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September 1, 2010

Also in this article: Multimedia News Multimedia Distributors

VIDEO/DVD

Early Childhood

Dwizzle Dee: Colors, Sizes, Songs & Imagination! DVD. 30 min. Cinema Werx. 2009, 2010 release. $9.95.
PreS–Welcome to Ms. Ashley’s animated class where cute Sesame Street-esque puppets Lenny, Penny, and Gifford are gathered. After introducing herself, she asks each of her students and viewers about themselves. Next, the class explores the concepts of color and size while looking at a picture of three flowers. Ms. Ashley asks the class, and viewers, several questions about the picture. Which flower is the smallest? What color is this flower? What else is blue? When asking questions about the colors of the flowers, objects such as a banana, a fire truck, and grass are shown. Following the lesson, the students move outside and are sent off in pairs to find two flowers. When they return inside, they learn about bees and imagine themselves as bees that must buzz in order to land on the various colored flowers. The concepts of size and color are clear and reinforced throughout the production. Ms. Ashley’s voice is often stilted with little inflection. The words of the songs performed by the characters are not always clear and are sung too quickly to facilitate an immediate sing-along for viewers. An additional purchase for larger collections.–Veronica Schwartz De Fazio, Plainfield Public Library, IL

Guidance–General

Bullies Never Win. DVD. 11:05 min with tchr’s. guide online. Spoken Arts. 2010. ISBN 0-8045-8130-4: $50; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 0-8045-4210-2: $29.95.
Gr 1-3–Jessica, who first appeared in Margaret Cuyler’s 100th Day Worries (2000) and Hooray for Reading Day (2008) is back in this new episode (2010, all S & S) in Jessica the Worrier series. In this story, the girl’s worries are exacerbated by Brenda the Bully, a jealous classmate who berates Jessica whenever she does something well. Jessica takes the teasing to heart, changing her clothes, hiding her homework, quitting kickball, even eating alone to avoid criticism. The constant worry affects Jessica’s sleep and causes her to feign illness to skip school. At her mother’s urging, Jessica tells the teacher about her bullying problem, and Brenda calls Jessica a tattletale. The solution to the problem comes from Jessica’s new friend, who tells her that people need to stand up to bullies. Jessica finds the courage to say that “bullies never win!” The fact that this causes Brenda to back off seems somewhat implausible, but it is only one of several solutions that are presented to deal with bullying. Cuyler introduces the video, confesses to being bullied, and advises youngsters to seek the help of adults if Jessica’s solution doesn’t work for them. Arthur Howard’s charming watercolor illustrations come to life in close-ups and panning that create a sense of movement. Randye Kaye’s fine narration gives each character an age-appropriate voice. The teacher’s guide offers a brief summary, objectives, and questions for discussion. Jessica’s experience will generate some good conversations about bullying.–MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Wired for Sex, Lies and Power Trips. DVD. 45 min. Prod. by Teensworld Prods. Dist by Women Make Movies. 2009, 2010 release. $89.
Gr 7 Up–Teenagers and those working with them should watch this excellent, up-to-date, comprehensive documentary that’s jam-packed with information about teen sexual harassment. Informative but engrossing, wise but non-judgmental, this Canadian production immerses viewers in the perspectives of culturally diverse Toronto teens as they untangle the assumptions that lead to harassment and the reasons people do not voice objections. The greatest strength of the film is its empathetic and balanced exploration of the ways both genders can work together towards solving this problem. The teens are terrific on camera: unscripted, honest, and insightful. The production style resembles a 1990s MTV reality show more than a contemporary one, but it is fast-paced and visually rich. The majority of harassment scenarios are small, subtle examples of “boundary-crossing” rather than violent assault, but teens should still be warned about the sensitive subject matter. Segments of the film could be used effectively to teach lessons on topics such as peer pressure; male-female communication; dating safety; gossip; and the role of the media, the Internet, and social networking in sexual behavior. School librarians and workshop leaders will rejoice at the bonus features, which include three 8-minute films on sexual pressures created by the teen participants and excellent discussion questions. Health teachers could shape an entire curriculum around this documentary.–Jess Hinds, Bard High School Early College–Queens, Long Island City, NY

Why Do Bullies Bully? (Lesson Booster Series). DVD. 14 min. with lesson plans on CD-ROM. Prod. by Sunburst Media. Dist. by Cerebellum. 2010. ISBN 1-59443-695-9. $79.95.
Gr 4-7–Bullying, a prevalent problem in schools, deserves guided, thoughtful discussions between teachers and students. This DVD may be a conversation-starter, but it is not a comprehensive resource on the topic. The narrator points out that teasing, name calling, and threatening are all forms of bullying. She states that most bullies “Pick on kids to feel powerful, get attention, or enjoy making people laugh at others’ expense.” The program features four scenarios—“What Bullies Do,” “Why Kids Do It,” “Don’t Become One,” and “Funny or Mean?”—followed by questions for viewers to brainstorm. The video clips depict realistic bullying incidents at home and at school, including at a sleepover, among siblings, on the school bus, and in the gym. However, no suggestions are given for dealing successfully with any of these disturbing situations. What does follow each of the vignettes after a few discussion questions is the producer’s self-promotion of an endless list of their other health and guidance titles. The lesson plans are merely reiterations of the scripts and follow-up questions for each scenario, with multiple misspellings. The program lacks the content to deal with this important issue.–Lonna Pierce, MacArthur Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Guidance–Careers

Careers for Teens (Series). 3 DVDs. 25 min. ea. Prod. by Smith Show Entertainment. Dist. by Library Video Co. 2009, 2010 release. $79.99 ser., $29.99 ea. Includes: Surgeon; Researcher; Pathologist.
Gr 7 Up–This series offers a clear and concise glimpse into three science-based professional fields: pathologist (forensic, academic, and surgical), researcher (clinical and biomedical), and surgeon. Pathologist, the weakest production, is divided into three parts: a mini-drama centered around two sisters, one of whom has cervical cancer, followed by a multiple choice review, and interviews with practicing pathologists. The other two films delve deeper into each field’s specific descriptions and requirements with a wonderful and snappy mix of informal interviews and real-life segments that feature people on the job. Emphasis is placed on not allowing disabilities, ethnic heritage, or gender (females entering a once dominate male category) to discourage teens from attaining their goal. Students are encouraged to find good mentors, not allow the cost of a college degree to dissuade them from their chosen career path, persevere, and follow their dreams. This series is a great tool to help teens decide if they are interested in a career in one of these science fields.–Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH

Secrets: Landing and Keeping a Job. DVD. 24 min. with tchr’s. guide nline. LearningZoneXpress. 2010. ISBN 1-57175-978-6. $49.95.
Gr 9 Up–This presentation is intended to help young people develop transferable job skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. The young actors identify skills that they have learned in school and in their community and apply them to working in a job. The program is filmed in a sitcom format, and the intended audience will not appreciate the slapstick humor. The vignette features an entire office of employees who have been given notice from corporate headquarters that they will all be laid off. Together, with a lot of lame antics, the officemates figure out how they can sell themselves to new employers. The silliness of the story and the juvenile humor overwhelm the message.–Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

Language Arts

Are You a Horse? DVD. 18 min. with tchr’s. guide. Nutmeg Media. 2010. ISBN 1-933938-73-0. $49.95.
PreS-Gr 2–As author/illustrator Andy Rash points out, anything can happen in a picture book (Arthur A. Levine Bks., 2009) about a cowboy who doesn’t know what a horse is. When cowboy Roy gets a saddle for his birthday, with instructions to find a horse and enjoy the ride, he begins his search, asking each creature he meets, “Are you a horse?” Everything he meets, from a squeaky wagon to a cactus to a crabby crab to a man-eating lion adds a bit of information to his picture of a horse. Each of the animals that Roy meets has the quality revealed in the previous encounter plus a unique characteristic so he can use deductive reasoning to identify a horse. At last, he identifies a real horse, and enjoys a very odd horsey ride. While Rash admits in the Conversation with the Author section that it is implausible for a cowboy in the West to meet crabs, zebras, and many of the other creatures that Roy encounters, this absurdity only adds to the humor of the tale. Dave Calabrese’s narration gives each animal a distinct personality, from snake’s hissing response, to sloth’s slow, careful reply, to lion’s brash roar. A read-along version with captions is optional. Rash’s bright gouache and India ink cartoon illustrations, numerous gags and puns, and the general silliness of the story present a very effective lesson in critical thinking that will be enjoyed again and again.–MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Goldilocks & Mother Goose and Friends. DVD. 30 min. with tchr’s. guide. Nutmeg Media. 2010. ISBN 978-933938-67-6. $69.95.
PreS-Gr 2–In the tradition of folk literature, Ruth Sanderson retells the tale of Goldilocks (2009). It begins as a more customary version with the golden-haired girl entering a bear family’s cozy cottage and tasting porridge, sitting in chairs, and ultimately trying out the beds in various sizes. Sanderson, however, takes the tale in a different direction by providing a lesson, a bit of tension, and the start of a friendship between the bears and the girl. There’s even a recipe for muffins that Mamma Bear makes from the blueberries in Goldilocks’ basket. Sanderson’s charming illustrations are not animated; rather, the camera moves across the images to give the feeling of motion. The highly realistic, idealized art brings to life a satisfying and fresh version of the familiar tale with very human bears and a rather naughty girl who gets her comeuppance. Mother Goose and Friends (2008. both Little, Brown) is presented similarly. Sanderson’s realistically rendered, gorgeous illustrations present a magical, almost nostalgic interpretation of both traditional and credited rhymes. Male and female voices alternate reading the short verses. The final DVD chapter is an interview with Sanderson in which she discusses her artistic inspiration. This segment is best suited to older children and adults. A fine way to share one artist’s interpretation of both the familiar folktale and traditional rhymes with larger groups of children.–Maria Salvadore, formerly Washington DC Public Library

Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival. DVD. 20 min. Nutmeg Media. 2010. ISBN 1-933938-72-2. $49.95.
K-Gr 3–When hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, the loss of life and property was great. The impact on pets was often just as dramatic. Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery based their award-winning book (Walker, 2008) on the true story of a cat and a dog that teamed up to survive. Both had bobbed tails, hence the names they were given at the animal shelter where they were eventually placed. The authors can only speculate on why Bobcat and Bobbie were left behind, and how they survived before being befriended by a construction worker months after the hurricane. The discovery that Bobcat was blind only enhanced this remarkable tale of friendship. Both animals were eventually adopted by a woman in Oregon where they live today. The authors take turns reading their evocative book. Gentle background music and some sound effects enhance the production as Jean Cassel’s warm, detailed gouache illustrations are scanned iconographically. The “After the Storm” epilogue has been augmented with additional photographs of Bobcat and Bobbie in their new home. The production also includes brief interviews in which the authors discuss the writing process, the challenges and joys of shared writing, and the source of their inspiration. This excellent story will be enjoyed in classroom situations.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Mathematics

The 100th Day of School (Holidays for Children Series). DVD. 12 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Library Video Co. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4171-0942-5. $29.95.
Gr 2-5–The concept of the 100th day of school is explored through a series of math activities in this live-action film. A teacher explains that this special day marks a milestone in the school year, and defines the term milestone. Six diverse students share their collections of 100 objects. The instructor asks viewers whether 100 is a little or a lot; children note that 100 stuffed animals or school buses is a lot, while 100 grains of rice is relatively little. One hundred baseball cards may not seem like a lot, but it took a long time to build the collection. Later, a girl uses estimation to guess which of three jars contains 100 jellybeans. Another mathematical concept covered is time measurement. Pictures of a 100-minute-old baby are compared with that of a 100-hour, 100-day, 100-week, 100-month, and 100-year-old person. Youngsters also imagine what life was like a century ago and make a list of things that did not exist back then, including cell phones, credit cards, computers, and TV. Viewers are challenged to imagine what kinds of things will exist 100 years in the future. Children count 100 pennies in piles of 10 and learn about the root word “cent” along with distance measurements. The importance of zero in place value is demonstrated as well. Viewers can read along with the captions and have the opportunity to answer additional questions. Narration is also available in Spanish. Upbeat music and bright splashes of color add energy to this educational offering.–Barbara Auerbach, P.S. 217, Brooklyn, NY

Science

Black Wave: The Legacy of the Exxon Valdez. video or DVD. 99 min./52 min. with tchr’s guide. Bullfrog Films. 2008, 2010 release. video: ISBN 1-59458-923-2, DVD: ISBN 1-59458-924-0. $295.
Gr 10 Up–This is a commanding investigation of the impact of the March 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, and it is especially pertinent because of the devastating 2010 spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The program features Riki Ott, a scientist who has written two books about the spill, and focuses on citizens of Cordova, Alaska, whose lives were forever changed by this environmental catastrophe. Between 11 and 38 million gallons of oil spilled into Prince William Sound and spread 1200 miles from the point of impact; more than half of the oil stayed in the Sound. Exxon, who declined to be interviewed for this documentary, did not have a cleanup plan and was slow to mobilize its efforts. Initially ordered to pay $5 billion dollars to plaintiffs, Exxon appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court and had to pay only a fraction of that amount. Oil killed fish populations, poisoned wildlife, and sickened many of the people who worked the cleanup. The 99-minute version includes additional details about the building of the Alaska pipeline and the cleanup, and features more personal stories than the edited film. Classes across the curriculum can utilize this program, and it should be included in all library collections.–Patricia Ann Owens, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Mt. Carmel

Earth Days (American Experience Series). DVD. approx. 1:45 hrs. Prod. by WGBH Educational Foundation and Robert Stone Prods. Dist. by PBS Distribution. 2009, 2010 release. $24.99.
Gr 8 Up–This timely look back to the origins of both the Earth Day celebration and the birth of the American environmental movement features valuable archival footage along with narration by nine key players. The late Stewart Udall, former Secretary of the Interior; Paul Ehrlich, author of The Population Bomb; Stewart Brand, creator of the Whole Earth Catalog; and Dennis Hayes, organizer of the first Earth Day are among those whose recollections give meaning to the environmental revolution. The movement’s beginnings go back to the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, and historical footage shows the attempted demonization of the book and its author. Viewers will be incredulous at footage showing the spraying of children with DDT and other noxious chemicals with no thought to their toxicity before Carson’s book brought about awareness of the dangers of unregulated chemical use. Footage also shows a succession of presidential statements paying lip service to growing environmental awareness. Although there is a bittersweet quality to the memory of the unfulfilled promise of the first Earth Day in 1970, the tone of the film is neither strident nor angry. Rather, there is hope that there may yet be positive movement towards environmental sustainability through the advancement of green technology. The recollections of these environmental pioneers enable viewers to understand the missed opportunities of yesterday and, hopefully, encourage working towards future solutions. A useful tool for environmental science and social history classes.–Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly Trinity-Pawling School Library, NY

The Pluto Files (NOVA Series). DVD. 56 min. Prod. by WGBH Foundation. Dist. by PBS Distribution. 2010. ISBN 978-1-60883-204-0. $24.99
Gr 7 Up–Based on the book of the same title by Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, the astronomer relives the controversy he helped ignite when New York’s Natural History Museum decided to stop calling Pluto a planet. Part cultural history and part science, the film explores how Pluto was discovered, why people are so enamored with it, and how the scientific community arrived at their decision to treat it only as a “plutoid.” Tyson speaks with leading scientists, beloved children’s characters, and, for reasons that are not entirely clear, celebrities like Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Diane Sawyer, and Brian Williams. The documentary uses a variety of animated graphics and archival images to effectively lead viewers through this story. The narrator’s quirky humor will maintain the interest of even the youngest viewers. The Pluto Files pays tribute to the planet and thoroughly explains why the solar system’s best-loved planet was demoted. Recommend for middle and high media centers and general science programs.–Vincent M Livoti, Sherrill Library, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

The Science of Imagineering: Friction. DVD. 30 min. with tchr’s. guide on CD-ROM. Disney Educational. 2010. ISBN 1-59753-249-5. $29.99.
Gr 5-8–High-energy and fast-paced fun makes this DVD a fascinating look at the science of tribology–friction. Disney Imagineers—those who design Disney theme park rides and attractions—showcase how the different types of friction—static, kinetic, and rolling—come into play in the world around us using examples and demonstrations from Disney parks, the Imagineering lab, and Disney Cruise ships. They demonstrate how drag is reduced on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, how a shuffleboard disk slows to a stop, how the tires on a race car roll on the pavement, how a cruise ship glides through the water with reduced drag and less fuel usage, and more. The well-spoken, energetic host also interviews other Imagineers who explain how their demonstration also pertains to their jobs, giving viewers insight into some fun careers. The DVD includes an interactive quiz on the material presented. There’s also a “try it yourself” experiment and an interactive activity to reinforce key concepts. The teacher’s guide includes additional activities, websites, experiments, and more. This high-energy, fast-paced program will entertain and instruct students.–Cynde Suite, Barstow County Library System, GA

Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai. DVD. 80 min./53 min. (closed captioned). Prod. by Marlboro Prods. Dist. by New Day Films. 2008, 2009 release. ISBN 978-1-57448-237-9. public libraries/high schools: $89.
Planting Hope: Wangari Maathai & the Green Belt Movement. DVD. 7 min. Prod. by Marlboro Prods. Dist. by takingrootfilm.com. 2009. $10. (Gr 2 Up)
Gr 9 Up–Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her efforts in establishing the Green Belt Movement, a grassroots undertaking that began with planting trees and expanded to a broader agenda including environmental protection, women’s rights, and civic education. The film, focusing on Maathai’s homeland of Kenya, elucidates the importance of the oral tradition in African history and the peoples’ relationships to the environment, and it reviews the impact of colonialism, deforestation, and decades of dictatorial rule on the country. The women of the communities not only confronted environmental degradation, they became a political force that helped unseat the dictatorship. Beginning as a small endeavor, the Green Belt Movement has now planted more than 35 million trees and transformed the lives of countless people. Professor Maathai’s personal story is inspiring, and she truly lives her mantra of empowering oneself and giving hope to others. Among the bonus features are interviews with Maathai and members of the Green Belt Movement. Planting Hope, a seven-minute synopsis of Taking Root, could be shown to students in the third grade and above and could be used to generate discussion. Geography, environmental studies, history, and sociology classes can utilize this DVD to study and investigate a plethora of current issues.–Patricia Ann Owens, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Mt. Carmel

Tapped. DVD. 75 min./54 min. Prod. by Atlas Films. Dist. by Bullfrog Films. 2009, 2010 release. ISBN 1-59458-939-9. $295.
Gr 9 Up–Focusing primarily on the bottled water industry, this award-winning documentary illustrates the far-reaching consequences, both local and Earth-wide, of the consumption of “manufactured” water. The film examines questions concerning who owns the water beneath the ground, who may profit from it, and at what cost. The often false claims of bottled water’s purity and safety are scrutinized, and the health ramifications involved with the use of certain plastics in the bottles are covered. In addition, the effects of discarding billions of plastic bottles into the environment are graphically illustrated. Using interviews with scientists, politicians, environmentalists, and corporate spokespersons, viewers are led to the conclusion that bottled water is a scourge upon the Earth. However, there is no strategy provided for overcoming the power of the large corporations who benefit from the proliferation of bottled drinking water other than drinking tap water. Politicians are shown to be impotent, environmentalists are frustrated, and the locals whose water and air are compromised are helpless. Students watching this film may choose to purchase fewer bottles of water, but change may not be imminent unless they are encouraged to participate in a more active political response. The edited version of the film is better suited to traditional class periods.–Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly Trinity-Pawling School, NY

What Darwin Never Knew (NOVA Series). DVD. approx. 1:52 min. Prod. by WGBH Foundation. Dist. by PBS Distribution. 2010. ISBN 978-1-6088-3098-5. $24.99.
Gr 9 Up–This program traces evolutionary science from Charles Darwin’s first observations concerning natural selection to the modern study of the Human Genome Project. Teams of scientists visit diverse locations, from the Galapagos Islands to the Mississippi River, to scrutinize the adaptations of different animals. The difference in the beak shapes and the sizes of different species of finches found on the Galapagos are shown. The necessity of the adaptation is explained, the different development in the embryonic stages is shown, and the way in which the genetic code differs is presented. Specialists from diverse fields contribute to this celebration of Darwin and the Theory of Evolution. However, numerous examples and testimony from so many experts bog down the pace of the production and its flow of information. For example, once it is explained how genetic switches can turn off the growth of spikes on the sides of Canadian fish, it is superfluous to illustrate the same process on fruit flies, mice, chimps, and humans. The program’s level of detail and the repetition of information add to its excessive length and may limit its usefulness in classroom settings.–Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Social Studies

The American Presidents: Revolution and the New Nation/Expansion and Reform. DVD. approx. 45 min. with tchr’s. guide. Disney Educational, 2010. ISBN 1-59753-247-9. $29.99.
Gr 3-8–In short, informative, entertaining biographies, this film introduces the first 11 presidents of the United States (1745-1861) and provides an overview of the events for which they are remembered. Maps, lively animation, images, and graphic representations help present the facts with humor and in an easily understood manner. Explanations by historians, authors, and other experts enhance the presentation. The DVD is divided into chapters, beginning with “The Making of the Presidency,” an overview of the causes of the American Revolution and the plans for the office of the president. The next two sections, “Presidents by Era,” are each introduced by a brief overview of the period that speculates about what we might be doing if we lived at that time. Era 1 covers the period of the Revolution and the New Nation, and includes presidents from George Washington through James Madison. Era 2 covers the presidents from James Monroe to James Polk. The information is presented in lively, cartoon-like fashion, with frequent references to current events and trends to help students make connections. The segment about Washington, for example, resembles a game show that tests how well we know our first president. At the end of each biography, the dates during which the individual held office and three facts about his presidency are given. There is also an interactive whiteboard game that uses video clips, photographs, and quotes to review the material. This informative and engaging program will spark interest in the classroom and enliven American history lessons.–MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Faces of America. DVD. 4 hrs. Prod. by WNET.org, Kunhardt Prods., and Inkwell Films. Dist. by PBS Distribution. 2010. ISBN 978-1-60883-202-6. $24.99.
Gr 9 Up–As our national debate about today’s immigration dilemma continues to grab headlines, Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. has crafted an impressive historical examination of the immigrant experiences in the families of 12 diverse and famous Americans. The four segments detail the backgrounds of poet Elizabeth Alexander, Chef Mario Batali, writers Louise Erdrich and Malcom Gladwell, Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, television host/physician Dr. Mehmet Oz, Her Majesty Queen Noor, as well as entertainers Stephen Colbert, Eva Longoria, Yo-Yo Ma, Mike Nichols, and Meryl Streep. Gates, while at times a somewhat overbearing and smug host, shares the vast amount of fascinating genealogical research his staff has compiled with each subject. The fourth segment explains the methods utilized in the research. Viewers will be moved by the individual examples of how immigration has shaped our country. The program features an amazing variety of vintage still photographs, live footage, copies of original documentation, and brilliant graphic presentations. Its overall organization, however, seems a bit disjointed as the producers attempt to link sections of each person’s family history based on somewhat vague common topics. As a result, each subject’s story is scattered among the program’s first three hours. The series development was underwritten by a number of philanthropic organizations as well as Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson, which are allowed brief commercials at the beginning of each segment. This useful, timely, entertaining, and informative film would be a good addition to school media collections and might spark viewers’ interest in learning more about their own ancestors.–Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Riddles of the Sphinx (NOVA Series). DVD. approx. 56 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Prod. by WGBH Educational Foundation. Dist. by PBS Distribution. 2010. ISBN 978-1-60883-191-3. $24.99.
Gr 9 Up–The Great Sphinx of Giza, an icon of Egypt’s Old Kingdom, has been both a national treasure and an object of curiosity for 4,500 years. At the time of its construction, the scribes wrote neither about why or how the Sphinx was built. Modern day archeologists have performed experiments and research to unlock the secrets of the ancient sculpture. Using mathematics and physics, the inspiration and the purpose of the Sphinx has taken shape. Experts from around the world provide testimony and create models of the Sphinx to reveal the answers to its origins, functions, and meaning. This film not only shows the Sphinx in both its glory and its decay, but also discusses the steps that have been necessary to preserve it for future generations. Covering a fascinating subject and featuring beautiful cinematography, this film will enrich history, science, and math classes.–Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

Time Team America: New Philadelphia, IL. DVD. approx. 56 min. Prod. by Oregon Public Broadcasting, Videotext Communications, and Channel 4 Int’l. Dist. by PBS Distribution. 2009, 2010 release. $24.99.
Gr 9 Up–PBS’s Time Team America cast, comprised of host and team artist, Colin Campbell, and a group of archaeologists, spent three days at the historic site where New Philadelphia, IL, once existed. Now, the first American town to be founded in 1836 by former slave Frank McWorter has been turned over to an archaeology team to excavate, and the Time Team America group assisted specifically in the attempt to locate the town’s pre-Civil War schoolhouse. Over a three-day period, they used geothermal technology, underground radar, and other advanced techniques to find anomalies in the ground to determine which sites to pick for digs. Town records, bills of sale, and family records were also researched to help narrow the search for the school site. Though the team was unable to find actual evidence of the school, small ephemera, such as pieces of slate and pottery, were discovered. The team also delved into local culture and customs of the time. They even discussed funerary rights when it was discovered that there was a separate African-American cemetery that is to be restored. This program provides an important perspective on advancements made into the freedom of slaves in America’s pre-Civil war period, and offers an interesting and realistic overview of the fieldwork performed by archaeologists and historians. A fine choice for high school sociology and history classes.–Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Witness to History: The Cuban Missile Crisis. DVD. 16:39 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Guidance Assocs. 2010. $89.
Gr 8 Up–Many believe that after the death of longtime leader Fidel Castro, Cuba’s government will change. If such a shift occurs, programs such as this which detail our country’s past history with the neighboring island will prove to be valuable resources. While the title indicates that the focus is on the 1962 standoff with Russia, the producers have created a wonderfully concise chronicle of the U.S.-Cuban relationship back to the events which led to the Spanish-American War and Cuba’s ultimate freedom. Consisting of vintage black-and-white and some brief color film footage, television news reports, and a variety of classic still photographs coupled with a nicely paced narration, the program is divided into four components: a general introduction, including the reasons for our country’s 1898 war with Spain; a summary of U.S.-Cuban history up to the early 1950s; the rise and eventual success of Castro’s campaign to overthrow the existing dictatorial government; and the missile crisis. The online teacher guide is, like the program itself, brief but effective. A useful resource for both classroom and individual research settings.–Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Sociology

America the Beautiful. DVD. 1:42 hrs. Prod. by Sensory Overload Prods. Dist. by Allegro. 2010. ISBN 1-59788-352-2. $19.95.
Gr 10 Up–In the vein of Michael Moore’s documentaries (Bowling for Columbine, Sicko, etc.), this film about America’s fixation with beauty is engrossing and provocative. Director Darryl Roberts’s sarcastic and sincere voice-overs guide viewers through old film reels, contemporary television snippets, and interviews with an impressive range of experts, from Eve Ensler (playwright, feminist) to the editor of Seventeen to top plastic surgeons. Covering a dizzying number of angles—from eating disorders to gender discrimination to dangerous chemicals in cosmetics—this production would be most effective as a platform for further research. Some interviews drag on, and the film could have used tighter editing. Overall, the film is disturbingly effective, especially in scenes about a 12-year-old runway model who is dressed to look 21. The film spurs research and inquiry, and leaves viewers with questions. How can the girls that society considers beautiful flourish without being exploited? And how can all of the other girls, each one beautiful in her own way, find their own place in the world? Killing Us Softly: Advertising’s Image of Women (Media Education Foundation), Jean Kilbourne’s most recent installment of a four decade-long series about women and advertising, is more sharply focused and a better choice as a stand-alone educational tool. America the Beautiful, rated PG-13, is highly recommended for advanced high school researchers.–Jess deCourcy Hinds, Bard High School Early College-Queens, Long Island City, NY

Sports
Kung Fu for Kids. DVD. 75 min. YMAA. 2010. ISBN 978-1-50439-188-0. $19.95.
Gr 1-6–Shaolin Kung Fu instructor Ben Warner offers a 30-minute introductory follow-along workout. Next, an instructional segment explains the stances, kicks, punches, and blocks used in the fast-paced routine. An explanation of some of the philosophy of Kung Fu, as it is taught at the Yang Martial Arts Academy, is offered. The workout portion of the DVD is excellent. (Adults could benefit from the workout as well!) The class demonstrating the techniques is diverse in age, size, shape, and ethnicity, which should encourage beginners. Warner offers easy-to-follow explanations, often suggesting ways for students to involve their parents and stressing safety. The cartoon segments that introduce each section of the class are simple, short, and entertaining. The only flaw is that none of the workout stances or moves are introduced; participants just follow the call, leaving viewers puzzled at their first attempt to follow along. To learn how to do each move, students must watch the much more slowly paced instructional portion. However, the workout is clearly the most valuable segment. The discussion of philosophy and the testimony of parents makes the second half of the program feel like an infomercial for the school. Beginners should be encouraged to watch the instructional portion prior to beginning the workout. Purchase only where the martial arts are very popular with young patrons.–Alana Joli Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Many of these titles are available for download and/or in Playaway format.
Check distributors’ Web sites, playaway.com, and audio download retailers for availability and price.

Bilingual

Learning in Two Languages/Aprendiendo en dos idiomas. CD. 40 min. with guide/lyrics online. Prod. by Hap-Pal Music. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2010. $13.95.
PreS-Gr 1–Hap Palmer’s latest offering is a bilingual CD featuring ten original songs in two versions. The album provides a sound tool for building vocabulary in both Spanish and English. While most of the songs are new, several are updated versions of early Hap Palmer favorites with new Spanish translations. Each song is presented first in English, then in extremely fluid, graceful Latin-American Spanish. The Spanish occasionally deviates from the word-for-word order of the English version to maintain the sense of the original, both in meaning and in alliterative sound. However, the translation is close enough to facilitate language acquisition. The songs deal with topics such as animal sounds, colors, days of the week, articles of clothing, opposites, and more. Following the English and Spanish songs, instrumental versions are given for nine of the songs. Lyrics and activities to support each song are available online at happalmer.com. A gentle, pleasant, and useful recording created by an experienced educator and performer, this is a sound purchase for bilingual programs aimed at preschool and early elementary children.–Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary School, Tacoma, WA

Language Arts

The Amaranth Enchantment (unabr.). 7 cassettes or 7 CDs. 7:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2010. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4407-8527-6: $51.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4407-8531-3: $77.75.
Gr 6-9–Orphaned by a tragic accident and raised as a servant in her uncle’s goldsmith shop, 15-year-old Lucinda is accustomed to hard work and neglect. Following her relative’s sudden death, Lucinda finds herself out on the street, homeless and clutching a mysterious gem that must be returned to its owner. Thus begins Lucinda’s fantastic fairy-tale journey, complete with an unlikely friend, a handsome prince, an evil villain, a kindly enchantress, and an animal with peculiar talents. Julie Berry’s tale (Bloomsbury, 2009) deftly weaves the lives and fates of several characters, Celeste Ciulla’s narration drags the text down at some points, giving light-hearted phrases undue weight and making some of the longer conversations wander on interminably. Although the story is delightful, the audiobook is only for serious fantasy collections and fans of titles like Gail Carson Levine’s Ella Enchanted (HarperCollins, 1997).–Sara Saxton, Tuzzy Consortium Library, Barrow, AK

As You Like It from Shakespeare Stories by Leon Garfield (unabr.). 2 CDs. 1:22 hrs. Prod. by Chivers Children’s Audio Books. Dist. by BBC Audiobooks America. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4084-0379-2. $21.95.
Gr 6-10–Shakespeare’s comedy is re-imagined here as a short novel (Houghton Mifflin, 1991). When Celia’s father usurps her cousin Rosalind’s father, the Duke, for control of the court, the two girls are banished to the Forests of Arden. They disguise themselves as boys, and Rosalind encounters her true love, Orlando, pining for her in the forest. Disguised as Ganymede, Rosalind counsels Orlando and attempts to cure him of his love. The story abounds in mistaken identities, gender bending, and love affairs, but all’s well that ends well with four weddings in the pastoral forest. Clare Higgins has a pleasing British accent and delivers a rapid-fire telling. Listeners new to the story will quickly become lost with dozens of characters and multiple double identities. Teachers who want a quick introduction to the play may find the audiobook useful as it includes a plot summary, an introduction to Shakespeare, and information on Shakespeare today. Students who want to skip the Cliff Notes will also appreciate this short audiobook.–Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

The Big Balloon Race (I Can Read Book Series: Level 3). CD. 30:39 min. with paperback book. Live Oak Media. 2010. ISBN 978-1-43010-819-1. $18.95.
Gr 2-4–Eleanor Coerr’s beginning chapter book is based on the true account of one of America’s most popular balloonists. According to the author’s note at the end of the book, Mary Myers, who was better known as Carlotta the Lady Aeronaut, “made more ascensions in hydrogen balloons than any other aeronaut of her time.” In this story, set in 1882, Carlotta’s daughter stows away in her mother’s balloon, unintentionally adding extra weight to the craft and almost costing her mother the race. Carolyn Croll’s beautiful watercolor illustrations enhance this delightful tale. Bonnie Kelley-Young’s narration is well paced, and appropriate sound effects and background music add to the telling. Page-turn signals are optional. For public and school library collections.–Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

The Dead-Tossed Waves (unabr.). 10 CDs. 11:48 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 978-0-3077-0718-5. $60.
Gr 9 Up–As Carrie Ryan’s companion novel (Delacorte, 2010) to The Forest of Hands and Teeth (Delacorte, 2009; Listening Library, 2010) opens, all is as well as it can be in a post-apocalyptic world. Gabry and her mother, Mary (the main protagonist in the previous novel), live in relative safety behind the barrier separating normal, living human beings from the hordes of mindless, undead (zombies), known as the unconsecrated, mudos, or breakers. The undead thirst for blood and exist to attack, infect, and kill. Everything in Gabry’s world changes abruptly with one fateful and reckless decision by a group of friends, thrusting them into terrifying and unrelenting danger beyond the safety of the barrier. This is Gabry’s story, told in her own voice, as the group struggles to survive in a dangerous world and make their way to the Dark City—a place of safety and hope. Gabry grows from a scared, indecisive girl to a more confident, independent young woman. Tara Sands’s narration of this fast-paced, intense novel is excellent, and she gives each character a unique voice. Among the many themes touched on are the morality of killing and religion and religious cults. Familiarity with the previous novel is not absolutely necessary, but it would add a little more insight. Listeners will be riveted and eagerly await the next installment.–Mary Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Falling In (unabr.). 5 cassettes or 5 CDs. 5 hrs. Recorded Books. 2010. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4407-5599-6: $41.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4407-5603-0: $51.75.
Gr 4-7–Isabelle Bean, 12, has always felt different from everyone else and has no friends. One day, on the way to the principal’s office, she opens a door and falls into an alternative universe hundreds of years behind her own. She learns that a witch is terrifying the children of the County of the Five Villages. She meets Hen, and with her first friend in years, travels to find the witch. Hen hopes to destroy her, while Isabelle is just curious about the witch. When they come to a cottage, the girls meet Grete, a female apothecary, with secrets of her own. Grete needs Isabelle’s help in fixing the past and future. Along the way, Isabelle learns about dealing with loneliness by making friends and being true to family. Frances O’Roarke Dowell’s novel (Atheneum, 2010) balances the fantasy world with the real world. Jessica Almasy’s wonderful storytelling ability captures the inquisitive nature of Isabelle and gives the village children old-style English accents. The text’s humor, combined with the cleverness of the interactive format of asking listeners questions, makes this a fun listen.–Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY

Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel (unabr.). 5 CDs. 5:30 hrs. Prod. by Hachette Audio. Dist. by BBC Audiobooks America. 2010. ISBN 978-1-60024-789-7. $59.99.
Gr 6-10–On a goodwill mission in Africa, Max and the flock meet Dr. Hans Gunther-Hagen, a scientific researcher and billionaire purporting to be a philanthropist in this episode (Little Brown, 2010) in James Patterson’s series. He introduces Max to Dylan, a hunky heartthrob bird-kid secretly created to woo 15-year-old Max as a future mate. Skeptical of Dylan’s motives and Dr. Hackjob-Wackjob’s humanitarian efforts to use adaptive genetics to improve survival among the less fortunate, Max learns toxic chemicals have been used on orphans in Chad. Angel upsets the flock with a prediction of Fang’s death and, seemingly brainwashed by Dr. Hans, challenges Max as flock leader. Action passages are fewer than in previous installments as Angel goes off to help Dr. Hans, Dylan moves into the safe house, and Fang follows Max to Las Vegas to contemplate their future. In a fast-paced ending, Fang is captured and rendered lifeless and Angel telepathically calls the flock to help. Jill Apple adeptly captures Max’s softer side as she anguishes about Fang and the new flock dynamic, while retaining familiar acerbic tones unleashed on Dr. Hunka-Munka. Almost all of the voices are spot-on, and it is only a minor irritation that Fang seems persistently hoarse. Subtle music and sound effects punctuate the action. Fans of the series will eagerly await the next installment.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia Jr./Sr. High School, NY

The Gecko and Sticky: Sinister Substitute (unabr.). 3 CDs. 3:04 min. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 978-0-7393-7928-8. $30.
Gr 3-6–Dave Sanchez normally would be thrilled to have a substitute for his dissection-happy science teacher, Ms. Veronica Krockle. But he’s horrified to discover that the substitute is actually the criminal Damien Black, who has kidnapped Ms. Krockle to get at Dave’s pet gecko, Sticky. This lizard grants Dave magical, wall-climbing powers and the pair has developed quite the superhero reputation in their hometown. The action-driven narrative makes Wendelin Van Draanen’s book (Knopf 2010) a perfect choice for the audio format. The author’s fondness for alliteration adds flair to the narration performed by Marc Cashman who delights in phrases such as “wickedly winding stairs” and “Damien’s devilish doors.” His performance is sure to promote a love of wordplay in young readers. Cashman generally reads in a calm, even tone that lets the plot unfold at a natural pace. He reads Damien Black’s part in an evil sneer that perfectly conveys the criminal’s sinister nature, and uses a high-pitched, cartoonish voice for Sticky. However, Sticky speaks in an accent that may remind adult listeners of stereotyped Mexican characters. Despite this concern, this humorous, action-driven title is recommended for school and public libraries.–Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

A Holiday Present. CD. 55 min. Prod. by Light Pubns. Dist. by AV Café. 2010. $12.97.
K-Gr 4–Storyteller Mark Binder’s collection of stories celebrates winter holidays. Several are versions of classic folk or fairy tales, and all are told with great enthusiasm. The thread that ties them together is a new version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” that now wishes a Merry Christmas, a cozy Kwanzaa, and so forth. “Jack and the Christmas Tree” celebrates Christmas with a new version of “Jack and the Beanstalk.” “A Kwanzaa Surprise” shows how a caring neighbor performs an act of service. An old joke (Oh-Wa-Ta-Goo-Si-Am) is recycled for “Og Saves the World,” which commemorates the solstice. For Hanukkah, there’s “The Boy Who Hated Latkes.” The Indian holiday of Diwali is the focus of “The Gold Coins” which emphasizes hard work and charity, with slight echoes of an Aesop fable. “My House Is Too Small for Ramadan” is a retelling of the classic folktale of a man who complains his house is too small. When the wise woman tells him to start bringing the farm animals inside, he learns a valuable lesson about perspective. “Give to Me Some Cookies!” celebrates New Year’s Eve and provides an explanation for a “baker’s dozen.” At the end, a children’s chorus performs the song that connects the tales—“We Wish You a Merry Multicultural End of Year Holiday Season!” The CD was recorded at a school assembly, so audience reaction and participation are included. The stories are clever, with some touches of humor that only adults will catch. The song may annoy some listeners because it dilutes a Christmas carol into an all-inclusive “glad tidings for winter.” This multicultural collection provides a rich resource for a variety of celebrations that often fall in the month of December.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Honey, Baby, Sweetheart (unabr.). 7 CDs. 7:48 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4233-9642-0. $54.97.
Gr 8 Up–A quiet 16-year-old girl, a bad boy, a senior citizen book group, and an old-fashioned love story are all wrapped up in this novel (S & S, 2004) by Deb Caletti. Ruby, “The Quiet Girl,” feels fearless when she gets involved with motorcycle-riding Travis Becker, a handsome, rich boy who leads her into adventures that are dangerous, exciting, and sometimes illegal. After Ruby makes some bad choices concerning Travis, her librarian mother takes her to the weekly book club she runs for senior citizens, the Casserole Queens. Here, members discover that their current book has one of the club’s own members, Lillian, as its subject. The madcap adventure to sneak Lillian out of her nursing home and the resulting road trip to reunite long-separated lovers has some unexpected benefits for Ruby and her mother as they work out unresolved issues in their own relationship. While the story begins somewhat slowly, it picks up speed as Amanda Ronconi perfectly voices all of the club members on their wild trip from Washington State to northern California. Be aware that there is mild swearing throughout the book.–Ann Brownson, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston

Jumped (unabr.). 3 cassettes or 3 CDs. 3:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2010. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4498-0916-4: $33.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4498-0920-1: $30.75.
Gr 8-10–Before writing this novel (Amistad, 2009), Rita Williams-Garcia carefully observed students in a number of inner-city high schools, intent on creating this authentic story of self-absorbed, sociopathic teens. Teen voices narrate the actions of students during one day at their urban high school in this exceptional production. Leticia, privileged, spoiled, and shallow, is only interested in the excitement of the social drama surrounding her. Instead of becoming responsibly involved, she is absorbed in Celina, her “baby girl” cell phone, and the loss of her designer fingernail. ‘Nique will not admit that she is responsible for the low grades that are keeping her off the basketball court. She insists her “troubled kid” label is unfair and that she has control of her temper. The catalyst in the story is Trina, a conceited, petite girl with personality and looks that all the girls envy and all the boys can’t resist. When Leticia overhears Dominique threatening to beat up Trina, she really doesn’t want to get involved and warn the girl to divert disaster. In alternating chapters, the story is told in three first-person accounts by the girls. The expert performances by various narrators enhance the author’s characterizations of the teens and the adults who supervise them. Lyrically expressed in street talk with similes and metaphors, the strong characters have a lot to say. This insightful, realistic, and expertly written novel is a language arts teacher’s dream, offering unlimited potential for active discussion.– Jennifer Ward, Albany Public Library, NY

The Light: Morpheus Road, Book 1 (unabr.). 9 CDs. 10:50 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4233-9775-5. $69.97.
Gr 7 Up–Marsh can’t wait to hang out with his best friend, Cooper, during the summer. When Marsh learns that his friend has other plans, he’s crushed. Cooper gets caught scalping tickets, and Marsh can’t get over the change in his friend. When Cooper disappears, Marsh is determined to find out what happened. But then Gravedigger, a creepy character that Marsh has been drawing obsessively, suddenly appears and begins to torment the boy. As things get more difficult to understand and as Marsh gets more and more frightened for his life, he turns to Cooper’s enigmatic sister to uncover what happened to Cooper. However, Marsh’s journey with Gravedigger has only just begun, and he wonders if he will be forced to travel the unknown “Morpheus Road.” D. J. MacHale’s chilling first title (Aladdin, 2010) in a projected trilogy is a ghost story with true bite. Nick Podehl perfectly balances the voice of a teenage boy, the gravely and chilling tones of evil spirits, and the suspenseful pacing of the text. Fans of MacHale’s Pendragon series will be drawn to this tale, but younger listeners should be made aware that this is a much more frightening and graphically violent series.–Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Lockdown (unabr.). 4 cassettes or 4 CDs. 5 hrs. Recorded Books. 2010. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4407-8444-6: $41.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4407-8448-4: $51.75.
Gr 8-11–Reese Anderson, 14, is serving three years at Progress Center for stealing prescription pads for a neighborhood drug dealer in Walter Dean Myers’s realistic, moving novel (Amistad, 2010). The teen focuses on keeping his nose clean so he can get out early and be there for his younger sister. But the detention system is like a “basket of crabs”—when one tries to get out, the others pull him back in. Reese’s desire to stay out of trouble conflicts with his instinct to defend a younger inmate. His record of fighting threatens his involvement in a work release program at Evergreen, an elder care facility where he is assigned to Mr. Hooft. The older man doesn’t like “colored people” or criminals, so he is wary of Reese. Over time, though, they begin to trust each other as Mr. Hooft opens up about his experiences in the Dutch East Indies during World War II. Meanwhile, Reese is implicated in a drug overdose linked back to those prescription pads, and he faces up to 20 years in jail. The teen’s future is uncertain, but he wants to choose a better path for himself. J. D. Jackson convincingly captures Reese’s combination of bravado, frustration, and fear. Supporting characters are all compellingly portrayed, from menacing Progress guards to ethnically diverse inmates. Jackson’s rendition of Mr. Hooft is a standout. Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

Long Shot: A Comeback Kids Novel (unabr.). 3 CDs. 3 hrs. Penguin Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-0-14-314573-8. $19.95.
Gr 3-6–Pedro Morales loves to play basketball, and as the point guard on his schools team, he knows that being successful on the court means being a good teammate. However, when Pedro decides to run for class president against the most popular boy in his grade, who also happens to be the school’s star basketball player, he has to learn the hard way that not everyone is a team player. Drawing on his knowledge of the sport, Mike Lupica’s novel ((Philomel, 2008) sends kids a message about the importance of cooperation and teamwork both on and off the court, without being preachy and didactic. Keith Nobbs’s narration engages listeners and brings the characters to life. For fans of the series as well as reluctant readers.–Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Lord Sunday: Keys to the Kingdom, Book 7 (unabr.). 6 CDs. 7:12 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 978-0-7393-7368-2. $55.
Gr 4-7–In the final volume (Scholastic, 2010) of Garth Nix’s complex seven-part series, Arthur Penhaligon and his friends, Leaf and Suzy, battle the most powerful of the seven Trustees of the Will. Lord Sunday possesses the seventh key whose power surpasses that of all the previous keys combined. The story moves between the struggle of Arthur and Sunday and the battle his friends are waging against the rest of the House. It also becomes clear that Arthur is battling to retain what remains of his own humanity. The power of the keys is changing him both physically and emotionally, threatening to overwhelm him with anger and arrogance. Nix pulls all of the pieces of the complicated story line together in a grand conclusion that fans of the series will applaud. Allan Corduner clearly voices all the characters with distinct voices and nicely captures their emotions. He does a particularly commendable job as he brings the grand story to its ultimate conclusion with just the right pacing to capture the pressure, fear, and possibility of the final moments. While this series needs to be followed from beginning to end, those who have done so will appreciate the final installment.–Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Middleworld: The Jaguar Stones, Book 1 (unabr.). 9 CDs. 11 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 978-0-3077-1199-1. $44.
Gr 5-9–Max, 14, has had enough! His archaeologist parents have always been annoyingly obsessed with everything Mayan. But now they have canceled the family vacation to go on a dig in Central America, leaving him behind. Max is furious, moping around and avoiding the chores left to him by his father. One day, the housekeeper mysteriously turns up with a ticket for Max to San Xavier where he is supposed to meet up with his parents. From the time his plane touches down, nothing goes as planned. First, Max is met at the airport by a stranger and sent on a wild bus ride to find an uncle he has only heard bad things about. Then, he discovers that his parents have vanished into the jungle. To top it off, he gets lost in the rainforest and teams up with a strong-willed Mayan girl named Lola. Together they embark on a quest to find Max’s parents and uncover the ancient secrets that are placing the entire world at risk of destruction. Scott Brick does a nice job of capturing the breathless action of the story and Max’s varied and changing emotions. He provides convincingly unique voices for all the major characters. With a winning combination of appealing characters, a solid story, and excellent narration, this audiobook will appeal to fans of fantasy and high adventure.–Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Peter and Max (unabr.). 7 CDs. 8:08 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4418-3690-8. $99.97.
Gr 8 Up–The Fables, a group of folk and fairytale characters, are living as a community in New York after being chased out of their previous lands by an evil conqueror. Some of their story has been told through a series of award-winning graphic novels, but Bill Willingham has written this tale as a novel (Vertigo, 2009) that can stand alone. An author’s note introduces the audiobook, providing backstory to help those new to the series. The cast of characters includes many recognizable figures: Snow White, the (former) Big Bad Wolf, Rose Red, Peter Piper and his brother Max (The Pied Piper), Bo Peep who is married to Peter, and others. Through wonderful pacing, flashbacks, and clever references to the well-known tales of these characters’ former lives, listeners are transported to a world where the storybook fables become real. Wil Wheaton does a wonderful job in timing the drama, humor, and tragedy of this complex tale, only missing the mark with the slow-paced delivery of Bigby Wolf’s lines. Be aware that this is not a Disney-esque vision of the world. The characters curse when appropriate, the sex life of Peter and Bo is called into question, and violence is not sugar-coated. The intense conflict between Peter and Max harkens back to the gritty fairytales of old where blood is shed, evil exists, and things are not always as they seem.–Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA

The Red Pyramid: The Kane Chronicles, Book 1 (unabr.). 12 CDs. 14 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4419-5096-6. $72.97.
Gr 5-8–The first volume (Hyperion, 2010) in Rick Riordan’s new series brings Egyptian mythology to life in a non-stop adventure. Since their mother’s death, Sadie has lived in England with her grandparents and Carter has been with his father, an Egyptologist who roams the world. After six years, they are reunited when their father brings them to the British Museum. A fiery explosion causes their father to disappear, the kidnapping of the children, the apparent destruction of the Rosetta Stone, and the release of a group of gods intent on destroying the world. The siblings discover that their deliberate separation was caused by a fear about their combined magical powers and that they carry the blood of the pharaohs in their veins. In their effort to save the world and their father, they are assisted by many Egyptian gods. Narrators Kevin R. Free and Katherine Kellgren capture the different natures of the siblings and the personalities of the gods. Kellgren perfectly voices Sadie’s impatience and arrogance, while Free makes Carter sound more cautious and cerebral. The story is told alternately by the siblings, offering two interpretations of the action. Listeners will be enthralled.–Edith Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

Revolver (unabr.). 3 CDs. 3:35 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4418-4544-3. $62.97.
Gr 7 Up–Narrator Peter Berkrot chillingly and expertly brings to life Marcus Sedgwick’s short, yet intense mystery (Roaring Brook, 2010). Pitch-perfect voicing, suspenseful and satisfying pacing, and spot-on character portrayals draw listeners inside the cold and brutal atmosphere of a lonely cabin 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle in 1910. Sig, the 14-year-old son of a practical and proud man, is alone in a small, dark cabin with his father’s dead body awaiting the return of his sister and his stepmother who have gone to find help after his father was found frozen to death. But he doesn’t have long to grieve alone before a large and fearsome man enters the cabin claiming that the boy’s father had cheated prospectors out of gold. As Sig tries to reconcile this confusing news with pieces of his past, listeners will do the same along with him and two inanimate objects that take on character roles within the story—the old Colt revolver his father taught him to shoot and the Colt revolver belonging to the ominous stranger. The backstory is told through flashbacks to the 1899 Alaska gold rush in alternating segments. Berkrot’s fully-voiced and emotive telling will keep listeners on the edge as they visualize Sig, his surroundings, and every moment in time from beginning to the satisfying and climactic end. An excellent choice for school and public libraries and an ideal selection for reluctant readers.–Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY

The Rock and the River (unabr.). 6 CDs. 6 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4418-5865-8. $69.97.
Gr 7 Up–Being the son of civil rights activist Rowland Child has never been easy, but adhering to nonviolence amid the 1968 racial turbulence in Chicago grows even more difficult for 13-year-old Sam to grasp. The boy adores his older brother, Stephen (better known as Stick), and wants to be just like him in sprite of their different approaches to life. Growing up is tough enough, but when Sam and his girlfriend, Maxie, witness a brutal, unprovoked beating of a friend by police, Sam struggles to be both a “rock and a river” as he tries to figure out who he is and where he stands. Which philosophy can he embrace? Can he accept his father’s viewpoint which is closely aligned with that of his friend, Martin Luther King, Jr., or does he favor Stick’s more militant ideas of the Black Panthers? The rich voice of Dion Graham brings the taut plot and well-developed characters to life, building suspense and providing insight into Sam’s swirling emotions and the sometimes violent events that take place. The evocative language of Kekla Magoon’s first novel (Aladdin,, 2009), winner of the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Award, comes to life in this well-paced and deftly read production.–Maria Salvadore, formerly Washington DC Public Library

Safe at Home: A Comeback Kids Novel (unabr.). 3 CDs. 3 hrs. Penguin Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-0-14-314574-5. $19.95.
Gr 4-7–Nick Crandall, a seventh grader, is looking forward to being the star catcher of his junior varsity baseball team. However, when the varsity team catcher is injured, Nick must suit up behind the plate with the eighth graders. Frustrated by Nick’s presence, the team members go to great lengths to make the boy feel unwelcome. Nick cracks under the pressure. As with most Mike Lupica novels, Nick’s home life plays a significant role in this installment (Philomel, 2008) in the series. The fact that Nick is adopted, and that his parents are both professors with little interest in sports, are burdens for Nick to bear. Predictably, Nick saves the day at the big game, and even finds a way to connect with his dad, all within a few weeks. This title is a good choice for reluctant readers with a background in baseball, as not all terminology is explained. Keith Nobbs’s narration helps to build tension and excitement. While Nick’s emotional intelligence is a bit advanced for his age, it allows the story to move at a rapid pace. For boys and girls who have outgrown novels by Matt Christopher.–Richelle Roth, Boone County Public Library, Florence, KY

Shade (unabr.). 8 CDs. 9 hr. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4418-5894-8. $69.97.
Gr 7 Up–Aura is planning to give her boyfriend, Logan, the perfect 17th birthday present—an intimate night together after his band concert—in this novel (Simon Pulse, 2010) by Jeri Smith-Ready. But things go terribly wrong, and Logan dies. Aura realizes it immediately because she was born after the Shift and can see ghosts. Not only can she see them, she can help them “pass over.” Aura works for the court and “interprets” ghost testimony. She’s attracted to Zachary, the new boy in town who was born just before the Shift, but Logan is still very much in her life. The plot is complicated, with a trial to determine the role of a record company in Logan’s death, the mysteries of a gathering place where Aura’s deceased mother spent some time, and the role of government officials who want to control the ghosts and simplify society. While the Shift is referred to often, it is never fully explained. Khristine Hvam assumes the role of a young, uncertain teenager when relating Aura’s thoughts and feelings, and she switches easily into the Scottish accent of a more self-assured Zachary. She also captures Logan’s initial arrogance and then his fear and uncertainty, and the anguish of the many ghosts who come in and out of Aura’s life.–Edith Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

Shoot-Out (unabr.). 3 CDs. 3 hrs. Penguin Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-0-14-314572-1. $19.95.
Gr 3-6–In Mike Lupica’s latest addition (Philomel, 2010) to his Comeback Kids Series, Jake has gone from being on a star soccer team to his new school’s horrendous one. He tries to have a good attitude and do the best he can while boosting the morale of his teammates. However, Kevin, one of the team members, won’t have anything to do with Jape, and he won’t even really play the game. Jake’s coach urges him not to give up on Kevin, who has recently lost his mother to cancer. While the story is a bit didactic and is resolved too neatly, the sports aspect is exciting. Keith Nobbs’s narration is expressive and well-paced. A good choice for reluctant readers and those wanting more contemporary books than those by Matt Christopher.–B. Allison Gray, Santa Barbara Public Library System, CA

The Six Rules of Maybe (unabr.). 8 CDs. 9:52 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. 1SBN 978-1-4233-9666-6. $92.97.
Gr 9 Up–Seventeen-year-old Scarlet, self-appointed savior, learns a lesson in the pitfalls of trying to control the lives of others in Deb Caletti’s novel (Simon Pulse, 2010). The story begins with her older sister, Juliet, suddenly returning home, married and pregnant, accompanied by her architect-student husband, Hayden, and his dog. Juliet, Hayden, the girls’ mom, various colorful neighbors, and an assortment of classmates all with complicated issues drive concerned, busybody Scarlet to an emotional climax as she tries to fill the roles of matchmaker, social worker, psychotherapist, and marriage counselor, while simultaneously dealing with her crush on Hayden. A neighbor’s fire and the concurrent loss of Hayden’s dog, her sister’s disappearance, and the loss of Hayden himself break Scarlet’s fix-it track and lead to an epiphany: she can’t continue trying to control everyone’s life. Teri Clark Linden differentiates the characters, but her rendition of teen voices makes them sound unrealistic. Slow speech and odd inflections are not true to today’s teen speech; her adult voices are performed well. The retro song excerpts Linden sings are not true to the original tunes. Note that there is plenty of profanity. Barring the odd teen speech, this audiobook should be popular with girls who enjoy adolescent über-drama.–Jennifer Ward, Albany Public Library, NY

Something Like Fate (unabr.). 5 CDs. 6 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4418-5881-8. $54.97.
Gr 7 Up–Best friends Lani and Erin are connected by their past and their belief that fate plays a part in their lives. When Erin starts dating Jason, Lani is happy for her. But, as Lani gets to know Jason better, she realizes that he is her soul-mate, and coming to terms with this and her friendship with Erin becomes central to the drama. In addition, Lani’s friend Blake is terrified that his father will discover that he’s gay. Trust, the meaning of friendship, and what holds it together are themes throughout this story by Susane Colasanti (Viking, 2010) as are the different loves shared between friends and family members. Jeannie Stith’s voice captures Lani’s reflective nature as well as the personalities of the other characters. An engaging listen.–Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA

Sorta Like a Rock Star (unabr.). 6 CDs. 6:52 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 978-0-3077-3813-4. $34.
Gr 8 Up–Amber Appleton is the rock star of hope. The 17-year-old strives to spread happiness to everyone around her, including her autistic friend, Ricky; the old folks at the Center; Father Chee and the Korean Divas for Christ; and a Vietnam vet. Despite the fact that she and her alcoholic mother are homeless and sleeping in a yellow school bus, her glass is always half full. But when her mother is murdered, Amber’s faith begins to waver, and she slides into the dark and bitter world of Why? She is happy to stay in her self-imposed cocoon until her beloved dog needs expensive surgery to remove a tumor. Amber organizes, with her friend’s help, a successful talent show fund raiser. Father Chee is a solid rock for Amber through the good and bad times, and he is influential in helping her realize she must honor the memory of her mother by moving forward and fulfilling her mother’s request: “Grow up and live a better life than your mother could imagine.” Matthew Quick’s novel (Little, Brown, 2010) is a heartfelt tale of hope and how one person can make a difference in the lives of others. Cynthia Holloway’s narration is superb. She rocks as Amber and brings subtle differences to the eclectic cast of characters. A must-have audiobook.–Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH

Split (unabr.). 7 CDs. 8:17 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 978-0-3075-7996-6. $50.
Gr 11 Up–Told from the vantage point of Jace Witherspoon, 16, Swati Avasthi’s novel (Knopf, 2010) is about a family deeply impacted by physical and psychological abuse. Jace has grown up watching his father, a stalwart member of the community and a sitting judge, abuse his mother. She tolerates it until he turns his fists against his oldest son, Christian. The family remains intact until Christian runs away. Jace is left behind and becomes a target. When he retaliates against his father, he’s thrown out of the house. On that last night in Chicago, Jace lashed out physically at his girlfriend. Disappointed in himself and desperate for help and a place to live, he tracks Christian down in Albuquerque and begins the hard work of recovery. Can an abused child break the cycle of violence? Jace’s highs and lows as well as his sarcastic take on what goes on around him is fully realized in Joshua Swanson’s narration. Although the novel includes adult language and depictions of physical abuse, it deals with an important issue and should be included in every young adult collection.–Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Swim the Fly (unabr.). 7 CDs. 7:36 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4418-1488-3. $69.97.
Gr 8-10–Matt, Sean, and Coop are 15-year-olds who start the summer with a simple goal: see a real-live naked girl. Matt adds a second, more difficult goal for himself: swim the impossible 100-yard butterfly to impress his crush, Kelly. A comedy of errors ensues as the guys pursue their goals with utter determination and somewhat uncertain morals. Some of the situations that they get into require extreme suspension of disbelief, but they are accomplished with such hilarious results that it doesn’t matter. Don Calame’s debut novel (Candlewick, 2009) opens a door to the minds of teen males that is captivating and laugh-out-loud funny, perfectly capturing that tongue-tied, awkward stage of growing up. Nick Podehl is pitch-perfect as Matt, letting all his foibles shine through with impeccable timing. He gives all the characters distinct voices, switching effortlessly from Grandpa Arlo’s slight quaver to Valerie’s French accent to Ulf’s Austrian tones. A popular addition to high school and public libraries, especially where a bridge is needed from the novels by Gordon Korman to more mature titles.–Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos (unabr.). 7 CDs. 7:58 min. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4418-4640-2. $69.97.
Gr 4-8–Eleven-year-old Theodosia Elizabeth Throckmorton possesses the unique ability to see curses on Ancient Egyptian artifacts and remove them. She and her father spend most of their days working inside the Museum of Antiquities and Legends in London, awaiting her archaeologist mother’s finds. She hides her talent from everyone, until a fabulous and extremely cursed artifact, called the Heart of Egypt, is stolen from the museum. Theo must join forces with Lord Wigmere and the Brotherhood of the Chosen Keepers, who believe in her ability to save her brother and England from the Serpents of Chaos. Charlotte Perry brings to life the charming character in R. L. LaFevers’s novel (Houghton Mifflin, 2007), capturing the various British accents and giving perfect voice to brave but precocious Theo, her preoccupied parents, and the villainous Von Braggenschnott. The book is filled with wonderful secondary characters, including the talented pickpocket Will and the agreeable, intelligent Lord Wigmere. The settings are perfectly presented, the characters are well developed, and the plot is captivating and filled with ancient Egyptian lore and mystery. Listeners will be eager to read/listen to the other books in the series.–Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY

Thirteen Days to Midnight (unabr.). 6 cassettes or 6 CDs. 7:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2010. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4407-8892-5: $51.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4407-8896-3: $66.75.
Gr 7-10–Jacob Fielding, 15, is holding onto a number of secrets—including the truth behind the accident that killed his foster father, but which he survived without a scratch. While keeping some of his secrets to himself, Jacob reveals to his friends Milo and Oh that just before his death, Mr. Fielding gave Jacob the power of invincibility with three words: “You are indestructible.” With Oh’s prompting, Jacob and his friends try to use the power to save people. However, without a full understanding of the mysterious gift, they may have inadvertently caused much more damage than they could have anticipated. Steven Boyer skillfully narrates Patrick Carman’s gripping supernatural thriller (Little, Brown 2010). His youthful voice is consistently believable as teenage Jacob, and his pacing is excellent. Listeners will be on the edge of their seats, cringing at some of the descriptions while mulling over the ethical dilemmas created by Jacob’s unique situation.–Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

The 39 Clues, Book 7: The Viper’s Nest (unabr.). 4 CDs. 4:46 hrs. Scholastic Audiobooks. 2010. ISBN 978-0-545-20279-4. $49.99.
Gr 4-7–As the search for the clues to the Cahill family’s source of power continues, siblings Dan and Amy are stuck on an Indonesian island after seeing a woman die and are being sought by the police in connection with her death. The pair assembles clues which send them to South Africa with their hip au pair, Nellie, trying to find clues connected to Winston Churchill and Shaka Zulu. After many close calls, they end up at a guarded building they believe to be on the Shaka Zulu’s burial site. Dan and Amy use their intelligence and quick thinking to decode messages and get out of precarious situations. Things really start to get dangerous when they discover a buried box with treasure and another branch of the family tries to kill them. Clues seem to point to an awful truth about their parents, but can it possibly be true? This episode (Scholastic, 2010) by Peter Lerangis is masterfully narrated by David Pittu. Fans of the series will hang on every word as Dan and Amy continue their quest for the 39 clues.–Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Wagon Wheels (I Can Read Series). CD. 18:19 min. with paperback book. Live Oak Media. 2010. ISBN 978-1-43010-807-8. $18.95.
K-Gr 3–In 1878, the three Muldie brother—ages eleven, eight, and three—and their father travel from Kentucky to Nicodemus, Kansas. Living in a dugout like the other black pioneer families, they endure hunger and hardships before spring comes. Ed Muldie leaves the boys to take care of each other while he looks for a better homestead further west. They hunt, fish, and stay in the dugout until their father’s letter arrives months later with a rough map. Following the Solomon River, they make the 150-mile journey. Their courage and resourcefulness keep them safe and bring them to their father. Based on actual events, Barbara Brenner’s tale (Harper, 1978) is told by Johnny, the oldest boy. Steven Michael Harper gives all the characters distinctive voices. His slow, expressive reading gives weight to the simple sentences of the text and allows youngsters to follow along. Sound effects—prairie winds, water in the creek bed, the sound of horses, and banjo music—all make life on the Kansas prairie very real. Page-turn signals are optional. This exceptionally fine production raises a significant piece of historical fiction to a very high level.–Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Music

Big Blue Sky. CD. approx. 40 min. Prod. by Hug Records. Dist. by AV Café. 2009, 2010 release. $12.95.
PreS-Gr 2–New England-based Fran Friedman adds to a growing body of work with her fifth recording for young listeners. These 16 catchy tunes have repetitive lyrics and/or structure, making them easy to learn. Largely ballads (“All the Way Around the World,” “On the Day You Were Born,” “I’ve Been Waiting for You”) or soft rock songs (“Thanks,” “If I Could Have a Hurpalops”), several upbeat tunes add interest to the mix. These include covers of songs by Tom Paxton (“We’re on Our Way to Washington” and “Sleeping in the Back Seat”) and the Carter Family (“In My Family’s House”). Opening with her own “Big Blue Sky” (an activity-filled song), Friedman includes counting songs (“Whale and the Fish,” “I Love You Two,” and “Zoom Zoom Zoom”), a new arrangement of “Eensy-Weensy Spider,” and closes with “Good Night,” a lullaby. Her rich alto is reminiscent of Karen Carpenter, with a country twist. She uses a small, well-rehearsed group of musicians to accompany her throughout; a chorus of children’s voices joins in the occasional refrain. This recording features some wonderful story time material.–Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

Get on Board with Miss Lou-Lou! CD. approx. 34 min. Prod. by Sonrize Prods. Dist. by Lou-Lou Barbour. 2009. $12.
PreS-Gr 3–Lou-Lou Barbour, a children’s librarian from Texas, offers a solid selection of songs, stories, and fingerplays from her repertoire. Often including a Texas-flavored twist, this collection features many traditional songs ( “Froggy Went-a Courtin’,” “Get Along Little Dogies,” “On Top of Spaghetti”), country standards (Dolly Parton’s “Apple Jack,” Stan Jones’s “Ghost Riders,” and Richard and Robert Sherman’s “Ugly Bug Ball”), and a piggy-back song (“Get on Board”). Lyrics for fingerplays (“The Engine,” “Apples,” “Homes,” “Caterpillar,” and “Giant and the Leprechaun”) are included. Barbour tells “Longhorn Lewis,” a Texas adaptation of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” Instrumentation is solid. Children add interest to the chorus of Tom Chapin’s “Library Song” and “The Green Grass Grew All Around.” Several songs and fingerplays with a hollow/reverb/echo quality mixed in cause an unnatural, uneven sound. Useful during story times and for family enjoyment.–Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

Jungle Gym. CD. approx. 50 min. Justin Roberts Music. 2010. $15.98.
PreS-Gr 3–Chicago-based Justin Roberts serves up his seventh recording of family-friendly music. His backup band provides a wall of sound—with background vocals, horns, and solid rhythm section—which complements Roberts’s youthful vocals. The 12 original tunes focus on children’s issues: “Sleepoverland” (a soft-rock piece about the anxiety experienced before a child’s first sleepover), “Trick or Treat” (an upbeat tune celebrating Halloween), “Sign My Cast” (a ballad lamenting activities not available while having a cast on your leg), “Cardboard Box” (a driving number describing the fun of playing with a cardboard box). Other standouts include songs about what to do if separated from parents while shopping (“Never Getting Lost”), getting a haircut (“New Haircut”), and what to do during a school fire drill (“Fire Drill”). This fun album features clever lyrics and singable tunes.–Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

This Jazz Man. CD. 12:24 min with hardcover book. Live Oak Media. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4301-0022-5. $28.95.
Gr 1-5–Karen Ehrhardt’s lively retelling (Harcourt, 2006) of the traditional song, “This Old Man,” introduces nine African-American jazz greats, including Louis Armstrong, Charles Mingus, and Charlie Parker. For example, “This jazz man, he plays four/He conducts ‘em through the score,” is conductor and composer Duke Ellington. The musicians are identified by name in the back matter, where Ehrhardt provides biographical information about each one. The book perfectly captures the loose, improvisational rhythms of jazz. The CD enriches the experience with music and lively narration by James “D Train” Williams. The bright, bopping jazz score presents the creative energy of this most American of musical forms. The soundtrack also nods to the stars featured in the book. For instance, jazz man number seven is bebop pioneer Dizzy Gillespie. Adult jazz aficionados will recognize riffs on his classic “A Night in Tunisia” in the background as Williams reads about him. R.G. Roth’s collage illustrations are seamlessly integrated with the audio component. Each performer’s signature sound is represented in bright, colorful letters that span their double-page spreads. In this package, text, art, and sound work together to create meaning. Roth’s bright palette also underscores the lively energy of the text and of the music it celebrates. An outstanding selection for classroom units or library programs about music or African-American history and culture.–Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

Science

Clouds. CD. 5:08 min. with paperback book. ISBN 978-1-43010-822-1.
Rain. CD. 5:40 min. with paperback book. ISBN 978-1-43010-825-2.
Snow. CD. 5:23 min. with paperback book. ISBN 978-1-43010-828-3.
Wind. CD. 5:21 min. with paperback book. ISBN 978-1-43010-831-3.
ea. CD: (Readalongs for Beginning Readers Series). Live Oak Media. 2010. $18.95 ea.
PreS-Gr 2–Each of these books is part of the “Ready-to-Read” weather series, written at level one. In very simple language, they provide beginning readers with good basics on various aspects of weather. A fact page at the end of each book offers additional interesting information. Rain teaches a simplified version of the water cycle. Wind introduces the idea of the earth spinning and cool and warm air movements. Snow explains how snowflakes form, and Clouds introduces cirrus, stratus, and cumulus clouds. Paula Parker reads each book in a measured, warm voice. Light music and sound effects are included but do not distract from the content. Page-turn signals are optional. Audio quality is excellent, and youngsters will enjoy perusing John Wallace’s bold watercolor-and ink illustrations as they read along. Primary teachers will welcome this series for their reading centers.–Teresa Bateman. Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

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