Yellow Death

The Secret of the Yellow Death: A True Story of Medical Sleuthing by Suzanne Jurmain


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A very interesting account book about Yellow Fever and the doctors from Cuba and the U.S. that developed the vaccine. (I never thought I would find a book about yellow fever interesting - but I did. Trust Me :) )

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Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We have all heard about the first man on the moon, but have you ever heard about the first man to explore what is in our oceans? You haven't? Then take a look at this wonderful picture book biography.

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Cracker Jackson

Cracker Jackson by Betsy Byars


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
After Jackson's parents divorced, his mom hired Alma to babysit him. Alma nicked named him "Cracker". Unfortunately, Alma marries a man that hits her. Can Jackson convince her to leave him before it's too late?

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Out of My Mind

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Melody is 11 and has never spoken a word. She has cerebral palsy and no one, not her parents, not her teachers and not her doctors knows how smart she really is. Instead, she is taught at a preschool level, EVERY year. That all changes when she gets an electronic communication board. At 11, she is able to "talk" for the first time and she has so much to say. Powerful story. BTW - the author of this book, Sharon Draper, is from Ohio!

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Signing Their Lives Away

Signing Their Lives Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the Declaration of Independence by Joseph D'Agnese


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The author, Mr. D'Agnese, gives us a brief look at all 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Each man has a story to tell. For instance, did you know that one of the signers was poisoned by his nephew? Neither did I! Pick up this book and see what else you can discover.

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Dragon Rider

Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Humans are advancing on the Dragon's territory and one dragon, Firedrake, sets out to find the Rim of Heaven in order to save his species. He is joined by a brownie and a boy on his journey. A fun read, but if you really want to hear a great audiobook - this is it! Brenden Frasier is fabulous

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Mama Miti

Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a beautiful picture book biography about Wangari Muta Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Prize. She was given the award b/c she started the green belt movement, b/c so many trees were cut down in Kenya.

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Scones and Sensibility

Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Polly is obsessed with love and romance. She gets all of her ideas from her favorite books. She thinks that everyone should be in love and believes that it is her duty in life to find a love match for everyone! Not everything turns out like it does in books though and she has a LOT of explaining to do

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Binky

Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fabulous new graphic novel series. Binky is getting ready for outer space (which really is just outside because he is an indoor cat). He knows that he will encounter aliens (bugs) but, he is one very prepared Kitty. Everyone will fall in love with Binky! This is a great book for dormant readers.

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