Welcome to the Public Libraries of Saginaw http://www.saginawlibrary.org Our Mission: Educate, Enrich, Entertain, Encourage, Reading and Lifelong Learning Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:36:23 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 DEAD END IN NORVELT BY JACK GANTOS http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/dead-end-in-norvelt-by-jack-gantos/ http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/dead-end-in-norvelt-by-jack-gantos/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:24:27 +0000 lbryant http://www.saginawlibrary.org/?p=2510 “And in 1962,” I said, looking up from the paper and bemoaning my fate, “the longest grounding of a boy named Jack continues to go unnoticed by history.”

Grounded by his parents for accidents not his fault and on loan to his scrappy old neighbor for the summer, Jack Gantos believes that his chance . . . → Read More: DEAD END IN NORVELT BY JACK GANTOS]]> “And in 1962,” I said, looking up from the paper and bemoaning my fate, “the longest grounding of a boy named Jack continues to go unnoticed by history.”

Grounded by his parents for accidents not his fault and on loan to his scrappy old neighbor for the summer, Jack Gantos believes that his chance for fun in the small town of Norvelt, Pennsylvania has just slipped through his fingers.  However, transcribing obituaries for the town’s medical examiner and history expert Miss Volker while also acting as her underage driver provides Jack with more excitement than his emotional bleeding nose could have ever expected.  Will he ever be able to balance the orders of his proud homebody mother with the requests of his adventurous father and the desire to escape the house to adventures with Miss Volker?  Will his nose ever stop acting up and dripping blood over everything?  And is there something strange about the rash of deaths among the remaining original town settlers?

The treasure of this semi-autobiographical book for me is the sharp zingers that the characters, particularly Miss Volker, fire out.  For example, Miss Volker says that Mr. Spizz is “so stupid.  Honestly, when he makes alphabet soup it spells out D-U-M-B.”  It is such cracks that will have the reader laughing out loud with enjoyment.  The 2012 Newbery Medal Award-winning book will tickle the funny bone of those readers who like a bit of sarcasm and clever retorts from their characters.

Reviewed by Jennie Tuttle, Wickes Library

Recommended for ages 10 to 14

]]> http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/dead-end-in-norvelt-by-jack-gantos/feed/ 0 Diego Rivera: His World and Ours by Duncan Tonatiuh http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/diego-rivera-his-world-and-ours-by-duncan-tonatiuh/ http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/diego-rivera-his-world-and-ours-by-duncan-tonatiuh/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:21:55 +0000 lbryant http://www.saginawlibrary.org/?p=2508 As a little boy Diego Rivera loved to draw and this love led him to become one the world’s most famous painters.  He grew up in Mexico but then traveled as a young man to study the many different methods of painting.  After living and studying in Europe, he was invited back to Mexico . . . → Read More: Diego Rivera: His World and Ours by Duncan Tonatiuh]]> As a little boy Diego Rivera loved to draw and this love led him to become one the world’s most famous painters.  He grew up in Mexico but then traveled as a young man to study the many different methods of painting.  After living and studying in Europe, he was invited back to Mexico to paint murals as a part of a major mural program.  The murals were about Mexican history and Mexican people.   He painted murals for the next 25 years and really developed his own style.  Most were painted in Mexico but some of his murals can be found in places such as Detroit and San Francisco. The author of this book was inspired by Diego Rivera and poses several questions throughout the book as to what Diego would paint if he were here today.  This book is a great introduction to this artist and his heritage.

This book won the 2012 Pura Belpre’ award.   This award honors a Latino writer and illustrator whose books celebrate Latino culture.

Reviewed by Michelle Zimostrad, Hoyt Library

Recommended for ages 8 and up

]]> http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/diego-rivera-his-world-and-ours-by-duncan-tonatiuh/feed/ 0 Mudbound and When She Woke by Hillary Jordan http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/mudbound-and-when-she-woke-by-hillary-jordan/ http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/mudbound-and-when-she-woke-by-hillary-jordan/#comments Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:32:48 +0000 ktesdell http://www.saginawlibrary.org/?p=2498 Hillary Jordan is a master at the art of stirring social conscience and exposing social responsibility. Her prize-winning debut novel, Mudbound, is a gripping chronicle of tragedy, guilt, prejudice, and moral indignation set in 1946. The very essence of the Mississippi delta, poverty, hunger, and despair, is palpable and the inequities of a society . . . → Read More: Mudbound and When She Woke by Hillary Jordan]]> Hillary Jordan is a master at the art of stirring social conscience and exposing social responsibility. Her prize-winning debut novel, Mudbound, is a gripping chronicle of tragedy, guilt, prejudice, and moral indignation set in 1946. The very essence of the Mississippi delta, poverty, hunger, and despair, is palpable and the inequities of a society riveted by racial prejudice and sexism are laid bare. Told in the alternating voices of several compelling characters, the novel is heart-rending yet surprisingly readable and quite unforgettable.

In 2011, Jordan presented a riveting futuristic work, When She Woke, that parallels The Scarlet Letter in its’ social, moral, religious and political themes. Hannah Payne is a young woman who finds herself a victim of the very establishments that she was raised to cherish-church and family. She chooses a path that ultimately leads to a conviction of murder. The horrifying sentence it carries in this chilling dystopian society will leave you breathless. Genetically altered, imprisoned and put on exhibition for millions to view via public broadcasts, the “Chromes” are ultimately exiled to survive in a hostile world as best they can. Through Hannah’s trials and self-discovery the raw consequences of extremism and intolerance are made apparent. A true page-turner.

Reviewed by Neica Dey

]]> http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/mudbound-and-when-she-woke-by-hillary-jordan/feed/ 0 Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/liesl-po-by-lauren-oliver/ http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/liesl-po-by-lauren-oliver/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:29:01 +0000 lbryant http://www.saginawlibrary.org/?p=2491 This is a Cinderella-like book that will take you on a magical journey.  Liesl is locked in an attic by her evil stepmother during her father’s illness and eventual death.  She befriends a ghost named Po, its pet named Bundle and eventually a delivery boy named Will.    When one of Will’s deliveries goes terribly . . . → Read More: Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver]]> This is a Cinderella-like book that will take you on a magical journey.  Liesl is locked in an attic by her evil stepmother during her father’s illness and eventual death.  She befriends a ghost named Po, its pet named Bundle and eventually a delivery boy named Will.    When one of Will’s deliveries goes terribly wrong, the strongest magic in the world ends up in Liesl’s possession.  These characters will capture you heart and remind you of the power of love and hope.

Reviewed by Michelle Zimostrad, Hoyt Library

Recommended for ages 8 to 12

]]> http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/liesl-po-by-lauren-oliver/feed/ 0 Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom by Shane W. Evans http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/underground-finding-the-light-to-freedom-by-shane-w-evans/ http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/underground-finding-the-light-to-freedom-by-shane-w-evans/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:23:07 +0000 lbryant http://www.saginawlibrary.org/?p=2489 The darkness.  The escape.  We are quiet.  The fear….we run.  A family silently crawls along the ground.  They run barefoot through the dark woods, sleep beneath the bushes, and take refuge in the home of strangers.   Readers are enthralled as the illustrator contrasts light and dark colors as symbolism; dark greens and blues for . . . → Read More: Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom by Shane W. Evans]]> The darkness.  The escape.  We are quiet.  The fear….we run.  A family silently crawls along the ground.  They run barefoot through the dark woods, sleep beneath the bushes, and take refuge in the home of strangers.   Readers are enthralled as the illustrator contrasts light and dark colors as symbolism; dark greens and blues for fear and oppression, and vivid golds and yellows to express joy.  Using sparse text, this picture book reveals a family’s courageous journey from slavery to freedom, a long awaited source that communicates to younger readers the risks and the triumphs of a people finding freedom on the Underground Railroad.

The author, one of the winners of the 2012 Coretta Scott King Book Award, provides notes at the end of the story about the Underground Railroad, which parents and teachers can use to expand discussion with young students about the history of slavery in the United States.

Reviewed by Rhonda Farrell Butler, Children’s and Teen Services Coordinator

Recommended for ages 4 and up

]]> http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/underground-finding-the-light-to-freedom-by-shane-w-evans/feed/ 0 Irena’s Jars of Secrets by Marcia Vaughan http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/irena%e2%80%99s-jars-of-secrets-by-marcia-vaughan/ http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/irena%e2%80%99s-jars-of-secrets-by-marcia-vaughan/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:16:48 +0000 lbryant http://www.saginawlibrary.org/?p=2486 Can one person change the world? After you read this story of Irena Sendler, you may just believe so.

This is a story about Irena, a social worker who risked her life to save over 2500 kids from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.  People were dying of starvation and disease and Irena . . . → Read More: Irena’s Jars of Secrets by Marcia Vaughan]]> Can one person change the world? After you read this story of Irena Sendler, you may just believe so.

This is a story about Irena, a social worker who risked her life to save over 2500 kids from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.  People were dying of starvation and disease and Irena knew she had to get the children out.  With promises of being reunited, parents would hand their children over to Irena to rescue.  Irena would keep careful records of all the children’s family names and she buried this list in jars in a friend’s backyard.  Sadly, very few of the children’s parents survived.  This is a forgotten story about a very courageous woman.

Reviewed by Michelle Zimostrad, Hoyt Library

Recommended for grades 4 through 6

]]> http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/irena%e2%80%99s-jars-of-secrets-by-marcia-vaughan/feed/ 0 Best Jobs for the 21st Century, 6th ed. by Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D. http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/best-jobs-for-the-21st-century-6th-ed-by-laurence-shatkin-ph-d/ http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/best-jobs-for-the-21st-century-6th-ed-by-laurence-shatkin-ph-d/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:09:26 +0000 ktesdell http://www.saginawlibrary.org/?p=2482 In this bestselling book, the author identifies 400 jobs with the best pay, most openings and fastest growth for the 21st century.

He divides these jobs in to 69 lists arranged by best overall jobs, best jobs by demographic, best jobs based on education levels and best jobs based on personality types and then . . . → Read More: Best Jobs for the 21st Century, 6th ed. by Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.]]> In this bestselling book, the author identifies 400 jobs with the best pay, most openings and fastest growth for the 21st century.

He divides these jobs in to 69 lists arranged by best overall jobs, best jobs by demographic, best jobs based on education levels and best jobs based on personality types and then includes complete descriptions of all 400 jobs.

This book is packed with useful information and is very user friendly. So whether you are looking for a job, changing careers or just starting out in the work world, this book is a great resource.

Reviewed by Lori Sugden

]]> http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/best-jobs-for-the-21st-century-6th-ed-by-laurence-shatkin-ph-d/feed/ 0 The Magic Room by Jeffrey Zaslow http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/the-magic-room-by-jeffrey-zaslow/ http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/the-magic-room-by-jeffrey-zaslow/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:08:16 +0000 ktesdell http://www.saginawlibrary.org/?p=2480 In his latest, the author of The Girls from Ames brings to life a family-owned bridal salon in Fowler, Mich.  This is a story of Shelley Baker, the third-generation owner of Becker’s Bridal, her daughter, Alyssa, and even Grandma Eva, who started the business and whose spirit some say still inhabits the shop.  More . . . → Read More: The Magic Room by Jeffrey Zaslow]]> In his latest, the author of The Girls from Ames brings to life a family-owned bridal salon in Fowler, Mich.  This is a story of Shelley Baker, the third-generation owner of Becker’s Bridal, her daughter, Alyssa, and even Grandma Eva, who started the business and whose spirit some say still inhabits the shop.  More importantly, it’s about several brides who visit Becker’s “magic” mirrored room, and how their unique stories reflect our culture’s changing ideas about marriage.

 

Zaslow is a journalist, but he’s also the father of three daughters.  He handles all of their stories in a gracious, empathetic way.

 

Reviewed by Lynn Heitkamp

]]> http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/the-magic-room-by-jeffrey-zaslow/feed/ 0 Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl and Pete Nelson http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/waking-hours-by-lis-wiehl-and-pete-nelson/ http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/waking-hours-by-lis-wiehl-and-pete-nelson/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:07:03 +0000 ktesdell http://www.saginawlibrary.org/?p=2478 In this first installment of the “East Salem Trilogy”, some residents of the small town in Westchester County, New York are experiencing mysterious things. When a local high-school girl is killed and a mysterious symbol painted in blood on her body, Dani Harris, forensic psychiatrist, searches for the killer, and becomes entangled in events . . . → Read More: Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl and Pete Nelson]]> In this first installment of the “East Salem Trilogy”, some residents of the small town in Westchester County, New York are experiencing mysterious things. When a local high-school girl is killed and a mysterious symbol painted in blood on her body, Dani Harris, forensic psychiatrist, searches for the killer, and becomes entangled in events that seem to foreshadow the Apocalypse.  Interesting in its own right, this paranormal mystery clearly leads the reader on to the upcoming second part of the trilogy.

 

Reviewed by Kate Tesdell

]]> http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/waking-hours-by-lis-wiehl-and-pete-nelson/feed/ 0 The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander (The Chronicles of Prydain Book 1) http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/the-book-of-three-by-lloyd-alexander-the-chronicles-of-prydain-book-1/ http://www.saginawlibrary.org/2012/02/the-book-of-three-by-lloyd-alexander-the-chronicles-of-prydain-book-1/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:17:55 +0000 lbryant http://www.saginawlibrary.org/?p=2470 Enter the land of Prydain and meet a boy named Taran, assistant pig keeper.  Learn of his adventures and meet the very interesting characters he journeys with along the way fighting evil and protecting his land.  He begins his journey as a boy and ends it as a hero.  This book series remains an . . . → Read More: The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander (The Chronicles of Prydain Book 1)]]> Enter the land of Prydain and meet a boy named Taran, assistant pig keeper.  Learn of his adventures and meet the very interesting characters he journeys with along the way fighting evil and protecting his land.  He begins his journey as a boy and ends it as a hero.  This book series remains an excellent example of great fantasy literature for children and I recommend it to any fan of fantasy fiction!

Series titles in order:

1. The Book of Three (1964)

2. The Black Cauldron (1965), a 1966 Newbery Honor book

3. The Castle of Llyr (1966)

4. Taran Wanderer (1967)

5. The High King (1968), winner of the 1969 Newbery Medal

 

Reviewed by Kristine Swanson, Butman-Fish Library

Recommended for ages 8 and up


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