It's summer and Franny Parker's animal hospital has been keeping her busy. With more patients by the day, Franny's summer 'job' becomes more and more rewarding. Humor breaks up the busyness as Franny's sister Sidda accidentally puts crickets into her blueberry pancakes. The new neighbor boy and his mother quickly become friends with Franny's family. What secrets have the new neighbors brought with them? What are they trying to cover up?

Reviewed by: jb

Date read: 8/24/2009

ISBN-10: 0374324697

ISBN-13: 9780374324698

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Joe and John Henry were the best of friends. Together they shelled butter beans, shot marbles, and swam in Fiddler's Creek. They loved playing and eating ice pops together. But there was one important difference between Joe and John Henry. Being white, Joe was permitted to go into any store, eat at any restaurant, and swim in the town's swimming pool. However, John Henry was black. Growing up in the south during the 1960's meant that he wasn't allowed to go and do most of the things his best friend could. The town's swimming pool was strictly off limits to him. Joe and John Henry had high hopes when they heard that due to the Civil Rights Act of 1964; they would finally be able to swim together at the town's pool. Their hopes were soon dashed when they saw the senseless filling of the pool with tar. This was done to prevent EVERYONE from using it. They soon realized that it takes more than changing the law to make things fair; it takes a changing of hearts. In Deborah Wile's, 'Freedom Summer', we see racism through the eyes of two young boys and witness their determination 'to make things right'.

Similar authors: Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert; Pat McKissack; Jacqueline Woodson

Similar books: Papa's Mark by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert; Goin' Someplace Special by Pat McKissack; The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson; Coolies by Yin; Pop's Bridge by Eve Bunting

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 8/1/2011

ISBN-10: 0689830165

ISBN-13: 9780689830167

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It's scary enough to leave your old school and your old friends to begin sixth grade. But Rosemary will be one of just a few African American students at Robertson Elementary School, and when her best friend gets polio, she will be the only African American student in sixth grade. Her parent's troubled marriage is scary too, and now she has no one to talk to. Rosemary finds two new friends in very unexpected places, and she also learns to believe in herself. A very personal look into a troubled time in our history.

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award 2011

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 4/27/2010

ISBN-10: 043966098X

ISBN-13: 9780439660983

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Three boys end up in the principal's office. Sidney can't stop himself from picking fights, Charlie likes to dodge situations by telling outrageous stories, and Jeffrey is painfully shy. Each is making trouble, none shows any signs of changing, and Mr. Duncan can't take it anymore. He has a brilliant idea: enroll them in karate class! Will these three misfits survive the challenge? This book is the first in the Black Belt series.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 10/22/2009

ISBN-10: 1551431653

ISBN-13: 9781551431659

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The kids in the eighth grade writers' workshop are in for a surprise: their teacher knows rock legend Nick Thompson, and he'll be dropping by to visit. As Nick Thompson sees it, 'A song's just a bowl of fruit, and I've just gotta figure out how to paint it.' He challenges them to take an ordinary event and to write about it in ways that are uniquely their own. What they create is a mixture of genres, forms, and perspectives that transforms something seemingly mundane into a work of art. This collection could inspire any writer looking for a new take on his or her subject.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 3/26/2010

ISBN-10: 0385732899

ISBN-13: 9780385732895

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