Three Picture Books Worth Checking Out

Often times parents will ask us to steer their kids away from the picture book section thinking they are too easy as their child becomes a better reader. As politely as possible I try and let the parents know picture books have the power to spur and engage wonderful conversations. With that in mind I would recommend the following three non-fiction picture books for that very reason

Black Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson by Charles R. Smith is the biography of boxer Jack Johnson. As an African American in the early 20th century he wasn't allowed to fight for the heavy weight title. This is a story that covers courage, desire, prejudice, and the value of hard work and believing in yourself.


She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story by Audrey Mernick is another story that explores the role of racism and prejudice in society. Prior to getting involved with baseball, Effa Manley was a believer in being heard - no matter how long it took. She organized protests and wrote letters to share her beliefs but it was in the world of baseball that Effa made her mark. Manley loved baseball and with her husband owned a Negro League team. She treated her players with respect, making sure their needs were taken care of so they could be successful ball players. When the Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, Effa set out to make sure the Negro League teams were compensated for players MLB drafted. When she realized the Baseball Hall of Fame made no mention of the Negro League, she made herself heard. A great read.

Librarian on the Roof: A True Story by M.G. King tells the story of a wonderful Texas librarian by the name of RoseAleta Laurell. Determined to update the Dr. Eugene Clark Library in Lockhart, Texas and create an environment where her patrons, especially children, would want to spend time, she came up with an unusual way to raise the necessary funds. Good stuff.

Three More (it's been a good week)

Justly or unjustly I often judge a book on whether or not I would like to be friends with the characters. Are they likable? Interesting? Can they laugh at themselves? Jake by Audrey Couloumbs is a simple Christmas story of family, immediate and extended. Jake himself is delightful as are all of the characters you meet. I would definitely hang out with Jake. Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett is an engaging mystery that's been around for a while (in fact, there are a couple of follow-ups). Sixth graders Calder and Petra are deep thinkers who find themselves in the midst of an art heist. They too are likable. I could see myself helping them solve future mysteries. Sophie Simon Solves Them All by Lisa Graff stars - Sophie Simon, a brilliant third grade loner who has no interest in making friends. She is at first glance, not particularly likable. But thanks to classmates who you would want to be friends with, who take the time to find the likable in Sophie, I changed my mind as the story finished up.

And for the Adults....

Running the Books by Avi Steinberg is a fascinating look at his life as a prison librarian. Steinberg tells engaging stories about the prisoners he works with - it's hard not to root for both the librarian and those incarcerated. That said, it's real life and Steinberg discovers early on that life is complicated when one works in a prison.


Anita Shreve has become one of my go to authors when I want to escape - she weaves a good story but doesn't tax your brain. Her latest, Rescue, tells the story of a 21 year old paramedic who falls in love with someone he rescues. Sheila is far from perfect but Watson, as the EMT is known, can't help but think there's more to her than the drinking. And there is, but it takes 15 years and raising their daughter alone for him to find out.

Little Bee by Chris Cleave seems to be big amongst the book club crowd. I spent most of the book yelling at Sarah and Lawrence. I will say, I appreciated the author's note at the end of the book, "Researching Little Bee made me grateful for the most basic gifts like safety and peace and the simple right to work." But my goodness, could he have not made the characters a bit more likable?

Good Reads for Kids

I've read three books for kids recently that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Gary Paulsen's Lawn Boy was delightful - what's not to like when a 12 year old boy, looking to make a bit of money to repair his bicycle tire, ends up running his own, very successful business. Throw in a crazy grandmother, a hippie stockbroker and a fighter name Johnny Pow and you've got yourself a good story (in less than a 100 pages for the reluctant readers out there). Having just discovered Lawn Boy I was happy to see Lawn Boy Returns arrive with our latest shipment of books. It is equally good - all of the same characters plus some good old fashioned bad guys. Pure fun.



I also picked up Knots in My YoYo String, Jerry Spinelli's memoir of growing up in Pennsylvania. His language is simple while his descriptions place you right in the middle of his neighborhood. Good stuff from the author of Maniac Magee, Loser, Star Girl and a handful more.

Bink and Gollie - Kate DiCamillo does it again!

Is it a fiction book? Is it an everybody book? I'm not sure where it will end up in our library but what I do know is, Bink and Gollie is good fun. It's rich in vocabulary while celebrating the joy of friendship and the importance of respect and compromise. The illustrations are plentiful and expressive. Just about a perfect book.

Justin Case School, Drool, and Other Disasters

In Justin Case, Rachel Vail has created a thoroughly engaging character who struggles with being a son, big brother and third grader. Told in daily diary entries from just before the first day of school in September to the end of June, the reader rides the roller coaster of being eight. Vail does a great job capturing the angst and awkwardness of third grade with just the right amount of humor.

Two for the Adults

Let's Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell is an incredibly touching memoir of her friendship with author Caroline Knapp (Drinking: A Love Story, Pack of Two). Knapp died of cancer at age 42 and Caldwell has honored their relationship with sensitivity, grace and kindness.



A Scattered Life, Karen McQuestion's debut novel, grabbed me from the first page. Interesting and complex female characters, all flawed and yet you root for each of them to find peace. I saw a train wreck coming and couldn't wait to see how McQuestion untangled things. But to be honest, I was disappointed. I had invested myself in the book and the characters and felt the author knew she had come to the end but wasn't quite sure how to do it. Will this keep me from reading another book by McQuestion? Probably not - she has character development down. Hopefully, the rest will come.

Books, Books, Books

It's taken me two months to get back to the blog but I'm excited about some of the books I've read recently. It's heavy on the kid stuff for now but adult reviews will follow in the next day or two.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell was written fifty years ago. I'm sure I read it when I was in elementary school but decided to revisit it for old times sake and I'm glad I did. It is as much a story of survival as it is a story of a girl coming into her own on her own. The details of how Karana, who is stranded on an island off of the California coast deals with being alone for eighteen years (foraging, hunting, etc) can be a bit monotonous but my goodness it is an empowering story based in history. Well worth a read.


I finally spent some quality time with The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart. My nephew mentioned it first and then 5th grader Ava told me in no uncertain terms I needed to read it. I'm glad I did. Thrown together by circumstance (all are orphans of various ages who are gifted), the four members of The Mysterious Benedict Society learn the value of thinking differently, listening well and working together. It is because of their willingness to accept their fate they agree to work with Mr. Benedict to help save the world. Plenty of twists and turns await the reader. Don't be put off by the number of pages - it's worth the investment of your time.


When a student says, "Ms. Coupe, you have to read this book. I've read it 14 times and I never get tired of the children's heads being cut off," what choice does one have? A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz is quite simply, a great read. Mr. Gidwitz takes Hansel and Gretel on a tour of seven other Grimm fairly tales and weaves a story that is so thoroughly engaging you lose sight of the horror (despite the author's numerous warnings). Really good stuff - no wonder A Tale Dark and Grimm is on a number of "best of" lists.


Ratfink by Marcia Thorton Jones is a story of Logan, misunderstood fifth grader. He sets out to be a different kid when school starts but his reputation precedes him and he is never given the benefit of the doubt, even by his parents. Throw in an aging grandfather who has moved in with Logan and his folks, a new girl who acclimates very quickly and has some bullying tendencies and you have a book that you want to both yell at and embrace.


Tricia Springstudd has written a delightful book about community. What Happened on Fox Street chronicles the ups and downs of 11 year old Mo Wren. Her mom has died and her father works long hours to support Mo and her little sister. Fox Street might not have any foxes but it does have the woods where Mo often escapes and every summer, Mo's best friend, Mercedes, visits her grandmother, a long time resident of Fox Street. Fox Street is also a treasure chest of memories from when Mo's mom was alive so when things start to shift in the neighborhood, Mo struggles to keep her balance. Fox Street is a story about love and change and acceptance. Hard stuff for a lot of people but Ms. Springstudd handles the story with grace and kindness. (As an aside, Ms. Springstudd was college roommates with Mrs. Serellier, our ESL teacher here at North Mianus.)


The same student who recommended A Tale Dark and Grimm stopped by the Media Center on Wednesday and said, "Ms. Coupe, I read this book last night. It's from Perrot and I have it for two weeks. I think you should bring it home and read it." So I did. And I enjoyed it immensely. Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea chronicles a teacher's first year from the perspective of seven students: the class clown, the genius, the bully, the angry one, the fat girl, the "bad influence" girl, and the new girl. Told with sensitivity, Mr. Terupt is a story of mistakes (by both students and teacher) and forgiveness; acceptance and understanding. As an added bonus - one of the math challenges Mr. Terupt has the kids do in the book is one my dad used to love. Nothing better than the dollar word game.

Three books for a Sunday

I knew I hadn't posted in a while (the whole neck thing has definitely slowed me down) but didn't realize it's been as long as it has. That's not to say I haven't been reading, I have. Just not as much as usual. Here are three books I've made my way through recently...with more to come.


Mentor A Memoir by Tom Grimes is the third best book I've read about the writing process (Stephen King's On Writing and Ann LaMott's Bird by Bird are a bit better, in my opinion). In Mentor, Grimes chronicles his friendship with writer Frank Conroy, his personal struggles as a writer and his battle with anxiety. It is an incredibly honest book and Grimes chooses each word carefully (as Conroy taught him). I found it dragging a bit toward the end. And slightly depressing.


Dirty Sexy Politics by Meghan McCain was an interesting read. John McCain's daughter, a graduate of Columbia University, is no dope. She speaks frankly about her experiences on the campaign trail, how she was treated and how the republican party needs desperately to change in order to be more appealing to her generation. It is a memoir as much as it is a plea for tolerance and acceptance - two things republicans, as a whole, aren't particularly good at.


Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, the third and final book in The Hunger Games Trilogy, was as head shaking as the first two. I will not attempt to recap the story as I cannot do it justice. To say it is about survival of the fittest isn't fair. Collins has weaved intricate and dynamic relationships in a world where fear is foremost in everyone's mind. Unlike Gregor which is a great elementary series, Hunger Games is most definitely a middle school and beyond book (I heard about the series from an adult who said, "It's the best worst book I've ever read,").

Powerless by Matthew Cody

When Mrs. Jarombek visited in May to share some of her favorite books Powerless was among them. I was sitting in the back when she picked it up and Ian, now in sixth grade, said under his breath, "Great book." And they were right. I loved Powerless. It is a book that explores so many things - friendship, good vs. evil, what it means to be a hero (and do you have to have a super power to be a hero). The characters are well developed as is the story. And the best part? I just checked Matthew Cody's website - he's working on a sequel. This is a book best read by mature fourth and fifth graders.

Ladder of Years...Ann Tyler

I talk a lot about having a balanced book diet with the kids. And I since I try and practice what I preach I picked up Ann Tyler. I figured she would be my protein, my main course. And Ladder of Years is written beautifully but you know what, sometimes the main course looks pretty but doesn't have any taste. I am perhaps being a bit harsh but this is a book I became frustrated with early on and the only reason I stuck with it is because I wanted to see if Delia decided to return home after abandoning her family (on a whim, I might add). I imagine there are people who read this book and say of course that's how Tyler had to end the story. I am not one of them. Which means - if you choose to read the book we may have plenty to talk about.

The Greatest Catch A Life in Teaching...Penny Kittle

Wow. Penny Kittle is thoughtful, kind, and incredibly observant. She is the kind of teacher I wish to be. There is so much food for thought in this little book - about teaching, about writing, about living. A gift.

Night of the Howling Dogs by Graham Salisbury

This is the last of the Nutmeg nominees and it's an adventure story not to be missed. Senior patrol leader of his Hilo, Hawaii, scout troop, eighth-grader Dylan looks forward to camping on the coast in the shadow of a volcano despite the presence of Louie, the troop bully. The hike down to the volcano is tougher than expected and then the troop is hit with not just an earthquake but a tsunami as well. It is amidst disaster that both Dylan and Louie have to let go of preconceived notions and rely on one another to help save their friends. Based on a true story.

That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo

I finished this book a week ago and I still can't decide whether or not I liked it. As the readers of this blog know, I am big into whether or not I can relate and/or root for a character. Split into two parts and filled with flashbacks, Richard Russo creates characters that are memorable; likable I'm not so sure. Jack Griffin returns to the Cape for a wedding. His father's ashes are in the trunk and his mother (long divorced from his father) constantly on his cell phone. The Cape is a place they vacationed as a family, memories plentiful. But his parents were bitter academics and Jack discovers maybe he's more like them than he would like. Over the course of that first weekend he explores his relationships not only with his parents but his wife and daughter, too. Fast forward one year, his daughter is getting married in Maine and life is far more complicated than it should be. There are laugh out loud scenes and Russo gives you plenty to think about.

Elephant Run by Roland Smith

One of the good things about the Nutmeg Award is I end up reading books I wouldn't normally pick up. Elephant Run by Roland Smith is a perfect example. Set during World War II, it tells the story of Nick Freestone, a young man who is sent to Burma to live with his father on a teak plantation. What his mother didn't know when she rushed to get Nick out of England and away from nightly bombings was that the Japanese were on the verge of taking Burma over. Elephant Run looks at WW II from an angle I was unaware of. There are people who are incredibly cruel and there are people who are true heroes. When you finish the book, walk away with the heroes.

A Soft Place to Land by Susan Rebecca White

Recommended by my niece, ASPTL celebrates the joys and frustrations of being a sister. As is often the case when I read a book, I look for someone to root for. I'm still thinking about it. The story is complex (partly inspired by Sully's dramatic Hudson River landing of a plane) and the characters are flawed but ultimately, they do the best with what they have. Is that good enough for the reader? It was for me.

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Eleven year old Caitlin and her father are suffering from a tremendous loss - their brother and son has been killed by an another angry student at his middle school. At first glance you might ask if this is appropriate for elementary school - if you have a mature fifth grader the answer is yes. This is about so much more than a senseless shooting. Caitlin has Asperger's syndrome and her brother Devon interpreted the world for her. As she faces the biggest obstacle of her life she's relying on the school counselor and friends who don't quite get her. Erskine does a masterful job celebrating friendship, forgiveness, and empathy. Join Caitlin as she searches for closure - you won't be disappointed.

Iron Thunder by Avi

Another Nutmeg nominee, Iron Thunder is a historical fiction novel based on the battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac. . Tom Carroll is but 13 years old in 1862 when his mother asks him to find a job to help put food on the table. And what a job he finds - errand boy for Captain John Ericsson - inventor of the first ironclad ship. Will something made of iron float? Will it be capable of fighting of the rebel "sea monster," known as the Merrimac. Plenty of action including Tom being wooed by a rebel spy.

Seaglass Summer by Anjali Banerjee

Poppy has the summer of her life planned - while her parents fly off to India to visit relatives, Poppy has convinced her uncle to let her stay with him on on island off the coast of Washington state where he is a vet. Poppy wants one thing in life - to be a vet like her uncle. Interestingly she's never had an animal as her mother is allergic. There are plenty of lessons to be learned - both from humans and animals alike. Join Poppy, Uncle Sanjay, Hawk, Duff, Mr. Pincus and a whole host of other characters as she learns the ins and outs of island living.

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm

Jennifer Holm, author of the Baby Mouse graphic novels has written an engaging story about Turtle - a young girl trying to find her place in the world. It's the 1930s, money is scarce and when her mother takes a job working for a woman who doesn't like kids, Turtle is shipped off to Key West, Florida to live with an aunt. Turtle is a resourceful girl (you have to be when you're constantly battling with a cousin named Beans) and gets a big old helping of family history as summer passes. And oh yes - there's a treasure map.

Notes From the Dog...Gary Paulsen

Gary Paulsen does a lovely job telling the story of Finn, an awkward fourteen year old boy who doesn't have a lot of friends and is reluctant to take a risk making one (or two). Enter Johanna, a graduate student who is house sitting next door. It turns out Johanna has a lot on her plate - she has cancer, just broke up with her boyfriend and is training for a triathlon. Somehow she convinces Finn to plant her a garden. Read Notes From the Dog to find out if friendship blooms. (For fifth grade and up.)

For You Mom, Finally by Ruth Reichl

I have read most if not all of Reichl's memoirs - she is a wonderful storyteller and For You Mom, Finally is no different. Unfortunately, it's only upon deep reflection we can truly understand the lessons of our mothers - especially mothers who grew up in 1940s and 50s; women who didn't have the opportunities women today do and wanted desperately to make sure their daughters did (whether they made it explicit it or not). Reichl uses a box of old notes and letters to help tell her mother's story - she is gentle and forgiving. For You Mom is beautifully written. (As an aside, my favorite Reichl book is Garlic and Sapphires about her time as the restaurant critic for the New York Times. Amazing stories.)

Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff

Slowly but surely I'm working my way through the Nutmeg nominees. Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff isn't a book I would have normally picked up but am glad I did. Part mystery, part human interest story, Eleven tells the story of Sam, an eleven year old boy who discovers some unsettling news about his past. Not a great reader, he reaches out to the new kid - Caroline, for help putting the pieces of his life into a coherent story. It is a story about friendship, about family, about unconditional love - well worth a read.

Food Rules...Michael Pollan

Fascinating food for thought (that is too obvious a pun to pass by)...a lot of it makes sense, some of it isn't any fun....and while I don't abide by them all the rules, I do occasionally glance at the book and wonder how I'm doing.

Tip It! The World According to Maggie Griffin...for adults

For those who know me, they know I watch Kathy Griffin religiously - I admire her willingness to take on issues (Don't Ask Don't Tell) and her ability to see the absurd in everyday life. Oh sure, I spend some time asking myself, "Did she just say that?" but all in all it's good fun. I read her Official Book Club Selection last year and was pleasantly surprised to see her mom's Tip It! at Barnes and Noble the other day. Maggie Griffin is a saint - not because she puts up with her daughter but because she understands and accepts Kathy for who she is. The respect these two have for each other is wonderful. And it seems they follow a simple rule - don't take life too seriously and when life gets you down - tip it.

Andrew Clements...No Talking

Andrew Clements has mastered writing for the third through fifth grade population. In each book he creates characters that kids can identify with. No Talking explores the power of words and the importance of listening. Oh sure, he throws in some cooties and boys are better than girls stuff along with a humorless principal but ultimately the message he delivers is - it's not always who wins but what we learn along the way.

From Fluff to Substance

My mind, partly mush from the fluff of last weekend, is now engaged in Sue Miller's latest, Lake Shore Limited. I've also downloaded Anne Tyler's Ladder of Years to my Kindle. Looking forward to reading some beautiful language and well woven family drama. (I think it's only a coincidence that a beach is on both covers.)

A Gas of a Book

I was a bit surprised when Mrs. Belmonte pulled Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder out of the box. I couldn't remember ordering it but am glad I did. While the story is light, the language funny, author Jo Nesbo has given the reader plenty to think about when it comes to being different and dealing with bullies. We all need friends like Lisa and Nilly.

Nutmeg Books

Every year the kids of Connecticut have an opportunity to vote for their favorite book from a list of ten novels. At North Mianus we celebrate with the 5th Grade Nutmeg Book Bowl. For a list of the 2011 nominees, click here.

My summer reading will include finishing up the Nutmeg books (I reviewed a couple in April). Yesterday I read The Thing About Georgie by Lisa Graff. Put simply, it is an incredibly sweet book about a fourth grade boy who is a dwarf and how he deals with his place in the world. And yet there are far more layers. What does it take to be a good friend? What will it take to be a good older brother? Are there conditions on the love his parents have for him based on his dwarfism? Good stuff all around.

Rivals by Tim Green

Just finished this book . Green creates a good 21st century baseball story* along with a little bit of mystery. Towards the end of the book I think I found a mistake. If you read Rivals and think there is a mistake also, email me. A little prize will go to the first student who discovers what I did. (I just emailed the author to see what might have happened. I'll let you know if I hear back.)

*I grew up on Matt Christopher.

Crunch by Leslie Connor

Leslie Connor has written a thoroughly delightful book titled Crunch. It is a story of family, friendship and bikes. Good stuff to discuss throughout.

Fluff for the Weekend!

I stocked up my Kindle with fluff - a perfect way to start summer vacation. My writing will be limited as typing with a ruptured disc is still a bit painful.