Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Bootleg: Murder Moonshine and the Lawless Year of Prohibition

Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of ProhibitionBootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition by Karen Blumenthal

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


An in depth look at prohibition; the reasons for it and why it went horribly wrong. Recommend for upper middle school and high school students.



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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Dead End in Norvelt

Dead End in NorveltDead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jack Gantos writes a semi-autobiographical tale about growing up in the Midwest, being grounded all summer and writing obituaries for all of the old people who dropping like flies. Laugh out loud funny!



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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Drawing from Memory

Drawing from MemoryDrawing from Memory by Allen Say

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Allen Say only wanted to be an artist when he was growing up in Japan but his father didn't think that was a respectable profession. Without his father knowing, he got an apprenticeship with a famous author. Mr. Say is now a fulltime award winning author and illustrator.



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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Saint Louis Armstrong Beach

Saint Louis Armstrong BeachSaint Louis Armstrong Beach by Brenda Woods

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Saint lives in New Orleans along with his parents and his dog, Shadow. During Hurricane Katrina - he becomes separated from his parents and returns home. He and Shadow take refuge with his neighbor, Miz Moran. A good introduction to Katrina, but many issues were barely addressed - if at all.



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