BiblioBurro: A True Story From Colombia
By Jeannette Winter
(Beach Lane Books 2010)
Reading time: 6 minutes
Ages: 4 and up

An inspirational readaloud based on the true story of Luiz Sorino of a tiny  Colombian village whose first bookmobile was two burros.  With tremendous determination he grew his operation and showed the world how one person can make a difference in the life of many children, one book at a time. 

Whether the book is true to the facts of Mary Elizabeth Brown's life is not important; what matters is that it is true to the spirit of one who loved books above all else. Stewart sets to rhyme the life of Mary Elizabeth from childhood to adulthood, depicting her with her nose in a book to the exclusion of friends and, sometimes, even food. To children without real-life role models, it may seem a fanciful tale. But to anyone who has ever known anyone like my Aunt Ro Rossen, who seemingly entered the world – and left it eighty years later – with a book in hand it accurately portrays a person enriched beyond measure by reading. Further, it presents a person who shared her love of reading with others in a wonderful way. The readalouder will have to resist sing-songing Stewart's verse. Children ages 2 to 102 will enjoy hearing the story and talking about both the issues of love of reading and the fun of giving that it raises.

An excellent depiction of a privileged, talented woman whose lifelong pursuits were to improve circumstances of those less fortunate; and to write her poetry. Her most famous poem is the New Colossus, which appears on the Statue of Liberty.

A beautifully poignant tale, based on a true story of the author's mother's love of her precious baby doll Elisabeth. In sparse prose Nivola recounts her mother's escape from Nazi Germany, her move to the United States, her nostalgia for the doll she had to leave behind, her chancing upon the doll in an antique store window, buying it for her daughter, and living to see her granddaughter love Elisabeth as she once did. A wonderful springboard for discussion of the role of metaphor in life and literature as Nivola deftly uses the loss of the doll as a metaphor for her mother's lost home, homeland, and childhood. The blank verse can be read as one would poetry: softly and surely.

Hoberman adapted and expanded the song "There'll be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight" into this highly original rendition of the story of Mrs. O'Leary's cow starting the Great Chicago Fire. Listeners joining in each refrain at the top of their lungs may seem a bit irreverent in light of the losses but on the other hand is a memorable way to enjoy learning what havoc can be wreaked by a seemingly small accident.

A joyful text in which the readalouder can build excitement for each African-American whose achievements are so well known that the author uses only their first names: including Ruby, Thurgood and culminating with Barack. African-American children can well take pride while girls and children of other minorities can find hope in a celebration of the American dream once again coming true. The excellent foreword and informative endnotes can be paraphrased for younger children and read to older ones.

Wildly, weirdly imaginative tale based on the life of 15^th century Dutch artist Hieronymous Bosh. While young children may not understand all of the words, they will get the gist from an animated reading.

POP!  The invention of Bubble Gum
By Meghan McCarthy
(A Paula Wiseman Book: Simon and Schuster 2010)
Reading time: 6 minutes plus extensive endnotes
Ages: 4 and up

A delightful true tale of the attempts of one methodical accountant, who worked in a large gum and candy factory, to invent a new kind of gum.  His success brought fun to kids of all ages, as this book will to its listeners from 4 to 104.

A first-rate job of telling the essential story of famous racehorse Seabiscuit's biggest race, in a short book to enthrall young listeners. The readalouder will quite naturally "become" the radio announcer speaking ever more quickly and excitedly as Seabiscuit gains on the favored War Admiral in the most memorable race of both horses' careers.

A Junior Library Guild Selection beautifully told in blank verse by Cal, a boy who doesn't care to "sit so stony-still a-staring at some chicken scratch," and yet winds up learning and loving to read. The readalouder will immediately take to Cal's contagious Kentucky mountain twang and enjoy portraying him. The text and the author's note provide many opportunities for discussion of the book's heroes: the women Pack Horse Librarians of the Kentucky Appalachians and the WPA, which founded and funded them.

An Eye for Color: the Story of Josef Albers
By Natasha Wing
(Henry Holt and Company 2009)
Reading time: 8 minutes
Ages: 4 and older

An unusual book to be read by parents and teachers who will then discuss (with crayons or paints in hand) many aspects of the content with their young listeners. Albers, an abstract artist, devoted his career to the study of color and its interactions. He also spent 27 years creating more than l,000 squares which he called the "dishes” in which he "served his colors.” It's a great introduction to what a child can do with color, giving their crayons and brushes new power. The author knew Albers when she was a young child and he was already famous, so her end-of-the-book notes are especially interesting.

Finding Lincoln
By Ann Malaspina
(Albert Whitman & Company, 2009)
Reading time: 10 minutes with author's note
Ages: 4 and up

Malaspina's story of Louis, kept out of a public library by the "whites only" sign, is set in Alabama, 1951. Like the excellent White Socks Only by Evelyn Coleman which Albert Whitman published a decade ago, this book makes clear that "separate but equal" was not equal. Louis finally enters the library anyway, a librarian helps him after hours on the sly, and finds him the biography he wants on Abe Lincoln. Finding Lincoln is great for classroom and family discussion on many topics from the history of slavery, to bigotry of all kinds, to the courage of those who fought for equality such as the librarian in the story.

Librarian on the Roof:  A True Story
By M.G. King
(Albert Whitman and Company 2010)
Reading time: 10 minutes
Ages: 4 and up

An exciting, fun-filled story of Texas librarian RoseAleta Laurell, who camped out for a week on the 50 foot high roof of her town library in cold, stormy weather to get people to help fund a children’s section. In the process of staging this media event which drew attention to the plight of libraries nationwide, she raised double the money for which she hoped.

Through the voices of the village children Mortenson and Roth tell the basic story of his failed mountain climb, resulting in his helping locals build a school in their mountaintop Pakistani community. Good for discussing questions such as whether students in the United States take their schools for granted, and contrasting with those for whom having their own house of learning is a grand accomplishment.

The front-piece author's note transforms this from a combination Eliza Doolittle/Orphan Annie story to a really engrossing tale. According to the author, in old London there really were circuses where tiny fleas were dressed, chained, and "trained" to perform. Little Kit, masquerading as a boy, was taken to work for the Professor flea-teacher and was miserable as the poor homeless, rudderless fleas became a metaphor for her own life. Children 4 and older will love this all's well that ends well story of Kit's escape and fortuitous finding of a new family. While Kit can be read determinedly, the cruel professor begs to be read as loudly and villainously as possible.

With an ear for his ancestors' tales of yesteryear, Hall brings to life yet another story of turn-of-the-century New Hampshire childhoods recounted by his mother and grandmother. Here Lucy remembers her mother's turning the front parlor into a haberdashery, making and selling hats to passersby. Young readers 4 and older will enjoy hearing about times when families stayed and played together, and love and laughter filled their homes.

The author relates the joys of a black family living along the railroad tracks in a house complete with a "train porch". The story is told by Mac and Marie while they wait for their uncle, a train employee, to toss them a package as his train zooms by. As the readalouder switches from a voice of quiet nostalgia to the excitement of the big surprise, the listeners will be captivated by this depiction of days gone by. The story raises topics for discussion from employment opportunities in those versus these times, to pre-jet age travel.

A charming reminiscence of an Irish market day, by one of our most prolific children's authors. If the readalouder can do a brogue for the occasion it will give an extra dash of authenticity to a story which otherwise could take place in many countries of the world. A nice springboard for talks about what listeners 4 and older like best about their "market days."

A beautifully rendered reminiscence of July 20, 1969, when Mae, her grandpa, her family, townspeople and the rest of the world first saw a man on the moon. As Mae narrates recollections of that memorable event when she and Grandpa started the day viewing the moon landing differently, but by nightfall saw it similarly, there will likely be many listener questions. A wonderful way for children to learn of the historical moment of transition when a moon landing went from dream to reality, and to discuss their dreams for the future.

A poignant, ebullient tribute to "Brave Bessie" Coleman, the first African-American woman aviator, written by Reeve Lindbergh, daughter of America's most famous aviator. Lindbergh captures Coleman's spirit, places it within the tempo of the times, and charges young readers to follow their dreams as did Coleman. The readalouder need be cautious not to singsong any of the well-honed rhyme, to read slowly and clearly, and to let the author's words carry the rest.

Based on a true story of two chimps returned to their natural habitat from the London Zoo, this story provides a wonderful springboard for discussion of animal and human coping strategies for children 4 and older.

You and Me and Home Sweet Home
By George Ella Lyon
(Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2009)
Reading time: 8 minutes
Age: 4 and older

Based on a true story, the book deftly portrays a family restored to dignity and autonomy through the power of community volunteerism. The readalouder can portray the emotions of the young girl narrator as she goes from sad to hopeful to excited to happy. A wonderful vehicle for discussion of how each of us can make a difference in the life of another.

In the Belly of an Ox
By Rebecca Bond
(Houghton Mifflin Books for Children 2009)
Reading Time: 12 minutes
Ages: 5 and up

A beautiful historical account of Richard and Cherry Kearton's brotherly love, and their adventures as they pursued and then photographed their love of nature. A great opportunity for home and classroom discussion of the evolving art of bird photography and the unorthodox methods and adventures of the brothers who started it all.

The Daring Miss Quimby
By Suzanne George Whitaker
(Holiday House 2009/10)
Reading time: 9 minutes plus timeline and author’s note
Ages: 5 and up

A fascinating story of the first US woman to earn a pilot’s license.   Thoroughly modern in the early 1900s, a sophisticated writer and in love with speed, Quimby quickly graduated from driving a roadster to piloting a plane. She flew faster and faster, setting records, and became the first woman to fly across the English Channel.  Like many pilots of her day she survived only a couple of years of flying before crashing to her death. Good for discussion of the potential cost of following one’s dreams.  Would you have made her choices given the known risks?

A wonderful true Minnesota story of adventure and resourcefulness, about a ten-year-old boy sent from his family home in Duluth to a lumberjack camp in the north woods, to escape the dreaded 1918 influenza epidemic. A great springboard for discussion about ways a young person might cope in a new and isolated environment.

The beautifully written prose poem recounts in splendid detail the launch, interim days and landing of the first men on the moon.The text and extensive author's note document an unparalleled historical moment which raises many scientific, metaphysical, social and political issues: Why was getting a man on the moon so important to the US? When did the scientific planning for this Apollo flight first begin? Why did these men take the risk? Would you like to go to the moon -- why or why not?

Neo Leo: the Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci
By Gene Barretta
(Henry Holt and Company 2009)
Reading time: 8 minutes
Ages: 5 and older

A terrific vehicle for classroom discussion of invention, technology, art, and the origins of ideas. Barretta's presentation is excellent as he juxtaposes text and drawings of inventions from the 1700s and into modern times with those originals done by da Vinci over 500 years ago. A book to be read, re-read and kept so that, as they become older, children can read and refer to it themselves.

A wonderfully informative factual setting provides the backdrop for the fictional account of one child's adaptation to new life and family changes. The setting is turn of the century Coney Island where Lily's family stays while her premature sister is housed in the incubator clinic, her mother feeds the babies and her father works for relatives who carve carousel horses. Inserted into the ably done work of fiction are some icons of American history, including Doctor Martin Couney who developed incubator sideshows to finance the care of babies, Charles Feltman "hot-dog" creator, and actress Lillian Russell. The reading will be smoother if some of the unfamiliar Yiddish words are explained prior to beginning the story; there's a full pronunciation/definition glossary at the end of the book.

Based on the life story of Tomas Rivera, a migrant worker's son who becomes Chancellor of the University of California, Riverside, the book is first and foremost a tribute to librarians everywhere who stimulate children to read. Whether it's Sidney Taylor stories of her life growing up in poor Brooklyn, or Maud Hart Lovelace's growing up comfortably in Mankato, or Rivera's story, the theme is the same: a caring librarian can influence a person's life forever.

Coleman recounts her grandmother's true story of sneaking from their farm into town to try to fry an egg on the sidewalk, and inadvertently desegregating a water fountain. While in many books about desegregation at least one white comes to the rescue of an African American, in this book no white does. Thus, Coleman tells it like was without creating a "good white" to rescue the child from the humiliation and beating she suffered. A beautifully written, sympathetically told story which is a great vehicle for human-rights discussions.

Incredible and inspirational, this true story depicts a young woman crippled with polio, overcoming it to win three Olympic Gold Medals. Behind her was a strong family: a determined mother and 19 loyal siblings, and a strong church community. A riveting story of unparalleled courage, determination and motivation in which Wilma Rudolph stars as a role model for the physically challenged and able alike. An excellent springboard of sketching one's limits beyond expectation.

A wonderful telling of the true story of the wild boy of Aveyron, found in the French forest and later tended by a devoted woman and dedicated scientist. Can be read in a measured cadence, with frequent enough pauses so that the story's drama can be felt. The story of this boy has been used in university level studies of nature versus nurture, instinctual versus learned responses, linguistic perception, etc., for many decades. So all of these issues, as well as many more about kindness, etc., can be discussed with listeners at their levels of understanding and interest.

A Wizard From The Start: The Incredible Boyhood And Amazing Inventions of Thomas Edison
By Don Brown
(Houghton Mifflin Books for Children 2010)
Reading Time: 9 minutes, plus author’s note
Ages: 5 and up

This short bio is filled with interesting quotes, facts and insights, including young Tom’s mother removing him from school soon after he began because a teacher called him "addled." Homeschooled by his mother, Edison credits her with teaching him to "read good books quickly and correctly." The rest is history.

Isadora has told Mozart's story concisely, however, her rendition presents Mozart as so gifted that the motivation and tremendously long and arduous work schedule necessary to accomplish all he did in his brief life are not part of the story. A discussion with children of the uses of talent, of talent versus tenacity, and of the combination would all be appropriate.

Winter has done a stunning job of creating a captivating portrait of the artist Georgia O'Keefe as a young and growing woman; a free spirit flying high to create a world as she wanted it to be seen. As with all blank verse, it's important to catch the pauses the author intends between thoughts, while reading each thought as a complete passage. This book can be read aloud and discussed together with Purple Mountain Majesty (reviewed below) in terms of the genesis of creativity: what stimulated these creative women? Did they march to their own drummers? Did they try to emulate others or did they cherish their individualities?

The moving story of the life of Katherine Lee Bates and the trip west which inspired her writing America the Beautiful, or "A the B" as she and her family always called it. Can be read with a sense of urgency, with frequent pauses, especially when days, months or even years elapse. Discussion suggestions might include the creative impulse: When does the inspiration come? When does one know it's there? What do you do if an inspiration comes your way?

Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee
By Marissa Moss
(Tricycle Press, 2009)
Reading time: 10 minutes
Ages: 6 and up

A beautifully told picture book biography of a child who loved planes. As a young woman she learned to fly, and became one of only two female Chinese-American Air Force Service Pilots during WWII. Because the story is told in the first person, the readalouder need only read straight-forwardly for listeners to appreciate Gee's early love of planes, and enjoy discussions of how Gee's motivation lead her to set goals and, through meeting them, realize her dreams.

An excellent nonfiction account of Native American bead culture, history and work, packaged in story form. As a story in itself it doesn't work nearly as well as it does as a vehicle for anthropology and artistic discussion. The endnotes are essential. It's a wonderful way for Native American children to take pride in their culture, as well as for others to learn about this aspect of it.

A magnificently told, visually lovely story of the life of one monarch butterfly from caterpillar days through her migration of the continent to the laying of her last egg. A microcosmic look at the miracle of the brief adventurous life of one of the earth's most beautiful creatures. A great springboard for discussion of a broad range of philosophical topics from the meaning of life, to its brevity, to issues of nature's programming and individual choices within that context. A must for every library and school.

The fascinating story of how two boys, neither one accepted as "part of the crowd," develop their creative abilities and ultimately join forces to invent the most famous comic book hero of the 20th century: Superman. Can be read matter-of-factly as the exciting narrative builds and builds. A terrific vehicle for discussing a host of issues, including the questions of outsider as creator, confidence in one's own abilities, and protecting one's intellectual property.

The story of Johannes Gutenberg within the context of fascinating explanations of the development of the components of printing, and of Gutenberg's adaption of the wine press to printing itself. Krensky provides both easy to understand text, and numerous sidebar examples and illustrations. An excellent basis for discussion of adaptation, innovation and ways that printing revolutionized the world.

Good American historical fiction, told in the first person by a young girl. Thaxter, a published poet and writer who died before the turn of the century, tells her story in journal form; each page reads like a separate short poem, evoking nostalgic, almost mythic images of an era gone by.

An outstanding biography of the Dalai Lama. The narrative really carries the story if read aloud slowly and purposefully. This is a wonderful chance to explore the history of Tibet, the belief system of its people, the selection and education of a Dalai Lama, and the country's political situation which resulted in his exile.

In her portrait of one of the century's most famous and admired individuals, Cooney brings young Eleanor Roosevelt to life. As fiction, it might be hackneyed: this orphaned ugly duckling turned swan. In fact, Eleanor's truth was as difficult as any that Frances Hodgson Burnett might have imaged for her Little Princess. Taunted by her own mother for her odd appearance, left parentless before she was a teen, and then sent off to a French boarding school, she blossomed, returned, and married Franklin. The rest is history. An excellent springboard for discussion of what enables humans to triumph over loneliness and despair, of the origins of empathy, and of what constitutes a meaningful life.

While often "I-can-read" chapter books do not prove to be very appropriate read-alouds, this exciting, colorful book is super. As always, Avi tells a compelling story, in this case teaching an important chapter of American history as well. An excellent basis for discussion about loyalty, friendship, among supposed enemies, and the different perspectives from which history can be written.

Children 6 and older will respond to this fast-paced story of a young Danish boy and his family endangered by the Nazis during World War II, their involvement in the Danish resistance and eventual deliverance to safety by caring neighbors. It's great for discussion of racial bias, and for giving young people the chance to discuss and explore the questions of what they would do if in danger themselves, or if witnessing the danger of others. It can also be used in discussions of the Holocaust as an example of a country which cared about her Jews, in contrast to the countries that complied with the Nazis in their eventual exterminations.

A first-class biography by a Newbery medalist who knows how to hook the reader early and keep the action going. The pace never slows as readalouder and listeners become engrossed in the story of a bright, healthy child whose tragic accident blinds him and sets on him an unwelcome and uncharted course. Yet Braille's sheer tenacity prevails as he searches for – and ultimately discovers – a way to open new worlds for himself and other sightless people. An excellent springboard for discussion of what motivates some people to set and achieve goals against all odds while others – often with odds in favor of them – never do.

This joyful biographical sketch of Louis Armstrong tells that his first trumpet wasn't given to him, but rather he got it through very hard work, saving, and much honest effort. A wonderful springboard for discussion with today's children of the appropriate means of owning what one wants, and thus appreciating what one has.

Sis brings a multi-dimensional historical figure to life in this tri-dimensional book of read-aloud text, inserts of scripts of Galileo's writings, and author-illustrated pictures. To be read matter-of-factly by a readalouder who will then turn discussion-leader as listener's likely balk at the harsh treatment given Galileo for the "sin" of breaking new ground.

A truly inspirational work about an immigrant family determined to make it on their own With each member pitching in, they do in fact succeed. The part of the determined young Valentina, who teaches English to immigrant adults can be read with exuberance, while the parts of her tired parents may be read with weariness yet determination. A great springboard for discussion of the work ethic on which this country was founded.

Based on a true story of the chasm between early 19^th century Egypt and France and the idea that the pasha of Egypt could mollify the King of France with a gift – a giraffe. The giraffe was brought by boat across the Mediterranean, then walked with an entourage of attendants, cows, and an antelope from Marseilles to Paris – 425 miles. Greeted with a grand parade in Paris, the toast of the town, really, it's the stuff of a memorable story, which children will find fun and interesting if it's read to them with lots of expression and a sense of suspense.

This book is not to be confused with Anne Frank's diary, but rather it is a retelling of Anne and her family's fleeing Germany, then hiding in Amsterdam, and finally being taken to the concentration camps where all but her father perished at the Nazi's hands. Though it lacks the sparkle and wisdom of Anne's voice and words of the authentic diary, it is a good introduction to the Nazi era, and further serves as a background for children too young to read the Diary themselves. It celebrates hope in the face of despair and provides a good springboard for discussion about the oppression and extermination of one group of human beings by another.

Based upon the memoirs of a Lowell, Massachusetts, mill girl of the 1830s, McCully deftly depicts the horrible conditions of girls working in the cotton mills, and the actions they courageously took to try for change. An excellent illustrated story which gives rise to discussions of fairness, equality, early women's rights and qualities of leadership.

A touching rendition of rebellious young Harriet "Minty" Tubman, who from age 8 was determined to run away from slavery. The readalouder can juxtapose the voice of determined Minty with her frightened mother, firmly resigned father and loud cruel slaveholders. Fine springboard for discussion of equality, slavery, freedom and a good introduction to the topic of the Underground Railroad as well.

If one had only a single adjective with which to define Baiul, it's hard to call whether it would be "courageous" or "motivated." By the time she was 13, her parents were dead and her skating coach left. Miraculously she survived, was offered a new home in a new place with a new coach, and the rest is history. Winner of the Olympic gold, she narrates the events of her life, and talks to a limited extent about how she managed – even with a last-minute injury – to go for the top. An excellent springboard for discussion about coping with loss, and the genesis of determination.

Kroll succeeds in creating fast-paced drama from well-researched facts, bringing to life an important aspect of the country's history. To be read with continual sense of adventure, and used as a springboard for discussion of technological advances as well as issues of motivation: what made the young pony express riders take on the dangerous, difficult jobs that they did?

In this heavily researched reconstruction of very early New England life, told through the journal entries of a 13-year-old boy, Bowen recaptures a mood, place and time long past. Children 7 and older with interests in history will be drawn in, especially if the readalouder stops frequently to invite questions, discussion and contrasts life then with life today.

A "factional" account of the famed composer's visit to the United States two years before his death in 1891. The fact comes from Tchaikovsky's own diaries; the fictional part is Kalman's own invention of 11-year-old Eugenia, the Russian-American girl who meets the composer during that visit. The readalouder can read several different expressive parts: the composer enjoying his trip but nostalgic for Russia; shy Eugenia determined to speak with him; her much noisier younger brother; and her father – nostalgic, as well, for his parent land. Children 7 and older will appreciate this gentle story.

Bunting's tale won't leave any dry eyes and will inspire many discussions of this little-known chapter in the countries social history, including the purpose, advantages and disadvantages of adoption through the orphan train. The readalouder can contrast the calm voice of the narrator with that of the sometimes cruel and loud remarks of prospective adoptive family members, the patient voice of the train chaperone, and the booming voice of the conductor.

Upon Secrecy
By Selene Castrovilla
(Calkins Creek 2009)
Reading Time: 22 minutes plus author's note
Ages: 7 and up

A well-researched, fascinating nonfiction story of how George Washington's spies, men known as the Culpers, risked their lives on a regular basis to help win the Revolutionary War. The book provides a great opportunity to discuss the need and role of spies in warfare. Whom to trust with what, and when? What about counterspies? What were the challenges of maintaining secrecy over 200 years ago, as opposed to our challenges in this technological age?

A fascinating exploration or that which we generally take for granted: our footwear. Yet, as Lawlor points out, humans have not always worn footwear; and as they have adopted foot coverings, those coverings have been adaptations to multiple climates, uses, needs, work and lifestyles. A fascinating way to explore cultural anthropology, trends, fashion and necessity. Could be read aloud in classes from third grade through middle school, with plenty of discussion of issues and topics raised.

Camping With the President
By Ginger Wadsworth
(Calkins Creek 2009)
Reading Time:12 minutes plus 10-minute author's note
Ages: 8 and up

When President Theodore Roosevelt requests a private camping trip to Yosemite National Park with Sierra Club founder John Muir, environmental history is bully well made. A great classroom and library vehicle for discussion of the history of conserving our natural resources, and of "going green" in this country. Also a good source for information on Teddy Roosevelt, our 26^th US President; John Muir; Yosemite National Park; and California's 2000-year-old giant Sequoia trees.

This fine introduction to the lives of both famous and lesser-known African-American men and women is an excellent classroom source. It enables the teacher to read aloud the introduction to each chapter in about 10 minutes, then open discussion; after that, the real fun begins. Parts can be chosen and students can either act out the skit, which accompanies each selection extemporaneously, or can practice and perform the skit at a later date. Good for home use as well, where families can participate in both the reading and the skits.

An excellent biography of an incredible southern woman who deserves to be brought up from the footnotes, and credited for her accomplishments in developing an African-American press. A true story of determination in the face of enormous odds: orphaned as a teenager and left responsible for five younger siblings, this daughter of freed slaves fought sexism and racism to better the lives of others. A great vehicle for discussion of post-Civil War oppression of African-Americans and of those who fought it.

The Yankee at the Seder
By Elka Weber
(Tricycle Press, 2009)
Reading time: 11 minutes
Ages: 8 and up

Based on a true incident, Weber relates that as the Civil War ended Meyer Levy, a Yankee soldier, was invited to share a Passover Seder with a young Confederate boy and his family. Slavery was on everyone’s minds. The war was about slavery; Passover is about slavery. Thousands of years before there were slaves on this continent, the Hebrews were slaves in Egypt, and Passover commemorates their escape from that bondage through re-telling the story of how and why it happened.  When the Yankee attended the Confederate family Seder the story of the Hebrew escape from slavery was told within a new context. This is a fascinating story of both ancient Jewish and U.S. history.

Warren has written a superb nonfiction book. She alternates chapters between the actual account of the history of orphan trains in our society, and the true story of one boy, following him from his birth family through his orphanage years, his train ride, his adoptive family life, and finally his adult life in which he experiences both loss and wonderful surprises. An important book for classroom read-aloud/discussion of the social history of the orphan train movement within the context of its times.

A beautifully crafted, complex, philosophical novella set in a French village haunted by the ghosts of Jewish children who sought shelter there during the Holocaust. To be read quietly to children 9 and older, a chapter or two at a sitting, with plenty of time for discussion of the many issues raised by the book: from when one chooses to risk – or not to risk – his or her life for another, to communicating with the souls of the departed. The readalouder will want to read this book thoroughly before reading it to others in order to effectively lead the discussion, which will surely ensue.

Dash brings to life some courageous historical figures in this impeccably researched nonfiction account of the 1909 strike, which women launched in the New York garment industry. An excellent library and classroom resource, which can be read aloud to children in fourth grades and up. It stimulates discussion of early fights for women's rights and makes clear that there was plenty of discrimination towards poor women in the early part of the 20^th century. In fact, they did slave labor.