Jim could be a great linebacker, if only he didn't panic every time someone tried to tackle him. He manages to avoid it...by dropping the ball. Will his fear get the better of him, or can he overcome it to be there for his team? Fans of football will enjoy this fast-paced read, which includes lots of action on the field.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 7/20/2009

ISBN-10: 0316139246

ISBN-13: 9780316139243

Check the library catalog

'The Cats in Krasinski Square' by Karen Hesse recounts a little-known event, conducted by the brave men and women of the Jewish Resistance in Poland during World War II. Having invaded Poland, the Gestapo displaced its Jewish residents behind giant walls establishing the Jewish Ghetto in Warsaw. These walls prevented safe living conditions, adequate food, quality medical care, and personal freedom. The Gestapo continually patrolled this area to prevent food and supplies from being smuggled into the ghetto to the starving people imprisoned there. In a brave attempt to help these people, Mira and her little sister devised an ingenious plan. They used the homeless cats of Warsaw to outwit the Gestapo and foil their plan to intercept these much needed supplies. This story gives testament to the courage and determination of many young men and women who risked their lives to fight the Nazis. Due to the subject matter of this book, younger readers should read this story with an adult.

Similar authors: Amy Littlesugar; Sharon Jennings

Similar books: One Yellow Daffodil: A Hanukkah story by David A. Adler; Star of Fear, Star of Hope by Jo Hoestlandt; The Doll with the Yellow Star by Yona Zeldis McDonough; Willy and Max: A Holocaust Story by Amy Littlesugar; A Chanukah Noel by Sharon Jennings

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/15/2011

ISBN-10: 0439435404

ISBN-13: 9780439435406

Check the library catalog

This story is told in the style of 'This is the House That Jack Built.' Spanish words are used throughout the story with a glossary of their meanings in the back. It all started with a pot that the farm maiden (campesina) stirred. Various animals and the farmer help provide ingredients to put in the cazuela (pot.) The finished product is rice pudding (the recipe follows the story.) The bright illustrations complement this rhythmic story.

Awards nominated: 2013 Monarch Nominee

Reviewed by: jb

Date read: 6/18/2012

ISBN-10: 1580892426

ISBN-13: 9781580892421

Check the library catalog

After the death of their owner, Isabel and Ruth have their promised freedom snatched from them by a greedy relative. At the beginning of the Revolutionary War, they find themselves the property of a loyalist couple in New York City. Isabel endures cold, hunger, humiliation, and physical abuse while trying always to protect her little sister. Promises are made and broken by both the rebels and the loyalists. Isabel seems to have found a friend in Curzon, a fellow slave, but can she trust him? Can she trust anyone? This is a heart wrenching story of perseverance in the most desperate of situations.

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award 2011

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 4/14/2010

ISBN-10: 1416905855

ISBN-13: 9781416905851

Check the library catalog

The outbreak of the Revolutionary War in 1775 brings drastic changes to Felicity's life in Williamsburg, affecting both her family, and her friendship with her best friend. Part of the American Girls series.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 1562470388

ISBN-13: 9781562470388

Check the library catalog