Waging Peace, the Story of Jane Addams by Peggy Caravantes

For a child with a privileged upbringing, Jane Addams grew up to provide plenty of opportunities for the poor and poverty ridden.   This biography address the how and why along with the problems she encountered along the way.

Rather than a nice child's biography that talks about Jane and all the great work she did with none of the flaws or problems she faced, this book looks at the work Jane did and the problems she faced.  Ms. Caravantes holds nothing back as she takes the reader through the struggles Jane faced throughout her life to be treated equally, help those who were struggling and provide justice. 

As a child, Jane learned her lessons well and planned to attend medical school like her step brother but when the time came,  she went to Rockford Female Seminary.  After finishing there, she spent time traveling Europe, where she saw poverty in London that startled her.  Upon returning home, she spent time visiting family and working to find a purpose for her life.  Her early childhood illness left her with permanent damage to her spine making childbearing impossible.  Helping others is not limited to family so Jane and some friends decided to take up the cause of the poor in Chicago.

Initially renting the first floor of Hull House, a nursery and training area was opened, giving the mothers and small children of the area a safe place while also providing a place for service oriented wealthier young women a place to help others.   From Hull House, Jane and her associates expanded their "nurseries", training centers and shelters through the other young women they trained.  Also spreading into the fight for women's suffrage, Jane promoted equality for women in all areas of life.

This book is well researched yet easy to read for the 10 and up age group.   Definitely a worth while read for school or fun, and provides a rich look at the full life Ms. Addams had before her death in 1935.

Age range: 10 to adult

Caravantes, P. (2004). Waging peace: the story of Jane Addams. Greensboro, N.C.: Morgan Reynolds Pub..

Our World of Water: Children and Water around the World

The pictures and information in this book provide interesting but very important information about the differences in water usage and availability around the world.   As the author stresses, in some western countries, no one thinks much about using water or where it comes from but for other people in the world, water is as precious as gold and must be thought of constantly.

A look into the world of children in Bangladesh, Peru, Mauritania, Ethopia, Tajikistan and the USA provides dramatically different perspectives on how water is used, stored and even brought into the house.  Each child presents their daily life, how water is used and respected in addition to a special activity or holiday celebrated in their life or country.  

For Barfimoh in Tajikistan, life as a farmer's family requires quite a bit of water.  But since there is no running water in her village, she and her sister must ride one of the donkeys down to the spring.   One picture shows her on the donkey with large cans for the water.    This spring water is for consumption but for the garden and crops, rain water is collected and saved for watering between rain storms.  

In contrast to Barfimoh, Lucas in Peru has a tap in his house but it is cold water only, and in the winter in Peru, cold water is COLD.  Luckily for Lucas, his mom heats up most of the bath water so they aren't forced to take cold baths.   Lucas's family has a small shop in town and a large alpaca ranch further up in the mountains where his dad spends most of his time.   Weekends are spent at the ranch helping with chores, filling water jugs from the stream and playing with the children's special pet alpacas.

This book not only presents important information about water and it's impact on our lives, it is also a fundraiser in itself.  

Age range: 8 to 12

Hollyer, B. (2009). Our world of water: children and water around the world. New York, N.Y.: Henry Holt and Co., in association with Oxfam.

Ghosts and Spirits by Rebecca Stefoff

Secrets of the supernatural is a series of books of supernatural origin.  This book focuses on the history of ghosts and poltergeists.  The author takes a look at the history of ghosts through the ages.  From ancient Greek and Roman history through to the present Ms. Stefoff looks at how stories have evolved about the look of ghosts. 

The stories include an old tale written by Roman writer Pliny the younger about a learned man named Athenodorus who rented a haunted house in a Greek city.  Rather than run away when the ghost appeared, he followed it until it disappeared.   The next day he dug up the area and found a skeleton buried in chains.  Once the skeleton was buried properly, the ghost never came back.  This is just one of the stories in the book. 

This book might be a bit intense for some tweens but for those who are interested in learning about spirits, their history, beliefs surrounding them and so on it is a good beginner fact book.   There are a lot of pictures although many are engineered (and labeled that way).  

Age range: 8 to adult

Stefoff, R. (2008). Ghosts and spirits . New York: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark.

Going to school in 1776 by John J. Loeper

This short book outlines the various types of school buildings, methods of teachings and books used during the age of the Revolutionary War.   Using tween age children as examples, Mr. Loeper describes things like dame schools, college life at 16, one room school houses and tutors.  

But not all learning was done in a school setting.  Some children learned at home, either with a tutor hired by Dad or with Mom and Dad.  Some families lived so far from town that the children could not attend school, making their only education possible from their parents.   More important things than reading, writing and arithmetic were learned at home as well.

While not a book a tween would generally read this book for pleasure it is definitely an interesting book to read.  It definitely adds flavor to a unit on the Revolutionary War or daily life during the 18th century. 

The only artwork in the book are wood cut replicas which add to the old time flavor along with providing an example of what children during the timeframe saw during their studies.

Age range: 8 to 12

Loeper, J. J. (1973). Going to school in 1776 . New York: Atheneum.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

In her 4th book about Harry Potter, J. K Rowling does a fantastic job of presenting young Harry as the under age wizard trapped in a contest that he did not enter and would prefer not to participate in. Unfortunately, who ever managed to change the rules to enter him without his permission and despite his being under age, did not forget that the magical clause includes a no "backing out" clause.  So, unfortunately for Harry, he is an unwilling participant in the Triwizard contest.

Even worse than the contest is the lack of Quiddich for the year.   The Quiddich field is being used for some part of the Triwizard contest so it is unavailable.  Harry's favorite thing about school will be missing for all of his 4th year.

Adding to the stress of being the 4th champion of 3 schools, the hatred of fellow Hogwarts students, including some of his fellow Griffindors and a few of his best mates and the year really can't get much more stressful.   Hermione, Neville, and Hagrid all try to help him prepare while the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher seems overly concerned about Harry's well being which makes him much more nervous about what trials await him in the contests.   

Can things get worse for Harry as he struggles to figure out the clues to the contest trials, keep up with school work, deal with being Harry Potter and try to stay out of trouble?  Ummm... you have to read through the book to see what happens and get to the stunning surprise ending. 

Ms. Rowling does a wonderful job as always.  Her book provides a riveting story that will pull the reader in and keep them engrossed through the entire thing.    Definitely worth reading repeatedly.

Age range: 9 to adult

Rowling, J. K.,  (2000). Harry Potter and the goblet of fire . New York: Arthur A. Levine Books.

The Bobbsey Twins and the Mystery at Snow Lodge

This series is being reprinted for the current generation and some tweens are really enjoying it despite the lack of any modern technology.   Certainly an easy read for the older tween range, these books are a good choice for the 8 to 10 crowd or even up to 12 for those struggling or voracious readers.

The Bobbsey Twins, older twins- Bert and Nan with the younger twin siblings, Freddy and Flossie are enjoying the fresh snow after school one day with their friends but upon arriving home, find that the boiler/heater has died and needs to be replaced.  Being just before Christmas, this poses a serious problem for the Bobbsey family.  Where can they celebrate Christmas other than a boring hotel?   The children are rather worried but trust that something will work out before Christmas break begins. 

In the meantime, life is chilly but livable and school is going along well with the usual pranks, bullies and such.  The older twins help an older gentleman when his horse drawn carriage runs away without him and renews a family friendship that leads to a mystery, a wonderful place to spend Christmas and the chance to spend Christmas with another branch of the Bobbsey family who suddenly find themselves "homeless" for Christmas. 

Always amateur sleuths, the older twins work to solve a family mystery involving the Snow Lodge owner and his nephew.  Can they find the missing pieces to the puzzle and bring the family back together?   And will they enjoy the old lodge during Christmas week?  

Laura Lee hope wrote wonderful Bobbsey stories and this one is no different!   The antics of the 10 year old and 5 year old twins keeps the book running along and the lack of technology take the reader back to a different time of playing outside and using imagination.

Age range- 8 to 12

Hope, L.L. (1960). The Bobbsey Twins and the Mystery at Snow Lodge. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, Publishing.

Science Fair by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

This story has so many story lines, twists and turns.   Take a bunch of middle school kids and a science fair competition, throw in a mysterious person willing to sell science fair winning projects and a strange man who owns a science store in the mall and there is a strange mix of silly happenings, consequences and mixed up happenings.  

For Toby, life is rough enough with his strange parents, the nerdy group he is part of, and the fact that he can never win a science fair competition.  He is very smart but the idiot rich kids keep winning.  Toby knows there is cheating going on but he can't figure out how.   So, he turns sleuth to figure things out.   Little does he know how zany things will get!  

Now add in a crazy man at the mall, he runs this nutty science shop that is rarely open.  Apparently he is helping the rich kids cheat but why?  And is he writing the plans and then supplying the goods?  

Hmmm..   What can Toby find out? 

But then... what is with these strange men hanging out in the hotel?  They are from a strange little country that no one can pronounce and seem very interested in the school, QVC and American food.   They pop in and out of the story and are working with some stranger in the school.

Pull together frogs, electricity, massive power sources, and the school science fair and things are going to extremely interesting!!  

This book is so engrossing that readers will be sucked in.   It does show massive amounts of disrespect for parents and other authority figures but that is not terribly unusual in this day and age. 

Age range: 9 to 14 (or adult because it is funny)

Barry, D., & Pearson, R. (2008). Science fair: a story of mystery, danger, international suspense, and a very nervous frog. New York: Disney Editions.

Carbon Diaries 2015 by Saci Lloyd

Laura Brown, a teen age girl in London during the decade of the 2010's, chronicles the year of England's experiment with carbon rationing.  Unfortunately for Laura and her friends, the rationing is not phased in but rather a major jump all at once making the learning curve steep and difficult.  No one is truly prepared for the changes that occur as rationing and the ripple effects progress through the early months of hte year. 

Laura's family does not cope well during 2015 but in her neighborhood, this does not appear to be unusual.  Several families struggle to survive as carbon rationing leads to other forms of rationing, food shortages and a host of other problems.   One of Laura's favorite forms of relaxing, playing in the band she has with her friends, costs so many carbon credits that they can't practice as often as they used to which adds to her stress.  But life goes on.  

Lest one think Saci Lloyd has written a completely depressing and negative story about 2015, there are funny stories, and high points to Laura's life during the year.  Boys come and go, school goes on albeit in different ways, concerts are still an option and life still includes parents, teachers, friends and sisters.  

This novel provides an insightful look into the possible reality we all may face in the future.  The only thing worse is that it is a youth that is facing this new future.   Reading this novel can certainly shed light on how we can prepare for what might be coming.  And it is a good read over all. 

Ms. Lloyd has definitely written an intriging and thought provoking book.

Age range: 12 to 16 years old

Lloyd, S. (2009). The carbon diaries 2015 . New York: Holiday House.

Avalon High: A Disney TV movie

This delightful, made for television movie, based on Meg Cabot's book, Avalon High is an inviting twist on a traditional tale.  Ms. Cabot does an incredible job of pulling tweens into the story of King Arthur and his court using a modern high school and the dramas of "normal" high school life. 

Allie is the new kid in school once again.  The only child of professors who specialize in medieval history and literature, her world is routinely thrown into chaos as her parents move from university to university.  Imagine the joy when she gets to history class to find out her text book was written by her parents- ouch!  But life isn't all bad.  She makes the track team, meets the football star, Will,  and settles in quickly only to be startled when her parents spring another surprise.   Luckily for Allie, this time, her parents have been offered a multi-year contract so she can actually stay for 3 years and graduate from Avalon High School. 

As the fall progresses, lessons in history bring to light some interesting theories and myths about King Arthur and his possible return.   Can Allie, Will and their friends figure out all the clues before the time comes?  Can they determine who the evil Mordred is and how he will act?

Or are the myths just that?  Is anything going to happen at all? 

This movie, although set in high school is clearly geared toward the 10 to 14 year old age group.  There are sub-plots that twist and turn throughout the movie making it fast paced and enjoyable.  It debued on Disney Channel on November 12th and can be seen via reruns on Disney Channel or by checking http://www.disney.com/. 


Cabot, M. (2006). Avalon High. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

Gillard, S. (Producer).  (November 12, 2010). Avalon High.  California.

Betti on the high wire by Lisa Railsback

What happens when a young orphan girl living in a war torn village of a foreign country is suddenly thrust into a new, American family?  Well, Babo is about to find out whether she likes it or not.  For her rough life in the old circus campground may seem wonderful to her but that is only because she does not remember any better. 

Babo's current life revolves around gathering food, keeping the younger kids safe and out of trouble and watching out for soldiers.  For the country is still in the midst of a war and everyone must be careful, even the orphans. But when the visitors come and pick Babo (soon to be know as Betti) and George, she is stunned and fearful.  What will life be like in America and how will her real parents find her if she is gone?  

Once Betti gets to America and sees her new parents again, life becomes even more scary.  She doesn't speak or understand the language, people want to take away her most precious possesions, and she is supposed to go somewhere called "camp"  with her new sister, Lucy.  Plus, to punish people who are bad, they are locked up in the box thing called television and forced to perform "shows".  The new country is very scary and Betti just really wants to go back to her little circus camp with her friends. 

Perhaps if she is bad enough, her new parents will send her back?  When Lucy gets injured while the girls are being naughty, Betti things maybe this is the ticket home.... but will it be?   Only time will tell.

This novel captures the fears and concerns of all children facing tough new living situations, whether it be a new step parent, an adoption, or even the fears of moving or a new child.  Some of each of those fears can be found in this heart renching story.

age range: 9 to 14

Railsback, L. (2010). Betti on the high wire . New York: Dial Books.

Teresa of Calcutta: Serving the Poorest of the Poor

D. Jeanenne Watson did a masterful job of writing this biography of Mother Teresa, one of the best known nuns in all the world.  Starting with Teresa's youth and progressing through her novitiate, training, final vows and teaching.  But growing up dreaming of helping in India did not include teaching the upper crust girls of India's elite. 

Sister Teresa wanted to help the poor people that lived in the slums of India, those who were ignored everyday and considered less than human.  But to do so she had to break through not just barriers in the Catholic church but also the caste system that existed and still exists in India today.  While not easy to do, she took the steps necessary to create a new order of nuns dedicated solely to the care of the poor. 

While most of us would think starting a charity is not that hard, leaving an order of nuns is definitely not an easy thing to do.  Especially not when one wants to leave a cloister (home for nuns away from the public) and live among the public.  Before the middle 1960's this was simply not a normal situation for nuns and required permission from the Pope.  Although Sister Teresa was hopeful, she could not know for sure that she would be allowed to start her own order until the approval came through.   Eventually the letter came through with strict requirements for the order to grow and retain new members over a 10 year period or the order would be disbanded.   Nothing like serious stress to provide incentive.   Whether it is luck, incentive or just a gift from God, Sister Teresa soon has numerous young women clamoring to join her order and help the poorest of the poor.  

Mother Teresa, as she becomes as the head of the order, sets a wonderful example for the people around her and those who can only read of her great works and gifts.  Nothing was ever impossible for her and she never gave up on something she knew needed to be done.  

This biography is riveting yet at times, emotionally overwhelming.  A choice selection for school work, personal or enrichment reading, everyone can learn something from the story of Mother Teresa, her early years and her determination to make life a little better for the poorest of the poor.

Age range: 9 to 12 years old

Watson, D. J., & Lawson, R. (1984). Teresa of Calcutta: serving the poorest of the poor. Milford, Mich.: Mott Media.

A Little House of Their Own by Celia Wilkins

Caroline Quiner has not always had an easy life but now that she has graduated from teacher school and is starting to teach school back in her home town, she is faced with living at home but being an adult.  Her students also include a few of her siblings which could cause problems during the school day.

But her first day goes well and Caroline loves teaching the Concord school near her home.   Her students are mostly girls as the older boys are needed on the farms to help with the planting and tending the crops.   But it is a good mix for her first school.

So starts the last book of the Caroline Series about the mother of Laura Ingals Wilder, Caroline Quiner.  During the first 6 books, Caroline deals with growing up in town, to moving west and losing her father, optaining a stepfather and growing up.  Now, as a teacher, she is working to help her parents and enjoying it. 

But life is never as easy as that.   When the neighbor boy, Charles Ingals,  comes back from out west, their friendship might be turning into something else.  What should Caroline do?  If she marries, she can no longer teach (yes, that was the reality in the 1800's) and her parents sacrificed a lot to send her to school.  A dilemna that everyone faces: what to do when faced with career versus marriage?  

As Caroline and Charles struggle to determine what is best for each of them individually and together, life continues on with sibling marriages, teaching, farming and eventually make a decision. 

Age range: 9 to 12

Wilkins, C. (2005).   A little house of their own . New York: HarperCollins.

Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: Stage Fright by Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot has written a great series geared toward tween age girls and the problems they face.  Allie is the oldest child in her family, the only girl and in 5th grade.   She and her friends are excited to learn that their class will be putting on a play for the schools open house.  As they discuss each of the possible parts, some of them seem made specifically for the girls until the big part. Allie and one of her friends, Sophie each wanted to be Princess Penelope. 

What can Allie do?  Should she let Sophie try out without competition?  And what happens when the part is assigned?

Once all the parts are assigned and rehearsals start, life only gets more complicated!   Several of the class members decide to be difficult and cause problems with the play.  Meanwhile, home life at the Finkle's house is getting stranger with Mrs. Finkle's new job as a movie reviewer for the town cable channel.  And Allie is dealing with her little brothers who live to drive her nuts (or so she thinks). 

What can Allie do to help her friends feel good about the play?  Can they pull it off with last minute changes and substitutions?

Overall, Ms. Cabot puts a great twist on typical life events in a 5th grade girls life.   The anxiety, the stress, the hormones, etc can be looked at from a fun angle that help put some not so funny situations in a better light. 

A must read for tween girls for some fun and giggle time.

Age range: 8 to 12 year old

Cabot, M. (2009). Stage fright . New York: Scholastic.

Life as we knew it

When we think of catastrophic events caused from outer space, our first thoughts are generally about a comet or meteor hitting Earth directly.  But what would happen if our moon suddenly shifted?  Are we ready for the problems that might occur or would it effect us at all?  

This is the premise behind the book, Life as we knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer and she weaves a stunning tale revolving around Miranda and her family.  No one knew what would happen when an asteroid hit the moon one night but very few people expected the disasters that ensued.  Earthquakes, tsunamis, strange weather, abnormal amounts of precipitation and disease start occurring within hours of the supposedly harmless event.  What will happen to Miranda and her family? 

Soon life is thrown back about 50 years or so.  Phones don't work, technology is dead, and basic survival is the best everyone can work towards.   Miranda and her family are struggling to stay healthy and somewhat happy in a world that has drastically changed overnight.  Life slowly begins to revolve around the very basics- food, warmth and safety. 

Miranda struggles to keep a journal and not think about all the family and friends she can no longer contact.  Are they safe?  Are they even a live?   How can she find out?

This book provides profound look at how drastically life can change in a very short time.  Well written from a teens point of view, Ms. Pfeffer has created a masterpiece of suspense, tragedy and struggle.

Age Range: 12 to adult

Pfeffer, Susan Beth. Life As We Knew It. New York City: Harcourt Paperbacks. 2008.

The Landry News

Andrew Clements does it again with a delightful but thought provoking book about one little classroom paper and the trouble it causes.  Learning will occur whether a student believes it or not and that is often the most exciting way to learn.

Our heroine is Cara Landry, a 4th grader in Mr. Larson's class who enjoys his unconventional methods of teaching.  But numerous parents do NOT like the laid back approach that Mr. Larson takes and every year there are a flurry of letters from parents requesting that their students have nothing to do with Mr. Larson the next year.   Is Mr. Larson really a bad guy or is he simply burned out? Will this year go along as the previous ones or will Mr. Larson gain some new confidence?

Cara Landry has had a rough few years with a divorce between her parents, her father's remarriage and a move.  These problems have left her a little critical about every aspect of life including her teacher and his strange way of teaching.  So when she writes her weekly, handwritten newspaper editorial and hangs it on the class bulletin board, she isn't quite ready for the changes it brings.  

Mr. Larson knows people do not like his method of teaching but he honestly does not worry about it much until he sees the editorial.  What can he do?  Should he do anything?

In the end, everyone in the class and the school learn some valuable lessons about education, journalism and the effects of our words on others.

Truly a funny but thought provoking book that will grab the reader from the very first page.

Age Range: 9 to 13

Clements, Andrew. The Landry News. New York: Aladdin, 2000.

Life in the medieval Muslim World: Faith

One of several books on Muslim life during the medieval times, this book by Kathryn Hinds looks at the how the Muslim faith was founded and then practiced during the medieval period in history.  While not a particularly fun book, it is very interesting and provides a basic description of Mohammad, his visitation from Allah, the work he did to bring together many of the smaller tribes and forge a strong cohesive group while he was alive. 

chapters in the book cover areas such as the Prophets life, the hows and whys of Mosques, clear explanations of the creation and expansion of the Qu'ran and the divisions of the different sects of the Islamic religion that we now have on earth.

Mohammad did not preach hate and war as many people thing these days, rather he worked hard to change traditions of fighting, stealing and butchery into a more tolerant tradition.  He also received revelation from Allah regarding the rights of women which had here to fore been absolutely zero.   Unfortunately for Mohammad, not everyone saw things his way or wanted to convert to Islam.  This lead to fights and problems, including his exodus from Mecca with most of his supporters.  

Mosques are also covered in the book and everyone can learn something from what is presented.  Mosques have several different divisions within them and a few are considered very holy.  But unlike some churches or religions, Mosques do not have to be identical providing options for individuality to fit each area or region.  Mosques are places of worship but also places for teaching, gathering together for discussions on anything and a place for the poor to come and seek assistance from others.  

Another chapter covers the Five Pillars of Islam.  These five rules are the fundamentals of the Islamic religion and are not really any different than what many Christians believe.  In not particular order, the 5 pillars include: helping others, putting God/Allah first above all else, daily prayers, a pilgrimage to Mecca and purification through fasting (especially during the month of Ramadan).

Overall, this book provides a great basic understanding of a religion that most people hear about but don't honestly KNOW much about.  It is probably not a book that most tweens would just pick up, but as they study other cultures and peoples, this selection would be a wonderful addition to any course.

Age Range: 10 to 14

Hinds, K. (2008). Faith (Life in the Medieval Muslim World) (1 ed.). New York: Benchmark Books (Ny).

Touchblue by Cynthia Lord

This wonderful new novel by Newbery Honor award winner, Cynthia Lord is a fascinating tale of triumph over some terrible circumstances.   Set in coastal Maine on the island of Bethsaida, Tess and Aaron are the main characters who each strive to overcome their fears during a summer of growth.  Tess is afraid of having to move to the mainland with her family if the state closes their village school.  But Aaron faces bigger fears and some of his results may directly affect Tess and her family.

As a foster child, Aaron has been bounced from home to home for the last several years.  With the threat of losing their school, several islanders decide to take in foster children and Aaron arrives to live with Tess and her family.  An accomplished trumpet player and pianist, Aaron is a tall skinny teenager who struggles to fit in to island life.  All he truly wants is to go live with his mom again although he knows the state has severed her parental ties.  Somewhere deep inside, he knows the reality but hangs on to hope that it will all work out.

Tess's world, in the meantime, is spinning out of her control.   Her best friend moved, the local school may close, her family may have to move because of the school situation and now the family has taken in this tall skinny, red head who comes to her family with problems to which she can not relate.  Summer is short enough without all this extra stress in her life.  

Follow Tess, Aaron, her sister, and the people of Bethsaida as they struggle to accept each other and find the best answers and solutions for every one's troubles. 

Age range: 10 to 14

Lord, C. (2010). Touchblue. New York: Scholastic.

Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

What happens when you mix an efficiency expert, his lovely wife and twelve rambunctious children?  You have just encountered the Gilbreth family and life may never be the same.   While most people may think that the movie, Cheaper by the Dozen is just fiction, it is actually based on the book of the same name.  And the book is based on the life of the real Gilbreth family from the early 20th century and their antics. 

A dozen children may not be cheap in any day and age but they certainly are energetic.   For Papa Gilbreth, training and attempted control tried to keep a lid on some of the energy but was rarely truly successful.  But then, was Papa really, truly trying to be the stern disciplinarian? 

Every reader will find a Gilbreth to relate to in this story.  Whether it is Ernestine, Anne, Frank Jr., Lillian, Matt, Bill or another Gilbreth, there is a personality for everyone. Bill is the clown of the family, usually in trouble and often the one brave or foolish enough to play tricks on father.   Anne and Ernestine are the oldest sisters and help run the roost.  They are responsible for helping the younger ones with chores, dressing, etc. but also long for normal teen things like dates, clothes, dances and going to higher education. 

This classic is a must read for everyone.  Laughs, crying and everything in between will result! 

Gilbreth, F. B., & Carey, E. G. (1948). Cheaper by the dozen . New York: T.Y. Crowell Co..

Julie Tells Her Story by Megan McDonald

For Julie, her new school assignment to write about her life is exciting until she finds out that part of it includes a chapter on the worst thing that has happened in your life.   For most of her friends, it probably isn't anything that bad but Julie's parents are divorced and that is a terrible thing.  What else could she possibly claim as the worst thing in her life?  

As she struggles to determine how to write a chapter about the divorce without hurting her parents or her sister, her life is also revolving around her sisters boy troubles, basketball problems and the normal  troubles with scheduling issues between her dad's job as a pilot and their weekends together.  

Life for American Girl, Julie Albright, in 1974 San Francisco was great and exciting until her parents divorced.   This dramatic change means more changes such as moving to an apartment with her mom, leaving her dad and rabbit in their house, living above her mom's shop and moving away from her best friend, Ivy.   Ms. McDonald writes a series of 6 books for American Girl focused on Julie and her life as a changes from a 2 parent family to living with her mom, seeing her dad, and dealing with juggled schedules and so on.  

American Girl provides not only historical stories for girls but also stories that focus on issues that affect tween aged girls today.  Divorce is something that plays a part in almost every child's life today.  Whether it be divorced parents, a friend's divorced parents or other family members each child knows someone who is dealing with divorce.  Reading about Julie dealing with her families issues can provide an outlet for tween girls to help them.

Age range: 8 to 12

McDonald, M., Hunt, R., & McAliley, S. (2007). Julie tells her story . Middleton, WI: American Girl Pub..

Plain Girl by Virginia Sorenson

Have you ever felt completely out of place?  What about at school? 

Welcome to Esther's world.  The only Amish child her age in the neighborhood, she is forced to attend the public school with all the strange children.   Even worse, her father faces jail time if he does not send her, whether she likes it or not. Esther would rather stay at home on the farm, helping with the gardens, chickens, housework and doing her lessons with Aunt Rachel.   But the state of Pennsylvania has other ideas and Esther must obey her parents.  

Once in her new school, Esther finds children who wear colorful clothes, are mean to each other, discuss bad topics and all manner of other terrible things in her world.   Standing out as she does, she knows she won't make any friends and after the experiences of her older brother, Dan, she isn't sure she wants to make English friends.  

But as most children know, fitting in can be ever so important.   So, as Esther struggles to find herself, she sees sides of the English world that do not seem so bad.  Will her beliefs be deeply challenged or will she find out who she is without being forced to make serious changes to fit in?  

Helping Esther through her trials at home and at school are her parents, her Aunt Rachel who lives with them, and her new friend Mary who is learning to accept Esther for who she is. 

A great story with a message of acceptance, responsibility, obedience and tolerance.  

Age 8 to 12

Sorenson, V. (1955). Plain Girl.  New York: Odyssey Classics/Harcourt Publishing, Inc.

William S and the Great Escape by Zilpha Keatly Snyder

What happens when you are a thoughtful young boy in a family of rough and tumble bullies?  Well, for William the time comes when he decides to run away.  As he saves his money and strives to stay out of the way during all the fights, he thinks of the day when he can live with his aunt and be himself.  

Unfortunately for William, he was born in the Baggett family.  Known for fist fights, stealing, drinking and generally causing problems, the family subsists on help from the government during the depression while William and his sister, Jancy struggle to go to school.  Believing his fathers interest in him and his three younger siblings stems from the money they bring in, William plans to leave as soon as he can.

One day, however, Jancy demands that they leave as soon as possible and take their littlest siblings with them.  Shocked to find out that Jancy knew what he was planning, William initially says no but is soon persuaded to agree with Jancy's plan.   A logistical nightmare, the two pack up what they can and start off on their adventure.  The twists and turns of running away with smaller kids add suspense and panic to what William and Jancy hoped would be a safe and quick trip to their aunt Fiona's. 

Spellbinding and completely engrossing, this book is a masterpiece of story telling.  All tweens will relate with one of the characters as will many parents if they think back to their childhood days.

Age range: 8 to 14

Snyder, Z.K. (2009). William S. and the great escape. New York: Antheneum Books for Young Readers.

All-of-a-kind-family Downtown by Sydney Taylor

Sydney Taylor first introduced the world to the five stair step girls in All-of-a-kind-family, the story of 5 Jewish girls living in New York City in the early 1900s.  Now, in this delightful sequel, the girls are growing up and finding themselves as older sisters to a lovable little brother.   The baby changed the dynamics in the family at the end of the first book and his antics continue throughout this book.  

While learning to care for their baby brother, the sisters experience the business sense of Henny, the second oldest.  She decides to charge her friends a penny to watch baby Charlie get his bath one afternoon.  Unfortunately, Mama is not real fond of a huge audience so only tolerates it for a little while.  Charlie, of course, loves the audience splashing and giggling his way through the bath and into the crib for nap time.   Henny tries to hide her "business" but the sisters find out and the sparks fly. 

The girls enjoy meeting new people but one friend, Guido, has more problems than a normal tween age boy.  He is busy trying to find work to support his sick mama but worries constantly about finding enough money for food and heat.   Lucky for him and his mama, Ella decides to play detective which leads to help for the little family down on their luck.

Tweens will enjoy seeing life in New York City in the early 1900s and learn lessons that are timeless.  Definitely a great read.

Age range: 8 to 12
Taylor, S. (1972). All-of-a-kind-family downtown. New York: Dell Publishing.

Belle Prater's Boy by Ruth White

What happens when an odd ball cousin comes to live in Granny and Grampy's home?  Why a mystery unfolds, of course.   Poor Woodrow Prater comes to live with his grandparents after his mother disappears from their home in the hollow and his life completely changes.  So does the life of his cousin, Gypsy Arbutus Leemaster.  

Gypsy's life is somewhat uncomplicated before Woodrow arrives next door but she has her own problems to deal with.  Her step father drives her crazy, her mother won't let her cut her hair and Granny, her piano teacher, wants her to put on a recital.  It is all so much to handle while also showing Woodrow the town and helping him get settled at school. 

Using these two strong characters, Ruth White weaves a story of cousins who each must deal with disappointments early in their lives.  Set in a small Virginia coal town, this story of growing up amid gossip, turmoil and family problems will appeal to tweens of either gender.  Each of the main characters is relateable, and the list of issues the two deal with reads like something set in 2010.   But just when the reader "knows" how the story will end, Ms. White throws in a surprise ending that adds another dimension to both characters.

Truly an enjoyable story.

Age range: 9 -12

White, R. (1998). Belle Prater's Boy. New York: Yearling.

Catherine, The Great Journey by Kristiana Gregory

This novel reads as a diary of the young girl who would become Catherine the Great of Russia. While historical in nature, it is not a biography by any stretch of the imagination.  Instead, Ms. Gregory the author has taken biographical information and used it to create a wonderful tale of a young Prussian princess who is destined for a less than noble marriage  until she is noticed by the Empress Elizabeth and chosen as the bride for Prince Peter, future Czar of Russia. 

For Sophie Augusta Frederika, Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst, life is predictable and somewhat happy.  She has a tutor to teach her languages, manners and other important skills for making a good marriage.  Unfortunately, she is also painfully aware of the need to make a good marriage to provide for her family and younger siblings.  As poor nobles, they do not have the means to make trips to visit other members of royalty often, so each visit must make a positive impression.   But no one expects the letter that comes to Sophia's mother when she is just 14.

Rather than lanquishing in obscurity, Sophia learns that the Empress is interested in a marriage between the heir to the throne, Charles-Peter and Sophia.  And so begins the whirlwind of portraits, letters and finally a trip to Russia to meet the Empress herself.  Throughout the ordeal (for Sophia does believe it is an ordeal) the diary is written in and hidden away to protect it's secrets from her mother. 

Truly an inspiring tale of strength, sacrifice and love, this book will hold the attention of all young girls who dream of life as a princess. 

 Age range: 8 to 12
Gregory, K. (2005). Catherine, the Great Journey Russia 1743. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

Betsy Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace

While written for roughly 8 to 12 year old tweens, this book is the first in a series focusing on little Betsy Ray as she grows up.  Initially the only girl her age on Hill Street, Betsy has no one but the older children or boys to play with.   But then, a moving wagon pulls up to the house across the street and what do you know, there is a little girl who looks about her age.   At first, Betsy is too shy to meet her but when Betsy's mom invites the girl, nicknamed Tacy to a party, the friendship begins. 

Betsy and Tacy enjoy many firsts together: school, walking up the Big hill, building a fort and getting to go "visiting" in their mother's dresses.   Throughout the book, Betsy and Tacy are inseparable except when one of them is sick.

Set in Minnesota in the early 1900's, this delightful series turns back the pages of time to a simpler life. The days of horse drawn carriages, playing outside, coal and gas lights come to life through the tales of Mrs. Lovelace and the illustrations of Lois Lenski. 

Many girls of the tween age will be surprised to find that many of the issues they face today are the same as those faced by girls of 100 years ago. Overall, a delightful book that will enchant children and tweens alike.

Age range: 8 to 12
Lovelace, M.H. (1940). Betsy Tacy. New York: Harper Collins.

Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder

This story of Laura's husband Almanzo as a boy is a delightful tale of growing up on a big farm in the mid 19th century. While the story focuses around Almanzo, his brother Royal and sisters Eliza Jane and Alice play an important part in the overall story of growth and family life. Life on a farm, then as now, is full of chores and hard work regardless of one's age. Everyone on the farm helped with the work and enjoyed the benefits of their work.

One of the underlying themes is Almanzo's position as youngest in the family, the problems it causes him and his desires to do the big important work. He loved horses and really wanted to work with the young horses but his father did not believe Almanzo was smart or strong enough to handle the them yet so he was stuck taking care of the cows, pigs and other animals. Yet his goal was always to handle and train the horses. As readers find out in later books of the series, Almanzo finally does get his horses but for this story, he is too young.

Children can all relate to the chores in the story even if they are different from what children today do. Rules, school work, obedience are all running throughout the story and transcend time and place.

This excellent story appeals to girls and boys alike regardless of their age.

Age range: 9 to 12

Wilder, L.I. Farmer Boy. 1933. New York: Harper Collins.

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary

This beloved author has written so many delightful stories for children but Henry Huggins is so timeless.  Henry is a typical 3rd grade boy whose life is too boring for him.  But one day while trying to improve the fun factor in his life, a new development actually does just that. 

While the story was originally written in 1950, most tweens can still relate to Henry and his desire for fun, dogs and adventure.  Even with the changes in technology, clothing, languages and schools, this book is still easy for tweens to read and understand although they may have to ask their parents a few questions about some of the terminology.  Or perhaps their grandparents for that matter.  

Poor Henry feels life is boring and as most boys his age, he wants a pet.   But one day while he is eating ice cream after his normal swimming hour at the Y, his life take a drastic change from boring to seriously interesting.    A skinny stray dog with wiry hair stops and stares at the ice cream until Henry finally feels bad and gives him some.   And so begins the fun with Henry and his dog Ribsy.  

Add to the Huggins household, the guppies that Henry decides to breed without realizing just how prolific they can be and suddenly there are a lot of new pets floating around.   At least for mom, the fish are contained... until.  

Cars flying by, footballs disappearing, problems at school and the like are all part of Henry's supposedly boring life.  Yet most readers will find part of their life within the pages of this wonderful book.  Whether it is trouble at school, finding a flea bitten stray dog to bring home, losing a friend's toy or getting into trouble, everyone can relate to Henry. 

Age range: 8 to 12

 
Cleary, B. (1950). Henry Huggins; . New York: Morrow.

Little House on the Prairie

This classic by Laura Ingalls Wilder revolves around Laura, her parents and her sisters during their stay in Indian Territory during the early 1870's. While not autobiographical, the story is based on incidences in Laura's life as are all of the books she wrote for the tween age group.

Unlike moving today when one purchases a house, packs up and moves in, Laura's family had to build their home, make some of their furniture and all their belongings were packed in the small wagon they traveled in for hundreds of miles. After being stuck in a wagon for months, with nothing but prairie to look at most of the time, the family moves to a tent of sorts while Pa cuts and trims trees, notches them and starts building a house. There are no friends to play with, no school or extracurriculars nearby for the girls to interact with.

Despite what we might consider hardships, Laura and Mary, her older sister, enjoy a wonderful life full of open prairies, helping with chores, picking wild flowers and playing with each other. With the closest neighbors several miles away, Laura and Mary with their dog, Jack do just about everything together. Not all the times are good, though. The family all falls ill at one point, Ma injures her ankle badly while helping Pa raise the walls of the house, and there are Indian scares from the Natives who travel the land.

Tweens today often can not relate to life without television, MP3 players, iPods, DVRs, and everything on demand. Yet this story and the others in the series continue to draw readers of all ages. Geared specifically to the tween age group- 8 to 11 year old girls, the books help expand an understanding of a historical era through a genre of fiction.

These books are highly recommended for all readers regardless of age. Most adults these days read the books as children and re-reading them will bring back some wonderful memories of a time gone by.

Age range- 8 to 11
Wilder, L.I. Little house on the prairie.

Om-Kas-Toe by Kenneth Thomasma

With a subtitle of Blackfeet Twin captures an Elkdog this book captures the attention of a perspective reader from the outset.  Based on a Blackfeet legend of the first encounter with a horse, known originally as an elk dog, this story is a engrossing fiction read.   The main characters are a set of twins who should not even be alive.   But that is only a very small portion of the book.

Twin Boy and Twin Girl are the children of Tall Woman and Crooked Arm.   And when they were first born, the tribe was concerned because twins were a sign of danger or evil to come.   But Tall Woman appealed to the Elders and she was given the opportunity to raise them both. This choice would be relived over and over for the next few decades. 

Twin Boy struggles to grow up, learn to hunt and become a warrior like his father but he is still young and impatient.   At 8, he is working hard to learn the ways of the animals, and not be stuck with the younger children doing the easier jobs around the camp.   But to truly gain the trust of the men and the right to join some hunts, he must prove his abilities to be still, quiet, and not spook.  Can he do it?   How can he learn it? 

Then come several opportunities to prove himself and the results vary.  He and his sister, Twin Girl cause some problems, help, and then in one case, help find a lost child that no one else has been able to find.   Of course, this is partially due to their pet raven who is trained to find certain prey.   But is this enough to prove himself to the men?   Only time will tell.  

When a warring tribe is seen near the village with elkdogs, the Blackfeet are nervous and excited.  What are these dog like animals that allow men to ride them?  And how could anyone escape from the warriors riding them? 

To find the answers to these questions, readers must delve into this enjoyable look into life in a Blackfeet village before white settlers set foot in the Plains.   Share an afternoon with Twin Boy and Twin Girl as they live life the way they know it. 

Age Range: 10 to 14

Thomasma, K. (1986). Om-kas-toe Blackfeet twin captures an Elkdog . Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

This delightful story centers on the Penderwick girls, 4 sisters whose mother died of cancer shortly after the birth of her 4th daughter who is known as Batty. Rosy, the oldest strives to keep the girls in line during the weeks of vacation at Arundal Cottage. But Skye and Jane, the middle sisters, have plans for fun and exploring especially after Jane sees the boy in the window.

Unfortunately for Jane, the window is in the big house and they are not supposed to bother the owner. Does that deter the girls? Definitely not! in exploring the grounds and gardens, the girls meet and insult the owner's son, Jeffrey. Jeffrey, lonely and bored, quickly forgives Skye for her insult and they all become friends.

While Skye and Jane are busy with Jeffrey, Rosy meets the teenage grounds keeper, Cagney and falls hopelessly in love. The tension this situation creates adds an underlying current to the already exciting vacation. Poor dad is completely oblivious to all of this as he enjoys his time in the gardens and books.

The three weeks outlined in the book take turns and twists that end with long lasting friendships, a broken heart and new adventures ahead.

National Book Award winner

Age range- 8 to 12

Birdsall, J. The Penderwicks . 2005. New York: Yearling Press.

Meet Molly An American Girl

This story from American Girl is a delightful look into the year 1944 from the perspective of a 9 year old girl named Molly McIntire. Molly is the daughter of a physician stationed in England who is struggling with typical sibling and school issues while also handling the stresses of rationing during World War II.

Molly is third of four children, has glasses and mousy brown hair and can not begin to understand her older sister, Jill (14). Her brothers, Ricky (12) and Brad (5) are pests with a capital P although Molly's battle with Ricky over Halloween makes up the bulk of the story.

Helping Molly are her good friends, Linda and Susan. The girls attend school together, talk of the war, hang out with each other and strive to help each other deal with the stresses of the war.

While Meet Molly and the other books in the series are short, they are geared to girls ages 7 to 10. As with the other American Girl series, the books help tween girls understand the era of World War II within a fun story. Girls of all eras deal with sibling issues, school issues, fears and awkwardness. These stories are all good reading in addition to providing a little bit of history and understanding.

Tripp, V. Meet Molly, An American Girl. Middleton, WI: Pleasant Company Publications, 1986.

age range: 7 to 10 years old

Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone

J.K. Rowling writes a marvelous tale of a young boy in London, living with his aunt, uncle and cousin as he learns of his heritage. For Harry, the main character of this story, is a wizard. After the death of his parents during the classic war between good and evil, he is sent to live with non-magic relatives who try daily to deny the existence of magic and prevent Harry from learning the truth. The Dursleys (Harry's relatives) hate everything that isn't "normal" and magical family is definitely NOT normal. When Harry is invited to attend Hogwarts, the English Magic academy that exists to train young witches and wizards, he learns that there is a totally separate world alive in England and throughout the world.

The Magical world in J.K Rowling's book, is hidden from the non-magic people (Muggles) to protect both the witches and wizards and the muggles. While at Hogwarts, Harry makes friends with Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and several other young wizards as they work through classes, get into scrapes with the teachers and other young wizards (peer pressure is alive and well in the magical world just as in our world).

Most important for Harry, he learns during his year at Hogwarts the truth of his parents death and why he is known as the "boy who lived". This status bothers him since he feels he didn't do anything to earn the title. His parents were killed while protecting him from the head of the evil faction, Lord Voldemort. When Voldemort tries to kill Harry, the spell doesn't work and injures Voldemort instead. For the magical world, this has never happened before and makes Harry a celebrity at age 1.

The end of the book entails a growing experience extraordinaire for Harry and a few of his friends. In the end, he again defeats evil although it is once again only temporary.

Ms. Rowling has truly spun a magical yarn with appeal to young and old alike. While geared to the tween age kids, the timeless story of good versus evil shines through to anyone of any age.

Definitely a book worth reading.

Age Range- 9 to adult
Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 1998.

American Sisters Pacific Odyssey to California 1905 by Laurie Lawlor

For 11 year old Su-Na from Korea, Hawaii seems like a paradise.  The beach, trees, and acres of sugar cane are so different from Korea and bring hope that her family can find their fortune.   But with the good comes the bad including racism among the different Asian cultures in addition to the terrible treatment of Asians by Caucasians.

Ms. Lawlor writes a poignant story of a young girl and her sisters who travel with their parents to Hawaii for a better life.  But when that life turns out to be less than they hoped, they make another decision and travel to California to look again for that better life.  

California looks to be a better place to live.  The Korean community is waiting and excited about Su-Na's family arriving, preparing a small place for them.  And once they are settled, more surprises awaited.  School with children of other cultures, mother cooking for all the single Korean men in the community and a slow change in the girls thinking about who they are now that they live in the United States. 

The most startling changes happen at the end of the book and affect the entire family.  Definitely not the ending one would expect but truly symbolic of the great melting pot.  Ms. Lawlor writes a fun book about a tween girl who struggles with changes in her life.   Regardless of the differences in those changes, all girls can relate to her life as she works to find her place in society and fit in.

Age range: 9 to 12

Lawlor, L. (2001). Pacific odyssey to California, 1905 . New York: Pocket Books.

Ellis Island New Hope in a New Land by William Jay Jacobs

For years in the early 20th Century, Ellis Island was the initial stop for immigrants entering the United States and Mr. Jacobs presents a well laid out history and explanation of the people who came through there.   Not a long book, this non-fiction book includes a lot of pictures of immigrants within the buildings on Ellis Island and going through the process to enter our wonderful country. 

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words and in the case of this book, that is so true.  Each page includes photographs depicting the step being discussed which helps children and tweens grasp the complex issues behind gaining entry into the United States before the days of fax machines, passports, airplanes, etc.  

Very few tweens today can imagine getting on a ship and sailing across the ocean without even knowing if they will be allowed entry.  Heavens, most children can't even imagine not getting the newest hot toy or ipod, etc.   For these immigrants, they were seeking a new life with better circumstances and better opportunities.

An older book, the information presented here is still valid and important for children of all ages to know and understand.  Well written, with good photos, the author and publisher did a great job of putting an adult topic into a tween age reading level without losing the important aspects of the subject matter.

Age level: 8 to 12

Jacobs, W. J. (1990). Ellis Island: new hope in a new land. New York: C. Scribner's.

Hannah Montana

Watching a new episode of Hannah Montana was tear inspiring as Hannah learns to cherish her father. The Episode includes a new song dedicated to military families and includes tributes and wishes from military families to their deployed member. While usually a lesson in a tween show such as Hannah Montana can be difficult to find, this episode reminds viewers of all ages to cherish their family time. For my family, it was especially sweet because my husband is home most nights and our days of deployments are over. But so many of our friends and loved ones are still deployed or have been lost while on active duty that this episode provides a reminder for us personally.

My new blog for LIBR 264

For one of my classes this semester, I have to keep a blog of media and literature I review this semseter. I suspect Bek will be sick of helping me with this by December but I am looking forward to making a master list of items for tweens.