Milo and Jazz Mysteries: The Case of the Stinky Socks
© 2009 by Amy Wummer.

Mysteries provide a perfect entree for exploring a wide variety of critical thinking skills. With their emphasis on clear observation, logical thinking, and well-drawn conclusions, mysteries support many Common Core State Standards (CCSS). They also lend themselves to an array of interesting writing assignments, an important component of the CCSS and one on which many states are placing particular emphasis.

This month’s column features some of our favorite mysteries, along with ideas for expanding the learning possibilities presented by each title and/or series. Employing the Common Core State Standards doesn’t mean that learning can’t be fun. Kids love mysteries, so why not use them to teach new skills in thinking, researching, and writing? We guarantee that these titles will spark student interest.

Elementary School

A to Z Mysteries, Books D-G (The Deadly Dungeon, The Empty Envelope, The Falcon’s Feathers, The Goose’s Gold). Written by Ron Roy. Narrated by David Pittu. 3 CDs. 3:25 hrs. Listening Library. 2005. ISBN 978-0-3072-0735-7. $30. K-Gr 3
From A to Z, these beginning chapter book mysteries maintain a comfortable format with each audiobook combining three or four stories from the series. Each “case” title is a letter of the alphabet and continuity is nicely incorporated with Pittu narrating them all. His conversational and friendly voice fits the pacing as Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose band together to solve each case. Listeners will be asking for all the letters of the alphabet.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.2 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

Instructional Extension: Connecting the theme or subject of a story to research can strengthen both the listening experience and learning. For example, to discover more about the birds in The Falcon’s Feathers, use the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All about Birds website (www.allaboutbirds.org). Enter the search term “falcon” to find information about the peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, and prairie falcon.

Encyclopedia Brown Finds the Clues. Written by Donald Sobol. Narrated by Greg Steinbruner. 2 CDs. 1:18 hrs. Recorded Books. 2007. ISBN 978-1-4281-7221-0. $25.75. Gr 3-5

This title, one in the classic series about 10-year-old detective Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown, features ten new cases for the Idaville mystery solver. Encyclopedia, his police chief dad, and his group of friends follow the trail of each case to its satisfying end. The familiar format of presenting clues for listeners to put together gives opportunities for thinking and problem solving. Steinbruner’s pacing is comfortable, highlighting the simple sentences and pausing before each solution to build suspense,

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.9 Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories written by the same author about the same or similar characters.

Instructional Extension: The University of North Carolina’s excellent Learn NC website (www.learningnc.org/lp/pages/3031) offers several activities to enliven lesson plans for the first book in this series, Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective. The rubric for a good mystery story and the Mystery Worksheet are adaptable to any book in the series and provide a jumping-off point for writing projects.

The Great Cake Mystery: Precious Ramotswe’s Very First Case: A Number 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Book for Young Readers. Written by Alexander McCall Smith. Narrated by Adjoa Andoh. CD. 1 hr. Listening Library. 2012. ISBN 978-0-4490-1142-3. $15. K-Gr 3

Intrepid female detective, Precious Ramotswe, is introduced here as a child, solving her first case. Andoh’s excellent narration presents the lilt, cadence, and authenticity of Botswana culture. Adult fans of the well-known #1 Ladies Detective Agency will be listening along to find out how Precious came to become a world-famous detective. Sure to provide fun for family and classroom audiences.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.2 Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths, from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.

Instructional Extension: Classroom discussion and research about Botswana could follow listening to this mystery. Facts and information about the country can be found in many online encyclopedias, books, and the Botswana embassy website (www.botswanaembassy.org) where the country’s history, a video gallery, and visitor attractions are included. Students may choose one topic to share with the class to highlight any study about Africa.

Milo and Jazz Mysteries: The Case of the Stinky Socks. Written by Lewis B. Montgomery. Narrated by Chantale Hosein and Vinnie Penna. CD. 48 min. Live Oak Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4301-1199-3. $15.95. K-Gr 3

Milo has just received his Dash Marlow Super Sleuth kit when he discovers his first mystery. Working, somewhat reluctantly, with new neighbor Jazz, these two young detectives set out to determine who stole Jazz’s brother’s lucky socks from his high school locker. The pair use their critical thinking skills to find the socks before the big baseball game. Penna and Hosein’s performances are appropriately young and their pacing heightens the tension and excitement of this first mystery in Montgomery’s series.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy. RL.2.1 Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.

Instructional Extension: Dash Marlow instructs his followers to use these “Super Sleuthing Skills: Observe, Think Logically, Draw Conclusions.” A fun writing project can be built around any one of the “Milo and Jazz Mysteries” by using flow maps to organize the sequence of events with the goal of producing a summary of the story that includes at least three details from the book to answer the questions posed in the standard.

Middle/High School

The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity. Written by Mac Barnett. Narrated by Arte Johnson. 3 CDs. 2:55 hrs. Listening Library. 2010. ISBN 978-0-3077-1042-0. $30. Gr 4-6

When 12-year-old Steve Brixton, a fan of Bailey Brothers detective novels, is mistaken for a real detective, he must elude librarians, police, and the mysterious Mr. E as he seeks a missing quilt containing coded information. Arte Johnson gives Steve’s predicament a matter-of-fact, almost sardonic tone, with methodical pacing and understatement that provides listeners with laugh-out-loud enjoyment of this wholly improbable story. Fans will also enjoy the other titles in this series, The Ghostwriter Secret and It Happened on a Train, also available from Listening Library.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.7 Compare and contrast stories in the same genre (e.g., mysteries and adventure stories) on their approaches to similar themes and topics.

Instructional Extension: Visit this go-to website that provides thorough information and multiple ideas for classroom extensions as well as descriptions of mystery series, novels, and picture books: Carol Hurst Children’s Literature—Mysteries in the Classroom Fiction, Non-Fiction and Activities for Pre-School through Ninth Grade (www.carolhurst.com/subjects/mysteries.html).

Pair the following two titles for an interesting comparison of Victorian and contemporary girl sleuths:

The Case of the Missing Marquess, an Enola Holms Mystery. Written by Nancy Springer. Narrated by Katherine Kellgren. 4 CDs. 4:31 hrs. Recorded Books. 2006. ISBN 978-1-4193-8985-6. $51.75. Gr 5-8

Smart and resourceful, 14-year-old Enola is determined to avoid the finishing school her older brothers, Mycroft and Sherlock, have selected for her when her mother suddenly vanishes. Setting off for London on a bicycle, Enola stumbles upon another missing person’s case—a young marquess who seems to have been kidnapped. Kellgren delves into this adventure with her customary gusto and superb pacing, providing a host of excellent 19th-century character voices. Lucky for listeners, this is just the beginning of a long series, all narrated by the incomparable Kellgren.

The London Eye Mystery. Written by Siobhan Dowd. Narrated by Paul Checquer. AudioGo. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4056-5462-3. $25. Gr 6-10

Ted’s cousin Salim comes to visit from Manchester before moving to New York with his mother, and Salim’s only wish is to ride the London Eye, the massive wheel erected to mark the new millennium. Ted (whose brain is “wired differently”) and his older sister Kat watch Salim board the Eye and are stunned when he doesn’t get off. What follows is an intricate, intriguing, and thrilling race against time as Ted uses his keen observation skills to find his cousin. Checquer’s measured pacing accurately portrays Ted’s personality and reinforces the family conflicts, and his variety of British accents provides context for American listeners.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.3 Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact.

Instructional Extension: After listening to this mystery, students may be interested to learn more about “Interesting Things You Never Knew about The London Eye” by visiting http://ow.ly/gHXMI. The LondonNet site (http://ow.ly/GHXEM) not only includes facts, but also provides links to other London attractions such as the Tower of London. This is a good place to start a class project investigating London’s most important historical places.

The Red Blazer Girls: The Ring of Rocamadour. Written by Michael D. Beil. Narrated by Tai Alexandra Ricci. 6 CDs. 7 hrs. Listening Library. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7393-7960-8. $50. Gr 4-6

Three friends attending the all-girls Catholic school, St. Veronica’s, become embroiled in a mystery of major proportions when they try to help a strange older woman who lives next to the church. A precious artifact has gone missing and the girls must use their best math and language skills to discover its whereabouts and expose the villain. Ricci personifies the voices of the young sleuths and creates believable voices for the supporting characters. Listeners may want to follow along with or refer to the print edition to see the graphs, charts, and other puzzles that serve as clues. Three more mysteries featuring these girl detectives provide additional fun.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.

Instructional Extension: Girl detectives are an interesting group, from the classic Nancy Drew to Harriet the Spy to the young women in the previous two examples. Students can prepare a chart to compare and contrast the similarities and differences between girl and boy detectives in their methods of solving cases, leading to an interesting writing project.

Sharon Grover is Head of Youth Services at the Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, WI. Lizette (Liz) Hannegan was a school librarian and the district library supervisor for the Arlington (VA) Public Schools before her retirement. They are co-authors of Listening to Learn (ALA Editions, 2011).

Hi! Fly Guy (Weston Woods) ©2005 by Tedd Arnold

 Hi! Fly Guy. DVD. 7 min. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-47807-6. $59.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-47823-6: $29.95; CD with paperback book, ISBN 978-0-545-47822-9: $18.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-47806-9: $12.95.
PreS-Gr 2–Fly Guy’s adventures begin with Tedd Arnold’s Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor Book (Cartwheel, 2005), and the sweet series for beginning readers soars to new heights with this outstanding DVD version. Buzz is looking for a smart pet to take to the Amazing Pet Show, and finds one talented fly for his jar. Is it a pest or a pet? Despite the naysayers, Fly Guy proves himself to be one fine flyer and a loyal pet. MacLeod Andrews gives an energetic and varied vocal performance and the animation by Soup2Nuts is hilarious. Best of all, the accompanying music and the Fly Guy song set the scene for a completely satisfying production. Rusty Young and Jack Sundrud’s musical stylings include a sliding clarinet, a guitar, and a harmonica as they steal the show while providing a spot-on match for Fly Guy’s humor and loop-the-loop aerial act. Special effects, from burps to buzzes, further enliven the text. Children will love the DVD and the CD as read-along aids or as pure, joyful entertainment. A delightful interview with the author follows the production. A brilliant marriage of text, art, and music.–Lonna Pierce, MacArthur and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

 Show Way. DVD. 12 min. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-47811-3. 59.95. CD, ISBN 978-0-545-47810-6: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0545-47827-4: $29.95.
Gr 2-5–A Show Way was a quilt that had messages stitched into it showing the family’s journey North to freedom, offering hope and a guide for slaves in the South. That theme of “leading the way” is a thread running through Jackqueline Woodson’s carefully woven story (Putnam, 2005). Soonie’s great-grandma was only a child when she was sold away from her parents. The patchwork quilts that she pieced contained clues leading to freedom. She passed her skill and knowledge on to her daughter, and so it went—generation after generation of strong women, each adding their own piece to the patchwork of their family history. From slavery to civil rights to the author’s own daughter, viewers follow this celebration of the guiding influence that strong women can have in a family. Woodson has chosen each word with particular care, and the personal warmth shines through as she reads her own work with a smile in her voice. Hudson Talbott’s amazing multimedia illustrations joyously play on the quilt theme in wonderful spreads of both patterns and history. To see the author’s own child included in the illustrations at the end of a quilted line of strong women, her face the center of the “North Star” pattern, is heart-touching. There is also a brief interview with the author as she talks about her ancestors and the process of writing the story. This is a wonderful homage to the power of knowing your own history and being true to those who have shown you the way to follow your own dreams.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA

 Cape Spin! An American Power Struggle. DVD. 86 min. Prod. by the Electron Project. Dist. by Video Project. 2012. ISBN unavail. $89.
Gr 9 Up–The political, social, and cultural dimensions of the campaign to establish the United State’s first offshore wind farm in Massachusetts’ famed Nantucket Sound is chronicled in this excellent program. This debate, which began in 2001 and went on for more than 10 years, is a complex tangle of regional and national political bedfellows, environmentalism, elitism, and localism. From the fisherman to the Kennedys, from Bill Koch to the Native American tribes, from Ken Salazar to Green Peace, the whole spectrum of concerned citizenry expresses their varied points of view—with plenty of inaccuracy and hypocrisy to go around. While there is a pro-clean energy leitmotif throughout the documentary, the directors do depict supporters and detractors with a fair hand. Through a satirical soundtrack and flashy graphic representations, viewers get a fuller sense of all the factors that inform a local campaign with national consequences. It is a humorous study in government process, media spin, grassroots advocacy, and the burgeoning field of eco-capitalism. Cape Spin is highly recommended for use in history, civics, environmental science, or political science classes at the high school, community college, and university level.–Vincent M. Livoti, University of Maine at August

 The Great Unexpected. By Sharon Creech. 5 cassettes or 5 CDs. 5:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-2004-1, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-205-8. $51.75.
Gr 5-7–Two seemingly unique communities are entwined through history and fate in a way that only Sharon Creech can manage in her story (HarperCollins, 2012) about friendship. Naomi Dean, who has a habit of always being around when trouble starts, lives with her guardians in the little town of Blackbird Tree, and is best friends with Lizzie Scatterding, who “could talk the ears off a cornfield.” Things get interesting the day that the charming young Finn boy drops out of a tree and sets in motion some very strange and unexpected events. While the two girls puzzle over his appearance and compete for his attention, two ladies in Ireland are planning a few unusual things of their own. How the author ties all of the characters on both sides of the Atlantic together is slightly contrived, but her hints and clues keep the plot moving smoothly and logically. There are locked trunks, dogs, significant trees, Finns, and black birds in both communities, although the birds are called rooks in Ireland. Heather O’Neill and Erin Moon give each character a delightful and recognizable voice; Naomi’s is sweet and charming, Mrs. Kavanaugh’s is elegant, Mr. Farley and Crazy Cora sound elderly and gruff. Only the sing-song voice of Lizzie sounds out of place and slightly bothersome. As usual, Creech’s language and descriptions are vivid and beautiful. Rich symbolism abounds, and many common threads are woven together at the novel’s conclusion.–MaryAnn Karre, West Middle School, Binghamton, NY

 Necromancing the Stone. By Lish McBride. 9 cassettes or 9 CDs. 11:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012.cassette: ISBN 978-1-4498-4678-1, CD: ISBN 978-1-4498-4679-4. $97.75.
Gr 9 Up–After killing Douglas Montgomery, an evil necromancer, in an act of self-defense, Sam LaCroix inherits all of his property, including his house and James, the pukis or house spirit. Sam also thinks he has absorbed all of Douglas’s ability to raise the dead. He’s struggling with his new powers, dealing with his friend Ramon’s transformation as a werebear, trying to train with his girlfriend Brid’s werewolf brothers, and adjusting to his place on the supernatural Council, when his sister is threatened. Sam knows the person is trying to get to him, and when Brid’s father, Brannick, is murdered, the killer appears to be a necromancer. Sam doesn’t realize that Douglas is back from the dead and, with the help of James, he may finish the job he started with Sam. If Sam can’t prove he didn’t kill Brannick, he may lose the support of the pack and be at the mercy of his worst enemy. In McBride’s witty and sarcastic sequel (2012) to Hold Me Closer Necromancer, (2010, both Holt), Jonathan Todd Ross captures Sam’s witty sarcasm and good-natured vulnerability and Chris Sorensen perfectly voices Douglas’s cold-heartedness. The author carries on with the themes of family, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, and adds to this the theme of accepting responsibility. This volume is as darkly hilarious, horrifically suspenseful, and heartbreaking as the first book.–Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY

 Path of Beasts: The Keepers Trilogy, Book 3. By Lian Tanner. 6 CDs. 6:39 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library.Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-307-71091-8. $34.
Gr 3-6–After their perilous adventure in Spoke in City of Lies (2011), Goldie Roth and her friends have just returned to Jewel and are eager to see their homes and families again in the final title (2012, both Delacorte) in Tanner’s trilogy. Their joyous reunion is interrupted by the discovery that the Fugleman has taken over the city, with a mercenary army as well as his Blessed Guardians to enforce his orders. When the Fugleman brings a canon to the doors of the Museum, its up to Goldie and her friends to save both the Museum and the city, and to defeat the Fugleman once and for all. Their only hope lies at the end of the Beast Road, a path Goldie will walk knowing that no one has ever survived the journey. Fans of the previous titles will relish this thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Claudia Black returns for the final installment, providing the perfect vocal talent. Her smooth, pleasant voice for the third-person narration blends with shifts in pitch and accent for immediately recognizable characters. Not to be missed.–Beth Gallego, Los Angeles Public Library, CA

 Personal Effects. By E.M. Kokie. 8 CDs. 9:08 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4692-0637-0. $54.97.
Gr 9 Up–Matt has had a rough time coping since his brother’s death in Iraq left him alone with his abusive father. When his father tries to keep him from looking through his brother’s personal effects, Matt can no longer just do as he’s told. Convinced that his things will give Matt insight into TJ’s “real” life, Matt secretly defies his father and discovers that his brother had a secret significant other in Wisconsin. Needing to deliver TJ’s final unmailed letter, Matt heads for Madison to seek out C, only to find that there was even more to TJ’s secret than he’d thought. Matt must choose a path for his own future. Will he follow in his father’s footsteps or will he defy him and accept who TJ truly was. Kokie’s stellar debut novel (Candlewick, 2012) is narrated by Nick Podehl who easily captures an unsure teenager’s emotional struggle. As Matt strives to find his own self-worth and uncover his brother’s TJ’s secrets, Podehl draws listeners in and keeps them invested in Matt’s story. He fluidly evokes the wide gamut of emotions that Matt experiences, while still maintaining a sense of underlying grief throughout. The expert narration coupled with a powerful and heartfelt story make this audiobook a must have for all high school and public library collections.–Jessica Miller, West Springfield Public Library, MA

 Sophia’s War. By Avi. 6 cassettes or 6 CDs. 7:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-2043-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-2042-3. $66.75.
Gr 5-9–Set in 1776 during the American Revolution when New York was under siege by the British, Avi’s tale (Beach Lane Books, 2012) of resistance features an amazing female protagonist, trials aplenty as she tries to avenge her brother’s death, and a little romance thrown in for good measure. Sophia’s family believes in freedom and desperately wants America to govern itself. Her brother goes off to fight, is captured, and ends up dying in a filthy hold of a British prison boat. John Andre, a charming English officer who is billeted with Sophia’s family, fails to intervene to save her brother. Despite having a schoolgirl crush on Andre, Sophia is conflicted by his failure to save her brother. After witnessing the execution of Nathan Hale, Sophia is determined to help the American cause. Recruited as a spy, she becomes a maid in the home of the commander of the British forces in America. Sophia uncovers some crucial information and sets out to reach West Point before Benedict Arnold can turn it over to the British. Avi’s outstanding text and Angela Goethals’s spot-on narration make the Revolutionary War come alive for listeners, providing a real sense of the time period. A perfect choice for school and public libraries.–Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

 We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart. By Walter Dean Myers. CD. 33:51 min. with hardcover book. Live Oak Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4301-1112-2. $29.95.
Gr 3 Up–The sweeping scope of Myers’s free verse poems (HarperCollins, 2011) is captured beautifully and interpreted dramatically on this CD by a diverse cast of narrators. This eminently patriotic book celebrates free expression and attempts to paint with word pictures the depth and breadth of the varied American experience. Rarely are all ethnicities given voice in a treatise on American freedom, liberty, and values, but the panorama of people who built America is well represented here. In fact, the book alone, without the CD, falls flat with its oddly-proportioned, crowded murals in a sea of white space. It is only with the soaring music, stirring sound effects, and talented team of multicultural readers that this book’s meaning and powerful purpose come to life. When a Native American voices Tecumseh’s words to the accompaniment of reed flute and eagle flight, listeners understand their intent. From Jimi Hendrix’s guitar riff to the sound of boxes of tea being dumped in Boston Harbor, meaning is enhanced. Not a young child’s picture book, the complicated concepts, vocabulary, and mature images are best for older students. Charles R. Smith Jr.’s book, I Am America (Cartwheel, 2003), is a better fit for earlier grades. Annotated quotations and art notes provide helpful references, as do the author’s and artist’s prefaces. Useful for biography units or civics classes, the chorus of voices, music, and sounds tell the unique story of America and its people in 33 breathless minutes. Truly inspirational.–Lonna Pierce, MacArthur and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

 The Barber of the Beasts. Performed by Zak Morgan. CD. 40:26 min. with booklet. Prod. by MyKazoo. Dist. byCD Universe. 2012. ISBN unavail. $9.89.
K-Gr 3–Zak Morgan, a former Grammy Award nominee, presents 13 original songs and one cover on his fourth family music album. With his background in children’s literature, Morgan writes some very clever lyrics for his songs and exhibits a fondness for puns. Having total creative freedom on this project, Morgan has explored classical and orchestral music utilizing violin, viola, cello, upright bass, piano, harmonium, oboe, flute, piccolo, trumpet, tuba, trombone, drums, tubular bells, glockenspiel, and percussion. The songs, in blues, sea shanty, jazz, Western, hard rock, and easy listening musical styles, feature guitars, bass, ukulele, mandolin, esseharpa, accordion, concertina, and harmonium. The instrumental performances are outstanding, as are Morgan’s vocals: his versatile voice handles ultra-smooth and very gravelly tones with equal assurance. “Overture” and “Winter March” are instrumental pieces. “The Barber of the Beasts” and “Minor Miners” are performed in operatic and classical styles, with a boys’ group in the latter that sounds like the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Among the other songs are “First Grade,” “Snow Day,” “The White Shark’s Chum,” “The Case of the Dry Markers,” “Nancy Jane,” “The Cricket & the Coin,” “Mr. E,” “Swinging on a Star,” “Let Me In,” and “Wash My Hands.” The booklet includes a glossary of words from the songs. An excellent and creative production.–Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX

 Bully, Bystander, Bullied: Which One Are You? Performed by Lyle Cogen. CD. approx.18 min. Prod. byMaZac Music. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $9.99.
Gr 1-8–This concept album from singer/anti-bullying activist Lyle Cogen challenges kids to determine what role they play each day in school. Two pieces, “Bully, Bystander, Bullied: Which One Are You?” and “No Put Downs,” are from her one-woman musical play “Sticks and Stones.” Opening with the Latin-infused production number “Bystander,” Cogan shows the bystander’s point of view and encourages the change necessary to become more involved to help those being bullied. “You Ain’t Nothing but a Bully” is a techno-pop/rap about what motivates the bully’s behavior. “Don’t Laugh at Me,” the pop tune/ballad by Steve Seskin and Allen Shamblin, gives the viewpoint of the victim of bullying. With a defiant attitude, Cogen recites the unifying poem for the album, “Bully, Bystander, Bullied: Which One Are You?” The hip-hop tune “No Put Downs” offers an alternative behavior to bullies. The album closes with the Billy Steinberg/Tom Kelly classic ballad “True Colors,” adapted so it fuses the text to form a pop/rap song to appeal to a wide range of musical interests. Cogen is an impassioned, polished performer. While probably not a golden ticket solution, this could be a very useful tool in combating bullies by encouraging boys and girls to place tags on the various roles and encourage bystanders to speak up.–Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

 Ozomatli Presents OzoKids. CD. approx. 37 min. Hornblow Group/Megaforce Records. 2012. ISBN unavail. $11.98.
PreS-Gr 3–The Grammy award-winning Los Angeles-based Latin fusion group, Ozomatli, continues to defy being pigeon-holed. Never afraid to try new things, they accepted a challenge from PBS television to shed gang-violence and explicit lyrics and record several education-focused songs. Their new album is aimed at youngsters yet maintains a gritty, urban edge that should have wide appeal. Fusing Latino, hip-hop, reggae, techno pop, and rock, these 14 original tunes will teach youngsters and please grownups, too. The sophisticated and engaging arrangements feature a wide variety of musical styles and instrumentation. “Trees” explains what’s necessary for a tree to grow. “Germs” talks about good and bad germs. “Exercise” espouses its importance and various forms. “Water” lists the many forms it takes. “Pirana” encourages facing fears. Among the catchy numbers are “Moose on the Loose” (a techno rap), “Balloon Fest” (a cha-cha), “Like It’s Your Birthday,” “Let’s Go to the Movies” (features a strong percussion beat), “Spelling” (a fusion-infused spelling lesson), and “Changito” (a high-octane song sure to get kids up and moving). Rock on, Ozo!–Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

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The following titles are reviewed in the February 1 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

DVD

Art

Behind the Color Wheel: Using Color in Art and Design. DVD. 24 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Learning Seed. 2012. ISBN 978-1-55740-665-1. $109.

Drugs & Alcohol

Performance Enhancing Substances in Sport. DVD. 21 min. with tchr’s. guide. Prod. by VEA. Dist. by Insight Media. 2012. ISBN unavail. $129.

Guidance–General

Before You Hook Up: Dating Rights and Responsibilities. DVD. 22 min. with tchr’s. guide. Human Relations Media. 2012. ISBN 978-155548-572-6. $149.95.

Children and Divorce: Children Teaching Children About Divorce. DVD. 46:46 min. Professor Child. 2012. ISBN unavail. $34.99.

How to Say NO and Really Mean It. DVD. 20 min. with tchr’s. guide. Human Relations Media. 2012. ISBN 978-155548-579-5. $149.95.

Guidance–Careers

Do You Have What It Takes? Fashion Design Careers. DVD. 22 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Learning ZoneXpress. 2012. ISBN unavail. $79.95.

Job Interview Secrets. DVD. 17 min. with tchr’s guide. Prod. by VEA. Dist. by Insight Media. 2012. ISBN unavail. $129.

Health

54321+8 Countdown to Your Health. DVD. 24 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Learning ZoneXPress. 2012. ISBN unavail. $79.95.

Get Off the SoFAS! Avoiding Solid Fats & Added Sugars.

DVD. 36 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Learning Seed. 2012. ISBN 978-1-55740-607-1. $99.

Nutrition Labels: Reading Between the Lines.

DVD. 21 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Learning Seed. 2012. ISBN 978-1-55740-619-4. $89.

Pass on the Salt: Shaking the Habit. DVD. 20 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Learning Seed. 2012. ISBN 978-1-55740-618-7. $89.

The Top 5 Food Mistakes Most Teens Make and How to Fix Them. DVD. 25 min. with tchr’s. guide. Human Relations Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-55548-930-4. $149.95.

Language Arts

Chowder. DVD. 12 min. with tchr’s. guide. Nutmeg Media. 2012. ISBN 1-933938-91-9. $49.95.

Wind Flyers. DVD. 7 min. with tchr’s. guide. Nutmeg Media. 2012. ISBN 1-033938-90-0. $49.95.

Science

The Atomic States of America. DVD. 70 min./90min. Video Project. 2012. ISBN unavail. K-12: $89, public library:  $39.95.

Geologic Journey II, Episode 2: Along the African Rift. DVD. 51 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Prod. by CBC and 90th Parallel Prods. Dist. by Bullfrog Films. 2010, 2012 release. ISBN 1-93777-229-2. $250.

Social Studies

Families of Italy (Families of the World Series). DVD. 30 min. with tchr’s. guide. Master Communications. 2012. ISBN 978-1-60480-155-2. $29.95.

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

Ask the Passengers. By A. S. King. 7 CDs. 8:05 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-449-01511-7. $50.

Bear Says Thanks. By Karma Wilson. cassette or CD. 15 min. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-4703-2919-8, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-2918-1. $15.75; hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-4169-5856-7: $16.99.

Burn for Burn. By Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian. 6 cassettes or 6 CDs. 7 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012.cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-0759-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-0760-6. $66.75.

Button Down. By Anne Ylvisaker. 3 CDs. 2:56 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4692-0626-4. $54.97.

Fish in the Sky. By Fridrik Erlings. 6 CDs. 6:53 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4692-0630-1. $54.97. 

Flock: Stork Trilogy, Book 3. By Wendy Delsol. 8 CDs. 9:45 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4692-0631-8. $54.97.

The Forgiveness Garden. By Lauren Thompson. cassette or CD. 15 min. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-4703-2982-2, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-038-3. $15.75; hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-3126-259903: $16.99.

The Freedom Maze. By Delia Sherman. 8 CDs. 8:19 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-499-01463-9. $55.

The Infects. By Sean Beaudoin,. 8 CDs. 8:48 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4692-0634-9. $54.97.

Island of Silence: Unwanteds, Book 2. By Lisa McMann. 7 cassettes or 7 CDs. 7:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-2986-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-2977-8. $77.75.

Jump into the Sky. By Shelley Pearsall. 7 CDs. 8:24 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-449-01404-2. $40.

L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. By L. Frank Baum. 4 CDs. 4:30 hrs. Tantor Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4526-1027-6. $47.99.

Library Lily. By Gillian Shields. CD. 6:10 min. with hardcover book. Spoken Arts. 2012. ISBN 0-8045-4243-0. $29.95.

Little Blue Truck. By Alice Schertle. cassette or CD. 15 min. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-2925-9, CD ISBN978-1-4703-2924-2. $15.75; hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-1520-5661-2:$16.99.

Malcolm at Midnight. By W.H. Beck. 5 cassettes or 5 CDs. 5:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-2070-6, CD: ISBN 987-1-4703-2071-3. $51.75.

Poison Princess: The Arcana Chronicles, Book 1. By Kresley Cole. 11 cassettes or 11 CDs. 12:30 hrs.Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-2988-4, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-2980-8. $108.75.

Seconds Away: A Mickey Bolitar Novel. By Harlan Coben. 7 CDs. 7:46 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-0498-6. $74.97.

Secrets of the Magic Ring. By Karen McQuestion. 3 CDs. 3:29 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4692-3111-2. $49.97.

Skylark. By Megan Spooner. 9 cassettes or 9 CDs. 11 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4618-4477-8. CD: ISBN 978-1-4618-5576-1. $97.75.

Vertigo. By Kristina Dunker. 6 CDs. 6:48 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-8088-1. $49.97.

The Villain Virus: NERDS, Book 4. By Michael Buckley. 5 cassettes or 5 CDs. 5:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012.cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-2609-8, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-2610-4. $51.75.

Yours Truly, Lucy B. Parker: Take My Advice! By Robin Palmer. 5 CDs. 5:14 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-5879-8. $49.97. 

Music

Apple Apple. Performed by The Harmonica Pocket. CD. approx. 49 min. CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $15.

Backyard Astronauts. Performed by Mr. Richard. CD. approx. 32 min. Prod. by Bark Records/Mr. Richard. Dist. by AV Café. 2012.ISBN unavail. $12.

A Boy and His Guitar. Performed by Mr. Billy. CD. 40 min. Prod. by Flying Bounce House Records/Mister Billy. Dist. by AV Café. 2012. ISBN unavail. $15.95.

Call Me a Nerd! CD. Performed by The Nerdz. 36 min. Call Me a Nerd. 2012. ISBN unavail. $15.

Escalator. Performed by David Tobocman. CD. 30 min. Prod. by Elsewhere Records. Dist by CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.98.

Go! CD. Performed by The Alphabet Rockers. approx. 38 min. School Time Music. 2012. ISBN unavail. $14.99.

Green and Bumpy. Performed by Deep Friend Pickle Project. CD. approx. 41 min. Prod. by Green and Bumpy Music. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.97.

Huh-uh. Performed by Barry G and the Dream Jam Kids CD. approx. 24 min. Prod. by myKaZoo Music. Dist. by CD Universe. 2012. ISBN unavail. $11.99.

I Am Sleepy with Sukey Molloy. CD. 43 min. Sukey Molloy. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.99.

I Can Do It! Performed by Patty Shukla. CD. approx. 36 min. Prod. by Patty Shukla Kids Music. Dist. by AV Café. 2012.ISBN unavail. $14.

Imagination. Performed by Sulinha Boucher. CD. 40:62 min. Sulinha.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $15.

Playing in the Band. CD. 44 min. Prod. by Little Rockers Music. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $11.97.

Reading Rocks! Performed by Johnnette Dowing. CD. 49 min. Prod. by Wiggle Work Records. Dist. byCDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $15.

Social Studies

The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure. By Martin W. Sandler. 4 CDs. 3:53 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-5197-3. $54.97.