Fever Year: The Killer Flu of 1918

Fever Year: The Killer Flu of 1918 by Don Brown

     Let me just begin by saying...Too Soon?  So, I ordered this book in the beginning of winter and it just showed up to the library.  Now, if you haven't heard, our country once experienced a global pandamic and NO I don't mean what we are experiencing in our world currently.  In 1918 people in Europe were hoping for an end to World War I with the United States joining France and Britain against Germany.  People were moving more across the world than ever before.  As always, diseases will travel as people travel, but for the most part nothing awful really happened.  Until 1918.  That winter people noticed that more people were getting sicker than usual.  People were becoming sick with the flu, but this flu was spreading faster than in the past and more people were getting sicker than usual.  Usually, a typical flu was worse for young children, the old, and the sick, but this flu was different.  This flu was going after young healthy adults and the number of deaths was higher than anything anyone had experienced before.  Before I forget, let me say that this was a very good book.  It was broken down in such a way that students can very easily understand  the science and the history of this time period.  I would have read this book regardless of the current global situation...especially since it's a graphic novel.  But, reading this book, knowing what's currently happening in our world with what the book it teaching us is very eerie.  Don Brown, the author/illustrator of this book, has done a number of great books during his career.  To learn about more of his books please visit https://www.booksbybrown.com/.  To learn more about the flu visit BrainPOP.  There are a number of videos that can explain topics that interest you.

Queen of the Sea

Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis

     Margaret has spent her entire life living on an island.  She lives with the Elysian Sisters who have raised her since she was a baby.  She doesn't know who she is, who her family is, or why she is there.  But she does know that the Sisters love her, take care of her, and that she is safe and happy.  Every day was the same until a member of the upper class from the mainland arrived to live on the island with her young son who is about Margaret's age.  Margaret is about to make her first friend.  Through William, Margaret learns about the outside world and the wars that are happening.  William's family sided with the losing side during the war.  Now he and his mother have been banished to live the remainder of their lives on the island, and the rest of the family has been sent to jail.  Later, another upper class lady arrives to live on the island.  Eleanor is like no lady Margaret has ever met and Margaret learns that the island is not the loving place she grew up believing it was.  Now Margaret doesn't know who to believe or where she belongs.  I LOVE this book.  It has friendships, history, suspense, the potential of a sequel, AND it's a graphic novel.  As far as I'm concerned this book is about as close to perfect as possible.  This is the first book for younger readers by this author/illustrator; you can learn more about her and her other books by visiting https://www.dylanmeconis.com/.


This story is loosely based on the life of the first Queen Elizabeth.  To learn more about Queen Elizabeth:

• SORA (ebooks) has a book about Queen Elizabeth.
• Visit https://www.biography.com/royalty/queen-elizabeth-i.
• BrainPOP has a video about Queen Elizabeth I.

I Survived: The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 (The Graphic Novel)

I Survived: The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 (The Graphic Novel) by Lauren Tarshis with art by Haus Studio

     Most people know the story of the sinking of the Titanic, the "unsinkable" ship that hit an iceberg and sank on its first voyage.  And while that, of course, is terrible, the real tragedy was that there were not enough lifeboats to save every person on board.  Over one thousand people died as a result while only a few hundred survived.  This book is a retelling of the events of the night of the sinking.  George and his sister, Phoebe, are on a special trip with their aunt and end up on the Titanic on their way home to New York.  During the beginning of the voyage George and his sister meet many interesting people, but not everyone will survive.  The question is who will live and who will die?  Like all the I Survive books, most kids will have a hard time putting it down, especially since this version is in graphic novel form.  I'm hoping more of the I Survive books will soon be available in graphic novel format.  But, I'll admit, as an adult my favorite part of the book wasn't the graphic novel format...though I really did love it.  My favorite part of the book was all the facts at the end.  So, this is where I would normally share a good website to learn more about the Titanic.  For better of for worse there are a number of "official" Titanic museums with good websites.  I've decided to recommend two.  The Titanic Historical Society is located not too far from us in Springfield, MA (https://titanichistoricalsociety.org/) and it's supposed to have a large collection of survivor artifacts.  The other website I'd recommend is Titanic Belfast (https://www.titanicbelfast.com/)  because the Titanic was built in Ireland.  If you like this books I'd recommend other books in the I Survive series by Lauren Tarshis.  You can find her books at https://www.laurentarshis.com/.

Don't forget:

• SORA (ebooks) has a HUGE number of books, both fiction and non-fiction, related to the Titanic.
• BrainPOP has a video about the Titanic and the science issues related to the sinking.
• There's even a YouTube video, provided Scholastic, about the book.  Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1GhqSf_MOk to watch the video.

Awkward

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

Five paw prints!

It’s the first day of school and Peppi is nervous because she is starting at a new school.  She is so nervous she accidently bumps into a boy named Jamie and she knocks all his paper onto the floor.  To be polite she tries to help him pick up the mess but all she does is make it worse.  After a while Peppi begins to find her way and she joins the Art Club.  The Art Club is forever at odds with the Science Club.  The kids in these clubs do NOT get along.  The only problem with Peppi’s new school is that she is horrible at science and her science teacher assigns a tutor to her to help improve her grades.  Unfortunately, her tutor is Jamie, the same boy she bumped into on the first day of school.  Not only is Jamie her tutor but Jamie is a member of the Science Club.  To make matters even worse...Peppi and Jamie become friends.  UGH!  Peppi has become friends with a member of the ENEMY!  This book is so much fun.  I don’t read many graphic novels but this is what a good graphic novel looks like.  It’s a good story, it’s well told, and the images are great.  More importantly it is a book that takes place in middle school and it really gives a good idea of what a typical middle school with typical kids looks like.  What’s not to love?  To learn more about books by Svetlana Chmakova visit http://www.svetlana.com.  

Roller Girl

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Five paw prints

Let me first begin by saying...what an awesome and fun book.  It begins with two girls watching their first roller derby game. Nicole is unimpressed but Astrid is hooked and she insists that her mother sign her up for roller derby camp during summer vacation.  Astrid is allowed to sign up for camp if Nicole goes with her but Astrid is afraid to tell her mother that Nicole is going to Ballet Camp.  So what's a 12 year old supposed to do?  Lie (of course) and (of course) this leads to a long summer of trying to keep up the lies without getting caught, learning a new sport, making new friends, while trying not to loose the old friends.  Life can be very complicated when you're getting ready to start middle school.  On the surface this could be just another story about elementary school friends starting to go their separate ways with the start of middle school while using the graphic format to stand out in a crowd of “growing up” books but I LOVE the use of the roller derby to help show the differences growing between the best friends. I'll be honest, after reading about roller derbies I want to learn more!  If you want to learn more then visit https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_derby or even the team mentioned in the book http://www.rosecityrollers.com.  Better yet, visit the websites of teams in our area http://www.hellionsoftroyrollerderby.com and http://albanyallstars.com to learn about our own hometown teams.

Lily Renee, Escape Artist: From Holocaust Survivor to Comic Book Pioneer by Trina Robbins and illustrated by Anne Timmons and Mo Oh

Five paw prints.  During the 1930s life in Vienna, Austria was wonderful for Lily Renee.  Days filled with family, friends, school, museums, the theater…a typical life for a girl from a wealthy family.  But in 1939, everything changed when Austria joined Germany under the leadership of the Nazi Party.  After that, Lily’s life was in danger.  She was in danger because she was Jewish and the Nazi Party did NOT like people of Jewish descent.  The only way for Lily to be safe was to leave Austria, but she would have to leave without her parents.  Would Lily be brave enough to save her life without her parents with her, would the Nazi Party let Lily and hundreds of other Jewish children leave Austria, and would her love be enough to save her own parents if she left Austria?  Only time would tell.  I have to say this was a very good book.  I've read other graphic novels about the Holocaust, but I had never seen any that would be considered suitable for older elementary students.  This graphic novel was a good balance of getting important information across without being so "graphic" that it wouldn't be appropriate for 4th and 5th graders.  To learn more about Lily Renee visit, http://www.nywici.org/features/blogs/aloud/womens-history-month-lily-renee-wilhelm---holocaust-survivor-comic-book-pioneer.

Gabby & Gator by James Burks

Reviewed by Miss Dewey at Orenda

Four paw prints.  Gabby is a girl who likes vegetables, her tuba, and recycling.  But, as a result, she doesn't have many friends and she is lonely.  Gator lives by himself in the sewers and he likes computers, books, music, and small animals (especially dogs), but he's misunderstood.  Together Gabby and Gator make a great team.  Gator helps deal with Gabby's bully problems and Gabby helps Gator deal with his animal control officer problem.  They're the perfect team.  Now, about Gabby being a vegetarian and Gator liking small animals...  I really liked this book.  I had doubts when I opened the book because the story description didn't really grab my attention and I'm not a big fan of graphic novels, but I'm so happy I read this book.  I loved Gabby and Gator's friendship and how they helped each other while having fun, and I especially loved Gabby's hair and Gator's stripes.  They were perfect together.  To learn more about author and illustrator James Burks, visit http://www.jamesburks.com/.
Fic Bur

The Sons of Liberty created and written by Alexander Lagos and Joseph Lagos, art by Steve Walker, color by Oren Kramek

Reviewed by Miss Dewey at Orenda

One paw print--and that is being nice. Imagine, it is the late 1700s and the American colonies are on the verge of declaring their independence from England and the rule of the King. No one likes being told what to do or how to live, and no one knows how terrible this feels as much as a slave. There are two young slaves, Graham and Brody, who have decided they have had enough of slavery and escape from their master. Along the way they meet some people who want to help them and some people who want to hurt them. One of the people who wants to help them is the famous Benjamin Franklin. One of the people who wants to hurt them is Benjamin's son, William Franklin. William is just as interested in science experiments as his father, but he likes to test his theories on living creatures, including humans. During these experiments, Graham and Brody are hurt and they will never be the same again. Now the question is...Who will be hurt next? Run, don't walk, away from this book. This was one of the worst books I have ever read. British soldiers scared of slaves, William Franklin conducting science experiments on humans, ancient African martial arts... WHAT?!?! American history is fascinating and full of great stories with LOTS of real adventures without anyone having to make up such terrible lies. I believe in and encourage GOOD historical fiction but this isn't it. If you want to read a good historical book about the Revolutionary War then visit the library because there are plenty. Some of the titles are even in graphic novel format. Don't get me wrong, I will be putting this book on the library shelves, and I know it will be very popular. But being popular doesn't always mean being good. To learn more about this new series of books visit, http://www.thesonsoflibertybooks.com/. The website is a slightly better than the book.

Fic Lag

Amelia Rules: The Whole World's Crazy by Jimmy Gownley

Reviewed by Miss Dewey at Orenda

Four paw prints. Amelia is having a bad year. Her parents just divorced so she is forced to leave the city, her friends, and her dad. She now lives with her mom and her Aunt Tanner in Tanner’s house in the suburbs, goes to a new school, and she has to make new friends. What’s worse…the group she becomes friends with is part of the “nerd group”. What a way to begin 4th grade! But through it all Amelia becomes a superhero, gets to know the school principal very well (for all the wrong reasons), takes on the school bullies, learns a lot about Santa Claus, and she learns even more from her Aunt Tanner. I guess you can learn and survive when you are in 4th grade. This is a great book to read whether you are having a bad year or not. Even if you only read for fun you may actually learn (On no, not learn!) something…especially about Santa. If you want to learn more about Amelia then you should visit the Ameliaverse website at http://www.ameliarules.com/. You can even listen to her TALK about “nowhereville” Pennsylvania.
Fic Gow

Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper

Posted by Miss Dewey at Orenda

Four paw prints. KiKi Kittie is a typical girl. She lives with her parents and little sister, she goes to school everyday, and she has some close friends. The only unusual thing about KiKi and her family is the fact they are vegetarians and they have a pet mouse. KiKi’s favorite hobby is fashion (especially helping her little sister dress well) but she doesn’t always have the best fashion sense. Life is good until KiKi has a birthday. While blowing the candles out on the cake a book shelf above her brakes and all the magazines on the shelf fall on her head. KiKi is knocked out but when she wakes up she has become a fashion expert. She can make no fashion mistakes. (Oh, she can fly too but that’s not as exciting as knowing not to mix stripes with dots.) Now her goal in life is to secretly help fashion victims dress better while not allowing fashion bullies get their way in school. But the best part of the book is Fashion Kitty’s vocabulary. Fashion Kitty uses HUGE dictionary words. And don’t worry about not understanding the words. Fashion Kitty explains all the HUGE words she uses. It’s awesome. Of course you must visit the Fashion Kitty website…especially if you need fashion help. It’s at http://web.mac.com/chariseharper/Site/FASHION_KITTY_COMICS.html .
Fic Har

Sticky Burr: Adventures in Burrwood Forest by John Leckner

Posted by Miss Dewey at Orenda

Four paw prints. Sticky Burr loves art, has lots of friends (who aren’t Burrs), and he likes to help others. Three wonderful qualities…unless you are another Burr. Most Burrs don’t like art and don’t like to help others. This becomes a problem for Sticky Burr when the Burr bullies try to get him kicked out of the Burr family. There is just one bigger problem. Sticky Burr is missing! Apparently Sticky Burr was out with some (non-Burr) friends, they were attacked by wasps, and when he tried to help his friends escape the wasps they all became lost in a huge tree. Poor Sticky Burr. Of course don’t forget to visit Sticky Burr at http://stickyburr.com/main.html and if you like this book, try visiting the author’s website at http://www.johnlechner.com/, not only does he create books but he creates movies too.
E Lec

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrated by Nathan Hale (no relation)

Posted by Miss Dewey at Orenda

Five paw prints! I know you think you know the story of Rapunzel. Her mother (really the evil witch) locks her in a tower, her hair grows long, the handsome prince rescues her, and they live happily ever after. Well, if this is the way you think the story ended you would be WRONG! Rapunzel didn’t need a prince to rescue her. She helped herself escape with her hair (of course), told the handsome prince where to go, and tries to find her real mother. Along the way she becomes friends with a boy named Jack, helps many people who were hurt by her “mother”, and she tries to find a way to have revenge on the “mother” who raised her. Not bad for an orphan with really long hair. If you like this book you are sure to like other books by this author and illustrator so visit http://www.squeetus.com/stage/main.html and http://www.spacestationnathan.com/ to learn more.
Fic Hal

Babymouse: Monster Mash by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

Reviewed by Miss Dewey at Orenda

Four paw prints. Her favorite colors are black, white, and orange. And, she’s back! Babymouse is getting ready to celebrate one of the best holidays of the school year. HALLOWEEN!! She and her friend Wilson are planning to be very scary and then host a party at Babymouse’s house. But too many people think they have been invited to the party. The ending could be anything but TYPICAL. Oh yea, pink is still her favorite color…but not at Halloween. And don’t forget to visit her website http://www.babymouse.com/ .
Fic Hol

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Reviewed by Miss Dewey at Orenda

Four paw prints. Summer is almost over, she lives in a new house, it rains everyday, and Coraline is bored. She’s stuck in the house and there are no kids to play with. Since it’s an old house her parents suggest she explore the different rooms and meet some of the other residents. Since the other residents are old (and in Coraline’s opinion—a little weird) she decides to explore. She explores every room except one. One door won’t open. When she can finally open the door she discovers a hallway to another house. It looks a little like her house, the neighbors look a little like her neighbors, and her “parents” look a little like her parents. But something is wrong. The adults are all acting strange and Coraline’s “mother” doesn’t want her to go back through the door. Coraline is scared but she doesn’t know who to trust. Maybe she should trust the talking (talking?) cat. Finally, there’s a rumor this story is going to be a movie in 2009. To learn about the movie or find other books by this author visit http://www.mousecircus.com/ .
Fic Gai

Knights of the Lunch Table: The Dodgeball Chronicles by Frank Cammuso

Reviewed by Miss Dewey at Orenda

Five paw prints. So you like graphic novels, like Babymouse, but Babymouse has too much pink for you? Have you tried the new series Knights of the Lunch Table? In The Dodgeball Chronicles, the first book in this series, Artie has moved to a new school and he’s miserable. He has no friends, all the “cool” kids play dodgeball (he’s terrible at dodgeball), and he has quickly become a target of the school bullies. What’s a new kid to do? Well, he becomes friends with other outcasts, opens the hardest locker in school, and challenges the bullies to a “winner take all” game of dodgeball. This may not be Artie’s best week in school but it may be his last. To learn more about this book visit http://www.cammuso.com/ .
Fic Cam

Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi

Reviewed by Miss Dewey at Orenda

Four paw prints. Miss Dewey wants you to know, up front, that you won't get a conclusion to the story by reading this book. It's only Book One: The Stonekeeper. The amulet is a stone with magical powers, and is the only weapon young Em is given in order to retrieve her captured mother. Amulet is a graphic novel with dark, dark artwork and enough scary creatures to keep Miss Dewey, and most older readers at the edge of their seats. If you're the type of reader who enjoys thriller chiller stories...and cute pink rabbits...Amulet won't disappoint. If, like Miss Dewey, you prefer American Girl adventures, this may not be the book for you.
For any student who loves to read graphic novels, or comic books, the web site, Kids Love Comics! may offer more suggestions for rainy-day enjoyment. You can find it at: http://www.kidslovecomics.com/

Fic Kib

Babymouse (series) by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

Reviewed by Miss Dewey at Orenda

FOUR paw prints. Let’s get one thing straight…I LOVE BABYMOUSE! She’s fun, she’s sassy, she’s willing to try (and sometimes fail) new things, she’s imaginative, and she wants a dog. In the first eight books she has been a hero in gym class, learned a new instrument, learned how to ice-skate, and attended a school dance. All this while trying to survive school with her friends and trying to avoid the school bully. These books are graphic novels and only three colors are used in every book, black, white, and pink. Pink is Babymouse’s favorite color. I realize not all kids like to read so Babymouse is perfect because there are very few words. But you must read the words to understand the pictures and you must look at the pictures to understand the words. Graphic novels can be kinda tricky that way. Well, if you decide you like Babymouse as much as I do, don’t forget to visit her website. It can be found at www.randomhouse.com/kids/babymouse/homepage.htm.

Fic Hol

Shen Kids Read!

Your Orenda Elementary School library teacher (Mrs. Manore) and her library mascot (Miss Dewey) want to share good books with you! Take a look at what we are reading and often adding to the shelves of YOUR school library! If you would like, post a comment, but remember to use only your first name and last initial and the name of your school in order to keep safe on the web. Enjoy your summer reading.