New Books for Young Readers Plus a Classic From 1950
by Larry Cox on Oct. 10, 2011, under UncategorizedWonkenstein: The Creature From My Closet by Obert Skye (Christy Ottaviano Books, $12.99)
Rob is a twelve-year-old underachiever who isn’t much interested in reading books. When he receives books as gifts, he piled them in his closet. When he discovers a funny little creature in the closet that seems to be a cross between two literary characters, Willy Wonka and Frankenstein, he realizes that he can no longer ignore books. This delightful illustrated novel is geared for young readers ages 9-12.
Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin (Henry Holt, $15.99)
Sasha Zaichik has known the laws of the Soviet Young Pioneers since the age of six but when it comes time to join, everything seems to go wrong. He breaks a classmate’s glasses with a snowball and damages a bust of Stalin in the school hallway. To add to his problems, his father, the best Communist he knows, is arrested. This illustrated book is by the same author who wrote “Who Ate All the Cookie Dough” and “Won Ton.”
My Brother’s Shadow by Monika Schroder (Farrar Straus Giroux, $17.99)
Set during the last weeks of World War I, sixteen-year-old Moritz, a German teenager, finds that he is conflicted. His father was killed during the war and his mother does not support patriotic causes and even attends socialist meetings. When Moritz’s brother returns home, a bitter, maimed war veteran, he must choose between his allegiance to his brother and those who want to form a new democracy. This novel is geared for young readers grades 7 and up.
Miss Lina’s Ballerinas and the Prince by Grace Maccarone with illustrations by Christine Davenier (Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, $16.99)
Members of Miss Lina’s ballet class are surprised when she announces that the group will soon be joined by a boy dancer who will also be performing in their end-of-year show. The girls have grand visions of dancing their first pas de deux with a prince but when he finds himself surrounded by so much pink and so many girls, he dances his way out the door. This charming book is by the author and illustrator of “Miss Lina’s Ballerinas,” also published by Feiwel & Friends.
Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match/Marisol McDonald No Combina by Monica Brown with the illustrations of Sara Palacios (Children’s Book Press, $17.95)
Award-winning author Monica Brown introduces young readers to Marisol McDonald, an irrepressible soccer-playing pirate artist who doesn’t match and doesn’t want to. Polka dots and stripes are her favorite combination, she prefers peanut butter and jelly burritos in her lunchbox, and seems to be attracted to all things mismatched. This fun bilingual tale focuses on a biracial girl, part Peruvian and part Scottish-American. The colorful illustrations of Sara Palacios add just the right touch. This Spanish translation is by Adriana Dominguez.
Amadito and the Hero Children/Amadito y los Ninos Heroes by Enrique R. Lamadrid with the illustrations of Amy Cordova (University of New Mexico Press, $19.95)
Set during the final days of World War I in the beautiful mountain village of Chamisal, New Mexico, the citizens of the village are alarmed when it is discovered that a deadly influenza has struck both Albuquerque and Santa Fe. What can be done to prevent it from infecting the people of Chamisal?
Amadito’s Mama Virginia worries that her traditional remedies for colds including osha, chamizo pardo, and cebolla morada (wild celery root, gray sage, and purple onion) might not be enough to protect her family from this new threat.
This bilingual story weaves together culture, history, mortality, and hope in a life-affirming lesson.
Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and Their New Skates by Maj Lindman (Albert Whitman & Company, $14.99)
This story about three Swedish sisters was originally published in the United States in 1950 and has delighted young readers ever since. One of a series of treasured books created by author/illustrator Maj Lindman, this story begins when Flicka, Ricka and Dicka wake up on Christmas morning. Their excitement builds when they discover three new pair of ice skates under the holiday tree. This delightful holiday story also features a set of paper dolls tucked inside the back cover.
Walking Home to Rosie Lee by A. LaFaye with the illustrations of Keith D. Shepherd (Cinco Puntos Press, $16.95)
Set in post-Civil War America, this story is about the end of the war and young Gabe’s search for his mother, Rosie Lee. Days pass into weeks and one dark evening, Gabe looks up and sees a woman with a yellow scarf. Could this be his mama?
This is an unusual book since its story is told from the point of view of a youngster, a slave who has been liberated.
A. LaFaye is a Tennessee-based writer and Keith D. Shepherd is a painter, graphic designer and educator is Kansas City, Missouri.
