School Library Journal articles from September 2009

School Library Journal archives from September 2009

As goes California: a flawed initiative could become a fabulous opportunity.(Editorial)
September 1, 2009... Digital textbooks, once the playthings of a few Arizona high schools, are suddenly looking like they might become commonplace. And that could end up being a great thing for school librarians and, more importantly, students. Back in May,...

'Tough Love' take two: a librarian offers more suggestions for children's book publishers.(Letters)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... DIANTHA MCBRIDE'S "TOUGH LOVE" (July 2009, pp. 28-30) was a fantastic article! But I'd like to make a few additions: 11. No more foldout pages, pop-ups, lift-the-flaps, or other gimmicks in picture books. Picture books are used primarily by...

STEM to grow in libraries: project to get science content into media centers.(Tech Knowledge)(science, technology, engineering, and math)
September 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] School librarians searching for a better way to broaden their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) resources for K-12 students may soon have some innovative help. Marcia Mardis, an assistant professor at...

First day of school icebreakers.(Site of the Month)(Website overview)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] www.teachersfirst.com/firstday.cfm Ah, the first day of school. For students, educators, and parents alike, it's a remarkable occasion, loaded with excitement, anticipation, and, yes, sometimes even a tear or two. To...

Dell Latitude 2100/netbook.(Test DRIVE)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2009... Model tested had 1 GB of RAM, a six-cell battery, an 80-GB hard drive, Windows XP Home Edition, and Included optional touchscreen and 1.3-megapixel webcam. Unit pricing starts at about $369. Educational pricing varies based on the features,...

For libraries, the future is now.(THE NEXT BIG THING)(Conference notes)
September 1, 2009... Libraries of the future will primarily manage digital repositories of information rather than warehouse physical books. A more functional method geared toward easy browsing will replace the Dewey Decimal system. And computers will surpass human...

At the Intersection of School & Home--Parent Corner: school.discoveryeducation.com/parents.(Back-to-School Resources: Sites to ease the transition for teachers, parents, and kids)(Website overview)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... Some kids look forward to the start of school--others are less than thrilled about it. On this site designed to help parents encourage their children, start at the "Motivation Station" for articles on various issues from academic performance to...

Explore Elmo's Classroom: bit.ly/iCBUh.(Back-to-School Resources: Sites to ease the transition for teachers, parents, and kids)(Website overview)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... Youngsters heading off to preschool or kindergarten for the very first time can sneak a peek at the fun and interesting things in store via this sweet site. Young users (and their parents) explore the classroom simply by moving the big yellow...

PBS Parents--Going to School: www.pbs.org/parents/goingtoschool.(Back-to-School Resources: Sites to ease the transition for teachers, parents, and kids)(Website overview)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... Will my child feel comfortable with her teacher? What will he be learning? Parents anticipating the first day of school will find answers to common questions on this PBS site. Topics include "Talking with Kids About School" and "What Kids Learn...

Teacher Helpers-Bulletin Board Ideas. school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/bulletin/index.html.(Back-to-School Resources: Sites to ease the transition for teachers, parents, and kids)(Website overview)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... Prepping classrooms and libraries for the first day is often a last-minute task. This includes, of course, devising new and interesting "welcome" bulletin boards and those displays needed throughout the year. Chock-full of great ideas and...

Teacher Tools and Templates: www.educatlon-world.com/tools_templates/index.shtml.(Back-to-School Resources: Sites to ease the transition for teachers, parents, and kids)(Website overview)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... Yet another site that every teacher and librarian gearing up for the start of school will be sure to appreciate. Here you'll find a wealth of links to time-saving templates relevant to the first weeks of school and throughout the year. Created...

Open content for the win.(The Buzz)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ten free digital textbooks on high school math and science met at least 90 percent of California's academic standards, according to a recent report by the state's free digital textbook initiative, a first-in-the-nation...

Alaska librarians get flashy.(The Buzz)(Alaska State Library)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... To help extend services to students in even the most remote parts of the region, the Alaska State Library plans to digitize and download government documents onto flash drives for distribution to schools. These "Civics in a Flash" materials will...

DIY board games.(The Buzz)(do-it-yourself)(Game Crafter)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... Who doesn't love board games? We certainly do, as they're perfect for schools (bit.ly/Y4001). For a novel way to blend board games into the curriculum, consider making your own. The Game Crafter, a new Web service, lets you create, publish,...

Unifying receiver.(The Buzz)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A new receiver makes it easy to connect keyboards, mice, and other wireless peripherals to your laptop. A tiny USB dongle that protrudes just 8 mm from your computer, the Logitech Unifying Receiver can be paired with up...

A reality check for the Web.(The Buzz)(Dispute Finder)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... Global warming is a hoax and chat rooms are dangerous to youth. These are just two of the claims being questioned on Dispute Finder, a new Web tool that highlights controversial content online and provides alternative points of view. A project...

Nikon's new Coolpix with built-in projector.(The Buzz)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What's the next big thing in point-and-shoot cameras? A built-in projector. Among its new line of Coolpix models, Nikon's 12.1-megapixel S1000pj sports a LED mini projector at the front and center, enabling shooters to...

High standards? When books are intentionally shelved beyond young readers' reach.(Scales on Censorship)
September 1, 2009... I'm about to replace an elementary school librarian who has had the job for 35 years. When I visited the school, I noticed that the picture books and fiction were shelved on the bottom three shelves, and nonfiction was shelved on the top...

Who sailed the ocean blue? The true story of Columbus and the Three Little Ships.(Up for Discussion)
September 1, 2009... If your library is like mine, then most of the Columbus-related books in your collection are exactly 17 years old. That's because 1992 was the 500th anniversary of Columbus's first voyage, and stacks of children's books were published in honor...

Ready, set, go! Storytime can help children (and parents) become kindergarten-ready.(First Steps)
September 1, 2009... On these early autumn days, in communities big and small, kindergarteners are stuffing backpacks with colored markers, glue sticks, tissues, and sometimes a favorite book or stuffed animal. Getting ready to start school requires so much...

The odd couple Jerry Pinkney's 'The Lion & the Mouse' is the cat's meow.(Under Cover)(Interview)
September 1, 2009... You've won five Caldecott Honors and five Coretta Scott King Awards. But a lot of folks are saying this is your best book yet. You often hear authors and artists say, "I respond to and Fm inspired by the child within me." And a lot of my...

Excuse me. Do you speak digital? Harvard's John Palfrey explores what it's like to be a digital native.(Interview)(Cover story)
September 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JOHN PALFREY IS ONE BUSY GUY, WITH AN IMPRESSIVE GIG. In 2008, he was named the Henry N. Ess III Professor of Law and Vice Dean for Library and Information Resources at Harvard Law School. And when he's not teaching...

Good & plenty: it used to be hard to find good graphic novels for the K-4 crowd. My, how times have changed.(List)
September 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JUST A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, IT WAS TOUGH to find good graphic novels for the K-4 crowd. Sure, there were some standout selections, such as Andy Runton's Owly, Jimmy Gownley's Amelia Rules!, and Jennifer and Matt HolMs...

Pen ultimate: for kids who take part in National Novel Writing Month--the acid test for would-be authors--it's no guts, no glory.
September 1, 2009... KATHLEEN KOHO WAS PENNING 2,000-WORD short stories at 12 years old and by 13 set her sights on writing a novel. In a move gutsy enough for any would-be writer, much less a teenaged one, Koho last year signed on for National Novel Writing Month,...

Operation facelift: cover makeovers can be the fountain of youth for many titles.
September 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHEN IT COMES TO MY MIDDLE SCHOOLERS, the old saying "You can't judge a book by its cover" couldn't be further from the truth. To prove the point, I recently booktalked a stack of titles to a class of seventh...

Empires lost & found.(focus on: The Aztecs, the Inca, and the Maya)(Recommended readings)
September 1, 2009... HUMAN SACRIFICE. LOST CITIES. RUTHLESS LEADERS. UNIMAGINABLE RICHES. Tragedy. Mystery. Mummies! If, as it is said, "zombies are the new pirates," then it might also be said that the big three ancient American civilizations are the new ancient...

On the web.(Website list)
September 1, 2009... Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya. www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2004/maya/lifeatcourt.shtm. National Gallery of Art. Washington, D.C. (Accessed 7/26/09). Gr 6 Up--This online component of a 2004 exhibit at the National Gallery features objects from...

Ancient Civilizations for Children.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Ancient Civilizations for Children (Series). 2 videos or 2 DVDs (from a series of 11). color. 19 min. ea. Prod. by Schlessinger Media. Dist. by LibraryVideo Co. (libraryvideo.com). 2006. $29.95 ea. Includes: Ancient Aztec Empire (ISBN...

Ancient Civilizations of Mexico: The Maya and the Aztec.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Ancient Civilizations of Mexico: The Maya and the Aztec. video or DVD. 20 min. Discovery School (store.discoveryeducation.com). 2006. video, ISBN 1-59527-950-4: $59.95; DVD, ISBN 1-59380-553-5: $69.95. Gr 6-8--This three-part film traces the...

Ancient History: The Maya.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Ancient History: The Maya. DVD. 30 min. (closed captioned). with tchr's, guide. Prod. by Centre Communications. Dist. by Ambrose Video (ambrosevideo.com). 2008. $49.99. Gr 7 Up--Zay Harding (PBS's Globe Trekker) hosts an exploration of one of...

Cracking the Maya Code.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Cracking the Maya Code (NOVA Series). DVD. 54 min. (closed captioned). PBS (shoppbs.org). 2008. ISBN 978-1-59375-835-6. $24.95. Gr 7 Up--Centuries after the Mayas mysteriously abandoned the cities of their Central American empire, architects,...

Hands on Crafts for Kids, Series 8, Vol. 1: School Days.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Hands on Crafts for Kids, Series 8, Vol. 1: School Days. DVD. 30 min. Prod. by Katherine Scull Inc. Dist. by Chip Taylor Communications. 2008. $39.99. Gr 1-6--Each volume in this series provides instructions for at least five child-friendly...

Communication in a Wired World: Be Smart, Be Safe.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... * Communication in a Wired World: Be Smart, Be Safe. DVD. 20 min. (closed captioned), with tchr's. guide. Learning Seed. 2009. ISBN 978-1-55740-554-9. $99. Gr 7 Up--Teen viewers will see themselves in Ashley and Miguel, actors dramatizing...

The Bracelet of Bordeaux.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... The Bracelet of Bordeaux. DVD. 99 min. Monterey Media. 2009. ISBN 978-1-56994-344-1. $26.95. Gr 3 Up--When Helen and her family move to Chem City, Texas, the tween is convinced that she will lead a dull existence. She quickly discovers that...

Character: Friendship Basics.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Character: Friendship Basics. DVD. 11 min. (closed captioned), with tchr's. guide. Learning ZoneXpress. 2009. ISBN 1-57175-751-1. $49.95. Gr 4-10--Host Wes Halula talks to the camera about making new friends as a familiar scene plays out in...

Beauty Mark: Body Image & the Race for Perfection (Educational Edition).(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Beauty Mark: Body Image & the Race for Perfection (Educational Edition). DVD. 50 min. Media Education Foundation. 2008, 2009 release. ISBN 1-932869-29-8. high schools: $150, public libraries: $34.95. Gr 9 Up--This compelling documentary...

C.A.T.C.H. onto Good Hygiene!(Brief article)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... C.A.T.C.H. onto Good Hygiene! DVD. 15 min. (closed captioned), with tchr's. guide. Learning ZoneXpress. 2009. ISBN 1-57175-710-4. $49.95. Gr 4-6--Using the acronym C (clean hands) A (acne/face) T (teeth) C (clean body) H (hair), host Rachel...

Cut-Up Kids: The Epidemic of Self-Harm.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Cut-Up Kids: The Epidemic of Self-Harm. video or DVD. 60 min. (closed captioned). Prod. by BBC. Dist. by Films Media Group. 2006, 2008 release, video: ISBN 978-1-60467-510-8, DVD: ISBN 978-1-60467-511-5. $149.95. Gr 9 Up--This production...

Mark your calendars.(Media NEWS)(From the Page to Your Ears: The Making and Dissemination of an Audiobook)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... Mark your calendars for the upcoming webcast, "From the Page to Your Ears: The Making and Dissemination of an Audiobook," sponsored by BBC Audiobooks America and Library Journal, on September 15th at 2 pm ET. What challenges do audiobook...

Toon Boom Studio 5.(Media NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... Toon Boom Studio 5 (Win/Mac), released by Toon Boom Animation, is sure to stimulate creativity in students and educators. This easy-to-use, multi-technique animation software program features a new stop-motion animation enhancement in addition...

PBS Digital Learning Library.(Media News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2009... PBS Digital Learning Library, launching in Fall 2009, is an online repository of digital education assets from public broadcasting programs and services nationwide. It will include videos, audio, images, games, and interactive simulations for...

Chieko and the Pine: A Japanese Folktale.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Chieko and the Pine: A Japanese Folktale. DVD. 30 min. Prod. by Tales Alive. Dist. by Victory Multimedia. 2009. $14.99. PreS-Gr 5--In this Japanese folktale, Chieko plays the koto, a stringed instrument. Soon her music turns to a joyful duet...

Crazy Hair Day.(Brief article)(Audiobook review)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... * Crazy Hair Day. DVD. 10 min. (closed captioned). with tchr's. guide. Weston Woods. 2009. ISBN 978-0-545-13434-7. $59.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-13450-7: $29.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-13442-2: $12.95. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!(Brief article)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... * Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! DVD. 6 min. with tchr's. guide. Weston Woods, 2009. ISBN 978-0-545-13435-4: $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-545-13443-9: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-13453-8: $29.95. PreS-Gr 2--Take a multiple...

Pumpkin Eye.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Pumpkin Eye. DVD. 6 min. with tchr's. guide online. Spoken Arts. 2009. ISBN 0-8045-8128-2. $50; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 0-8045-4204-X: $29.95; cassette with hardcover book, ISBN 0-8045-6979-7: $27.95. K-Gr 2--A spooky synthesizer bounces...

Steps4 Kids to Write Cursive.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Steps4 Kids to Write Cursive. DVD. approx. 1 hr. Prod. by Steps4Kids. Dist. by Library Video Co. 2008, 2009 release. $19.99. Gr 2-4--Teaching cursive can be a challenge, but this program helps simplify the process. The introduction provides...

The Bible's Buried Secrets: Beyond Fact or Fiction.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... The Bible's Buried Secrets: Beyond Fact or Fiction (NOVA Series). DVD. approx. 2 hrs. with tchr's. guide online. WGBH Boston. 2009. ISBN 978-1-59375-870-7. $24.95. Gr 10 Up--The results of scientific research, archaeological excavations, and...

Earth's Nearest Neighbors.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Earth's Nearest Neighbors. video or DVD. 14 min. with tchr's. guide. Visual Learning Co. 2008, 2009 release. video: ISBN 978-1-5923-4210-5, DVD: ISBN 978-1-5923-4211-2. $79.95. Gr 3-5--This introductory program focuses on the four closest...

First Flight: A Mother Hummingbird's Story.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... * First Flight: A Mother Hummingbird's Story. DVD. 45 min. Concept Images. 2009. ISBN 978-0-615-29118-5. $19.95. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gr 7 Up--Filmmakers spent three years documenting the life of a Black-chinned Hummingbird who had built...

Journey to Planet Earth: The State of the Planet's Oceans.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Journey to Planet Earth: The State of the Planet's Oceans. DVD. 55/25 min. with tchr's. guide. Prod. by Screenscope and S. C. Educational Television. Dist. by Screenscope. 2009. ISBN 978-1-928964-16-2. $149. Gr 7 Up--A number of threats...

Rock 'n Learn: Life Science.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Rock 'n Learn: Life Science. DVD. 59 min. Rock 'n Learn. 2009. ISBN 978-1-934312-06-3. $19.99. Gr 5-9--Kid-friendly computer-generated animation helps students review some of life science's main topics: photosynthesis, parts of a plant, the...

The Strangest Dream.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... The Strangest Dream. video or DVD. 89 min. (closed captioned). Prod. by National Film Board of Canada. Dist. by Bullfrog Films. 2008, 2009 release, video: ISBN 0-7722-1344-5, DVD: ISBN 0-7722-1343-7. $295 (Rental: $95). Gr 10 Up--The life and...

A History of Chinese American Achievement.(series)(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... * A History of Chinese American Achievement (Series). 4 DVDs. 4 hrs. (closed captioned). with tchr's. guide. Prod. by Centre Communications. Dist. by Ambrose Video. 2009. $129.99 ser. Includes: The Chinese Find a New Homeland/Exclusion and...

The Jewish People: A Story of Survival.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... The Jewish People: A Story of Survival. DVD. 1 hr. PBS Home Video. 2009. ISBN 0-7936-7041-1. $24.99. Gr 9 Up--Condensing 4000 years of history into an hour-long documentary is nearly as challenging as answering the question: What is the...

Reading Maps.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... Reading Maps. video or DVD. 14 min. with tchr's. guide. Visual Learning Co. 2008, 2009 release, video: ISBN 978-1-5923-4236-5, DVD: ISBN 978-1-5923-4237-2. $79.95. Gr 3-5--This unit on maps and map reading is divided into seven sections,...

The Romance of a Vanishing Race.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... The Romance of a Vanishing Race. DVD. 66 min. Rich-Heape Films. 2008. #116. $149.95 (pub. perf.), $29.95 (home use). Gr 9 Up--Three rediscovered ethnographic films showcase some of the earliest images of Native Americans on celluloid. Largely...

The Swahili Beat.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... The Swahili Beat. DVD. 28 min. with curriculum/classroom activities. Documentary Educational Resources. 2008, 2009 release. $39.95. Gr 9 Up--The history of the Swahili people of the eastern coast of Africa is traced in this documentary by...

World Food Markets.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... World Food Markets. 2 DVDs. range: 18-26 min. with tchr's. guide. Learning ZoneXpress. 2009. $49.95 ea. Includes: Spain (ISBN 1-57175-778-3); Italy (ISBN 1-57175-779-1). Gr 7 Up--Paulette Mitchell, cookbook author and world traveler, hosts...

Jim Thorpe: The World's Greatest Athlete.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Video recording review)
September 1, 2009... * Jim Thorpe: The World's Greatest Athlete. DVD. 1:26 hrs. with tchr's. guide. Prod. by Moira Prods. Dist. by VisionMaker Video. 2008, 2009 release. $225. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gr 9 Up--Named "Athlete of the Century" by ABC's Wide World...

Andy Shane and the Pumpkin Trick.(Readalongs for Beginning Readers Series)(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... Andy Shane and the Pumpkin Trick (Readalongs for Beginning Readers Series). cassette or CD. 16:38 min. with paperback book. Live Oak Media. 2009. cassette, ISBN 978-1-43010-312-7: $16.95; CD, ISBN 978-1-43010-315-8: $18.95. Gr 1-3--Poor Andy....

Anything But Typical.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... Anything But Typical (unabr.). 3 CDs. 4 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4233-8129-7. $48.97. Gr 4-7--As if adolescence isn't difficult enough by itself, 12-year-old Jason Blake is not a "neurotypical" (NT), he's autistic and...

The Beautiful Stories of Life: Six Greek Myths, Retold.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... The Beautiful Stories of Life: Six Greek Myths, Retold (unabr.). cassette or CD. 1:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2009. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4407-2143-4, CD: ISBN 978-1-4407-2147-2. $25.75. Gr 5 Up--Cynthia Rylant retells six Greek myths in this...

The Boxer and the Spy.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... The Boxer and the Spy (unabr.). 4 CDs. 4:12 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7393-7304-0. $38. Gr 9 Up--A conversation accidentally overheard leads to a body washing ashore in a small...

The Diamond of Darkhold: The Fourth Book of Ember.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... The Diamond of Darkhold: The Fourth Book of Ember (unabr.). 6 CDs. 6:30 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2008. ISBN 978-0-7393-6812-1. $50. Gr 4-7--Jeanne DuPrau's fourth Book of Ember (Random, 2008)...

Dodger and Me.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... Dodger and Me (unabr.). 3 CDs. 3 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4233-8243-0. $44.97. Gr 3-6--William Dufris gives a lively performance of Jordan Sonnenblick's hilarious fantasy (Fiewel & Friends, 2008) about friendship and...

Dope Sick.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... * Dope Sick (unabr.). 3 CDs. 3:30 hrs. Recorded Books. ISBN 978-1-4361-6140-4. $30.75. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gr 9 Up--Master storyteller and craftsman Walter Dean Myers has combined phenomenal writing, taut pacing, believable characters,...

Encyclopedia Brown Keeps the Peace.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... Encyclopedia Brown Keeps the Peace (unabr.). 2 cassettes or 1 CD. 1:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2009. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4361-8745-9, CD: ISBN 978-1-4361-8749-7. $25.75. Gr 3-5--Leroy "Encyclopedia" Brown is the 10-year-old son of Idaville's...

Every Soul a Star.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... * Every Soul a Star (unabr.). 6 cassettes or 6 CDs. 8:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2009. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4407-0970-8:$51.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4407-0974-6: $66.75. Gr 5-8--The opportunity to see a total solar eclipse draws thousands of people to...

The Forest of Hands and Teeth.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... * The Forest of Hands and Teeth (unabr.). 8 CDs. 9:31 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7393-8536-4. $60. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gr 9 Up--For Mary and the rest of the villagers, the...

Gilda Joyce: The Dead Drop.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... Gilda Joyce: The Dead Drop (unabr.). 6 cassettes or 6 CDs. 7:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2009. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4407-0770-4: $56.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4407-0774-2: $77.75. Gr 5-8--Gilda Joyce is back with another mystery in the latest...

Hothouse Flower.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... Hothouse Flower (unabr.). 4 CDs. 4:33 hrs. Prod. by Chivers Children's Audio Books. Dist. by BBC Audiobooks America. 2008. ISBN 978-1-4056-5981-9. $34.95. Gr 4-7--Can getting hit by a bus change your life for the better? Chloe Wells survives...

Into the Land of the Unicorns: The Unicorn Chronicles, Book 1.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... Into the Land of the Unicorns: The Unicorn Chronicles, Book 1 (unabr.). 4 CDs. 4 hrs. Full Cast Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-934180-83-9. $38. Gr 4-6--On a cold winter's night, Cara and her grandmother take refuge in a church after a mysterious...

The Last Olympian: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... The Last Olympian: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5 (unabr.). 9 CDs. 11 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7393-8035-2. $65. Gr 5-8--Percy Jackson is back in another adventure...

Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... * Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken. CD. 19:24 min. with hardcover book. Live Oak Media. 2009. ISBN 978-1-43010-688-3. $28.95. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PreS-Gr 2--Pirates! Shipwrecks! Lion attacks! Chicken-napping! Louise is a chicken with...

Mothstorm: The Horror from Beyond.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... Mothstorm: The Horror from Beyond (unabr.). 7 cassettes or 7 CDs. 8:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2009. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4361-8672-8: $56.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4361-8676-6: $77.75. Gr 5-8--Philip Reeve's third title (Bloomsbury, 2008) in the...

Necropolis: The Gatekeepers, Book 4.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... Necropolis: The Gatekeepers, Book 4 (unabr.). 9 cassettes or 9 CDs. 10:30 hrs. Recorded Books. 2009. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4407-0429-1: $67.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4407-0433-8: $97.75. Gr 7 Up--Scarlet thinks the she is just a normal 15-year-old...

Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle & Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle & Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me (unabr.). 3 CDs. 3:32 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4233-9333-7. $39.97. Gr 3-6--Tamara Ann Simpson has a problem--10-year-old Muscle Man McGinty. It's the...

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Demigod Files.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Demigod Files (unabr.). 3 CDs. 3:07 min. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7393-8125-0. $30. Gr 5-8--Rick Riodan's latest entry (Hyperion/Disney,...

Pretty Monsters.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... * Pretty Monsters (unabr.). 11 cassettes or 11 CDs. 13:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2009. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4361-9748-9: $78.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4361-9752-6: $108.75. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gr 8 Up--Kelly Link's offbeat, quirky collection...

Punctuation Takes a Vacation.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Book review)
September 1, 2009... * Punctuation Takes a Vacation. CD. 12:09 min. Live Oak Media. 2009. CD with paperback book, ISBN 978-1-43010-707-1: $18.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-1-43010-7-8-8: $28.95. Gr 1-3--Robin Pulver's clever picture book (Holiday House,...

The Secret Life of Prince Charming.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... The Secret Life of Prince Charming (unabr.). 8 CDs. 10 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4333-9371-9. $97.97. Gr 9 Up--With humor, insight, and tugs on the heart, Deb Caletti's novel (S & S/Simon Pulse, 2009) takes Quinn, a high...

Secrets of a Lab Rat: No Girls Allowed (Dogs Okay).(Brief article)(Children's review)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... Secrets of a Lab Rat: No Girls Allowed (Dogs Okay) (unabr.). 2 CDs. 1:55 hrs. Scholastic Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-0-545-13866-6. $29.95. Gr 3-5--Smelly Isabelly! This chant is music to the ears of fourth-grader Scab McNally, aspiring inventor...

The Summoning: The Darkest Powers, Book 1.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Audiobook review)
September 1, 2009... The Summoning: The Darkest Powers, Book 1 (unabr.). 7 cassettes or 7 CDs. 8:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2009. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4361-9716-8: $56.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4361-9720-5: $77.75. Gr 9 Up--Chloe, 15, can see and talk to the dead in Kelly...

The 39 Clues; Book 3: The Sword Thief.(Brief article)(Audiobook review)(Children's review)
September 1, 2009... The 39 Clues; Book 3: The Sword Thief (unabr.). 4 CDs. 3:51 hrs. Scholastic Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-0-545-11949-8. $49.95. Gr 4-7--The adventures of Amy Cahill and her younger brother Dan continue as they race against their relatives to find...