90 Miles to Havana by Enrique Flores-Galbis

[Pura Belpre Pick]

90 Miles to Havana is heart-wrenching tween historical fiction; the novel follows Julian’s journal from Cuba to Miami in 1961. His parents sent him and his brothers to Cuba following Cuba’s revolution (essentially switching from one dictator to another), as they cannot afford to send them all over at once.

Once in Miami, the brothers are placed in what is basically an orphanage camp. The orphans are left to fend for themselves and a very Lord of the Flies set-up ensues, with a bully named Caballo exacting firm control over all of the orphans. Most of the children are in a state of flux, waiting to be sent to foster homes or boys/girls houses in other states. When the brothers are broken up, we see Julian’s bravado come out—surprising even himself at his tenacity.

A quick read, 90 Miles to Havana tells the more poignant side of a piece of history that many have glossed over.

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

[NYT Bestseller Pick]


Riordan combines ancient Egyptian mythology with modern day mystery in this elementary and middle school-level novel. Carter and Sadie are two young tweens whose father, a famous Egyptologist, disappears while working on the latest mysterious project in a museum. They are transported to different cities, different realms, and different ways of thinking. Along the way, they realize that although they have been separated for years, they have a closeness and a bond that cannot be mistrusted or denied.

What I loved about The Red Pyramid is the way Riordan mixes in history and mythology lessons into an exciting, catchy plotline. I consider myself quite adept at Egyptian mythology and even I found myself brushing up on certain gods and goddesses. This type of cerebral fiction is fantastic to bring to the table at such a young age, and the tween market is certainly ripe for it.

Disney website: http://disney.go.com/disneybooks/kanechronicles/

It's a Book by Lane Smith

[NYT Bestseller Pick]

It’s a Book is a picture book that I picked up, actually, at the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston. The premise of the book is two characters discussing a book; one of them is completely confounded that a book does not scroll, text, charge, or need a password. I found it incredibly clever and a serious reminder that in this age of overwhelming digital mediums, books are still wonderful to have and to hold.

While It’s a Book is appropriate from elementary to adults, some readers claim that the use of the word “jackass” at the end deems in it inappropriate for younger readers—despite the fact that the animal is, indeed, a jackass.

Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman; illustrated by Rick Allen

[Newbery Pick]

Dark Emperor is a clever book of poetry and also non-fiction information about animals of the night. Sidman pairs poetry about an animal (i.e., a snail, spider, owl, or a porcupine) with a whimsical illustration by Rick Allen. Then, beside the illustration, appears information about the animal and its habits, habitat, and physical appearance.

Dark Emperor is an excellent interdisciplinary mesh of science and language arts that would be a solid addition to any elementary classroom.

A Youtube video promoting the book:

Grandma's Gift by Eric Velasquez

[Pura Belpre Pick]

Grandma's Gift tells the tale of Eric, who is spending time with his grandmother before Christmas. Eric's grandmother does not speak English but she brings with her a rich Puerto Rican heritage. Eric's Christmas break assignment is to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and write about a new painting there; beforehand, Eric and his grandmother spend time making a traditional dish, pasteles.

It is obvious that Eric, both the young man and the author, enjoy celebrating the Puerto Rican heritage. Velasquez incorporates Spanish phrases throughout the text; the illustrations are incredibly life-like.

The author’s website: http://www.ericvelasquez.com/

Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin by Duncan Tonatiuh

[Pura Belpre Pick]

Dear Primo is a charming, well-written book that contrasts the lifestyles of two young male cousins--one who lives in an American city and one who lives in a rural Mexican town. They have not met, but they write one another and discuss their lives; for instance, Charlie, who lives in America, eats pizza and watches parades. Carlitos, who lives in Mexico, eats quesadillas and watches fiestas with mariachis. The book is intended to teach Spanish vocabulary, as the author has included in-text Spanish words and labels in the illustrations of what the Spanish words means. There is also a glossary in the back of the Spanish to English translation.

The illustrations are vibrant and colorful, if somewhat exaggerated in appearance. Overall, it is a very adorable story that highlights the slight differences between the cousins--most of what they do is similar, just termed differently.

The author’s blog: http://duncantonatiuh.wordpress.com/

The Duchess of Whimsy by Randall de Seve; illustrated by Peter de Seve

[Bluebonnet Pick]

The Duchess of Whimsy likes very fancy things, including fancy parties ("extravagant soirees") and "peculiar pets" like an octopus and baby elephant with wings. She is incredibly difficult to please and contrasts sharply with the Earl of Norm, who seems rather "ordinary" next to her. What complicates matters is that the Earl of Norm is in love with the Duchess of Whimsy, but finds it impossible to catch her attention. She prances around with toes painted every different color and ignores his elaborate attempts to impress her. That is, until the Cook became sick one night, and the Earl fixes a meal the Duchess cannot resist. They find out they have more in common than originally thought.

Peter de Seve's illustrations are an absolute delight; the characters and situations are exaggerated, just like the story, but done so in a humorous, charming manner. Children will love these whimsical, colorful pictures and the equally whimsical, colorful story.

Click here for an online reading of the story:
http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/publishersoffice/screeningroom/0910/penguinstorytime/duchess_of_whimsy.html#vmix_media_id=21955191