So that’s it!  The end of two reading challenges for 2011, though there are lots of books still in my to-read stack that will spill into 2012.  It’s been really informative to focus my reading in this way.  I still deeply love historical fiction and have great respect for the good work of debut authors—many who wrote historical—twice as good for me.  A number of books are on both lists.  Here is how the two challenges shake out:

Historical Fiction—Needed 15, Recommended 15
Crossing the Tracks, by Barbara Stuber
Forge, by Laurie Halse Anderson
Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys
The Trouble with May Amelia, by Jennifer Holm
The Year We Were Famous, by Carole Estby Dagg
Okay for Now, by Gary D. Schmidt
Sylvia & Aki, by Winifred Conkling
The Lost Crown, by Sarah Miller
Queen of Hearts, by Martha Brooks
In Trouble, by Ellen Levine
My Name is Not Easy, by Debby Dahl Edwardson
Inside Out & Back Again, by Thanhha Lai
With a Name Like Love, by Tess Hilmo
Anya’s War, by Andrea Alban
City of Orphans, by Avi

Debut—Needed 12, Recommended 13
Crossing the Tracks, by Barbara Stuber
Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys
Warped, by Maurissa Guibord
Words in the Dust, by Trent Reedy
Sylvia & Aki, by Winifred Conkling
The Mostly True Story of Jack, by Kelly Barnhill
Wildwood: The Wildwood Chronicles, Book 1, by Colin Meloy with illustrations by Carson Ellis
Frost, by Marianna Baer
Inside Out & Back Again, by Thanhha Lai
The Faerie Ring, by Kiki Hamilton
With a Name Like Love, by Tess Hilmo
The Pull of Gravity, by Gae Polisner
Anya’s War, by Andrea Alban

Editor’s note: These titles can all be found in the alphabetical list on the right.

—Kari Baumbach, children’s literature enthusiast

Written by Ed Emberley
Published by LB Kids (paperback), 2005
ISBN 9780316789714

 Sure, you remember the Ed Emberley drawing books, but when was the last time you pulled one—or twelve of them—off the shelf, took out your colored pencils or pens, and had a blast?

 At least once each week an adult utters these words to me: “I wish I could draw.” So isn’t that a worthy part of a child’s education? It’s a form of expression in which many people would like to be skilled.

 Still not convinced? Then I’ll tell you that this book is all about geometry, anatomy, sequences and patterns, spatial relationships, and process—from beginning to completion.

 Who wouldn’t want to draw weirdos? Whether it’s a vampire, a Frankenstein’s monster-type creature, a skeleton pirate, or a dinosaur, there are a broad range of weirdos in Ed Emberley’s world.

 There are few words, making this an ideal book for use with ELL students. Draw a weirdo, write the weirdo’s story.

 Draw a weirdo. In simple steps, using eight simple geometrical shapes, kids (and the adults who love them) will be satisfied with their mastery of drawing, never realizing all the learning that’s taking place.

—Vicki Palmquist, children’s literature enthusiast

Written by Brian Castleforte
Published by Workman, 2010
ISBN 9780761158820

My husband opened this book and immediately wanted to start making monsters. They’re irresistible. On perforated paper that’s just the right weight for folding and standing, the tabs are clearly marked, and numbers tell you which operation to do in which order.

Best of all, whether it’s The X from Outer Space, Zwart, Wingy Wingy, Evil Icy, Rottenbottom, or OctoPup, there’s a monster for every imagination.

Now, just between you and me, there’s a lot of learning packed into these pages: spatial relationships, following instructions, and the thoughtful pages at the end of the book that allow you (oh, I mean your child) to imagine and color your own.

Particularly germaine to our interests, there’s a well-written, short story accompanying each monster, written with accessible language. The stories serve as a springboard for longer stories, good examples of short-short stories, and descriptive paragraphs.

I defy anyone to pick up this book without having it fire up your imagination. Think what it will do for your students or your favorite young person.

—Vicki Palmquist, children’s literature enthusiast