WHEN GORILLA GOES WALKING by Nikki Grimes

When Cecilia begs her mother for a pet, she gets a tail -less cat she names Gorilla. Gorilla's personality shines in this picture book told in lyrical poetry. Gorilla is one cool feline - affectionate, haughty, fierce, and empathetic. Cecilia learns, as most cat owners eventually do, that it isn't easy "remembering who [is] boss." She eventually gets the hang of it, realizing that she's Gorilla's human, not the other way around, and we see Cecelia doing the running, jumping, and fetching. When Gorilla Goes Walking is a sweet story about the bonds that are formed between a pet and a child that last through the fun times, the sad times, the sick times, and of course, the dreaded trip-to-the vet times. Teachers and parents can find storybook extension activities at the author's website (http://www.nikkigrimes.com/teacher/goril1.html). One the library shelf at E GRI.

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

A STORY FOR BEAR by Dennis Haseley

A STORY FOR BEAR by Dennis Haseley

The illustrations by Jim LaMarche alone make this book a joy to read. Put with them the sweet story of a bear who is curious about words and a woman in a summer cabin who loves to read outside under the trees and you have the combination of a gentle, calming story of friendship. Look for this book in the Youth Department under E HAS.

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

TODAY ON ELECTION DAY by Catherine Stier

Election years are teachable moments for families, and Today on Election Day by Catherine Stier is a great companion to educating children on what happens on election day and the time leading up to it. Narrated by six children, the children walk readers through all they can expect to see and hear on election day. The story touches briefly on political parties, campaigning, and the history of elections. Readers can feel the excitement in the narration’s tone.  This book is sure to get children asking questions. This is a great read for the elementary school-aged audience. You can find Today on Election Day in the juvenile nonfiction section of your library under J 324.609 STI.

Bramble and Maggie

Bramble and Maggie by Jessie Haas

Maggie wants a horse more than anything, but her parents tell her she shouldn't fall for the first one she sees. Bramble the horse is tired of giving riding lessons. Riding around and around in circles all day is boring. She needs a person of her own, but she's picky.  Will these two pick each other? Will they be a good match? This is a great beginner chapter book and is located in the juvenile section of the library under J HAA.
-----Judy Griggs

MY BEAR GRIZ by Suzanne McGinness

Billy and his best friend, Griz, do everything best friends should do.  They eat sandwiches together, share secrets and jokes, and go on amazing adventures.  The only difference is that Griz is a giant grizzly bear. . .or is he?  Suzanne McGinness shows just how imaginative a little boy can be in this unique tale of friendship.  What’s more, her love of water color, collage, and acrylic paint make for beautiful illustrations to accompany this all around good book.  This book can be found in the picture book section under E MCG.

ELLEN'S BROOM by Kelly Starling Lyons

Ellen’s Broom is a sweet family story about the legalization of African-American marriages in the United States. It follows a former slave family as they merge the traditional jumping the broom ceremony with that of getting their legal papers. This book is good for older elementary children who are learning about America’s past and will lend to a good discussion on slavery and civil and human rights. Daniel Minter’s artwork works well with the story and is colorful, authentic, and inspired by traditional woodcuts. This story can be found in the picture book section under E LYO.

A WRINKLE IN TIME/WHEN YOU REACH ME

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the publication of A Wrinkle in Time, which won the Newbery medal back in 1963. Looking at the book through a twenty-first century lens, some parts of Madeleine L’Engel’s book do seem a bit old-fashioned, but the story line about time travel and the theme of goodness overcoming evil is still quite good and thought-provoking. Best of all, we are introduced to spunky Meg Murphy, one of the first female protagonist to appear in a juvenile science fiction novel. Meg is good at math and science, is headstrong and independent, and even considered a bit of a troublemaker, all traits that help her defeat evil and darkness in another time and place in order to save her family. If you want to read a more modern story about time travel, try When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead, which also won the Newberry, but almost 50 years later. It takes place in the late 1970s so it could be considered a historical fiction, as well as a mystery, as well as science fiction. It’s similar to A Wrinkle in Time in that the story features a spunky young girl who must figure out how to interpret the clues she’s given to solve a mystery and “save” lives. And coincidentally, in this book, sixth-grader Miranda ‘s favorite book just happens to be A Wrinkle in Time. Find these Newbery winners at J LEN and J STE.