'The worst day of Rita's life was the day she became a dolphin.' The Dolphins are the slower swim team, and all of Rita's friends made the team called the Sharks. They won't even swim at the same meets! Can Rita conquer the flip turn and win a place on the Sharks, or will she be stuck swimming with the Dolphins forever? This fun read makes a great pick for readers just beginning to read chapter books.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 9/29/2010

ISBN-10: 1596432454

ISBN-13: 9781596432451

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Jenny and Joanna wake up ready for a normal school day. But as they rub their eyes, they hear Grandma's voice at the door. Grandma says, 'Sometimes, some things are more important than school.' When Mom and Dad hear the plan, they agree, but Grandma won't tell the girls what the big surprise is. Their journey takes them out to breakfast, on the subway, and eventually to a baseball stadium to see a real game and to sing America's favorite song, 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame.' This book is full of beautiful illustrations that show just what we love most about baseball, from the peanuts, to the players, to the seventh inning stretch, to the last out. Jenny and Joanna discover that just this once, baseball (and of course, spending time with Grandma) is much more important than school. This book is perfect for anyone who loves the game of baseball or who wants to learn 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'.

Reviewed by: mkl

Date read: 8/12/2009

ISBN-10: 1550418971

ISBN-13: 9781550418972

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Jackie Robinson was the first African-American player in Major League Baseball. After retiring from baseball, he moved with his family to a place in Connecticut that had a beautiful lake. His children loved swimming and boating on the lake, but Jackie never joined them in the water. One winter day, the children wanted to ice skate. Was the ice thick enough? Jackie bravely ventured out onto the ice to check. His daughter Sharon suddenly realized that Jackie can't swim and that her dad was a very brave man. The beautiful illustrations work well with the text by Sharon Robinson to pay tribute to her father.

Awards nominated: Monarch Award Nominee 2012

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 4/14/2011

ISBN-10: 9780545052511

ISBN-13: 9780545052511

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Kia and Nick are the best basketball players in third grade. But are they good enough to compete with the 4th and 5th graders in the first annual three on three school tournament? Maybe, if they can convince the best 5th grader to join their team. This is the first of the adventures with Nick and Kia.

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 8/24/2010

ISBN-10: 155143170X

ISBN-13: 9781551431703

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Jack Spencer is the star of the high school basketball team. If the season goes well, he could receive the college scholarship he desperately needs. His world begins to fall apart when his mother is rushed to the hospital after a terrible car accident. Then, his father is imprisoned for embezzling $500,000 from his boss. Shortly after that, the coach throws him off the team for being friends with a boy he has known since childhood. Next, he interrupts a burglary in his home and his life is threatened. Nothing makes sense. Who or what is behind everything that is happening to his family?

Reviewed by: rn

Date read: 8/18/2010

ISBN-10: 155143721X

ISBN-13: 9781551437217

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