Author/Illustrator: David A. Aguilar
Year: 2008
Publisher: National Geographic Society
Pages: 48
Reading Level: Intermediate (ages 9-12)
Genre: Non-Fiction/Science
Location: the Solar System
Time Period: Present (2008)
Book Summary: Discusses the different objects that make up our solar system according to the new standards written by the International Astronomical Union. Covers objects from the sun to the planets, to the new dwarf planets, to comets, and more.
Comments: I've been wanting to read this book for awhile, because the title was so intriguing to me. Eleven planets?! I thought we only had eight now! How did we gain three? Upon reading the book, it all became clear: this book includes the three newly-defined dwarf planets (one of them being Pluto) in its list of planets. It even includes a little mnemonic device for memorizing them all: My Very Exciting Magic Carpet Just Sailed Under Nine Palace Elephants.
The facts in the book seemed accurate, labeling each object as a planet or a dwarf planet, although it didn't really go into the explanation of what makes one thing a planet, and what makes another a dwarf planet. I'm actually still confused on that point, but it kind of seems like the scientific community is still confused about it as well.
Despite my confusion, this is a nice brief overview of the solar system that I think children will enjoy. Most of the pictures in the book are photographs or realistic-looking illustrations, and many pictures are labeled. A glossary, index, and other fun facts are included at the back of the book.
Themes: Science, Solar System, Planets, Exploration
Red Flags: None
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
These Happy Golden Years
Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Year: 1943
Publisher: Harper
Pages: 288
Reading Level: Intermediate (ages 9-12)
Awards: 1944 Newbery Honor
Genre: Historical Fiction/Western
Series Information: Eighth book in the Little House series
Location: De Smet, North Dakota
Time Period: Mid 1880's
Plot: Laura is growing up, and she is experiencing many firsts. She now has the opportunity to help earn money to send her older sister Mary to a school for the blind. Even though she's only fifteen, and hasn't officially graduated, she passes a teacher's exam, and takes a teaching job. The job is far away from home, and Laura is lonely until Almanzo Wilder is willing to make the long journey through the snow to let her come home for the weekend. In the summer, Laura helps Almanzo break horses by going on Sunday buggy rides with him. SPOILER! When Almanzo proposes, Laura embraces the chance to go on the biggest first of them all, and the two get married.
Comments: I grew up loving these books, as you may be able to tell, so when I picked up and skimmed through a non-fiction book about Laura Ingalls Wilder's life, I suddenly felt the compulsion to re-read a few of the stories again. I skimmed through The Long Winter and Little Town on the Prairie, but I just had to read this one all the way through.
As I read the books, I came to realize that perhaps the reason why these books are so popular is that even though Laura led a life completely different from my own, I could still relate to her. Her characters are believable, and I could see my family in hers. Laura also makes learning about an earlier time interesting.
One thing I wasn't expecting was to feel sorry for Nellie Oleson. I don't remember feeling sorry for Nellie when I was younger, but her story is such a pathetic one that I couldn't help feeling sorry for her now.
Themes: Growing Up, Prairie Life, School Teachers
Red Flags: Weather-related danger, including the stories of a boy being killed by a tornado and Laura and Almanzo almost freezing to death.
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Year: 1943
Publisher: Harper
Pages: 288
Reading Level: Intermediate (ages 9-12)
Awards: 1944 Newbery Honor
Genre: Historical Fiction/Western
Series Information: Eighth book in the Little House series
Location: De Smet, North Dakota
Time Period: Mid 1880's
Plot: Laura is growing up, and she is experiencing many firsts. She now has the opportunity to help earn money to send her older sister Mary to a school for the blind. Even though she's only fifteen, and hasn't officially graduated, she passes a teacher's exam, and takes a teaching job. The job is far away from home, and Laura is lonely until Almanzo Wilder is willing to make the long journey through the snow to let her come home for the weekend. In the summer, Laura helps Almanzo break horses by going on Sunday buggy rides with him. SPOILER! When Almanzo proposes, Laura embraces the chance to go on the biggest first of them all, and the two get married.
Comments: I grew up loving these books, as you may be able to tell, so when I picked up and skimmed through a non-fiction book about Laura Ingalls Wilder's life, I suddenly felt the compulsion to re-read a few of the stories again. I skimmed through The Long Winter and Little Town on the Prairie, but I just had to read this one all the way through.
As I read the books, I came to realize that perhaps the reason why these books are so popular is that even though Laura led a life completely different from my own, I could still relate to her. Her characters are believable, and I could see my family in hers. Laura also makes learning about an earlier time interesting.
One thing I wasn't expecting was to feel sorry for Nellie Oleson. I don't remember feeling sorry for Nellie when I was younger, but her story is such a pathetic one that I couldn't help feeling sorry for her now.
Themes: Growing Up, Prairie Life, School Teachers
Red Flags: Weather-related danger, including the stories of a boy being killed by a tornado and Laura and Almanzo almost freezing to death.
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