Recently Published Books, July through September 2007

If you have a recent or upcoming book, let us know!

Ann Bausum's newest book
Muckrakers
National Geographic Children's Books, September 11, 2007
ISBN 9781426301377

Hold the presses! Here's the sensational story of the birth of investigative journalism in America. At the turn of the 20th century, news reporters and monthly magazines collaborate to create a new kind of journalism—in-depth, serialized exposés of corporate, labor, and political corruption. Many of these stories become instant bestsellers in book format: books like The Jungle, Upton Sinclair's classic account of corruption in the meat-packing industry.

Ann Bausum's dramatic narrative follows a generation of dedicated journalists who force responsible changes in industry and politics as America thrives. Muckrakers is the inside story of public-spirited journalism right through its evolution, with profiles of latter-day practitioners like Woodward and Bernstein and today's Internet bloggers.

Ann Bausum's storytelling savvy will engage and inspire young people to cherish age-old values such as truth and public accountability. Muckrakers is the scoop on American journalism.

Toni Buzzeo's newest book
Fire Up with Reading: A Mrs. Skorupski Story
Illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa
Upstart Books, September, 2007
ISBN 978–16021301978

Mrs. Skorupski is bringing fire-breathing dragons to Liberty Elementary, and you can bring them to your school, too! In a school-wide challenge, Liberty’s students see who can read the most minutes and place 5,000 scales on their paper dragons. Patty Lee desperately wants to be the top reader in the fourth grade and earn the right to wear the dragon costume in the parade—but will Carmen Rosa Pena read her out of the running? Patty Lee turns to Mrs. Skorupski for a new plan that might put her at the top. The race is on as Patty Lee devours books, read-alouds and audio books.

Mary Casanova's newest Dog Watch book
Dog Watch: Extreme Stunt Dogs
Illustrated by Omar Rayyan
Aladdin, September 25, 2007
ISBN 978-1416947820

Is Dog Watch ready for Hollywood?

Canine celebrities—or dogs in trouble? When a super-sized truck carrying the stars of Hollywood's Amazing Extreme Stunt Dogs shows up in Pembrook, Kito thinks there's something really weird about the owner.

Can the Dog Watch gang figure out whether the dogs are truly amazing—or in a truckload of danger—before it's too late?

Anne Ylvisaker's newest book
Little Klein
Candlewick, September 25, 2007
ISBN 978-0763633592

A boy and his loyal dog roam freely and make mischief in a compelling portrait of a spirited family in bygone America.

Born Harold Sylvester George Klein, Little Klein can’t seem to measure up to the "Bigs." His older brothers are a boisterous gang held together by the bustling, bighearted Mother Klein. Try as he might to stand tall and be heard above the din, Harold often feels little and left out—until one day when a stray named LeRoy answers his whistle and the two become inseparable, with LeRoy’s nose leading them from one adventure to the next. Join a cast of colorful characters in a rural river town circa 1949 where boys wrestle and fish, swipe pies, brave perilous waters on homemade rafts—and sometimes quietly become heroes.

Gennifer Choldenko's newest book
Illustrated by S.D. Schindler
Louder, Lili
Putnam Juvenile, September 20, 2007
ISBN 978-0399242526

Lili is the quietest kid in class. She spends recess inside with Lois, the class’s pet guinea pig, and allows Cassidy do her talking for her, even if it means never getting to have the best parts in games. Sometimes it’s just easier letting Cassidy be in charge, but will Lili have the courage to speak up when it means keeping Lois from getting hurt?

This warm, humorous story will speak to any child learning to find his or her own voice—and children used to being the boss might see themselves reflected in Cassidy’s over-the-top antics, as well.

Warren Hanson's newest book,
Kiki's Hats
illustrated by Warren Hanson
Tristan Publishing, September 2007
ISBN 978-0931674945

Kiki's Hats is the lively story of a spunky and lovable woman who knits hats and gives them away. Oh, but it is also a story about you and me. Kids and adults. And how much FUN it can be to do something good for someone else. It doesn't have to be complicated or difficult. It can be as simple as knitting a hat. Or raking your neighbor's leaves. Or visiting someone who is sick. It could also be building a house for someone who needs it. Or raising a pile of money and giving it away. We each have the power to create something good that can last a lifetime—and beyond. That's the miracle of Kiki's Hats.

Kelly Starling Lyons' newest book
One Million Men and Me
Just Us Books, Inc., September 15, 2007
ISBN 978-1933491073

On October 16, 1995, Black men of all ages, religions and backgrounds gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. They were there on a mission—to mobilize and motivate, as part of what would become the largest event of its kind in U.S. history: the Million Man March. The Million Man March was a movement like no other. It brought together Black men who were committed to inspiring and empowering themselves and each other to make positive and lasting changes in their families and communities. The March was widely covered by news media across the country and the world. Now, this new picture book shares the story of the March in a new light: through the eyes of a little girl who was with her father the day Black men made history.

Mary Casanova's newest book
The Klipfish Code
Houghton Mifflin, September 3, 2007
ISBN 978-0618883936

A suspenseful middle-grade novel reveals how a Norwegian girl comes to understand how moral choices are not clear-cut during a time of war. The year is 1942, and Norway is under Nazi occupation. Twelve-year-old Marit has decided to take action, despite her grandfather's warnings. But will her plan work? Can she really complete her part of this secret code? And even if she can, would it make any difference to the Resistance? As this novel reveals what Norwegian people did to preserve their dignity and freedoms, it uncovers a startling statistic: the German secret police systematically rounded up one teacher in ten and sent them to concentration camps for their refusal to teach Nazi propaganda to Norwegian schoolchildren. Set on an island of sturdy fishing trawlers and brightly painted homes, with smells of kelp and salt water, here is a riveting novel about risks taken, secrets kept, and, always, questions about whom to trust.

Gennifer Choldenko's newest book
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
Harcourt, September 1, 2007
ISBN 978-0152057534

Kirsten's parents are barely speaking to each other, and her best friend has fallen under the spell of the school's queen bee, Brianna. It seems like only Kirsten's younger science-geek sister is on her side.

Walker's goal is to survive at the new white private school his mom has sent him to because she thinks he's going to screw up like his cousin. But he's a good kid. So is his friend Matteo, though no one knows why he’ll do absolutely anything that hot blond Brianna asks of him.

But all of this feels almost trivial when Kirsten and Walker discover a secret that shakes them both to the core. Fast paced, marvelously funny, and brutally honest, If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period touches on universal truths about human nature.

Roni Schotter's newest book
illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka ,
When The Wizzy Foot Goes Walking
Dutton Juvenile, August 16, 2007
ISBN 978-0525477914

Early every morning, the Wizzy Foot rises and goes walking. Floors shake, buildings quake. Soon, like it or not, the whole family’s awake! Whether jumping into its parents’ bed, stomping into the kitchen for breakfast, or splashing outside, the Wizzy Foot is busy making noise and having fun all the day long!

From award-winning author Roni Schotter and acclaimed illustrator Mike Wohnoutka comes a rollicking picture book about a rambunctious young child whose antics are sure to bring out the Wizzy Foot in everyone.

Jill Kalz's first picture book
Henry Shortbull Swallows the Sun
Picture Window Books, August 15, 2007
ISBN 978-1404836952

Henry Shortbull gleefully hogs every toy, crumb, and bit of attention in sight, refusing to share with anyone. But when he goes so far as to swallow the sun, Henry quickly realizes that greed can be awfully cold and dark.

Both books are part of the new four-book "Pfeffernut County" series and include critical thinking questions and fun facts. Pfeffernut County (loosely based on the Redwood Falls, Minn., area) is a land ripe with quirky folks whose stories inspire readers to dream big and recognize joy in the most unlikely places.

Jill Kalz's second picture book
Farmer Cap
Picture Window Books, August 15, 2007
ISBN 978-1404831391

Farmer Cap is a strange old man. All of his neighbors think so. But their minds may change when they see what he harvests this year. This isn't your father's book about farming!

Thatcher Heldring's newest hardcover book,
Toby Wheeler: Eighth-Grade Benchwarmer
Random House, August 14, 2007
ISBN 978-0385733908

Toby Wheeler LOVES basketball and playing pickup games at the local rec center. No coaches, no practices, just nonstop action with his best friend, JJ, at his side. But lately JJ's been acting like he's too busy for Toby, and Toby knows it will only get worse once basketball season begins at their junior high. That's because JJ is the star of their school team, while Toby is just an ordinary gym rat.

When Coach Applewhite offers Toby a chance to join the team, Toby's eager to prove he can keep up with JJ. But then the coach announces the lineup, and Toby's hopes of playing ball with JJ are history: he's an eighthgrade benchwarmer! Befriending the coach's daughter only makes matters worse. Now the only way Toby will get in the game is if he starts thinking like a team player, on and off the court.

Candace Fleming's newest hardcover book,
The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School
Schwartz & Wade, August 14, 2007
ISBN 978-0375836725

Hero's a chapter book of contemporary fables about a rambunctious group of fourth graders and their amazing teacher—the globe-trotting, Mayan-ceremonial-robe-wearing Mr. Jupiter—that is sure to delight students and teachers alike. There's Calvin Tallywong, who wants to go back to kindergarten. But when he actually gets the chance, he's forced to do the squirrel dance and wear a school bus name tag. The moral of his story? Be careful what you wish for. Then there's Amisha Spelwadi, who can spell wildebeest, no problem. When Mr. Jupiter asks the class to spell cat, all Amisha can come up with is kat. The moral: Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Kids will laugh out loud as they learn tried-and-true lessons in this funny, fast-paced book.

Phyllis Root's newest ages 4-8 book,
Illustrated by David Parkins
Aunt Nancy and the Bothersome Visitors
Candlewick, August 24, 2007
ISBN 978-0763630744

Come on in and stay a spell! Aunt Nancy outwits four unwelcome guests in these trickster tales from a masterful storyteller.

It would take a real pesky visitor to make himself unwelcome to Aunt Nancy. But just her luck—not one but FOUR bothersome folks come knocking at her door! From Cousin Lazybones to Old Man Trouble, from doleful Old Woeful to sly, slick Mister Death, Aunt Nancy’s visitors nearly try her patience. But Aunt Nancy’s head isn’t there just to keep her ears from fighting, and see if she doesn’t get the best of all her guests! Here in one volume are Phyllis Root’s irresistible trickster tales, illustrated with David Parkins’s droll silhouettes and full-color paintings.

Joseph Bruchac's newest book,
The Way
Darby Creek, 2007
ISBN 978-1581960624

Fatherless Cody LeBeau is an American Indian boy who is starting high school with the usual trepidation. He fits into none of the cliques at the new school, but somehow keeps being noticed anyway—and not in a good way. Two guys bully Cody almost daily, but he’s not the biggest target at his school. That distinction belongs to a loner nicknamed “Stump” because of his odd shape. Out of the blue, Cody’s Uncle John, an accomplished Ultimate Fighting martial-arts competitor and someone Cody never even knew existed, moves in with Cody and his mom. He has his own secrets, but may be the only one who can show Cody “the way” out of victimization and into manhood.

Natalie Rosinsky's new book
Sir Isaac Newton:
Brilliant Mathematician and Scientist
Compass Point Books, July 2007
ISBN 978-0756522094

Isaac Newton was a scientific genius whose discoveries changed the way people thought about the world. Among his many accomplishments, he researched and proved universal principles about how gravity, force, and motion work and are related. Yet underneath Newton's public image as a genius was a man with real problems and failings—a complicated, sometimes unpleasant person whose interests and desires did not always match his legend.

Read this biography to discover some of Newton's secrets and learn how his troubled boyhood shaped a great man who in some ways still remains unknown today.

Natalie Rosinsky's new book
Write Your Own Biography
Compass Point Books, July 2007
ISBN 978-0756533663

Biographies take readers on journeys through the lives of other people. They may be famous people from the distant past or someone in your own family or community. This book is the key that will help you unlock and explain the mysteries of someone else's life. Examples from numerous books, along with tips from published authors, will help you along on this adventure of a lifetime.

Natalie Rosinsky's new book
Write Your Own Myth
Compass Point Books, July 2007
ISBN 978-0756533724

For thousands of years, people around the world have sought answers to the great mysteries of life. How did the world begin? Why are there stars in the sky? What happens after death? Seeking answers, they told stories about gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters, spirits and fantastic creatures. These stories became the heart of the world's many mythologies and religions.

You, too, can write your own myth! This book will help you with brainstorming and writing activities to sharpen your skills. Tips from famous authors and numerous examples from their works will also aid you as you join the grand tradition of mythmaking.

Natalie Rosinsky's new book
Write Your Own Tall Tale
Compass Point Books, July 2007
ISBN 978-0756533755

Tall tales are chock full of heroes whose impossible exploits often explain America's landscape. Their incredible adventures will leave you grinning. Some of the larger-than-life characters in these whoppers are based on real people, while others spring from the imaginations of writes just like you.

Learn how to dig into your imagination to create stories as amazing as the Grand Canyon and as funny as a six-toed snake! This book will help you will write your own tall tale. It contains brainstorming and training activites to sharpen your writing skills and tips and examples from famous authors.

Natalie Rosinsky's new book,
Write Your Own Fairy Tale
Compass Point Books, July 2007
ISBN 978-0756533694

Fairy tales transport readers to magical places where good battles evil and heroic deeds are done. Fantastic creatures inhabit these fairy-tale worlds, where supernatural events happen during everyday life. Someone often lives happily ever after in these enchanting tales, but what makes the character happy can be surprising.

This book contains brainstorming and training activities that will work like a charm to sharpen your writing skills. Advice from famous authors and examples from their work will help you cast a spell over readers as you write your own fairy tale.

Patrick Jones' newest
hardcover book, Chasing Tail Lights
Walker Books, July 24, 2007
ISBN 978-0802796288

Break free.

Before he died, Christy’s daddy used to say that when you feel lost, follow the tail lights of the truck in front of you, and they’ll get you somewhere safe. Christy keeps chasing those tail lights, but somehow, she’s always still lost in Flint, Michigan. Like most teens in Flint, she’s dying to leave this dying city. But she’s got a secret that she’s never told anyone, and it’s keeping her chained like a dog to her dead-end life. And she’ll never be able to make a fresh start until she’s able to reveal that horrible truth and bring herself back into the light.

Patrick Jones revisits his hometown of Flint, Michigan, and the darkness that has overtaken this impoverished city in a novel that reveals the chilling reality of growing up on the wrong side of the tracks in America today.

Rob Reid's' newest book,
Something Musical Happened at the Library: Adding Song and Dance to Children's Story Programs
American Library Association, July 15, 2007
ISBN 978-0838909423

In this book, I show ways to incorporate music in story programs. I match specific picture books with a specific song, have several story program lesson plans, and huge annotated bibliographies of children’s picture books that feature music and dance.

Caroline Arnold's newest ages 9-12 book
Illustrated by Laurie Caple
Giant Sea Reptiles of the Dinosaur Age
Clarion Books, July 15, 2007
ISBN 978-0618504497

Throughout the Dinosaur Age, enormous reptiles called ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs swam the seas. Some of these massive creatures weighed more than 20 tons. Others had snake-like necks as long as 23 feet. From Kansas and Canada to Antarctica and New Zealand, fossil bones of these real-life sea monsters have been found. Acclaimed science author Caroline Arnold and noted natural-history artist Laurie Caple pair up once again to show how fossil evidence worldwide is helping us learn about these amazing reptiles. Featuring eerily beautiful illustrations that bring "fossil creatures" to life, this thoroughly researched book gives insight into what Earth was like when prehistoric predators roamed the seas. Authors note, index.

Consie Powell has illustrated
a new book by Kevin Kurtz
A Day in the Salt Marsh
Sylvan Dell Publishing, July 10, 2007
ISBN 978-0976882350

Enjoy A Day in the Salt Marsh, one of the most dynamic habitats on earth. Fun-to-read, rhyming verse introduces readers to hourly changes in the marsh as the tide comes and goes. Watch the animals that have adapted to this ever-changing environment as they hunt for food or play in the sun, and learn how the marsh grass survives even though it is covered by salt water twice a day. An activity on adaptations is included in the For Creative Minds section.

Kate DiCamillo's newest Mercy Watson book
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise
Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Candlewicks, July 10, 2007
ISBN 978-0763630140

Can visions of treats entice a porcine wonder to wear her princess costume? Hold on for some Halloween havoc, Mercy Watson-style!

When the Watsons decide to zip their porcine wonder into a formfitting princess dress for Halloween—complete with tiara—they are certain that Mercy will be beautiful beyond compare. Mercy is equally certain she likes the sound of trick-or-TREATING and can picture those piles of buttered toast already. As for the Lincoln Sisters next door, how could they know that their cat would get into the act and lead them all on a Halloween "parade" of hysterical proportions? Kate DiCamillo’s beguiling pig is back in a tale full of treats, tricky turns, hijinks, and high humor.

Tracy Nelson Maurer's latest nonfiction book for ages 4-8 is Storm Codes
Illustrated by Christina Rodriguez
Windward Publishing, July 4, 2007
ISBN 9780893170639

Storm Codes presents the sights and sounds of Great Lakes shipping in the late 1960s through seven-year-old Katy's story of hope and determination. As a fierce ice storm rips through northern Minnesota, Katy and her mother wait restlessly for her father's ship to return to their harbor in Duluth. Storm Codes vividly combines historically based illustrations with nautical terms and descriptions. Katy even creates her own secret code to help bring her father home safely.

Joseph Bruchac's newest book,
The Bearwalker
Harper Collins, July 3, 2007
ISBN 978-0061123092

As a member of the Mohawk Bear Clan, Baron has always been fascinated by bears—their gentle strength and untamed power. But the Bearwalker legend, passed down by his ancestors, tells of a different kind of creature—a terrible mix of human and animal that looks like a bear but is really a bloodthirsty monster. The tale never seemed to be more than a scary story. Until now.

During a class camping trip deep in the Adirondacks, Baron comes face-to-face with an evil being that is all too real. Although he knows how the story ends in the legend, Baron must overcome this Bearwalker on his own terms.

Rebecca Kai Dotlich's newest ages 4-8 book
(My First I Can Read! Book)
Peanut and Pearl's Picnic Adventure
Illustrated by R. W. Alley
Harper Collins, July 3, 2007
ISBN 978-0060549206

Peanut and Pearl are prepared for a picnic!

Their picnic baskets are full, and their picnic hats are on. But what have the two friends forgotten?

Appealing illustrations and simple text tailor-made for the youngest of readers capture the joy of a story that is as sweet and silly as Peanut and Pearl themselves!

Lita Judge's newest ages 4-8 book
One Thousand Tracings
Hyperion, July 1, 2007
ISBN 978-1423100089

When author/illustrator Lita Judge found hundreds of tracings of feet in her grandmother’s attic, she was intrigued and moved to discover the story behind them.

One Thousand Tracings tells that story. In the aftermath of World War II, a family in America established contact with a family in Germany, and sent them a package of much-needed supplies, including shoes. The German family was extremely grateful and asked if their friends would help others in Europe. Soon foot tracings from all over the continent started pouring in to the modest Midwest farm. As the network of American families grew, ultimately hundreds of people were touched by this remarkable process.

This inspiring picture book is illustrated with a combination of paintings and collages of original photographs, and foot tracings. The story is sure to spark discussions in the classroom and at home, and is a wonderful reminder of the humanity we share across war’s division.

Judy Bridell's newest book
Going Wild with Eloise Butler
North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc., July, 2007
ISBN 978-0873892551

Born in Maine, a Minneapolis botany teacher for over 30 years, Eloise Butler's great love was native wild plants. She traveled east and west across this continent and to the island of Jamaica, collecting. In the booming city of Minneapolis she mourned the loss of native plants to "improvements" (industry, housing and formal gardens). She founded a public Wildflower Garden, actually a quiet natural valley, that is celebrating its centennial this year.

We have much to learn from Eloise: about following your dream, about independence for women, and about preservation of the environment.

This biography includes activities, sources for further study, an environmental Code of Ethics, botanical drawings, period photographs and an index.

Emme Aronson's picture book
Illustrated by Erik Brooks'
What Are You Hungry For?:
Feed Your Tummy and your Heart
HarperCollins, July 1, 2007
ISBN 978-0060543075

In her first picture book, TV personality and self-esteem advocate Emme and her husband, Phillip Aronson, celebrate everything you need to feel warm, safe, happy, and satisfied—in other words, just right! Sometimes it might be a yummy treat, like pizza, but other times it might be a birthday party or a cuddle with your dog on a rainy afternoon.

Bold, playful illustrations follow a one-of-a-kind narrator as she hungers for different kinds of treats throughout the day—until she finds the special one that always hits the spot.