Clara Lee is competing to become Little Miss Apple Pie and ride the float in her town's yearly festival. Her grandfather tells her a recent dream brings good luck, but she must contend with a classmate who claims her 'American as apple pie' heritage makes her more deserving of the title than Clara Lee. Join Clara Lee as she figures out whether her dream was lucky enough to make her wish come true!

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 7/6/2011

ISBN-10: 0316070386

ISBN-13: 9780316070386

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'Coolies' by Yin is an historical accounting of the Chinese contribution to the building of the transcontinental railroad in the United States of America in the mid-1800's. Beautifully told through the eyes of Shek and his little brother Wong, the author is able to describe the immense prejudice, (being called Coolies), the grueling and dangerous working conditions, and the poor pay that the Chinese workers were subjected to. Through the realistic illustrations of Chris Soentipiet, we are told the story of the enormous contribution and sacrifice made by many Chinese workmen in the building of a railroad and in the expansion of the United States.

Similar authors: Laurence Yep; Lila Perl; Karen Hesse, Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert; Eve Bunting; Shirin Yim Bridges

Similar books: The Transcontinental Railroad by John Perritano; Dragon's Gate by Laurence Yep; To the Golden Mountain: The Story of the Chinese who Built the Transcontinental Railroad by Lila Perl; Pop's Bridge by Eve Bunting; Papa's Mark by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/27/2011

ISBN-10: 0399232273

ISBN-13: 9780399232275

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These 17 folktales from West Africa each have a moral or a humorous twist at the end. Some of them are funny, while others are intended to make you think. Read these well-written and engaging tales to learn some of the stories that West Africans have been sharing with each other for generations.

Awards won: Newbery Honor book 1948

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 9/9/2011

ISBN-10: 0805002987

ISBN-13: 9780805002980

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This colorful Rookie Read-About Holidays explains the holiday of Diwali in an appropriate way for first and second graders to understand, and enjoy. The word 'Diwali' means row of lights, and marks the beginning of the Hindu year. It takes place in October or November. People celebrate by setting out rows of lights, called diyas. They clean their homes, have big family dinners, and exchange gifts. They buy new clothes to wear to temple, and watch fireworks in the evening. What a great holiday - our 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas rolled into one!

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0531124541

ISBN-13: 9780531124543

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Like a typical 16-year old, Amal has a crush on a cute boy, likes giggling and eating junk food with her friends, and fights with her parents. She is also an Australian-born Muslim Palestinian and has decided to wear the hijab, the Muslim head-scarf, full time. What will her classmates say? What color scarf best sets off her eyes? Both questions are equally important to Amal. Thought-provoking and funny at the same time, this first novel examines faith, culture, and serious teen issues with style and wit.

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 10/26/2009

ISBN-10: 0439919479

ISBN-13: 9780439919470

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