KIZZY ANN STAMPS by Jeri Watts

A beautiful story about a young black girl living on her family farm and going to an integrated school for the first time in 1963. The story starts as letters written by Kizzy Ann to her new teacher in the summer before school starts. It continues once school begins as journal entries, still written as letters to her teacher.

Kizzy Ann is a fantastic character! So honest and authentic as she shares her observations about integration and race relations as well as the mood in the country after President Kennedy is killed, which happens in the middle of her school year. The story centers around Kizzy Ann's relationship with her dog, Shag - how Shag cared for Kizzy Ann when she was scarred in an accident, how Kizzy Ann cared for Shag when Shag was hurt protecting Kizzy Ann, and how Kizzy Ann learned to train Shag to herd sheep. It is also about family and friendship and community.

I don't usually read historical fiction. I only read this because it was a preview book I received for our Scholastic Book fair last month. But this touched me greatly. I had the same reaction to this as I had to Inside Out and Back Again last year. There are 2 swear words in this book. I sincerely hope that won't keep students and parents and teachers from spending time with this exceptional story. This will have appeal for animal lovers as well as kids who like historic or realistic fiction. Teachers might be able to use this in their writing instruction/emphasis.

5 out of 5 stars
AR Reading Level of 5.2

NON-FICTION FOR KIDS: What Was the March on Washington? by Kathleen Krull

From the publisher who brings us the excellent Who Was... biography series comes a new line of books that explore historical events rather than historical people. This particular book was a great history of the Civil Rights march in Washington DC in August of 1963. This book introduces readers to the leaders and planners of the event as well as the speakers involved, including but not limited to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 6.1

PICTURE BOOKS: Helen's Big World by Doreen Rappaport AND Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington by Jabari Asim

A biography picture book about Helen Keller with beautiful painted pictures and quotes from Keller about her life. The quotes were the most powerful part of the book. My favorite part is a page that shows writing samples over the period of about a year as Helen's learning had really clicked and she was making tremendous progress very quickly. An amazing story. Great addition to any library or classroom.

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 4.9





This biography focuses on Washington's youth and his dream and drive to learn. Inspiring. Would make a great addition to a library or classroom's Black History month materials or for units on biographies of famous people who shaped our world.

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 4.9

PICTURE BOOKS: Rosa's Bus by Jo S. Kittinger AND America the Beautiful: Together We Stand

This story, about Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, focuses on the bus itself while still telling the whole story. It shares the history of bus issues before Rosa's famous choice not to give up her seat, showing how her action (by inaction) was the final straw in a long-brewing issue in the civil rights movement. The book also shares what happened to the bus after its famous moment in time.

5 out of 5 stars - excellent! A new perspective on a familiar story.
AR reading level of 4.6

Lovely pictures to go with the words of "America the Beautiful," with quotes from American presidents. The book jacket doubles as a poster of our country's presidents in order from George to Barack.

4 out of 5 stars

Both of these books were in our Scholastic book fair this spring and both were ones I couldn't wait to share with our history teachers. These would be lovely additions to a classroom or school library for units on Presidents Day or Black History month or other historic celebrations of our nation and our history

CHAPTER BOOK: I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 by Lauren Tarshis

Thomas and his litter sister, Birdie, are slaves during the Civil War. When Thomas is in danger of being sold to more brutal slave owners, the two run away. After a long, difficult journey, they end up with a group of Union soldiers who care for them. The kids hear stories of the war - and they see it's horrors first hand at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Review
Another great story in this historical fiction series. My students can't get enough of these, and I know they are going to love this, too. This is an honest story of war without being excessive about the reality of war and slavery. Thomas and Birdie are great characters. Tarshis does a great job of providing a satisfying ending without resorting to an unrealistic "everything is perfect" ending which would be rare in a wartime situation. I bought this book from Scholastic in a book fair preview pack for our school's spring book fair. This is one my students will be very excited about!!

4 out of 5 stars
This book has not released yet, so there is no AR level at this time.

Recommended for: readers in 3rd grade and up, fans of historical fiction, fans of previous books in this series, fans of war stories, classroom teachers looking for material for Black History Month in February.

PICTURE BOOK: Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin A. Ramsey

A sad story about how blacks were treated in our country in the 1950s. A family driving from Chicago to Alabama to visit family is refused service time after time because they are black. The family discovers The Green Book which tells them about places on their travel route that will serve blacks.

On one level, I was appalled at this reminder of how callous and cruel people were (and unfortunately, still are) to others because of the color of their skin. As a teacher, though, I was thrilled with this well-written story about a part of our history I hadn't heard before. I think this will be a great addition to our library - a book I will definitely share during Black History Month in February as well as showcasing with my students at other times during the school year.

4 out of 5 stars
AR Reading Level of 4.6

No cautions

TUESDAY: Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

Summary
A beautiful summary of the words and purpose of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's life, highlighting his emphasis on love over hate, cooperation over separation, and change/what is right over "waiting" and the status quo.

Review
This displays great highlights of Dr. King's life. I love the fact that several parts say he walked and talked and sang and prayed with people. The illustrations by Bryan Collier, done in a combination of water color and collage, are rich and warm.


I met the illustrator at a conference recently and found him to be inspiring. I loved listening to him share back story on the people and stories he's worked on and his philosophy of art, creativity, and picture books.


4 stars out of 5
AR level of 3.4


Recommended for: all readers, classroom and library collections, Black History Month reading time and displays, celebrations of Dr. King's birthday in January


Cautions: none