In 1878,the young Muldie boys, along with their father, travel across the United States to find land for themselves. They find land in Kansas, but face many hardships, including starvation. Will the Muldie boys be able to take care of themselves when their father leaves to find better land for the family?

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0064440524

ISBN-13: 9780064440523

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'Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa' by Jeanette Winter tells about Wangari Maathai's stuggle to bring the 'green' back to her native Kenya. Due to an increasing demand for lumber, most of Kenya's trees had been cut down. Where it had once been a paradise, Kenya was now battling soil erosion, crop failure, and barren land. Wangari was determined to reverse these changes. She decided to start reforesting Kenya by planting nine little seedlings. She enlisted the help of village woman to plant additional trees. This idea, known as the Green Belt Movement, spread throughout Africa. All across Africa, women were planting trees. In 2004, Wangari Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to world peace. In this story, we learn how one person's courage and determination changed the world.

Similar authors: Donna Napoli; Nelda La Teef

Similar books: Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Napoli; Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace by Jen Cullerton; The Market Lady and the Mango Tree by Pete Watson; The Hunter and the Ebony tree by Nelda La Teef; Nobel's Women of Peace by Michelle Benjamin; Path's To Peace: People Who Changed The World by Jane Breskin Zalben

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/28/2010

ISBN-10: 0152065458

ISBN-13: 9780152065454

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This book is narrated by Joey, a mixed-breed horse, thoroughbred and draft horse. His first memory is of an auction, when he was sold to a farmer. The farmer's son, Bert, knows that Joey is HIS horse, and trains him to be a runner and field horse. When World War I breaks out, Bert's father sells Joey to the British Armed Forces. Distraught, Bert vows that he will enlist and follow Joey as soon as he is old enough. The story follows Joey through his experiences as a war horse, first with the British and then with the Germans, as he is captured as a spoil of war. Will Joey survive the war and will Bert be able to find him?

Awards nominated: 2013 Bluestem Nominee

Reviewed by: vverscaj

Date read: 6/5/2010

ISBN-10: 0439796636

ISBN-13: 9780439796637

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Amos Kincaid's journey through life is quite the adventure. Set in the mid 1800's, pioneer life comes alive with trappers, Indians, life on the Oregon Trail, and everything in between. We watch as Amos grows up, learn right along with him survival and coping skills, and most importantly, discover what it means to have a special gift passed from generation to generation. Amos is the son of a son of a son of a son with the dowser's gift-the ability to locate water. This gift threads through the story, unifying the elements of mother, father, son, and all the people whose lives touch one another. The audiobook is an incredible listen. Will Patton's voice draws you into the story and you feel like you are right there living the life of a pioneer.

Reviewed by: adf

Date read: 7/21/2010

ISBN-10: 0805080201

ISBN-13: 9780805080209

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It is 1967 when Holling Hoodhood starts 7th grade at Camillo Junior High in Long Island. His teacher Mrs. Baker hates him, all because of Wednesday afternoons. Half of his class goes to Catechism at 1:55 and the other class goes to Hebrew school at 1:45. That leaves Holling, the only Presbyterian, and Mrs. Baker alone for the rest of the afternoon. There is no sense in covering material she would just have to repeat for the other students, so Holling does chores. He cleans chalkboard erasers, sharpens pencils and once, only once, is asked to clean the pet rats' cage. Then Mrs. Baker has a brilliant idea; she would have Holling read Shakespeare! Will Holling survive 7th grade? Is Mrs. Baker really trying to find a way to kill him? Read The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt to find out.

Awards won: Newbery Honor 2008

Reviewed by: cal

Date read: 5/19/2009

ISBN-10: 054723760X

ISBN-13: 9780547237602

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