Naomi and her younger brother Clive live with their great-grandmother at Avocado Acres Trailer Ranch until their mother unexpectedly arrives. A custody battle follows, and Naomi and Clive travel with their great-grandmother to Mexico to search for their father. After connecting with him in Oaxaca, they return home to California and Naomi has the strength to speak clearly at the custody hearing.

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Nominee 2007

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 1/27/2011

ISBN-10: 0439269695

ISBN-13: 9780439269698

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The year is 1302, or year 680 of the Hegira according to the Muslim calendar. Halima, a member of the Beduin tribe, Beni Khalid, has been betrothed to her cousin, Atiyah, since they were small. She dreams of one day being his wife. Uncle Saladeen arrives, and takes Atiyah to study at the university in Fez. Atiyah wants only to marry Halima and take over the leadership of the Beni Khalid when his adoptive father can no longer lead. After Atiyah leaves, the tribe must migrate to find food and water, and Halima is lost during a sandstorm. She gives herself up for dead. A hunter of the rival tribe, Beni Shummar, finds Halima and she is nursed back to health in the tribal encampment. The sheikh makes an offer of marriage, an offer that Halima, because of courtesy and custom, must accept, but she holds out hope that Atiyah will find her. Sequel to Ramsay Scallop.

Similar books: Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples

Reviewed by: vfv

Date read: 8/14/2012

ISBN-10: 0531095193

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Fourth grader Riley wants to play the saxophone in the school band, but his mom can't afford to rent one for him. When his class is assigned historical characters for a project, Riley finds himself as Teddy Roosevelt. He asks himself what Teddy would have done to earn something he wanted? Read this book to find out, and enjoy the hilarious biography tea at the end where he and all his classmates show up in costume.

Awards nominated: 2011 Bluestem Nominee

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 8/12/2010

ISBN-10: 0374306575

ISBN-13: 9780374306571

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Commenter: Michele, grade 0

This fun retelling of Benjamin Franklin's life is by his mouse friend Amos. Learn about the War of Independence, diplomacy in France, and Franklin's many inventions. According to Amos, most of Franklin's best ideas came straight from him!

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 8/25/2011

ISBN-10: 0316517321

ISBN-13: 9780316517324

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Abby's dream has come true. She finally has her very own horse, Griffin. She can't wait to brush, feed, and ride him. But will she have to give up everything else in order to care for Griffin? Even her best friend?

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 10/25/2010

ISBN-10: 0823422542

ISBN-13: 9780823422548

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