Books We Read – August

August 2009 [Books received: 28 ; books read: 43] Beginning with the July list, I have added a note to all of our book reviews on the website. The note explains the source of the book and/or review so that we are completely transparent about our processes. Look for the source in the “Notes” section of each profile. I have a record of the source for every book we receive, and eventually I will add them to all of our reviews. If you’ve written a review (website or blog) for any of the books with links, please click through and add your name/URL on the review page via Mr. Linky. We like letting our visitors know what other readers think! If … Read more

Reading Ahead – August

Welcome to our roundup of new arrivals that have cover appeal! Every two months, we publish this list of books that at first glance look like they could hook kids on reading. This edition is a little different because I did a post-Book Expo America list, so we there are two lists for June/July.  Some of these are brand new books, some of them are just new to us. As crazy as it may sound, we are turning away requests to donate books. We have received nearly400 books so far this year, and we want to keep a “steady pace” of processing them (cataloging, reading, reviewing, placing with a reader in need). This month we’ll be placing more than 100 … Read more

Nonfiction Monday: Follow the Money!

Follow the Money! written by Loreen Leedy illustrated by Loreen Leedy published by Holiday House, 2003 Audience (reading level):  5 to 8 (2.1 Flesch Kincaid) Money talks. No, I mean it. George Washington (hard head and paper face) has a lot to say about how he traveled from the US Mint to a bank to the cash register to a clown (in exchange for a balloon) the soda machine … and so on … until he returns to the bank again. George isn’t the only President talking – Abe Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson and John F. Kennedy introduce themselves. Susan B. Anthony, Sacagawea, and Alexander Hamilton also make cameo appearances. By following the money trail, kids are introduced to … Read more