Synopses & Reviews
Ten-year-old Jonathan practically lives at the Anchorage Zoo, where his father is a keeper. He loves animals, and even imagines himself inside their bodies, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel.
Meanwhile, a young brown bear is wandering through the woods near Anchorage, alone and hungry. One night, while searching for food, the bear crosses paths with Jonathan, who eagerly follows him onto the zoo grounds.
But when the bear accidentally kills Mama Goose, Jonathans favorite zoo creature, the boy loses the empathy he had felt earlier. He wishes that the bearnow nicknamed Troublewould meet the same fate as his beloved goose, and he impulsively takes steps to make sure that happens.
Based on an actual incident, and told in alternating chapters from the bears and Jonathans points of view, this is both an involving animal story and a thought-provoking investigation into the consequences of ones actions.
Review
"With a strong plot, well-developed characters, and an engaging writing format, this book is a great choice for young readers." SLJ School Library Journal
"The tale explores the need for companionship and the importance of accepting the consequences of one's actions." BOOKLIST Booklist, ALA
"A charming, deceptively simple story with special appeal for animal lovers." KIRKUS Kirkus Reviews
"[An] appealing treatment of a child's rescue of an at-risk animal." BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"After examining the world of wolves in RUNT...Marion Dane Bauer now turns to the ursine life." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Publishers Weekly
Review
"A powerful, soul-stirring novel told simply and well." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review
Review
"Granddad has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and preteen grandson Tim is deep in denial, attributing the memory losses, confusion, and erratic outbursts of temper to simple old age and pressure from unsympathetic family members. . . . A rosy conclusion just isn't possible, but readers will find comfort in the assurance that Granddad has the unconditional love and support of his family." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Tim has ferociously denied that anything is wrong with his beloved grandfather, but he quickly learns otherwise on a clandestine fishing trip. Although his grandfather exhibits flashes of his old self, he can't make change at the bait store, forgets to pack fresh water or a net, and experiences sudden, frightening mood changes. Worst of all, he keeps withdrawing into an eerie, silent helplessness, and finally walks off into the night, abandoning Tim and the camper. Bauer leaves out pointed lectures and clinical information about the disease to focus on its emotional impact on the victim and those around him....Tim's experience with his grandfather may convince readers with Alzheimer's-stricken relatives that denial serves no purpose, and that the only response may be to surround the victim with loving, responsible family.
Kirkus Reviews
"With its humane, complicated characters, this makes a good choice for discussion." Booklist, ALA
Review
"As supplements to state-specific material, these books might pique interest in a state or point children to topics for further reading."
and#8212;School Library Journal
Review
Anderson's art, with its expressive lines full of brightly colored action, are clean visual narratives depicting Joe in red overalls while trying everything with wheels, from skateboard to toy train and toy airplane to baby buggy. The simple rhymed text has the kind of legs that Joe would admire: tireless, and shot through with the music of motion.
Kirkus Reviews
True to the small child's viewpoint of a world full of powerful grownups, the latest uproarious picture book about Joe the frog perfectly captures Joe's frustration as he tries to get attention and join the adults' activities at a family reunion. . . . Illustrated with bright, boisterous line-and-watercolor pictures, the simple rhyming text . . . will draw story-hour listeners as well as beginning readers to a scenario they may recognize.
Booklist, ALA
Beginning readers will enjoy the rollicking rhyme and equally active art. They will also identify with Joe's need for attention and the endless refusals he receives. . . . A book with a lot of child appeal.
School Library Journal
Review
Aboutand#160;the Series: and#160;
"The titles in this series are perfect for reports on the fifty states. The creative approach may make it more accessible for students who find straight-up nonfiction very dry. Although the back mentions an interest level of grades 1-4, the illustrations and text should work for many struggling middle school students, too."and#8212;Kiss the Book Blog
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"Colorful and active pages. . . As supplements to state-specific material, these books might pique interest in a state or point children to topics for further reading."and#8212;School Library Journal
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"For a short format, many thingsand#160;are covered in the text, making this a good book for an introduction to research.. . .[and]and#160;a possibleand#160;class read aloud or third-grade produced audio book....Mr. Geo is a fun and entertaining tour guide."and#8212;3rdgradereading.net
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"A great addition to students' reading lists, although itand#160;certainly canand#160; beand#160;a read aloud book for children with lower reading comprehension."and#8212;2ndgradereading.net
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"Colorful, and sometimes dramatic illustrations."and#8212;2ndgradereading.net
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"Students will develop further reading skills by using Mr. Geo's trip as a jumpstart to some further research and discovery of the state."and#8212;4thgradereading.net
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"The 50 States to Celebrate series will be a great asset to primary classrooms and libraries. There is a broad audience for nonfiction informational text...it appeals to a wide range ofand#160; young readers."and#8212;Marla Conn,and#160; Educational Consultant,and#160;Read-Ability, Inc.,and#160;and former reading specialist for New Yorkand#160;City Public Schools
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"The 50 States to Celebrate series is a great way to excite kids about social studies. Mr. Geo is fun, entertaining, and informative."and#8212;Susan Stark, Editorial Director, Social Studies, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Education Group
Synopsis
The Newbery Honor-winning coming-of-age story of a young boy's devastating guilt over the death of his best friend after a swimming challenge goes terribly wrong.
Synopsis
Joel's best friend Tony drowns while they are swimming in the forbidden, treacherous Vermilion River. Joel is terrified at having to tell of his disobedience and overwhelmed by his feelings of guilt.
Synopsis
Tim is distressed to learn that his mom, new stepfather, and grandmother are sure Granddad has Alzheimer's disease. Refusing to accept the possibility that they may be right, Tim persuades Granddad to run away with him on a fishing trip, convinced this will prove that Granddad is still capable of taking care of himself. But on the way to the lake, Granddad keeps forgetting things: their equipment, the soft drinks, even how to make change at the roadside store. When Granddad can't get them out of a dangerous situation on the water but instead makes the problem worse, Tim finally realizes his grandfather has changed . . . but his awareness may have come too late. Well-developed characters and page-turning suspense ensure that this riveting yet poignant novel will hold readers captive.
Synopsis
This Level 3 Green Light Reader combines travel with social studies in a way that's entertaining and educational.and#160;Part ofand#160;a first-of-its-kind, nonfiction, easy reader series aboutand#160;the 50 states, CELEBRATINGand#160;FLORIDA takes beginning readers on a whirlwind tour of the Sunshine State with Mr. Geo.and#160;Join this fun and funny geography teacher as he visitsand#160;popular attractions, national parks, historic landmarks, beaches, and much, much more.and#160;and#160;and#160;
Synopsis
Travel the 50 States with Mr. Geo! Meet Mr. Geo, everybodys favorite geography teacher. He loves to explore new places. Today, hes visiting Florida, the Sunshine State. His first stop is the Everglades to see alligators and other amazing animals. Then he will visit fun-filled theme parks, beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, sports events, and many other exciting places. Join Mr. Geo on his travels all around Florida. Together, you will discover what makes this a state to celebrate. Let's go!
Synopsis
Meet Mr. Geo, everybodyand#8217;s favorite geography teacher! He loves to explore new places. Today, heand#8217;s visiting Florida, the Sunshine State. His first stop is the Everglades to see alligators and other amazing animals. Heand#8217;ll also go to Fort Myers beach and enter a sand sculpting contest. Heand#8217;ll visit the historic city of St. Augustine, go orange picking, dance at the Florida Folk Festival and heand#8217;ll even get to swim with dolphins and manatees!. Then he will visit fun-filled theme parks, sporting events, and other exciting places. Join Mr. Geo on his travels around Florida. Together, you will discover what makes this a state to celebrate. This entertaining and educational mix of travel, geography, history, and pop culture includes maps and learning activities. Great for beginning readers!
Synopsis
With bonus activities included, this new addition to the Green Light Readers' Level 1 collection follows our energetic frog friend to a family reunion.and#160; With familiar words and short sentences geared for early reading success, and fun and familiar scenarios, this book is sure to be hopping good fun for beginning readers!
Synopsis
Itand#8217;s the Frog family reunion, and all of Joeand#8217;s relatives have gathered together. Everybodyand#8217;s having funand#151;everyone except for Joe. With so many Frogs around, youand#8217;d think that surely somebody would play with Joe, but everyone says heand#8217;s too big, too small, too fast, or too slow. No matter where poor Joe turns, all he hears is and#147;noand#8221; . . . until a very special guest arrivesand#151;someone with an appreciation for Joe and his boundless energy, someone who even has her own set of wheels.
Bright, appealing illustrations feature Joeand#8217;s mishaps with all kinds of things that go: tricycles, skateboards, roller skates, and more.
Synopsis
Join Mr. Geo on his whirlwind tour ofand#160;and#160;Louisianaand#160;in thisand#160;Level 3 Green Light Reader.and#160;Like the other books in the 50 States to Celebrate series, Celebrating Louisianaand#160;combines travel andand#160;social studies in a way that's entertaining and educational.and#160;The actionand#160;starts at the Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans and continues withand#160;tours of the French Quarter,and#160;the bayou, Cajun Country, and much more.and#160;Plenty of picture and context clues keep eager youngand#160;readers moving along with ease and fluency.and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;
Synopsis
This Level 3 Green Light Reader combines travel with social studies in a way that's entertaining and educational.and#160;Part of aand#160;newand#160;nonfiction, easy reader series aboutand#160;the 50 states, CELEBRATINGand#160;ARIZONAand#160;takes beginning readers on a whirlwind tour ofand#160; the Grand Canyon Stateand#160;with theand#160;Mr. Geo. Join this fun and funny geography teacher as he visits national parks, popular attractions, historic sites, and natural wondersand#160;in the deserts and canyons of the Southwest.
Synopsis
Say hello toand#160;Mr. Geo, everybodyand#8217;s favorite geography teacher! He's on a missionand#160;to visit all fifty states.and#160;Todayand#160;heand#8217;s visiting Arizona, the Grand Canyon State.and#160;His first stop is theand#160;Grand Canyonand#160;for a mule rideand#160;toand#160;the bottom,and#160;where he'lland#160;boardand#160;aand#160;raft and rowand#160;the mightyand#160;rapids of the Colorado River. Then he will visit the Navajo Nation, a town from the Wild West, and the Painted Desert.and#160;Join Mr. Geo on his travels around Arizona.and#160;Together, you will discover what makes this a stateand#160;to celebrate.
This entertaining and educational mix of travel, geography, history, and pop culture includes maps and learning activities. Great for beginning readers!
Synopsis
Join Mr. Geo on his whirlwind tour ofand#160;and#160;Virginia and nearby Washington, D.C., in thisand#160;Level 3 Green Light Reader.and#160;CELEBRATINGand#160;VIRGINIAand#160;and#160;combines travel with social studies in a way that's entertaining and educational.and#160; This latest installment in Green Light Reader's new, non nonfiction, easy reader seriesand#160;aboutand#160;the 50 states makes stops in Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia Beach,and#160;a wild ponyand#160;refuge,and#160;scenic mountain trails, and much, much more. and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;
Synopsis
Say hello toand#160;Mr. Geo, everybodyand#8217;s favorite geography teacher! He loves to explore new places.and#160;Todayand#160;heand#8217;s visiting Virginia,and#160;our firstand#160;colony.and#160;His first stop is Harborfestand#160;toand#160;ride a Tall Ship. Then he's off to seeand#160;dolphins splashing at Virginia Beach, andand#160;wild poniesand#160;galloping onand#160;Assateague Island.and#160;Other stops include historic sites,and#160;scenic wonders, and nearby Washington, D.C.and#160;Join Mr. Geo on his travels around Virginia.and#160;Together, you will discover what makes this a stateand#160;to celebrate.
This entertaining and educational mix of travel, geography, history, and pop culture includes maps and learning activities. Great for beginning readers!
About the Author
JANEandnbsp;KURTZandnbsp;lives in Portland, Oregon.andnbsp;Sheandnbsp;has written more than thirty fiction and nonfiction books for children,andnbsp;includingandnbsp;Lanie and Lanieand#39;s Real Adventure from theandnbsp;American Girl Today series,andnbsp;Anna Was Here,andnC.B. Canga has illustrated numerous early chapter books, including Field Trip Mysteries by Steve Brezenoff. He lives in Pleasant Hill, California.