30. The Cod's Tale by Mark Kurlansky (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2001)

PICTURE BOOK: NONFICTION (ages 7-10)

Brief Description: This book covers the development of cod fishing and the effects of overfishing in general. Told with accompanying illustrations, the book relates the story of the cod and how it came to be a huge industry on the continental shelves around the Atlantic Ocean.

Awards: Orbis Pictus Award

Personal Opinion: The illustrations and accompanying text dramatically portray first the habitat, lifecycle and enemies of the cod - which is a perfect segue into the story of how Cod's greatest enemy, man, has exploited the fishing of the cod to near extinction. I hadn't realized the part the Basques played in the waters off North America; because they did not plant a flag, they lost their fishing rights to Britain and France. I enjoyed The Story of Salt, and was delighted to read another of Kurlansky's books, however frightening the outcome of overfishing.

Curriculum/Programming: I would include this book on a display of books on fishing, and would also add it as required reading for a science curriculum on the study of sustaining the Earth's resources.

29. Luna by Julie Ann Peters (Little Brown, 2006)

BOOK: TRANSGENDER/TRANSSEXUAL (age 14+)

Brief Description: This touching story has narrator Regan explaining her relationship with her brother as he attempts to transition; Liam has known since he was very young that he was born a girl in a boy’s body, but he has kept this secret from everyone except his sister. While high school senior Liam successfully keeps his secret identity under wraps, he yearns to be free and express himself as the female Luna. Tension builds to a satisfying conclusion as the reader comes to understand the complexities of and gain a deep insight into the heart and thoughts of one who is transgender, and even sees the affect that keeping secrets can have, not only for Liam, but also for his sister Regan.

Awards:

• 2004 National Book Award Finalist in Young People’s Literature

• 2005 Stonewall Honor Book, awarded by the GLBTQ Round Table of the American Library Association

• An American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults 2005

• 2005 Colorado Book Award for Young Adult Literature

• 2005 Lambda Literary Award Finalist

• 2004 Borders Original Voices Award Finalist

Personal Opinion: Once I finished the book, I missed Luna and her sister Regan and felt hopeful for them both. I have to admit that I had been fairly ignorant concerning transgender and transsexual people, but Luna was a wonderful introduction into understanding and appreciating the hardship that may be encountered by a transgendered person. What was most beautiful about the novel was the relationship between the two siblings; it was interesting to discover that Luna's plight was difficult, but it carried over to Regan who shouldered the responsibility of keeping Luna's secret. Once Luna liberated herself, Regan, too, was able to spread her own wings and find the freedom that Luna so desperately desired. This was a very touching novel, one whose characters I won't soon forget.

Curriculum/Programming: The book would make an exceptional addition to an upper grade unit on understanding transgender and transsexual teens, and would be a great way to introduce the hardship that they may experience. I think the book would help kids respect differences in others.

28. The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti (Simon and Schuster, 2007)

BOOK: ROMANCE (ages 12+)

Brief Description: Jade has an anxiety disorder and is very introspective. To keep herself calm, she watches the web cam in the Elephant pen at the Woodland Park Zoo near where she lives. When she sees a young guy in a red jacket repeatedly, she falls for him without meeting him. Jade eventually works through many of her problems and actually meets Sebastian, who has a young son. Chapters begin with a quote about animal behavior that is mirrored in the events of that chapter.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I was initially disinterested in this book, but gradually grew to truly love and care about Jade and worried about her finding her way in the world. It's her senior year, and she's quite lost, not understanding her place even within her own family. Jade becomes a volunteer working with the elephants at the zoo when she finally meets Sebastian, about whom she's only fantasized. They become close quickly, and their relationship is lovely, tender, and quite moving, but Sebastian is harboring a secret that threatens to destroy Jade's new found security. I loved the book and spent quite some time considering the characters long after I finished the book. While the flap indicates a recommended age of 12+, I see this book as one for a much more sophisticated reader due to the nuances of Jades introspection, but a more sophisticated younger reader might enjoy it as well. The elephants themselves are entirely lovable as are all the truly well-drawn characters. Deb Caletti does a great job with this gorgeous and gentle novel.

Curriculum/Programming: I think this book would serve well as a discussion point for a psychology course. Jade is unbelievably self-reflective, and her dealing with her anxiety disorder might make for some good conversations.

27. Sports Illustrated Kids - June, 2011

MAGAZINE (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: "Sports Illustrated Kids," a monthly publication, covers sports highlights for that month and includes all major sports. A removable poster of two sports figures is included each month as well as removable sports figure cards. The "favorites" section includes various monthly features such as "Tips from the Pros," "Scouting Report," and "What's the Call?" Great action shots and other photography pepper the pages of this exciting monthly magazine. Most articles feature men's sports, but a few articles focused on women athletes. Very few advertisements are present.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: This magazine was gorgeously photographed with action shots - and huge spreads throughout the publication. I enjoyed the featured articles as well as the monthly favorites like "Freeze Frame." While most articles are short, there are a few longer and fairly well-written pieces as well. I noticed a lack of information concerning college-level athletes, but that may be because of the season.

Curriculum/Programming: This magazine offers an excellent addition to a PE Curriculum and would help create a wonderful discussion about various aspects of major league sports.

26. Storm Runners by Roland Smith, Narrated by Ramon de Ocampo (Scholastic, 2011)

AUDIO BOOK: ACTION/ADVENTURE (ages 11-15)

Brief Description: Chase and his dad are on their own after the deaths of his mother and sister. When Chase's dad is struck by lightning picking up power tools that Chase left in the yard, and he survives, their lives change forever...again. A contractor, John Masters decides to become a "storm runner" - the guys head to wherever a natural disaster is imminent and "help" folks shore up against the impending storm; when the storm's over, John helps the owners rebuild, and that's not for free. So the guys are heading into Category 5 Hurricane Emily in Florida. Chase has been trained to survive in a myriad of situations and to trust his instincts, but against his better judgment, he boards a school bus when he knows the storm will hit the small town of Palm Breeze, Florida. His prediction is spot on when Emily bears down on his little town while his Dad is further south. This doomed bus ride lands Chase and two classmates in some serious trouble when Emily finally makes landfall.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I'm a weather nut, so this book was engaging and action-packed; tween guys will like the fast pace and excitement that the story offers. What I didn't realize is that the reader has to read The Surge, the next in the series to be released in September, to find out what happens next as Mr. Smith leaves the reader hanging on a thread at the book's end. I liked these two characters, and the secondary characters, for that matter - they were convincing, quirky, and evoked sympathy. The pacing is perfect, keeping the reader completely engrossed in the story. With carefully planted foreshadowing, we learn that the farm where Chase is staying could see serious trouble if electricity is lost; the farm is the winter home of a circus of animals. At the book's end, freed circus animals up the ante in this hurricane of danger.

Curriculum/Programming: Storm Runners would be great as a supplement to a science class dealing with meteorology. Also, the book illustrates survival skills and thus would be excellent as a program focusing on utilizing boy scout skills in serious and life-threatening situations.

25. The Westing Game, Narrated by Jeff Woodman (Recorded Books, 1998)

AUDIO BOOK: MYSTERY (ages 9-12)

Brief Description: Ellen Raskin has woven an intricately plotted mystery with a cast of characters that won't soon be forgotten. An excellent narration by Jeff Woodman enhances the story significantly. A motley cast has been invited to live in Sunset Towers; the will of wealthy Sam Westing is read naming them all heirs, and each receives $10,000 with the promise of over two million if a puzzle is solved. As the characters work in pairs to solve the clues they receive, much is revealed of their characters and "who did it" is surprisingly elusive. Readers will be delighted by the satisfying ending.

Awards: Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence, 1978; Newbery Medal, 1979

Personal Opinion: This conundrum of a book was one of the most exciting reads of the 50 for this assignment. I thought Raskin's characters were particularly well drawn, the plot steady, increasing in suspense, and even the setting beautifully conveyed. I was completely fooled by the mystery and didn't expect the ending, but hoped for one of the characters to be the victor, and I was not disappointed. I kept expecting, as the judge expressed, a very harsh ending like the one in Ten Little Indians by Christie, but was most pleasantly surprised and satisfied by Raskin's clever wrap up to this story.

Jeff Woodman's audio was superb; perhaps the best narration I've heard to date (and I listen to MANY books on audio). His accents, inflections, and voices, brought the characters to vivid life. I found myself frustrated as I wanted to read faster than the audio due to the intrigue, but went right back to the narration because of Woodman's depiction of the characters I had grown to love. Story, characters, setting, narration - all combine to make The Westing Game absolutely PERFECT!

Curriculum/Programming: There are many applications possible with this book and narration, but I would use the book to explore the genre of mystery with my students. In fact, I'd use it with my 8th grade class before I began reading Christie or Doyle as it is the perfect introduction, especially to Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie.

24. Swim the Fly by Don Calame (Candlewick, 2009)

BOOK: HUMOR (ages 13-16)

Brief Description: Three best friends continue their yearly summer tradition of meeting an agreed upon goal; this summer's goal, though, has upped the ante. They must, but summer's end, see a live girl completely naked. When Matt takes on more than he can manage by volunteering to do the butterfly for the summer swim team, all sorts of mayhem ensues. This hysterically funny book is the first for author Don Calame, but let's hope it's not the last. As we watch Coop, Matt and Sean attempt what even they admit is probably an unreachable goal, the teen dialogue and character development is spot on and unmistakably hilarious.

Awards: Thumbs Up! Award, 2010; White Pine Award, 2011

Personal Opinion: The prude in me initially found the honest language between the boys quite "out there," but I soon overcame this foolishness as I learned more about the characters and their friendship. Matt narrates the story, letting us in on his ridiculously funny situations. I can't think of a more hilarious book that I've ever read, causing this reader to fully put the book down and wait until the laughter began to subside to continue reading. Not kidding. Reading it out loud was even better.

Programming/Curriculum: This would be the perfect book to assign as summer reading, and it would be a great selection for a boy's book club. It would be great as essential reading for a swim team as well, just for fun.