Family Reads

Anna Smudge: Professional Shrink

Anna Smudge: Professional Shrink

by MAC (Melissa A. Calderone) © 2008, 256 pages Level 5 (all about levels) Read Amazon Reviews

 

Eleven-year-old Anna Smudge stumbles on to a career of helping people figure out their problems while she gets handed a doozy of her own to solve. While juggling loads of homework and therapy sessions in a storage closet of her apartment building, she has to unravel a complex mystery involving an escaped hitman, her off-kilter art teacher, and someone named Mr. Who. Her father's life depends on it! Her band of misfit yet likable friends joins with her in cracking a case that has the adults of New York City so baffled that they deny the very existence of Mr. Who.

We received an advance reader's copy of Anna Smudge: Professional Shrink from the publisher, Toasted Coconut Media. It's the first in a series of books titled The Professionals, featured on their website WhoisMrWho.com. They describe the book as a graphic novel and despite the fact that the only illustrations are at the beginning of chapters, it definitely reads like one, explaining its debut at the New York Comic Con this February.

Lori

I have to begin by saying that this book is not the type I would normally choose to read. It's a fast-paced action story low on emotional involvement. Ben and I read this book separately and I was tempted to give up several times because it just wasn't clicking with me. Ben, on the other hand, zipped through it in a couple of days. But after we watched the Nancy Drew movie, I could see some similarities between the two female sleuths that made Anna a little more appealing. Finally, I got hooked on the mystery and finished it quickly after that.

I'm still a little torn about this book because it isn't as sweet or kind-hearted as the ones I like to recommend. It's a little crude here and there, but no more so than an average family movie like Kicking and Screaming. It's a very modern book, and that probably says a lot about why it's not my favorite ;) But it's an interesting concept, the unique characters are smart and capable, and kids who enjoy quick-moving mysteries should be amply entertained. I'm looking forward to seeing how this series develops.

Ben

I really enjoyed this book. It is fast paced and has lots of action. I disagree with the fact that Anna Smudge is a touch crude, and if I'm wrong it is because it is a modern story. There is a slow beginning, but the book builds up speed like a train until the cliff-hanger ending. I highly recommend this book to any young mystery fan.

Summer Reads for Parents

As you plan your summer vacations, we hope you're able to take some time to find a few audio books for family enjoyment and help your kids stock up on a nice stack of books. But don't forget to pick out some juicy reads for yourself! Though many of the Level 4 and Level 5 titles we review here are great options, you might want to stash some more grownup choices in your suitcase. Here are a few links to help you single out that perfect summer read:

• This month's Real Simple asks bestselling authors to make recommendations for everything from one-day reads to books to savor all summer, as well as a separate list for beach reads. They've also included a list of handy sites to enrich your reading adventures.
• Top 10 Summer Reads featured recently on the Today Show.
• You'll feel more cultured after you add one of the books from The Big Read to your list.
• Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer is both funny and smart, so I trust her reading roundup thoughts.
• And a few posts from the Mental Floss blog (be sure to read comments on the posts for the most titles): Gotta Read 'Em All and books that inspire one to stay up all night.

I don't know about you, but now I've got some serious reading ambitions. So if anyone could tell me some magical way to have enough time to read everything on my list, I'd be much obliged!

Hachiko - The True Story of a Loyal Dog

Hachiko - The True Story of a Loyal Dog

by Pamela S. Turner
© 2004, 27 pages Level 2 (all about levels) Learn More on Amazon Reviewed by Emily Morgan

 

Narrated by a fictitious 6-year-old boy, this book tells the true story of Hachiko, a dog who faithfully waits at a busy Tokyo train station for his master to return home from work. The unusual part of the story is that the dog continues to wait, at the same place, for nearly a decade after his master's death. The story is beautifully told and simply illustrated, allowing its reader to take in some Japanese culture and history. The author includes "the story behind the story" at the end, with interesting facts about Hachiko and his influence on the people whose paths included Shibuya Station in Tokyo. The story is, in the author's words, "both sad and wonderful".

This book would be a terrific addition to a study of Japanese geography and culture and is appropriate reading for first through sixth grades. I enjoyed it and am not surprised that I found such a gem on our state's picture book award shelf.

Reading Remedies

I read a tweet from a friend this evening talking about how she wants to work on obedience with her kids this summer. And the first thing I thought of? Books, of course. Specifically, I remembered the great examples of obedience that can be found in the Little House on the Prairie books. In those days a lack of obedience could result in being eaten by a wild animal! I recall using that very example in a discussion with Ben when he was younger ;)

It reminded me that a well-chosen book can be a subtle yet effective way to address some issues that might be lurking around our kids. There's certainly nothing ground-breaking about that idea...after all, where else would the phrase "moral of the story" come from? Usually I tend to think of picture books, fables, and fairy tales as the ones with lessons, since their messages are more overt.

But, oh the wealth of great examples in chapter books! If you're already reading longer books with your kids, then a carefully selected chapter book might be the ticket for starting a conversation about a difficult subject. Sometimes no talking is necessary—just let the story settle in over time. And if even more delicacy is called for, maybe try adding it to their stack of books at the library or listening to it as an audio book in the car.

This approach may sound sneaky, and it could come across as manipulative if you're heavy-handed with it. But what I'm learning is that juvenile and young adult-fiction authors love kids through their writing. They want to help. And we can embrace their advocacy for our children simply by thoughtful book selection.

I did a quick search on the web and found this fairly lengthy list of books and their associated values. Of course The Book of Virtues is an obvious source of inspiration as well. But it's not too hard to dig deeper. Do some searching of your own, check out the classics, read the flaps of award-winning books, and definitely ask your friendly children's librarian. Books are a welcome resource to support our parenting—within their pages our children can be inspired, soothed, shaped, fortified, encouraged...moved.

The Greatest Skating Race

The Greatest Skating Race

by Louise Borden
© 2004, 48 pages Level 3 (all about levels)Learn More on Amazon

 

If you read the review about Number the Stars the other day and thought it sounded interesting, but a little old for your kids, then this is the book for you. A World War II story from the Netherlands, The Greatest Skating Race shares a tale of bravery about a 10-year-old boy named Piet who helps guide two neighbor children to safety by skating 16 kilometers through the frozen canals of the Netherlands and across the Belgian border.

Piet's greatest dream is to skate in the Elfstedentocht, a 200-kilometer race held in the northern Netherlands. So when his grandfather asks him to use his skating skills to lead the two younger children to their aunt's house, he is excited about the athletic opportunity, but concerned about the dangers along the way. They must skate a long distance in a short time, all while appearing to be carefree children out for an ordinary afternoon of skating. It's a difficult journey, and the Nazi soldiers posted on their route only add to the peril. The physical and mental challenges they encounter make for a suspenseful read!

The Greatest Skating Race is another great example of children rising to the occasion and doing something meaningful. Though a little shorter than most of our Level 3 books and in a picture-book format, this story was considerably longer than a Level 2 with a plot that should easily hold the interest of Level 3 readers. There are pronunciation helpers and notes throughout the book (which I found very handy), as well as some interesting historical information at the end. The illustrations are reminiscent of Robert McCloskey, and add a warmth that only complements the suspense of the story and the icy landscape.

The Most Beautiful Place in the World

The Most Beautiful Place in the World

by Ann Cameron
© 1993, 64 pages Level 3 (all about levels) Learn More on Amazon Reviewed by Gina Clifford

 

San Pablo is a beautiful little town in Guatemala, overlooking a large lake, lush foliage and several volcanoes. Juan still has faint memories of living in that little house behind the mansion for which his dad was the caretaker. But one day, Juan's life changes dramatically. His father leaves Juan and his mom to work in another town and doesn't come back. Thank goodness Juan's generous grandmother owns a big house because they have nowhere else to live.

Juan and his mom begin taking nice walks through the town in the evening and stop to talk with the other people of the town. Then one day,  Juan's mother meets a man and starts taking evening walks without Juan. Soon after, Juan's mom packs her things and leaves Juan and his grandmother. Juan has only his grandmother now and starts to wonder if anyone really cares about him. His grandmother, respected in the town for making the best Arroz con Leche in the region, sets Juan up with a shoe shine business so that he can 'earn his keep'.

Juan does well but notices that other boys and girls his age are off to school while he shines shoes. Not wanting to concern his grandmother with his thoughts of attending school, Juan teaches himself to read. Soon, he is reading the newspaper!

Finally realizing that Juan is old enough to attend school, Juan's grandmother immediately enrolls him in the nearby school. He does so well, he is promoted to the next grade. Then one evening, Juan's grandmother walks with Juan to the tourism office and asks Juan to read the words underneath a San Pablo picture she has long wondered about. It reads: "San Pablo, the most beautiful place in the world". "Is it?", asks Juan. Juan's and his grandmother's answer inspires the reader to think about what the most beautiful place in the world is for him or herself.

The Most Beautiful Place in the World is written so that established readers can manage the vocabulary easily. However, the ideas presented in this story touch on real social and cultural issues not always understood by younger readers. This book is an important book for children who enjoy learning about world cultures and as The Most Beautiful Place in the World' leaves the reader with hope, it may also very well spark questions that deserve honest answers.

This summer, don't slip...flip instead!

Ah to be a kid in the summertime—sleeping in, sunshine, popsicles...and mental decay?! According to Reading is Fundamental, "Research shows children lose one to three months of learning every summer." Yipes—that could equal losing everything since Spring Break! As parents, summer is our time to shine when it comes to encouraging our kids to read. Here are a few ways to keep the pages turning during the next few months:

• Want to see the movie? Read the book first. Prince Caspian, the second movie from the Chronicles of Narnia is debuting this weekend, and there's a wealth of DVD rentals based on fantastic children's books like Nim's Island, The Spiderwick Chronicles, The Water Horse, Bridge to Terabithia and more.
• Help other kids by reading. Register for Scholastic's Summer Reading Buzz and for every four books your child reads and logs into their site, they will donate a book to a child in need.
• Join your local library's summer reading program. Those sly children's librarians know you're more likely to visit the library frequently when prizes await. Consider making it a regular stop in your family's weekly schedule. There's nothing like a fresh stack of (free!) books from the library.
• Read where you're going. It's so cool to watch your kids light up when they connect a setting from a book they've read to a new place you're visiting. Reading is Fundamental makes it easy by this wonderful list they've complied, which lists different states/regions and books that take place there.
• Get inspired. Reading is Fundamental has more great ideas about summer reading, Reading Rockets has a collection of helpful articles, and even Oprah has recommendations for summer reading on her site. Talk to your children's librarian, visit a bookstore, and, of course, explore Family Reads for further ideas!

Number the Stars

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry
© 1989, 144 pages Level 5 (all about levels)Learn More on Amazon

 

Stories of World War II seem to fascinate our culture, and I think it's because so many of them tell tales of ordinary people rising above their circumstances to do extraordinary things. We marvel at battles fought by soldiers barely old enough to shave, women who went to work for the first time in their lives (and in factories, at that!), and sympathetic individuals who showed kindness behind enemy lines...and we wonder if we'd be able to do the same. Number the Stars is just such book.

Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943, Number the Stars tells the story of 10-year-old Annemarie Johannesen, who has lived the life of a normal schoolgirl up until that point. Well, at least as normal as things can be in a Nazi-occupied country, with rationing, curfews, and the ever-present soldiers. Like most girls her age, Annemarie goes to school and plays, mostly with her best friend and neighbor, Ellen Rosen.

But when the Jews begin to be removed from their homes and relocated, the Johannesens fear for their neighbors.  As both families work to secure the safety of the Rosens, each member must wrestle with difficult choices and summon courage in their own unique way. And in Annemarie's actions we see a perfect illustration to the famous quote:

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." Ambrose Redmoon

Winner of the Newbery Award in 1990, Number the Stars is definitely worth a place on your child's reading list. Some kids might not choose this one on their own, so you might consider reading it together or listening to it as an audiobook (only 3.5 hours!). Though the book is suspenseful, it doesn't become too scary and is milder than The Diary of Anne Frank. Number the Stars is one of those small gems that pulls us in with a compelling story, while showing us that we're often capable of more than we've ever imagined.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

by Michael Rosen
© 1989, 32 pages Level 1 (all about levels) Learn More on Amazon Reviewed by Emily Morgan

 

When Father sets out with his four children to hunt a bear, they conquer all sorts of obstacles on the way. Together they walk through long grass, a cold river, thick mud, a dark forest, and a snowstorm. They do all of this before they reach the gloomy cave where the bear lives. When they reach their destination, they decide that they'd rather be safe at home. 

This book is full of the following repetition, which is perfect for little ones to follow along:

We're going on a bear hunt.
We're going to catch a big one.
What a beautiful day!
We're not scared. 

Oh-oh!  A (cave, river, etc.)
A (narrow, deep, etc.)
We can't go over it.
We can't go under it.
Oh, No!
We've got to go through it!

I love the pattern of black and white then color illustrations as well as the creative use of onomatopoeia in the adventure. The family sticks together through it all and builds great memories as they hunt the bear.

This book is a classic that every family should own. I would recommend buying it for really young children as a board book. It should be read with lots of action and expressive voice. Maybe it's not the best bedtime book, but it would be a great addition to a home collection.

Nightmare Academy

Nightmare Academy

by Dean Lorey
© 2007, 310 pages Level 5 (all about levels)Amazon Reviews

"The monsters under your bed are real!" Nightmare Academy is the first book in a series about the Nightmare Dimension. After some nightmares, kids encounter real monsters.

When Charlie  Benjamin dreams, monsters leave the Nightmare Dimension and enter his world through a portal. After a particularly dangerous dream, Charlie is whisked off to the Nightmare Academy, a school that teaches kids to control their nightmares. Just after he arrives, Charlie unfortunately meets one of the four most powerful monsters called Barakkas the Rager. The monster causes all sorts of mayhem in Charlie's life.

Nightmare Academy should really be a Level 4 3/4 book, but since there are many battles and some killing in the novel (it sounds worse than it is), it qualifies as a Level 5. Nightmare Academy is an entertaining tale of a young boy and his adventures in a very imaginative world.