Heidi It knows only the sketchiest information about her background. Twelve years ago, her mentally disabled mother showed up with the then week-old Heidi on Bernadette's doorstep. Bernadette, who is severely agoraphobic, has been looking out for Heidi, and Mama, ever since. To learn more about her past, Heidi sets out on an adventure from Reno, Nevada, to New York.

Awards won: Rebecca Caudill Award

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/29/2009

ISBN-10: 0064410471

ISBN-13: 9780064410472

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Commenter: Aj, grade 9

In the story, So Far From the Sea, Eve Bunting uses the emotions and wisdom of Laura Iwasaki to gently and simply tell the story of the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Through the unique use of black and white illustrations to depict the past and colored drawings to illustrate the present, we are told the story of Laura's family. As she gingerly walks through the deserted Manzanar Relocation Camp, Laura explains to us how her grandfather, father, and mother were taken from their homes after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and kept behind barbed wire to 'protect America'. She attempts to share with us her feelings and those of her family as they visit the grave of her grandfather. Laura's family will soon be moving to Massachusetts, so she must make one last visit to say good-bye to a grandfather she has never met. She tells us of her sorrow at having to leave behind her grandfather, 'a true American', who will be forever, 'so far from the sea' that he loved.

Similar authors: Ken Mochizuki; Suzanne Lieurance; Michael L. Cooper

Similar books: Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki; Remembering Manzanar: Life in a Japanese Relocation Camp by Michael L. Cooper; The Lucky Baseball: My Story in a Japanese American Internment Camp

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 6/24/2011

ISBN-10: 0395720958

ISBN-13: 9780395720950

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A girl finds a genius friend named Millicent Min and falls in love with Stanford Wong. The book is written in the form of letters to her father. Read other books about the characters- Millicent Min, Girl Genius and Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time.

Reviewed by: St. Charles Reader

Date read: 11/24/2009

ISBN-10: 0439838479

ISBN-13: 9780439838474

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In his old town, Renny was one of the stars of the soccer field. In this new town, where no one knows about his skills, he's on the bench. When an important player is injured, Renny finally has a shot at proving himself. His impressive skills catch the attention and temper of Bryce McCormack, center striker of a rival team. When Bryce is friendly, Renny is thrilled...but can he trust Bryce? Could the two best players on rival teams ever become friends?

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 5/13/2011

ISBN-10: 0316134740

ISBN-13: 9780316134743

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Mr. Magro has put a file on his class' door, asking for SOS stories (times you were in trouble or danger and needed help getting out) for extra credit. Jerry writes about the time he ate 40 chocolate bars that were supposed to be sold for his baseball team and needed to come up with the money for the bars quickly. Liz writes about the time she was caught on an out-of-control go-cart heading straight for a busy street. Gipper writes about the time his favorite hat, a part of him, is accidentally sold at a church sale. More and more stories are told in this exciting collection of student stories. Find out who wrote the last story told by Mr. Magro that didn't receive extra credit!

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 6/29/2009

ISBN-10: 0805068880

ISBN-13: 9780805068887

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