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Elish, Dan
8 Reviews
(3)
4-6
Captured History series.
In presidential photographer Pete Souza's iconic 2011 photo, President Obama and his advisors watch and wait as U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six storms Osama bin Laden's Pakistan compound--resulting in the death of the terrorist leader and 9/11 mastermind. Accompanied by well-chosen photographs, this matter-of-fact account provides adequate information for school reports. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.
Reviewer: Meredith Madyda
(3)
4-6
Prodigious eleven-year-old composer Daphna attends the titular school founded by Ignatious Blatt, mogul of the quirky technology that abounds in the book's unspecified future setting. After Daphna's mother disappears, Daphna and her friends use their widely varied talents in an investigation that reveals secrets about Daphna's past--and Blatt's. Readers willing to suspend their disbelief should enjoy the book's humor and mystery.
Reviewer: Shoshana Flax
(4)
4-6
After his parents' divorce, Evan is forced to move from Manhattan to the small town of Appleton, Indiana. As he tries to fit in with his mostly-Christian classmates--right before his bar mitzvah--he discovers who his true friends are. Though the themes (friendship, self-awareness, manhood) are run-of-the-mill, the appealing cast of quirky characters will keep readers interested.
Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Greg Call.
After his father is "dadnapped," it's up to Jimmy and his friends to save Earth from the apparent culprits: woodchucks from outer space. The book features likable odd characters and a gentle environmental message. While not as all-out campy and clever as M. T. Anderson's Whales on Stilts, this zany, fast-paced adventure will attract a similar readership.
Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay
(4)
YA
Five-foot-one Matt Greene becomes increasingly jealous of his best friend Keith, a school basketball star who always has a girlfriend--and is significantly taller than Matt. When Matt wishes aloud that Keith would suffer some bad luck, the two friends experience a (maybe) coincidental reversal of fortunes. The facile prose is overly slick, but the humorous story features solid characterizations and an authentic New York City setting.
Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta
(4)
4-6
It's My State! series.
Each of the books in this formulaic series offers information about a particular state's geography, history, economy, and environmental concerns in a dry text. Illustrated with captioned color photos and cartoony drawings, the books also include state facts such as flag, bird, tree, song, flower, etc. A related craft idea is included. Reading list, websites, timeline. Ind. [Review covers these It's My State! titles: Texas, Massachusetts, California, New York, Maryland, and Illinois.]
Reviewer: Barbara Barstow
(3)
4-6
Great Journeys series.
The 1838-39 forced relocation of the Cherokee from Georgia to Oklahoma is related in a clearly written text. Personal narratives from both government officials and Native people are woven throughout the book, offering opposing perspectives on this major event in American history. Archival images and maps add interest. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta
(3)
4-6
Celebrate the States series.
Four states and the District of Columbia are surveyed in volumes that discuss the history, geography, and people of each area. The well-rounded portraits touch on difficult issues such as poverty and Michigan's controversial Dr. Jack Kevorkian. Each volume contains maps, fact sheets, a chronology, and tourist information. Postcard-quality color photographs accompany the texts. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.
8 reviews
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