Book Review for COURAGE HAS NO COLOR

Book Review by Allie Davis
MLIS 5603 Literature for Children and Young Adults

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stone, Tanya Lee., and Ashley Bryan. Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America's First Black Paratroopers. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2013. ISBN 0763665487

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
     From the beginning, author Tanya Lee Stone captures the attention of the reader with her ending line of Chapter One, “What is courage? What is strength?  Perhaps it is being ready to fight for your nation even when your nation isn’t ready to fight for you.”  The Forward by author Ashley Bryan establishes credibility and awareness to the segregation of the American Military during WWII as he writes how he faced similar circumstances during his time as a soldier in the same war.  The author’s passion for bringing awareness to the discrimination and segregation faced by Black soldiers during the war begins early in Chapter 2 as the reader finds out that these soldiers, who had completed the same training as their White counterparts, were actually kept from fighting, instead doing jobs such as building roads or sweeping and cooking.  Included information about racial discrimination and White privilege cannot be avoided in a topic of this complexity, but side-by-side, with it, is information about White men such as Clark Gable and FDR who fought for equality and to end the segregation.
     The introduction speculates on the historical contexts of many possibilities about why military segregation was still so prevalent, including movies and ads of the 1930s.  It continues in a logical sequence, although not exactly chronologically, demonstrating how Walter Morris trained the Black paratroopers to jump after hours to rebuild their morale, detailing his fear when he is called to General Gaither’s office to report on his behavior, and recalling his relief when he learns of the soon-to-be creation of the 555^th Paratroopers Infantry. 
     As with all good non-fiction books, Stone includes a Table of Contents, Story Behind the Story, Appendix, Timeline, Source Notes, Bibliography, Photo Credits, Index, and Acknowledgements at the end of her book.  She even shares how she researched for both the text and photographs, again bringing credibility to the inspirational story of how 1^st Sergeant Walter Morris became instrumental in the creation of the Tuskegee Airmen and their stories, including men such as Jesse Mayes, Bradley Biggs, Samuel Robinson, and others.  Elements of segregation are backed up with primary sources from first-hand accounts such as the book The Employment of Negro Troops.  Actual WWII pictures of military warplanes, soldiers jumping, men in uniform, etc. add exciting elements to the text for middle and high school student and adults alike.
     Part of the attractiveness of this book is that questions related to the segregation of Black troops in the U.S. Military during WWII are not presented in a biased or propaganda-filled agenda to promote modern-day racism.  These questions are asked in rhetorical style followed with though-provoking background information so readers can form their own opinions.  The distinct prejudices and segregation of the time period are not coated-over, but are described in clear detail, capturing the attention of readers of all ages who are intrigued by the emotions and determination these Black soldiers maintained as they “were fighting the world’s worst racist, Adolph Hitler, in the world’s most segregated army.”—Stephen Ambrose, historian. 

AWARDS  
·         Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books (WON AWARD in 2013) 
·         American Library Association Notable Books for Children (WON AWARD in 2014) 
·         NCTE Orbis Pictus Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2014) 
·         William Allen White Children's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2016) 
·         Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2014) 


 REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

 ·         Horn Book Guide, “The World War IIera 555th Parachute Infantry Company, nicknamed the Triple Nickles, didn't actually fight anywhere, as white soldiers didn't want to fight alongside black soldiers. The book's focus is wide: there are sections on segregation and stereotypes, Japanese American internment camps, Japanese balloon bombs, the Battle of the Bulge, and Operation Firefly, brought to life with archival photographs and Stone's always clear prose.” © June 5, 2013
·         School Library Journal, “…The photographs and the design of the book as a whole are a gift to readers. Rich with detail, the pictures not only complement the narrative, but also tell a stirring story of their own, chronicling the triumphs and frustrations of the soldiers as they pursued their dreams. Complete accessibility to a wide range of readers, coupled with expert research and meticulous care, makes this a must-have for any library.-Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA…” © January 1, 2013
·         Voice of Youth Advocates, “…This will appeal to readers who like history, adventure, and the military. Stone presents the true story of African-Americans in the 1940s earning their right to fight. African-American regiments were the only places in which African-American officers could serve. Demoralized by menial jobs, soldiers segregated from fighting felt disconnected from the military. Adolph Hitler was racist and, ironically, it was racism at home that kept African Americans from seeing combat against him. Stone's historical account of the 555th Platoon, or Triple Nickels, is well researched and the amount of information presented is nearly overwhelming. Her strength as an author is that she makes rereading the text a joy. Courage Has No Color is enhanced by photographs and artwork on nearly every page. Primary source accounts from the 555th Paratrooper unit, as well as from military and political leaders, broaden the reader's understanding of how America allowed hatred to overshadow hope, even in the face of evil like Adolph Hitler...” © April 1, 2013
·         Booklist, "…Starting with a riveting opening that puts readers into the shoes of a paratrooper on a training flight, this large-format book offers an informative introduction to the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion. Known as the Triple Nickles, they were America's first black paratrooper unit. Though WWII brought increased racial integration to the military, the pace was painfully slow. This book traces the paratroopers' story through their training and their long wait for orders to join the fighting overseas-orders that never came. Instead, the Triple Nickles were sent to fight fires in remote areas of western states. Decades passed before the men were officially honored for service to their country. Written with great immediacy, clarity, and authority, Stone's vivid narrative draws readers into the Triple Nickles' wartime experiences…” © February 1, 2013

CONNECTIONS

Use as an introduction unit to WWII (1939-1945), Military/War/History/Army, African-American soldiers, and race discrimination.
https://vimeo.com/57600789
https://sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/courage-has-no-color-274791
https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=33034
http://howtoteachanovel.blogspot.com/2013/03/courage-has-no-color.html

 

 

 Gather similar Black Soldiers of WWII books to read such as:

·       Hill, Ezra M.  The Black Red Tail Angels: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman and the Aviators. ISBN 162563434X
·       Garza, Hedda.  Without Regard to Race: The U.S. Military After World War II. ISBN 0531201961
·       Perritano, John.  Tuskegee Airman. ISBN 060638586X

Gather more Tanya Lee Stone titles to read such as:
Link to author, Tanya Lee Stone: http://tanyastone.com/
·       Girl Rising: Changing the World One Girl at a Time. ISBN  0553511467

·       Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote. ISBN 0312602367
·       Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream. ISBN: 0763645028

Gather other Publisher's Weekly Best Children's Books to read such as:
·       Sidman, Joyce. Before Morning. ISBN  0547979177
·       Leonard, M.G. Beetle Boy. ISBN 054585346X
·       Savit, Gavriel. Anna and the Swallow Man. ISBN  0553522086

Book Review for DRAWING FROM MEMORY

Book Review by Allie Davis
MLIS 5603 Literature for Children and Young Adults

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Say, Allen. Drawing from memory. New York: Scholastic Press, 2011.  ISBN 0545176867

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
     Author/illustrator Allen Say tells his own story in the autobiography, Drawing from Memory.  His first-hand experience of how he became a comic book artist, against the wishes of his parents and grandmother relives his childhood before the World War II and takes the reader through his immigration to America as a young adult.  No citation or bibliography is present within the book as he is telling his story in first-person point of view.  He does include an Author’s Note at the end of the book which details Say’s deep emotional attachment to his sensei and the result of this relationship, the creation of the book itself.  Although very minor stereotyping occurs, such as American soldiers being the occupier, art not being a respectable profession, and karate only being performed by killers or gangsters, I believe that Say only includes these elements to bring awareness to the historical context of the days he grew up in.
     Say tells his story in chronological order from his preschool years through age 15, when he immigrates to America with his father, whom he has been estranged from most of his life.  Brief moments of flashbacks occur to help the reader understand different times he is remember in his life. Transition words help the reader follow the passage of time from him learning to read, his childhood before the war, enrollment in public school, entrance into Aoyama Private Middle School to his apprenticeship/art history with his sensei and ultimately up to his journey to America. Throughout, Say uses Japanese words for cultural elements, helping English readers to understand them by providing synonym context clues. 
     Through his hand drawn cartoon-type pictures (some in color and some pencil), actual historical family photographs, and drawings created with and by his sensei, Say becomes very real to the readers.  We feel his emotions and are drawn into his life.  At first, I had doubts about my interest in this book, but as I continued to read it, I developed an emotional attachment to the young Allen Say, Kiyoi, He effectively communicates his memories, emotions, and passions, realistically leading the reader to desire more knowledge about Say’s life.  He creates suspense and curiosity that draws the readers into the passages through phrases like, “This was scarier than the Aoyama Middle School entrance exam! That was only an apartment. Now I was taking the test to decide my whole future as an artist, the only future I wanted,” and “The room swayed around me…I thought I was drowning until I heard sensei’s laugh.”  Ultimately, the book ended up captivating my interest in him as an artist, leading me to research his life further.  In teaching the elements of autobiography to children, this book is an excellent choice for teaching this genre.

   
AWARDS  
·         School Library Journal Best Books of the Year  (WON AWARD in 2011) 
·         Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award  (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2012) 
·         American Library Association Notable Books for Children  (WON AWARD in 2012) 
·         Leslie Bradshaw Award for Young Readers  (WON AWARD in 2013) 



REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
·         Horn Book Guide, “This rendering of Say's adolescence--a coming-of-age story within the context of a long life and vocation--takes the form of an album, with text, photographs, drawings, and paintings. At the center of the book is Say's relationship with Noro Shinpei, a popular cartoonist who took Say on as an apprentice at thirteen. Throughout the volume, content is reinforced through canny artistic choices and harmonious design.” © January 9, 2012
·         School Library Journal, “Up-Say traces his lifelong love of comics and tells of those who disparaged and those who nurtured his talents, including one of Japan's most famous cartoonists who became his mentor and spiritual father. This captivating and seamless melding of words and brilliant pictures provides the lens of memory and inspiration.” © December 1, 2011
·         Voice of Youth Advocates, "Say, an award-winning author and illustrator of juvenile literature, has created in this memoir a beautiful tribute to his sensei, Japanese for 'teacher' or 'master.' Taught to read at an early age, Say loved comic books, which inspired a passion for drawing: When I was drawing, I was happy. I didn't need toys or friends or parents. His father, however, had a low regard for artists. At age twelve, Say was sent to live with his maternal grandmother in Tokyo. Used to living alone, his grandmother had little patience for her artistic grandson. He studied and gained admittance into a prestigious middle school, and with his grandmother's blessing, he moved into his own apartment. That night, he read a newspaper article about a boy, an apprentice to the famous Japanese cartoonist Noro Shinpei. Say writes of Shinpei, 'His books were my secret treasures I hid from my parents.' The article set Say on the path to realizing his dream of becoming an artist and into a relationship of mutual respect and admiration. Say's autobiographical story introduces readers to Japanese culture of the 1940s and 50s. Teens will envy the extreme independence accorded to Say at such an early age. The mixture of text, sketches, and photographs illustrates Say's development as an artist and provides a glimpse into his youth and the lives of those closest to him. This book is sure to appeal to reluctant readers. Its brief text and plentiful graphics make it a quick but fulfilling read, and leave the reader wanting more.-Jeanine Fox.©  December 1, 2011
·         Booklist, "…The scrapbook format features photographs, many of them dim with age; sketchbook drawings; and unordered, comic-book-style panels that float around wide swathes of text and unboxed captions, and the overall effect is sometimes disjointed. Still, as a portrait of a young artist, this is a powerful title that is both culturally and personally resonant.--Chipman, Ian." © August 1, 2011

CONNECTIONS

Use as an introduction to art/artists, history, Japanese Americans/Japan, Asia, biography, and Autobiography.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/04/lp340-03.shtml

https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?a=1&tid=26101

http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/say
 

 Gather similar Art History books to read such as:

·       Conolly, Sean.  The Life and Work of Leonardo da Vinci. ISBN 1403484929
·       Venecia, Mike.  Diego Valazquez. ISBN 0516269801
·       Bassil, Andrea.  Vincent Van Gogh. ISBN 0836856023

Gather more Allan Say titles to read such as:
Link to author, Allan Say: http://biography.jrank.org/pages/1687/Say-Allen-1937.html
·       The Inker's Shadow. ISBN  0545437768

·       Grandfather's Journey. ISBN 0547076800
·       Tea With Milk: Rise and Shine. ISBN: 0547237472

Gather other ALA Notable Books for Children titles to read such as:
·       Fogliano, Julie. Old Dog Baby Baby. ISBN  1596438533
·       Pizzoli, Greg. Good Night Owl. ISBN 1484712757
·       Watts, Jen. A Piece of Home. ISBN  0763669717

Book Review for Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest

Book Review by Allie Davis
SLIS 5603 Literature for Children and Young Adults

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jenkins, Steve. The Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 1999.  ISBN 0395942187

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
     In the nonfiction picture book, On Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest, facts and information are adequately presented in typical Steve Jenkins style.  He encourages curiosity through pictures and straightforward, direct essential facts.  Interest is created through reader desire to learn more about topics that are encountered while reading the book.  Critical thinking is developed through the connection of various curriculums such as science, math, geography, and reading. 
     Jenkins's fact are reliable and knowledgeable, his Bibliography taken from 8 sources listed at the back of the book.  Also included at the back of the book is a list of verifiable records and statistics related to the conquest of Mount Everest itself.  All the statistics are easily verified as well.  No stereotypes are obvious in the writing as Jenkins is straightforward and kid-friendly with his terminology.  He does not water down the information, but rather words it in understandable phrasing that readers will appreciate.  The information he includes is the same as what is included in adult books on Mount Everest, including the oxygen tank dumping grounds and the scattered dead bodies of those who didn't survive the trek, but with age/grade appropriate illustrations to compliment the text. 
     One of the crowning achievements of this book is the sequence that is imposed.  The book is organized in chronological ordering, beginning of to the end of the Mount Everest journey.  There is a brief introduction to Mount Everest (history, facts, descriptions) leading into location, getting to the mountain, native people hikers will meet, continuing to the actual summit of the mountain.  The design of the book is easy to follow and easy to read for even the youngest readers (4-7 years), using attractive construction paper collages and images (tents, maps, peaks, etc.) to describe the hike up Mount Everest.  The facts are inviting in a non-frightening manner.  An infographic is included of labeled pictures of the needed equipment for the journey which could be used to teach specific vocabulary words, if desired. Finally, an insert or sidebar is included on nearly every page to show exciting facts which are relevant to Everest or mountain climbing, in general, such as elevation at the camps, frostbite, and native animals.  All-in-all, this book is an excellent way to present nonfiction to even the youngest readers in an interesting and exciting manner.

AWARDS  

    
·                     School Library Journal Best Books of the Year (WON AWARD in 1999) 
·                     American Library Association Notable Books for Children (WON AWARD in 2000) 
·                     Bluebonnet Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2001) 
·                     Rhode Island Children's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2001) 
·                     NCTE Orbis Pictus Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2000) 
·                     Beehive Children's Informational Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2002) 
·                     Prairie Pasque Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2002) 
·                     Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2002) 
·                     Garden State Children's Book Awards (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2002) 
·                     Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards (WON AWARD in 1999)


 REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
·       Library Journal,  "A windfall of facts about Everest and the daring mountaineers who have attempted to reach its summit.  Breathtaking cut-paper collages capture the dramatic vistas and the frightening realities of high-altitude climbs."© 2010
·       Horn Book Magazine, "The book follows a logical sequence, beginning with the statistics (where it is, how tall, how it was formed, how to get there, who climbed it first) and continuing with a virtual climbing experience for the reader: "It takes a lot of special gear to climb Mount Everest.  Here is some of the equipment you'll need"-a spread displaying a delicious array of impressive rig.  By the time we have reached the summit on the last spread, we have gained an understanding of the thrills as well as the immense hardships involved in this climb.  Jenkins doesn't avoid details of frost bite and lost fingers, or even the visible otter of used oxygen canisters and frozen bodies of climbers who succumbed to the altitude and had to be left on the mountain.  On nearly every spread there is an inset or sidebar providing additional information about glaciers and avalanches, the culture of the Sherpas, why climbers need oxygen, and other facts that are of interest but would break the forward motion of the story..." ©  2010
·       Publishers Weekly, "Addressing readers as would-be Everest explorers, Jenkins's book is a compendium of historical info and practical tips, illustrated with stunning cut-paper collages." © April 29, 2002.

CONNECTIONS

Use as an introduction to units on Everest, China, Nepal, mountaineering, oxygen, or hiking.

https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=6885
  

 Gather similar Mount Everest books to read such as:

·       Hyde, Natalie.  Conquering Everest. ISBN 0778711757
·       Brown, Tricia.  You Wouldn't Want to Climb Mount Everest: A Deadly Journey to the Top of the  World. ISBN 0531205053
·     Carlson Berne, Emma.  Summiting Everest. ISBN 0756547962

Gather more Steven Jenkins titles to read such as:
Link to author, Steve Jenkins:  http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/
·       Animals by the Numbers: A Book of Animal Infographics. ISBN  0544630920

·       Flying Frogs and Walking Fish. ISBN 0544630904
·       How to Swallow a Pig. ISBN: 0544313658


Gather other Orbis Pictus Award titles to read such as:
·       Sweet, Melissa. Some Writer@: The Story of E.B.White. ISBN  0544319591
·       Brown, Don. Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans. ISBN 054415777X
·       Fleming, Candace. The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia. ISBN  0375867821

Book Review for Diamond Willow

Book Review by Allie Davis
MLIS 5603 Literature for Children and Young Adults

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Frost, Helen. 2008. Diamond Willow. New York: Frances Foster Books, 2008. ISBN 0374317763

POEM  CRITICAL ANALYSIS
     Diamond Willow is a verse novel told mainly through the first-person perspective of Willow, an Athabascan teenager from Old Fork, Alaska.  As this is a verse novel told mostly in shape poems, there is no rhythm, and very little rhyme is present. There are two main types of character dialogue.  Willow's words are told in varying types of diamond-shaped concrete poems .  Through these shape poems, we learn her innermost feelings and in an almost redaction-poetry style, the reader learns her most personal thoughts as a hidden meaning.  The other characters also speak through first-person dialogue, but their words are written in traditional narrative paragraphs. 
     Since the novel is in verse-style, few instances of sound devices occur. In the places that do happen to exist, it seems more as language that would occur naturally through regular conversation.  A great example of this natural language is found on page 50 when there is a stream-of-conscience conversation in which Willow's thoughts run rampant.  Repetitive alliteration happens within her thoughts, "We got a fire going; we melted snow./ We boiled water, and checked Roxy's eyes./ We changed her bandage.  We kept her warm./ We cooked a pot of salmon stew, gave plenty/ to the dogs.  Now we can eat some stew/ ourselves."  There are also a few examples where onomatopoeia add to the dialogue. 
     Most of Willow's story is straightforward, literal language. However, depending on the interpretation of the reader, the first-person narrative of the other characters can be considered either personification or reincarnation.  The animals who are guarding Willow are given human characteristics.  They can talk, think, and reason.  However, these could also be interpreted literally as Willow's ancestors who are reincarnated to stay with her in animal form. 
     Diamond Willow is quite detailed and imagery is created the abundance of details the writer provides as the story unfolds. Through the imagery and details in the story, Willow becomes a character all readers can relate to: the teenage upset with her parents and wants more freedom, who is scared but refused to admit it and then feels extreme guilt when her actions lead to some adverse consequences.  The emotions that are stimulated while reading the novel are tied directly to the universal theme of human compassion and love that animals bring into our lives.  This theme is beautifully displayed in both the differing diamond shapes and the inner feelings Frost masterfully weaves into them. 
     Overall, the story works together to create a sound example of verse novel poetry, and the inclusion of an introduction by the author at the beginning helps pave the way to a deeper understanding of story elements.  Astute readers should pick up on the hidden messages and the differing perspectives easily, but younger readers will appreciate the added help getting started.

AWARDS  

·       Maud Hart Lovelace Award - Nominated in 2012                  
·       Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year - 2009
·       Illinois Rebecca Caudill YR Choice Award ML
·     Texas Lone Star Reading List - 2009-10
·       GA Picture Storybook Award ML
·       Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry Honor Book
·       Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award,
·       Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year,
·       North Carolina Children's Book Award Master List,
·       Iowa Children's Choice Award Master List
·       An Indie Next Kids' List Great Read
·      Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Master List,
·       Michigan Mitten Award
·      Georgia Children's Book Award Master List (University of GA)
·       CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI)
·       Best Books of Indiana: Children/Young Adult Category
·       Louisiana YR Choice Book Award Master List
·      Hawaii Nene Book Award Master List
·      Capitol Choices Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens                   

http://us.macmillan.com/diamondwillow/helenfrost/9780312603830/

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

·       Horn Book Guide, "The first-person, present-tense narrative is typeset in diamond shapes; bold-faced words at the heart of each diamond hold an additional nugget of meaning."©  2010.
·       School Library Journal, “In the print version, readers immediately recognize Willow's narration because of the diamond-shaped free verse poems. Within each poem, Frost has cleverly hidden a second poem, with words in boldface type, that underscores the salient point of Willow's thoughts.."  © 2010
·       Voice of Youth Advocates "...Likewise this lyrical gem of a story reveals the inner beauty of a seemingly ordinary Athabascan girl. Each page of her narration is a poem in the shape of a diamond, with a few bolded words in the middle conveying a second message. The ancestors who watch over her in the form of forest animals speak in interspersed pages of prose. An engaging survival tale, it is also the story of a girl who finds within herself the grace to grow up.-Marla K. Unruh. Willow, a part Athabascan Indian who lives in Alaska, is a typical girl. When she conscripts her best friend, Kaylie, into a wild adventure to save her favorite dog, the story transforms into a thrilling outdoor escapade that will entrance the reader. This delightful novel is a must-read." - Colby Smith, Teen Reviewer ©  
·       Booklist, "Set in a remote part of Alaska, this story in easy-to-read verse blends exciting survival adventure with a contemporary girl's discovery of family roots and secrets. Middle-schooler Willow's dad is Anglo, and her mother is Athabascan. The girl longs to spend more time with her traditional Indian grandparents even though she knows she will miss computers and other things that are a part of her life..." © 2008.

CONNECTIONS

Use as an introduction to a dogs, Iditarod Race, Alaska, Native Americans, popularity, teen years, family life, friendship.

https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?a=1&tid=13561

http://iditarod.com/edu/book-study-diamond-willow-a-novel-in-poetry/

• Introduce poetic forms, including concrete poetry.
• Students can write their own diamond shaped poems with hidden messages.
• Have a wood lathe demonstration or wood-working demonstration.
• Research the Iditarod Race.

 Gather similar Alaskan books to read such as:

·       Levinson, Nancy Smiler.  If You Lived in Alaskan Territory. ISBN 0590744496
·       Brown, Tricia.  Iditarod. ISBN 1439642370
·     Coghill, John B.  Growing up in Alaska. ISBN 0982301715

Gather more Helen Frost titles to read such as:
Link to author, Helen Frost:  http://helenfrost.net/
·       Applesauce Weather. ISBN  9780763675769

·       Among a Thousand Fireflies. ISBN 9780763676421
·       Hidden. ASIN: B01K95NMTG
·       When My Sister Started Kissing (March, 2017). ISBN 0374303037

Gather other Texas Lone Star Award titles to read such as:
·       Carter, Aimee. Simon Thorn and the Wolf's Den. ISBN  1619637065
·       Davies, Linda. Longbow Girl. ISBN 0545853451
·       Henry, April. The Girl I Used to Be. ISBN  1627793321
·     Reynolds, Jason. Ghost. ISBN 1481450158