Children’s books which are generally suitable for children age nine to twelve
Published: 2003 Theme: Faith in Goodness Best for: 9 and up "Tears spilled out of my eyes. With no more thought of caution, I poured out our story. "My parents have both been arrested and sent to Siberia. My papa has been sent to a coal mine, and my mama has been exiled to Dudinka... We are going to her..." In this riveting historical fiction children's book, we journey across Russia to Siberia, in search of Mayra and Georgi's exiled parents during Stalin's regime.
Published: 2005 Theme: Genuine Sacrifice Best for: 10 and up "In so loud a voice I was sure her words carried over the hills, Nai Nai said, "Send us a boy to care for us in our old age and not another worthless girl." I, Chu Ju, was that worthless girl. Nai Nia's harsh words made my eyes sting with tears." In another beautifully written children's book of historical fiction, Whelan brings alive a foreign culture and foreign era, making us live and breathe with it.
Published: 2015 Theme: Imagination Best for: 9 and up "In those days, possibilities fell to the ground like rain. Each one was a brilliant bit of light, etched with a message. 'It's a possibility,' people would say whenever they found one and, if they liked what it said, they'd pop it into their mouths and chew on it." In this allegorical children's book, similar to The Phantom Tollbooth, we journey to an imaginative land, The Land of Possibilities, which is now in a sorry state.
Published: 2015 Theme: Friendship Best for: 7 and up "Dragons weren't the only ones who were mistreated so the different magicals agreed to keep their powers secret or hide from humans altogether. We've done such a good job that most humans consider all magicals imaginary." I smiled and often laughed out loud as I read this very silly fantasy book, peopled with all kinds of magical creatures, as well as a very admirable 10-year-old girl...
Published: 2006 Theme: Utopian World Best for: ages 10 and up "The old porcupine was standing over me, hands on his hips. He was wearing pants that were held up by straps and there was a hole in the back where his tail stuck out." This book is a like a half-way house for readers who still need pictures - half graphic novel, half proper literary style - and an engrossing futuristic utopia.
Published: 2014 Theme: Prejudice Best for: 11 and up "It struck Tomi then that Mom had changed a little just in the months since Pop was arrested. She had always done what everyone else wanted. Now for the first time in her life, she was in charge." More and more, I'm struck with the power of literature to educate children about injustice, and this book is a great example...
Published: 2012 Theme: Overcoming Hardships Best for: 5th grade "We are going to Colorado! Pa told us. He just came home from his first trip to Colorado Territory and announced that he and Ma and I were moving west to strike it rich.'" Set in 1858, this delightful historical fiction is an easy and informative read, based on a real incident in Colorado history...
Published: 2008 Theme: Magic Best for: 9 and up "Magic is just a way of setting things right..." The quote says it all, and explains why I love this book. Magic is given it's rightful place as we watch two children from two different times meet and bond...
Published: 2015 Theme: Melting Pot Best for: 9 and up "Sarah's parents had been planning their escape to America for two years before the attack on their village. To prepare for their new life, Sarah had been studying English with the son of the village wool merchant." In a fresh new children's book, we revisit America through the eyes of a new immigrant, a young girl who has just lost both her parents...
Published: 2011 Theme: Pride of Heritage Best for: 8 and up "Margie's mother said, "Why do you keep telling the teacher you don't speak Spanish, m'hijita? Spanish was the first language you spoke. Spanish is the language of your abuelitos and your tios y tias..." "But we live in America, Mom." This excellent children's book captures the ambivalence so many Mexican-American children have, born in the USA, while their families carry a living experience of their home culture...
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