UNDER THE FREEDOM TREE by Susan VanHecke, illustrated by London Ladd (Charlesbridge, 2014) Under the Freedom Tree tells the story of three runaway Confederate slaves who steal away under night’s blanket of protection and row their weathered skiff to the Union side. They’re seeking freedom, a chance to build a life for themselves, but if… Read more »
February 2014
WHEN HURRICANE KATRINA HIT HOME
WHEN HURRICANE KATRINA HIT HOME by Gail Langer Karwoski, illustrations by Julia Marshall Good news update! WHEN HURRICANE KATRINA HIT HOME was selected as a Notable Book for Older Readers by the Sydney Taylor Awards, the Association of Jewish Libraries. What a shock to everyone who decided to wait out the storm. Hurricane Katrina burst levees, flooded acres of homes,… Read more »
The I Survived Series by Lauren Tarshis
Touted as one of the most enticing series for reluctant readers, Lauren Tarshis’s I Survived series hits the ground running! These books make history come alive with sizzling passion and panache. The success of this series lies not only in expert storytelling depicting exciting historical details, but also in Lauren’s ability to emotionally connect her readers… Read more »
Fact and fiction – a winning combination for middle grade readers
The newest book in the popular “I Survived” series is I SURVIVED THE NAZI INVASION 1944. Two more books are already in the pipeline, with more to come. ReaderKidZ talked to author Lauren Tarshis about how she researches each disaster, the challenges of creating a fictitious story around each one, and why there are no… Read more »
Gripping adventures! Real life disasters! Heroic kids!
What middle grade reader doesn’t want to read a book in which the hero in a true-to-life disaster is his own age? The popular I Survived series has been a huge hit among reluctant and not-so-reluctant middle grade readers. Packed with fast-paced action, fascinating information about terrifying disasters around the world, and – at the… Read more »
