Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road

One of the most informative and attractive nonfiction books I have seen in a long time is Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road, written by Priscilla Galloway with Dawn Hunter. Aimed at ages 10 and up, the book takes the reader along on breathtaking adventures on the fabled Silk Road with Chinese Buddhist Xuanzang to India. Six hundred years later, Genghis Khan secures control of the Silk Road for Mongols while during the 13th century Marco Polo uses the road to introduce China to Europe. The photos, sidebars and maps bring the story of the Silk Road to life with amazingly vivid details. A great book to use both for readers who love information and as a valuable classroom resource. Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road, Priscilla Galloway with Dawn Hunter. Annick Press, ISBN 978-1-55451-198-3

The Bite of the Mango

The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara with Susan McClelland is a riveting novel for older students. It is Mariatu's personal narrative of how war devastated her country and effected her personally when she was attacked by child rebels.
This is a powerful book to put in the hands of North American youth, to help them better understand the reality of war - what it can do to individuals and families.
Mariatu is now working with UNICEF and trying to better conditions for children in war-torn countries.
When I finished reading this well written novel I felt that I have to do something. Check out Mariatu's website: www.mariatufoundation.com to see what you can do to make a difference.

A Guide for Babies...

Dogs Don't Eat Jam and Other Things Big Kids Know
by Sarah Tsiang, Illustrated by Qin Leng, Annick Press
ISBN 978-1-55451-359-8

An older sister shares her wisdom with her new born baby brother. If it wasn't for him, she wouldn't be a sister so he has already accomplished something grant. She guides him along in all of life's important lessons: how to learn to walk, how to outgrow the pacifier and how not to feed jam to the dog.
A lovely, fun story to read to the older sibling once a new baby comes along.
It will be even more important then, for a parent, to spend time with the first born. This book will allow a parent quality time to read together and also an opportunity to discuss the pro's and con's of being an older sibling.
A fun, recommended read for kids of all ages.

A Story for Bear

A Story for Bear, Dennis Haseley
Harcourt Publishers, Australia
ISBN 13: 9780152002398 ISBN 10: 0152002391

I love this gentle, quiet tale of a curious bear, peeking through the foliage at a woman reading in an adirondack chair by her summer cottage.
By fall he is so used to her that he loves listening to her voice, reading him stories.
By winter he knows just what to do, in his den, with all of her books!

MIRROR by Jeannie Baker

Published by Walker Books, this new title has two mirror images on each double spread: one showing the day of a child in the western world, the other a child in North Africa.
The Window by Jeannie Baker has long been one of my wordless favorites because it reflects environmental awareness. This one has similar amazing collages and, again wordlessly, shows the similarities of children and families around the world.
A great book for older kids to discuss different cultures.

ISBN 978-1-4063-0914-0

Early Readers

Canadian Flyer series: A Whale Tale by Frieda Wishinsky.
Canadian stories, fun to read and accompanied by a wealth of classroom activities.

Adult books

I mostly read YA novels but sometimes I do enjoy a book written for adults. Here is a list of some of my favorites:

At Home in Mitford (series), Jan Karon
Centennial, James Michener
The Kiterunner, Khaled Hosseini
The Mother Tongue, English and how it got that way, by Bill Bryson
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (series), Alexander McCall Smith
The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd
Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson [www.penniesforpeace.com]
Ordinary Days, Dorkas Smucker
Upstairs the Peasant Are Revolting, Dorcas Smucker
Where River Turns to Sky, Gregg Kleiner
The Appeal, John Grisham
The Testament, John Grisham