Dealing With Dragons

Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede (audio book)

I have found one of those rare books that I can recommend to my almost twelve-year-old. She likes fantasy, princesses and dragons. She likes old books from a simpler time. She does not like anyone dying. She does not like anyone getting sick. She does not like violence. She will not read The Hunger Games. She does not want to hear about it. The movie is out of the question. And every other child in her grade seems to be on the Young Adult dystopian literature bandwagon. Where does that leave her? She wants nothing to do with Harry Potter. She put her foot down when I tried to read The Chronicles of Narnia out loud.

I had run out of ideas. She has been rereading books. She has been waiting for new volumes from series she has enjoyed. And she is not aging backwards.

But I started reading Dealing With Dragons a few day ago and I am pretty sure I have a new (old) series for her. The second of a four volume set, Searching for Dragons, was a Caudill Nominee list nearly two decades ago. So, of course, I grabbed book one first.

Meet Cimorene, an unusual princess. She is the seventh daughter and the aberration. Her older sisters are all blond, beautiful and petite. Cimorene might be pretty enough, but she hasn’t stopped growing yet. What prince will want to look up into his beloved’s eyes? Not only does she run around in brunette braids rather than properly coiffed tresses, but she would much rather fence than embroider.

At first, Cimorene begged fencing lessons off of the armsmaster, cooking lessons off of the chef, Latin lessons off of the court philosopher and magic lessons off of the court magician, all to battle her boredom. And then her father, the king found out. Not only was she forbidden to continue her extracurricular lessons, but she was packed up and off to meet her future husband.

Time and time again, Cimorene is reminded that she is not a proper princess and that certain things – a princess learning magic?!?!?! – simply are not done. Cimorene decides that improper works for her and promptly leaves… runs away. She finds herself volunteering to be a dragon’s princess. Which, of course, simply isn’t done. Dragons kidnap their princesses; knights rescue and marry them.

Except that Cimorene blossoms as Kazul’s princess. She gets to use her Latin reading ancient dragon histories. She gets to use her magic looking for a way to protect herself from accidental dragon fire. Most importantly, she gets to use her cooking skills as her dragon’s primary chef. Cimorene spends her time cleaning and organizing Kazul’s treasures and book shelves. And periodically, she is interrupted by a suitor seeking to save her from the dragon’s clutches. Cimorene has quite the time convincing the knights that she is perfectly happy as a dragon’s princess and does not need rescuing.

Cimorene draws plenty of attention as the new princess on the block. She has many visitors including other princesses, witches, more dragons and evil wizards. Cimorene discovers that the wizards are up to something that may involve the death of a dragon or two. Cimorene, a stone prince, a bird’s feather and a few buckets of soapy water save the day and Cimorene earns herself a new position!

Recommended for 4^th-8^th grade girls who enjoy a great fractured fairy tale! I never grew too old for them myself.

Ghost Hunter

Ghost Hunter by Michelle Paver

I cannot believe that I have never reviewed one of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness books. The first in the series, Wolf Brother was brought to my attention by the 2009 Rebecca Caudill Nominees alongside The Lightning Thief. I can remember reading a Riordan book, then a Paver book, then another Riordan book would come out, then another Paver book would be published. I could never decide which series I preferred most. I’ll be a snob and say Wolf Brother because it has had less media coverage.

There are now six books in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness and the series is complete: Wolf Brother, SpiritWalker, Soul Eater, Outcast, Oath Breaker and Ghost Hunter. The setting of the series is Europe 6,000 years ago after the Ice Age, but before agriculture became a way of life. People were primarily hunter-gatherers and groups of people were still nomadic to varying degrees. There is not much children’s literature concerning this time period. The closest example in adult literature is the Clan of the Cave Bear series by Jean Auel.

In Wolf Brother, we meet Torak, son of a member of the Wolf Clan. Father and son are traveling alone when Torak’s father is mortally wounded by a demon-possessed bear of enormous proportions. Torak’s father instructs him in how to defeat the evil bear with the help of the World Spirit before the bear causes further harm. His father promises him that a guide will come to accompany him and then Torak’s father dies. The guide does appear in the form of a wolf cub who has also been recently orphaned.

By the end of the first book, Torak has been adopted by the Raven Clan. When the second book opens, the Raven Clan is plagued with a creeping sickness. There is a cure, but it is kept by the Seal Clan far to the North. Torak is sent on a quest with his Wolf to retrieve it from the Seal Mage. Similarly, in each new volume, Torak sets out on a new quest, adventure, to save his clan and the world from the ever encroaching darkness. In each succeeding book, a new part of Torak’s history is revealed as well as a new ability. Torak is the son of a Soul Eater. And he IS the Spirit Walker.

Each book introduces new characters and new clans. There is Fin-Kedinn, the leader of the Raven Clan and Torak’s foster father. There is Fin-Kedinn’s niece, Renn who displays the skills of a future clan mage. We meet the secretive Red Deer Clan who live within the Deep Forest and hold the key to defeating the coming evil. We meet the Otter Clan who hunt Torak because he bears the mark of the Soul Eater. We also meet the Soul Eaters, the evil ones who killed Torak’s father.

The sixth and final book, Ghost Hunter ties all loose ends and does so in a pleasing way. As always, Torak is stronger when he is aided by his Wolf Brother and his Pack Sister, Renn. Wolf and Renn are well aware that the malevolent Eagle Owl Mage’s goal is to separate Torak from those he loves. She can only defeat him in a weakened state and she wants his World Soul so that she can live eternally and rule the world. Of course, Torak wants to protect those whom he loves and departs for his final quest alone. He sneaks off lest he breaks down for he knows that he leaves to die. Fortunately, Wolf and Renn follow him despite their own tragedies and together they can bring peace to the land as well as healing from the new shadow sickness that is claiming lives from every clan.

I would recommend this book primarily to 5^th through 8^th grade boys who enjoyed the Ranger’s Apprentice. The author is equally skilled in character and setting development. Despite dissimilar settings, the overall theme is the same.

Akata Witch

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

I chose this book. I picked this book. I wanted this book. I ordered this book based upon its stellar reviews. One review in particular came from Ursula Le Guin and I was sold. Two copies please. I didn’t wait to read it. I was impatient to read something new and special and my choice.

I devoured the first 55 pages and I was so excited. Here is something new! The book’s heroine is Sunny. She lives in Nigeria with her mother and father and two older brothers. The rest of her family is Igbo Nigerian, but Sunny was born in America. The family moved back to Nigeria when Sunny was nine. If that doesn’t make her different enough, she is also albino. Her afro is blond, her skin is a yellow-white and her eyes are hazel. Her far from normal existence is about to make a change to the extraordinary and two friends are bringing her on the journey.

Sunny attends a regular school. There is a boy in her class named Orlu who is regularly rather quiet – the smart, quiet type. Until the day that Sunny’s classmates decide to jump her after classes. They beat her up because she out-shown them in their school work and the teacher decided to make an example out her – a shining student. Orlu comes to her aid.

Through Orlu, Sunny meets Chichi, a very quirky girl who does not attend school, does not wear sandals, and lives in a small mud hut with an even stranger mother, a woman most believe to be a witch. Chichi is the opposite of Orlu. She is loud and speaks her mind even without being asked. Chichi is confident and mischievous. She doesn’t ask first, but is rather a spontaneous instigator – the kind of person who makes things happen, sometimes before their time.

Both Orlu and Chichi recognize a certain something special and kindred about Sunny. If Orlu had his way, they would have gently invited Sunny into their unique circle, but no, Chichi has to have her way. Quick and dirty is how she operates. Before Sunny realizes what is happening, she is taking a binding oath of silence. The oath prevents her from sharing certain information with her family.

The information – Sunny is a person called a Leopard because of her true mystical, magical ability, just like Orlu and Chichi. Leopard Person is the term used in West Africa for someone we, in America, would call a witch or wizard. Unfortunately, no one else in her family is a Leopard. They are all Lambs. So Sunny was not raised knowing about the Leopard Folk. Sunny is about to get a crash course!

Now. Page 56. We meet Sasha, an African American from Chicago. He is a leopard who has been sent to Nigeria because he has caused too much trouble at home. He completes our quartet. He also brings me cringes because of his language. There are very few bodily expletives in this book. There are multiple curses – “goddamn”. And I simply cannot approve. I realize that there are children who talk this way. I don’t approve. I understand that many children are exposed to this language and worse by their parents. I don’t approve. I’m relatively certain that Young Adult will be inheriting Children’s two copies.

In addition and swaying our decision is the novel’s bad guy, Black Hat Otokoto. He is a ritual, serial killer. He kidnaps, maims and kills little children. He takes their eyes, their ears, their lives in order to bring Ekwensu through to our world from the spirit world. Ekwensu “is what Satan is to Christians, but more real, more tangible.” But then I compare Black Hat to Lord Voldemort and maybe I’m being too sensitive. After all, the Newbery winner this year also contained a serial killer.

Mild Spoiler Alert…

I might have been able to talk myself past the bad language, kind of, sort of, maybe. Okay, no. But the further I read, the less enthusiastic I found myself. This book is an Afro-centric Harry Potter. Examples. Sunny is a Free Agent, a Leopard born of Lamb parents. Let’s see… Hermione is a witch born of Muggle parents. The kids ride the magical “funky bus” to get around. Remember the bus in Harry Potter with the talking shrunken head? Voldemort killed Harry’s parents and inadvertently gave Harry power over him. Black Hat Okokoto killed Sunny’s grandmother and inadvertently gave Sunny power over him. Both Harry and Sunny were raised without knowledge of their magical inheritance. Leopard people use juju knives rather than wands, but the knives choose their “owner”. They have to learn spells, charms, powders. They advance by levels. There is even a Leopard sport that everyone gathers to watch.

I could go on, but this has already gotten wordy. Parents – it is your choice. If your child has been clamoring for more Harry Potter, it is an option…

Adventures in Cartooning

Adventures in Cartooning by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold and Alexis Frederick-Frost

It is so refreshing to read a short book. I highly recommend it. Take a break from your hefty tomes and try something that you can finish in a single sitting. No, sitting in your lazy chair for twelve hours or staying up all night in your bed does not count.

I grabbed Adventures to read during my lunch break. I finished it before my lunch break was over. I had time to reread it and I believe that most kids will – reread it. There is a surprise at the end that will make you want to read it again with the additional knowledge in mind. I would guess that it took me between 30 and 45 minutes to read it including interruptions and orange-peeling.

The book is the product of an assignment given by the author, James Sturm, to his students at the school he founded called the Center for Cartoon Studies. Two of his very first students, Alexis Frederick-Frost and Andrew Arnold, have co-authored this graphic novel with Sturm himself.

A young princess is trying to make a comic book, but is disappointed that she cannot draw well enough. A small, flying elf magically appears to lend her aid. He is the “Magic Cartooning Elf” and can help. And he has amazing news! If she can doodle simple stuff like fish and trees and water and rocks, there is nothing to stop her from making an awesome comic! They jump right in, teaching and learning while creating.

So the princess begins her second attempt at a story. It is a fairy tale where the princess has vanished and a knight and his horse appear to slay the dragon. Surely there is a dragon involved. Meanwhile, the elf starts with the bare bones of comic creating, but little by little, adds the important components like panels and bubbles in a variety of shapes and sizes and styles. And let’s just say that the elf has a bit of fun with the knight and horse along the way. You know, changing the backgrounds and inclines and adding obstacles. Quite funny.

Much like a parent letting go of the bicycle as the child begins to ride a two-wheeler on their own, the elf disappears in the middle of the action leaving the knight and his horse to solve their problems independently. Despite the fact that the elf left the knight drowning in an ocean when he cannot swim, the knight manages to rescue himself and put to use some of the knowledge that the elf relayed.

After some truly comical adventures, pun intended, and a surprise or two, the day is saved and the reader thinks that the story is resolved. However there is one last surprise and the princess needs to be saved again. It is most fortunate that the Magic Cartooning Elf decides to appear once more. Instead of lending a help hand, he provides encouragement. You CAN draw your own adventure. And the next one begins.

The book ends with a recap of what the reader should have learned. Edward the Horse is used to show a few more advanced tips. There is a page that gives directions for drawing the main characters. There is an example of another child’s comic adventures using the knight and Edward. And there is yet another bonus comic featuring the elf’s evil twin. So the reader gets more than just the main story.

The book is about cartooning – the drawing element. It is not about the elements of story. Maybe that will be next. So even if your child can draw a cute comic, the storytelling might still be lacking. But what are parents for, but to praise the efforts of their offspring.

This book won the Bluestem Award this year and I would recommend it to all children and especially those interested in creating their own comics. The Bluestem is recommended for kids in 3^rd to 5^th grade, but I gave this book to my creative 1^st grader already and it is a hit despite its lack of kitties.

The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner (audio book)

Speaking as a librarian, nothing brings the rain to my parade like a patron who comes to check out Harry Potter, Lightning Thief, Hunger Games, fill in the blank, only to leave with nothing because that particular book is unavailable. My library department has over 72,000 books! And I have a personal list of 100 titles that I would gladly put right up there with any of those three. Perhaps above. Librarians are so passionate about books and putting the right books into the right hands that we take the trouble to compile lists, see above, of books that you will probably like based upon your enjoyment of many popular titles such as Eragon. Why not read a good book while you wait? It will certainly make the time pass more quickly.

Then you finish fill in the blank book and you don’t know where to go next. You want more. Need more. Guess what! We can help there too and if you don’t believe us, there are teenagers out there who can help, and have, because of their vote.

Last year, The Hunger Games (HG) won the Abraham Lincoln Award, (Illinois’ High School Readers’ Choice Award,) by a landslide. Don’t forget, it won the Caudill Award as well, by an avalanche. So, how do the teens vote following that media sensation? Here’s your answer – The Maze Runner (MR). And yes, the teens still seem to be clamoring for dystopian literature.

The following are the ways in which HG and MR are similar:

Something apocalyptic has occurred in the world and we are reading about what rises from the ashes, so to speak.

Both books are about survival and only the teens are forced to participate.

It is the first book in a trilogy and they are ALL already published, so you do NOT have to wait! Yea!

The following are the ways in which HG and MR are different:

In HG, we had a heroine.  MR has a hero! His name is Thomas and he is one of about 40 boys in the Glade. There is only one girl who plays a lesser, though pivotal, part.

In HG, the people were fully aware of the Hunger Games and the 24 tributes. In MZ, the boys find themselves in the Glade with the majority of their memory erased. They don’t know where they are or why they are there. They are not even sure of where they came from.

In HG, the children are a part of a game. In MR, the boys are a part of an experiment, but they think they are being tested. They live within a maze and they are supposed to find the way out. That is kind of hard to do when the walls change every night. And while they are changing at night, the boys are tucked safely within the walls of the Glade. No one survives outside of the Glade overnight.

In HG, the adults are present and the bad guy, the government, is accessible. In MR, there are no adults. Those in charge are merely the oldest, more experienced boys who have been in the Glade for nearly two years. The bad guys are running the show from behind the scenes. The boys refer to them as the creators. Their only contact is through delivery of one new boy each month and supplies through an elevator system called the Box.

In HG, the kids fight each other to the death. In MR, the boys must work as a team for survival. Some are butchers, some are cooks, others are runners, and there are even farmers. The greatest threat to their survival is the Grievers, science fiction monsters. Grievers are, well, blobby, snail-like glops that have mechanical, robotic appendages that can consist of needles, blades, saws and other weapons. These monsters are my least favorite part of the book. The description is really a bit laughable. It brings to mind Pinhead. I just have a hard time visualizing them without smirking. Sorry.

But back to Thomas. He comes out of the Box, surrounded by boys. The only thing he can remember is his name. And he wants answers! Unfortunately, no one is quick to give them. In fact they seem to be withholding information that they will release over time. Time never comes, because almost immediately things begin to change. For two years, the boys lived in the Glade, performing their duties, expecting a new boy every month, supplies every week, and Grievers every night.

The first change occurs when one of the other boys thinks he has seen Thomas before which puts the other boys on the offensive. The next change occurs when they receive a new boy the very next day. Unheard of! But even more so because it isn’t a boy. It is a girl and she is in a coma. She startles awake long enough to deliver a message and a note before slipping back into a coma. “She’s the last one. Ever.” Yes, things are about to change. Even more so, because Thomas thinks he recognizes the girl.

So far, I can recommend the first book in the trilogy to junior high and high schoolers. I think girls will enjoy it just as much. No, it isn’t HG, it is something new and different, but in the same genre.

World War Z

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks (audio book)

I never thought I would read a zombie book. Never, never, never.  My fascination has always been with vampires. I think I spent my college years reading Anne Rice in between William Shakespeare.  Strike “in between”. Correction – “rather than”. My cousin made me sit through a few Night of the Living Dead “films”. Not even memorable, merely torturous. I watched Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland, both zombie comedies, and really enjoyed them. I picked them out. I’m not proud of it, but we laughed until we cried which made it worth it.

I finally gave in to the zombie genre when WWZ made the Abraham Lincoln Nominee list last year. And I appreciated it.

It was not an easy read and not because of the subject matter. At times it was laborious because of the technical content. I am certain that people with a military background or enthusiasm could digest the surplus of information more fluidly than I did. World travelers might also have greater luck in following the rhythm of the book that’s scope is international. I was saved by the brevity of the “chapters”.

The “chapters” are personal interviews with people who have survived the Great Panic and the ten reconstruction years following. The interviews are grouped into chronological sections. The sections are arranged in such a way as to tell the story of the Zombie War.

The people interviewed for this fictional book come from all walks of life. There are army grunts and naval admirals. There are vice-presidents and feral children grown-up. There are civilians who distinguished themselves as heroes and outcast techno geeks who were cowardly enough to survive. There are the people who developed the plan for cross-country survival, the people who put the strategy into action and the people who carried out the orders.

The amazing part of this book is that these same people represent multiple countries. Patient Zero was discovered in China, the same country that continued to feed misinformation to its people. Israel was the first country to quarantine its borders. South Africa was the first country to find a solution. Russia discovered religion while fighting the war.  The United States was the first country to reclaim its countryside from the zombies. Iceland was obliterated and Cuba came out victorious. And that is just a glimpse. It is really that comprehensive.

There are two reasons why I will recommend this book. Number one – it is not a dystopian culture that is presented here. This is the actual annihilation of a world population. This is the war to end all wars. This is the war that knocks us to our feet. It is the war from which we might not recover. I love that! So many dystopian novels assume that something traumatic has happened, but the book is about the society that was created afterwards. The novel might allude to a plague or a bomb or a meteor, but that isn’t what the book is about. This book is about the catastrophic event!

And, number two; it is in no way whatsoever a comedy. In fact, the term zombie is rarely utilized. Part of the reason that it took so long to accept the “zombie” plague as reality is that it seemed so very unbelievable. There was much cover up and propaganda. There were people that took advantage of the lack of information available and other people who suffered from that ignorance. The book is terrifying because it is written and presented so well. I certainly didn’t recall images of b-rated black and white films. I am impressed. And that is a rare compliment.

I recommend this book to young adults, primarily the males. I can see military-minded men enjoying this. Very thought-provoking as well. It would be intriguing to spend more time on it. I’d like to diagram the characters and countries and plots and how they are connected.. I think a military course would benefit from it – worse-case scenario!

Don’t worry if you don’t have time to read it. The movie is set to be released June 2013 and stars Brad Pitt. I think that will sell it! Don’t you?

Darth Paper Strikes Back

Darth Paper Strikes Back: An Origami Yoda Book by Tom Angleberger (audio book)

“Always trust your instincts.” That is what I wrote in my review of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. The point I was trying to make was that I had picked up that book twice thinking that I should read it, but chose not to. I should have followed my instincts and read it when I first considered it and I would have been seven books ahead in the great Caudill race. I would like to change my point. Still, trust your instincts; however, I should have just put the book back down.

This series of books is going to have a following regardless, so I do not feel so bad giving it a less than stellar review. In fact, boys, have at it. It is perfect for mindless summer reading – if you like reading about school during your summer vacation.

Let’s see, the book is around 150 pages. It follows in the footsteps of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. There are childlike illustrations or doodles throughout. Like the original, Darth Paper is presented as a case file. There are short anecdotes provided by various classmates that are involved. The main narrator, Tommy, comments on those anecdotes and then Tommy’s now arch-nemesis, Harvey, adds a comment of his own. These all lend to the book’s attractiveness to the reluctant reader or child in need of a quick-read.

But there is more. The series combines two, always popular subjects – Star Wars and origami. In my nine years at Decatur Public Library, the enthusiasm for origami, the art of paper folding, has never waned. In fact, I would guess that our origami section was the very first section I learned to walk to without having to look it up or ask for a call number. It is a heavily traveled path. Each book provides the blueprint for making the various characters mentioned in the book as well as ideas for more.

And Star Wars? Do I even have to go there? We have graphic novels, books of movie stills, books of vehicular and architectural cross-sections, beginning readers, paperbacks. We don’t carry Spongebob, Pokemon, Barbie or any other books based upon TV shows or movies. But we happily provide Star Wars. Right here, right now, my favorite part of Darth Paper is all of the quotes from the movies. Sometimes the quotes are slightly altered so you have to think hard to make the appropriate connection, but that can be even more fun. Who doesn’t quote Stars Wars in their daily life anyway?

Back to business. Looking at the covers of these books, I am thinking they really grab the attention of the early elementary boys. (And me, yes, and me.) They are slight in size and colorful. I know some first grade boys who would be immediately drawn to them and could even read them – smart cookies – but the content is older. The kids were 6^th graders in Origami Yoda. Now, in Darth Paper, they are all in 7^th grade. Not to say that 7^th graders wouldn’t be reading this book… but I think it is a stretch. A book they might hide at home under their pillow. Do boys do that? Not something they would admit to at school. Come on! Everything is Hunger Games now. And it doesn’t compare. Feel free to correct me. I just think there is disjunction between who the book is written for and who it is marketed to.

Fine. The first book’s case file set out to prove that Origami Yoda was real. This is a different kind of case file. Dwight, the maker of Origami Yoda, has been suspended from school. The principal is recommending to the school board that Dwight be transferred to a school for kids with behavioral problems. Origami Yoda’s last piece of advice for Tommy before Dwight leaves is to defend Dwight with another case file. Tommy thinks this is a great idea and gets right to work compiling anecdotes and acquiring signatures to present to the school board to prove that Dwight is not a violent troublemaker.

Once again, Tommy “Skywalker” sets out to protect the innocent and save the student population. But Harvey is back as well. He no longer sports a “better” Yoda finger puppet. He has turned to the Dark Side. Now Harvey sports Darth Paper and he is out to destroy Dwight!

Seriously, the quotes are the best part.

Where the Broken Heart Still Beats

Where the Broken Heart Still Beats: The Story of  Cynthia Ann Parker by Carolyn Meyer

It’s back to the Caudills, but not the modern ones that I have been reading. Now I am returning to the 1996 nominee list with a book that’s setting is more than a century prior to that. This novel is a fictional account from the life of Cynthia Ann Parker. Cynthia Ann was captured by Comanche warriors when she was nine-years-old along with some of her siblings and relatives. Other members of her family including her father and grandfather were killed and scalped. She might have been a witness. 24 years later, Texas Rangers rescued her from the Comanche and returned her to an uncle and his family. This book covers the period when the Parkers try to restore Cynthia Ann to the ways of the white people.

I simply cannot fathom the tragedy of being ripped away from your family and your world not just once, but twice in a lifetime. In the 24 years that Cynthia Ann lives with the Comanche, she begins as a slave, but soon becomes a beloved daughter. She proves her worth as a strong laborer. She can prepare and build a tipi as well if not better than the other Comanche women. She is given to be the first wife of a much respected Comanche Chief. They have three children together.

While the Comanche warriors are away on a raid, the Texas Raiders storm in on a raid of their own. They take Cynthia Ann and her toddler, Topsannah, knowing that Cynthia Ann is a white woman. They believe they are doing a good deed and rescuing her. Before she is returned to her family, Cynthia Ann and her daughter are given over to the white women at the Fort to clean them, dress them and make them presentable as civilized people. All of their Comanche belongings are destroyed save Cynthia Ann’s buffalo robe, but they refuse to give it back.

Everything Cynthia Ann is put through is considered for her own good. The Texans are trying to take the savage out of her and restore her to her European American roots. But from day one, all Cynthia Ann considers is the hope of escaping the white men and returning to her Comanche family. She mourns her husband and two sons. She refuses to assimilate much to the chagrin of her family. It is only with the promise that she will be allowed to visit her Comanche family that she attempts to appease the Parkers by relearning the English language and learning the duties of a white woman. But when the Civil War breaks out, that promise is broken.

Cynthia Ann has many enemies and only two supporters. Many believe that her brain is far too “addled” by the Comanche to ever be a proper Christian woman again. Cynthia Ann does not understand the white people’s ways. They make as little sense to her as her Comanche ways make sense to them. They are always acting at cross purposes despite the fact that everyone thinks they are trying their hardest to achieve the desired result. One of her supporters is her father’s brother who is thrilled to have recovered his niece. The other is a fictionalized cousin, Lucy.

The book is told in two voices. One is Cynthia Ann’s and the other is Lucy’s. In this way you gain the perspective of both sides. Lucy represents a sympathetic viewer. She has the empathy needed to be able to see both sides of the story. She is perhaps the only person who truly wants what is best for Cynthia Ann and her daughter. Unfortunately, she is also uncertain of what that would be.

This is a true story without a happy ending. Unless you consider the fact that Cynthia Ann’s first born son goes on to become the last chief of the Comanche, Quanah Parker. She would have been enormously proud. Fans of the Dear America, My America, My Name is America and Royal Diaries series will enjoy this book as well.

Lulu and the Brontosaurus

Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst

As my eldest daughter and her friends have gotten older, my choices in books to read have aged with them. Not only did I cover the Caudills, but I also added in a mix of Abraham Lincolns which are meant for High Schoolers. Let’s just say that I was preparing myself in advance. But I have a younger daughter who has really come into her own as far as reading is concerned. She truly shares my love of books and she is just perfect for the Monarchs.

I have always read the picture books on the Monarch the list. I usually take them home to share. In the past I even took home the chapter books and read them to my girls at bedtime. I am not sure when I stopped or why, but I shouldn’t. I am missing out and therefore my daughters are missing out on some terrific books! My first choice from the 2013 Monarch Nominee list is delightful! And I think, no, I know my daughter will love it! Probably both of them to tell the truth.

Lulu and the Brontosaurus is under 120 pages and full of black and white illustrations created by Lane Smith. Pictures are on practically every page! There are thirteen chapters and three thirteenth chapters. The kids should love this because there are three alternate though similar endings to choose from.  Although, why choose when you can have all three! The chapters are short in length, varying from one to seven pages. And the text takes up two-thirds of each 9 inch tall page at most. So it looks like you have a chapter book, but it is pleasingly simple on the inside. An adult could read it in an hour.

Meet Lulu, an only child, who knows what she wants; when she wants it; and how to get it. Screeching, flailing, and kicking until her parents give in. And give in they do – every single time. Lulu has never heard the word “no”. Lulu wants everything and regularly bursts the light bulbs with her temper tantrums to get everything. Until that fateful day when Lulu decides she wants a pet brontosaurus.

Lulu’s parents finally stand their ground. As if they had a choice. Where would they house a gigantic dinosaur? How could they feed it? Seriously, where would they find one? Lulu’s parents think they have a win under their belt. For twelve days, Lulu requests a brontosaurus for a pet. For twelve days, Lulu’s parents say no. For twelve days, Lulu screeches and wails until all of the china breaks. On the thirteenth day, Lulu decides to take matters into her own hands. She packs a suitcase full of every possible thing she might need and sets off into the forest on the hunt for a brontosaurus!

Find a brontosaurus she does. But she could never anticipate the brontosaurus’ response. Why, he thinks having a pet is a fine idea, but he doesn’t want to be one. He wants one of his own and Lulu looks like the obvious choice for a brontosaurus. As Lulu attempts to negotiate her release, she learns a lesson in manners. Her screeches and wails turn into soft murmurings full of please. When Lulu eventually returns home, she is a different daughter, smart as well as kind. And she even has several new friends to boot!

The Monarch Award: Illinois’ K-3 Readers’ Choice Award
The Monarch is designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children’s books, authors and illustrators. The name Monarch was chosen because of its familiarity to K-3 children and to symbolize the growth, change and freedom that becoming a reader brings.