010. Tr $21.99. ISBN 978-0-545-13205-3; pap. $10.99. ISBN 978-0-545-13206-0.
Gr 6-9–Besides the regular tribulations of transitioning from tween to teen, Raina has major dental problems. Her challenges and triumphs are immediately relatable, and several instances during her journey towards smiling without apprehension (like the panel featuring myriad oral-hygiene products) will have readers thinking about what is going on inside their own mouths.

Get Up and Move

Elementary School

CRONIN, Doreen. Stretch. illus. by Scott Menchin. S & S/Atheneum. 2009. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-5341-8.
PreS-K–When creating a workout routine from Cronin and Menchin’s collaborations, it’s best to start with Stretch before Wiggle (2005) and Bounce (2007). After all, stretching can be done anywhere, even with imagined animals. All three titles sport an appealingly active canine energized by brightly colored pen-and-ink drawings. Use as wiggle-relieving openers before starting class or at storytime.

GO OUT AND PLAY! FAVORITE OUTDOOR GAMES FROM KABOOM! illus. by Juliana Rose. Candlewick. 2012. pap. $11.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5530-3.
K Up–With just over 70 activities for outside play, children and parents will find the classics (from hide-and-seek to Duck, Duck, Goose) mixed in with creative variations on tag, relay races, and other games. Each page features one game explained with concise playing instructions and other requirements. Sections on facilitating play and getting involved ensure fun for all ages.

SPINELLI, Eileen. Miss Fox’s Class Shapes Up. illus. by Anne Kennedy. Albert Whitman. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-5171-4.
K-Gr 2–When her breakfast-skipping, low-energy students fall asleep at their desks, Miss Fox decides that becoming fit is a priority. The school nurse offers nutritious recipes; recess brings experimentation with jump ropes and Hula-Hoops, and cheerfully active animal characters demonstrate that being healthy is its own reward. Includes easy-to-adopt health and fitness tips.

THOMPSON, Lauren. Hop, Hop, Jump! illus. by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2012. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9745-0.
PreS-K–Children in a summer-camp setting enthusiastically demonstrate how to move different body parts, be it a finger (“Wiggle it.”), toe (“Waggle it.”), or bottom and head (“Upside-down it.”). A simple text and acrylic cartoon drawings sporting smiling boys and girls jumping, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors produce a lively storytime addition.

YOO, Taeeun. You Are a Lion! And Other Fun Yoga Poses. illus. by author. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25602-8.
PreS-Gr 2–Opening with a lovely, artistic rendition of a sun salutation, six multicultural children meet in a forest clearing to greet the morning with yoga stretches. The following pages show each child demonstrating a single age-appropriate pose (dog, mountain, lion, etc.), complemented by easy-to-imitate instructions. Yoo has crafted a perfect introduction to the practice.

Middle School & Up

AIKMAN, Louise & Matthew Harvey. Pilates Step-by-Step. ISBN 978-1-4488-1549-4.
JENNINGS, Madeleine & James Drewe. Tai Chi Step-by-Step. ISBN 978-1-4488-1551-7.
SPILLING, Michael & Liz Lark. Yoga Step-by-Step. ISBN 978-1-4488-1550-0.
ea vol: (Skills in Motion Series). Rosen, 2010. PLB $31.95.
Gr 9 Up–An introduction covers the history, principles, proper position/alignment, and breathing involved in each activity. Innovative stop-motion photography demonstrates the range of movement for each position and corresponding instructions appear below the photos. While the “instructors” are older than a teen audience, they lend an aura of expertise. These guides support students with a class or two under their belt.

Eating Healthy and Delicious Food

Elementary School

GIBBONS, Gail. The Vegetables We Eat. illus. by author. Holiday House. 2007. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2001-8.
K-Gr 4–Eager learners will find vegetable facts galore in this vibrant introduction, illustrated in Gibbons’s signature style. Topics such as the eight different kinds of vegetables (with over fifty varieties presented), the journey from the farm to store, and how to create your own garden are sure to nourish interest and eating.

GOURLEY, Robbin. First Garden: The White House Garden and How It Grew. illus. by author. Clarion. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-48224-8.
K-Gr 4–Gourley includes an historical perspective in this engaging title, but the heart of the matter is the effort spearheaded by Michelle Obama, who recruited local elementary school children to help plant the current garden. The garden’s success story, effectively paired with vibrant watercolor illustrations, champions home gardening and local produce as important aspects of healthy eating and living.

Grow It, Cook It: Simple Gardening Projects and Delicious Recipes. DK. 2008. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-75-663367-7.
Gr 3-6–After a brief overview of plants, recycling and compost, and a list of cooking terms, hands-on gardening and cooking begins with pictures accompanying each step of the instructions. Related recipes follow the featured vegetable, fruit, or herb (pumpkin, carrots, spinach, strawberries, to name a few) and encourage children to take ownership of healthy food choices.

IWAI, Melissa. Soup Day. illus. by author. Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. 2010. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9004-8.
PreS-Gr 2–Healthy habits abound in this simple story about a girl and her mother making soup on a snowy winter day. They walk to the market, choose the freshest vegetables, chop the ingredients together, and stay active as the pot simmers. Charming collage illustrations capture the warmth while a Snowy Day Vegetable Soup recipe provides inspiration.

SAYRE, April Pulley. Go, Go, Grapes!: A Fruit Chant. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-44-243390-8.
––––. Rah, Rah, Radishes!: A Vegetable Chant. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2141-7.
ea vol: photos by author. S & S/Beach Lane.
PreS-Gr 1–The infectiously joyful cadence of the chants and the enticingly photographed fruits and vegetables guarantee bouncing and clapping along with probable demands for repeated readings (and possibly trips to the nearest farmer’s market). While featuring the ubiquitous (carrots, corn, apples), Sayre’s paeans to produce also capture the deliciously unfamiliar (kohlrabi, rambutan, mangosteen), and might be the first step to children’s healthy eating.

Middle School & Up

GOLD, Rozanne. Eat Fresh Food: Awesome Recipes for Teen Chefs. photos by Phil Mansfield. Bloomsbury. 2009. pap. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-445-0.
Gr 6 Up–Put together with help from a nutritionist and a group of sous-chefs/tasters aged nine to nineteen, there’s a healthy recipe for every meal or snack craving. Full-color photos capture the brightness of the ripe fruit and vegetables as well as the young chefs in action, fueling readers’ motivation to hit the grocery store, farmer’s market,
and kitchen.

HIDALGO-ROBERT, Alberto. Fat No More: A Teenager’s Victory Over Obesity. Piñata. 2012. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55-885745-2.
Gr 8 Up–Somewhat unpolished writing doesn’t detract from the author’s honest portrayal of his obsession with food at a young age, his loving but enabling parents, his frustration with diets, and the serious health scare that spurred changes in his lifestyle and eating habits. Pictures show a stunning transformation accomplished through lots of hard work. Includes recipes.

STERN, Sam. Get Cooking. Candlewick. 2009. pap. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3926-6.
Gr 8 Up–Written with the easygoing authority of one teen speaking to another, the youthful British chef’s third book offers a surefire way to get young adults cooking. Though primarily about having fun cooking for or with friends, there are healthy quips thrown in with the approximately 100 recipes.

Joanna K. Fabicon is a Children’s Librarian at Los Angeles Public Library, CA.