Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

 Award Winner: Newbery Honor Book-2005

On Januray 4, 1935 twelve-year-old Moose moves to Alcatraz with his family, where his dad takes a position as an prison guard. Why? --So his sister Natalie can attend a special school that is supposed to help her to learn to function in society. Moose hates the change. Not only does he not interact with his dad much, he is now required to watch his challenging sister every day after school so his mom can teach piano lessons. As he adjusts to island living, he finds himself in some situations that may cost his dad his job and Natalie"s position in THE school.

This book is at times humorous and other times heart-wrenching. Ms. Choldenko develops her characters well and creates an engaging plot. If I had had the time, I could have finished this book in one sitting.

Natalie is what we would call "autistic" or "on the spectrum"  in today's society. Because Ms. Choldenko's sister, Gina, was autistic, she portrays Natalie in a realistic manner and also Moose, as a sibling trying to be a supportive yet struggling to reconcile the impact her behavior has on him and his family. She also reveals the tenison the parents experience. The mother's reaction to Natalie's condition was superbly achieved. 

Warnings/discussions: autism & its impact on the individual and his/her loved ones, intense moments when Natalie has tantrums,  Moose describes a large woman's chest as watermelons jiggling, when Moose returns after leaving Natalie alone, he discovers her with a convict, holding hands with him-he is afraid something more intimate has happened between them-she is obessessed with him-nothing graphic is stated but the mature reader can infer Moose's fears (nothing did happen), lying, Moose's father gives him a half of a beer when they were both upset

-Borrowed from the library

Through the Wall by Alida Sims Malkus*

 Hansi lives in East Berlin with his parents. When his father is taken away by the secret police, his dying mother insists that he scout out a way to cross into West Berlin. Through Hansi's escape to West Berlin, his life in West Berlin and then eventually America, readers will experience how people suffered and struggled in the 1960s under the communist rule.

I am highly recommending this book because of its unique perspective. Not many children's books explore this period of history in this setting. However, I found the pacing a bit off. Some parts are really exciting and well executed; while other scenarios not as credible and not as well-developed. Ms. Malkus sometimes resorts to a "telling" writing style rather than "showing".

Warnings/discussion points: A young boy is shot trying to escape to West Berlin. Hansi witnesses it. Discussing communism and this time period would be beneficial. Hansi unwillingly participates in a crime with serious consequences. 

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis*

 My sixteen-year-old and I read this book together over the last couple of months. Each chapter offered many thought-provoking ideas and promoted good discussions. In order for the ideas to become more cemented in my mind, I will need to reread this book several times!

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The Incredible yet True Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt by Volker Mehnert illustrated by Claudia Lieb

 This illustrated, over-sized biography reveals Alexander von Humboldt's life-long curiosity and love for nature and science. Because of an inheritance, he was able to travel the world, mostly in South America. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious and admriable. 

I love the endpages. Beautiful two-page illustration spreads   I like the art as much as the words!

Considerations: evolution/old earth view; Aime, his traveling companion, likes wine and women; throughout the book the author inserted information about white oppressors

-Borrowed from the library. 

A Tree for Peter by Kate Seredy*

 Peter and his mother live in Shantytown with many other squatters. The buildings are leaning, dirty, and ugly. People are despondent. Peter, who walks with a limp, fears everything. Then one day King Peter arrives and offers him hope and joy. Because of King Peter's encouraging words, small Peter transforms Shantytown.

A sweet story that reinforces the power of beauty and of hope.

*Highly recommend. . .I am not sure if modern readers will appreciate this story, but it is worth sharing and trying!

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Giraffe That Walked to Paris by Nancy Milton illustrated by Roger Roth**

 What a delightful story! In picture book format Ms. Milton shares a unique tidbit of history. In 1827 the pasha of Egypt, Muhammad Ali, sends a giraffe to the King Charles X of France to amend the strained relationship between their countries. This account relays how the giraffe travels from Egypt to Paris and the challenges its handlers/transporters encounter. It's a joyous story that focuses not on agenda but a fun event in history.

The illustrations are expressive (especially the people's and the giraffe's faces). The author's note provides more historical background. 

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL (but I may purchase it. Purple House Press has republished it.)

Henry Climbs a Mountain by D.B. Johnson

 Mr. Johnson extracts a portion of Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience and displays it via a main character, a bear who is jailed because he won't pay his taxes to a state that allows slavery (just like Thoreau). While Henry the Bear is in jail, he draws with crayons on the wall and becomes part of the scene. I found it weird and am not sure how much kids will like it. I have not read Civil Disobedience , so maybe there are more connections to the bear's drawing on the walls than I realize. 

At least two other picture books feature Henry the Bear, depicting parts of Thoreau's life.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Borrowed House by Hilda van Stockum

 After two years of living in Germany with her nurse, twelve-year-old Janna travels to occupied Holland to join her actor parents. The Baron, her mother's friend, has provided a house for them and another family. The former owners, the van Arkels, were forced to leave. Before arriving to Holland, Janna was a member of the Hitler Youth. She soon discovers as she interacts with the household staff and witnesses how the Germans treat the Dutch, she has brainwashed and has been fed lies. As World War II rages, Janna realizes the truth about Hitler and the Jews. By the end of the story her perspective has transformed.

I have not read many World War II books from the perspective of a character who loves Hitler and his beliefs. It was interesting to read what she believed to be truth and how it affected her interactions. The plot captivated me. 

Janna's parents, both actors, maintain an odd relationship throughout the book. I did not find it believable. Janna's mother, Mechtild, loves the Baron and his generosity. They are having an affair (nothing graphic is described). Her father, Otto, knows it is occurring but often just makes a snide comment or looks away. Toward the end Otto and the Baron engage in a fist fight over Mechtild. The resolution results too quickly and shallowly. Also, Janna's parents seem more interested in themselves and their careers than being her parents. Their parenting desires fluctuate throughout the story. By its conclusion, it appears they understand the importance of being together. They just seem shallow and self-centered. This part of the book did not appeal to me and is why I am not "highly recommending" it. Other aspects were superb.

This book is more suited for an older audience, but again, it has the appearance of a book for elementary age readers.

Why it is for older readers: Janna's mother's affair-very apparent throughout the book; WWII violence/cruelty; the other family in the house has a party with SS soldiers-Janna, who is bored, walks into the party. An SS soldier pulls her onto his lap and attempts to kiss her two times; An older boy, who she likes, gives her a goodbye kiss (nothing inappropriate); the German father  of the other family who lives there physically abuses his son

-I own this book.

Little Naturalists-Henry David in the Woods by Kate Coombs illustrated by Seth Lucas

 A board book about Henry David Thoreau going to live in the woods, building a house, and observing nature. Although the words are simple and rhyme, I am not sure if babies and toddlers will clamor for adults to read this aloud.

-Borrowed from the library.

 

The Winged Watchman by Hilda van Stockum*

 I read this book aloud to my sixteen-year-old son during lunch. This exciting novel engaged us and deepened our appreciation for ordinary Dutch citizens who sacrificed their lives for their fellow-countrymen.

Joris and Dirk Jan Verhagen live in a mill with their parents and little sister Trixie. During WW II their family assists many individuals, from a Jewish baby hidden in a garden to members of the Resistance to two little girls whose parents must hide to a English bomber to an escapee (They also assist in many other situations!). Their neighbors, the wealthy Schenderhans, have a son who is a Landwatcher, working for the enemy. His diligent "watching" causes much consternation throughout the book.

I love how this book brings to life the impact of WWII  has on one country, on one small village, and on one family. Although this book is fictional, the accounts are based on what real Dutchmen and women did.  Ms. van Stockum is an excellent storyteller.

This book has the appearance for elementary age readers, but with the descriptions of how the Nazis treated the people, I would recommend it for twelve years & older. High schoolers may label it too young for them, but I think they would enjoy it.

Considerations/things to discuss: war violence, cruelty, mean characters, the Verhagen family is Catholic  Their view of God and their theology will contradict Protestants. Parents may want to discuss the family's theology with younger children who are not solid in their faith. 

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Walking with Henry-Based on the Life and Works of Henry David Thoreau by Thomas Locker

 In  a few days my son will begin to read Walden. In my search for picture books to introduce him to Thoreau, I discovered this one. I love books that Thomas Locker illustrates. This one couples lush paintings with words that immerses the reader into the wilderness that Thoreau experiences as he walks.

-Borrowed from the library.

Star Mother's Youngest Child by Louise Moeri illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Although this Christmas story is quite odd, it is well-written and engaging. 

An old, lonely woman longs to experience Christmas "just once" in her life. Meanwhile, in the heavens, the exasperated Star Mother, sends one of her star children to earth to experience Christmas "just once". The two spend Christmas day irritating the other one, and yet at the same time, enjoying the special day.

-Borrowed from the library.