In the story, 'I, Doko: The Tale of a Basket' by Ed Young, the author chronicles the life of a family witnessed by Doko, the family basket. Doko, has been an integral part of all the monumental events in this family's life spanning many generations. In this 'simple fable' a small child reminds his family, and the reader, of the preciousness of life.

Similar authors: Demi; Ann Kirn; Shirin Yim Bridges

Similar books: Beauty, Her Basket by Sandra Belton; Circle Unbroken; The Story of a Basket and Its People by Margot Theis Raven; Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges; The Greatest Treasure by Demi

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/15/2011

ISBN-10: 0399236252

ISBN-13: 9780399236259

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Juan de Pareja was born into slavery in seventeenth-century Spain. To his good fortune, he came to serve the Spanish painter Velazquez. He discovers a love for art and a talent for painting, but he must practice in secret because the law forbade a slave from painting. After many years, Juan is given his freedom but continues as Velazquez's assistant until the great painter's death. Read this first-person account, based on the actual life of Juan de Pareja, to learn about Velazquez and life as a painter during a brilliant era of famous artists.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 1/6/2011

ISBN-10: 0374335311

ISBN-13: 9780374335311

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Ida B. has the perfect life, where she's homescooled on her dad's apple orchard. Then her mom gets cancer and she has to attend the terrible public school. Her family also has to sell part of the apple orchard. How will Ida B. cope with it all?

Reviewed by: St. Charles Reader

Date read: 11/5/2009

ISBN-10: 0060730242

ISBN-13: 9780060730246

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Jack has designed his ultimate fantasy car. It comes with a couch, an instant snack bar, and a robot pilot. It can cruise over water, take off into the air, and it even has its own pool. This story of one boy's creation of a futuristic car is told in rhyme.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 7/6/2009

ISBN-10: 0525474005

ISBN-13: 9780525474005

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Cassie would give anything to be a famous dancer like Miranda Farren, who is a part of the dance troupe for the pop singer, Stella. Cassie is a wonderful dancer, but she is scared to dance in front of people. Why can't she be confident like Jake? How will she ever make her dancing dreams come true if she can't even make it through a recital? This early chapter book has lots of pictures and is perfect for readers just beginning to read chapter books.

Similar books: Ballerina Dreams series by Ann Bryant; Gym Shorts series by Betty Hicks

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 9/29/2010

ISBN-10: 1580893384

ISBN-13: 9781580893381

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