Claudia Mills
Claudia Mills has always loved schools. She even admits that as a child she marked off the days of summer until school would start again in the fall! As an adult, Claudia continues to be fascinated with schools. It is intriguing for her to contemplate interactions and incidents that evolve when groupings of young people, who would not otherwise be associated with each other, are placed together for six hours a day, five days a week in rather restricted surroundings. The potential for storytelling is vast.
It is not surprising, therefore, that many of Claudia's more than 40 books have school settings. Some of her plots are based on her own childhood experiences, although she has learned how to cull the most dramatic moments and sometimes these past incidents turn out better than they did in real life. Other plot ideas have been sparked by assignments and activities that occurred during the years her sons were in elementary and middle schools.
Two of her recent books, Being Teddy Roosevelt and The Totally Made-Up Civil War Diary of Amanda MacLeish, transport the reader into innovative school settings based on her sons' elementary school experiences. As part of a fourth-grade unit on biographies, each student was asked to research a famous person and then "become" that person for a day - dressing as the person dressed and answering questions as that person would have responded. Claudia cleverly creates characters who receive "famous person" assignments which are the opposite of their own personalities. In Being Teddy Roosevelt, Riley is disappointed to draw the name of Teddy Roosevelt instead of that of a famous musician. Riley really wants to learn to play the saxophone, but his single-parent mom can't spare the money for either the instrument or the lessons. Learning about Roosevelt inspires Riley to pursue his dreams. In The Totally Made-Up Civil War Diary of Amanda MacLeish, Amanda has known that her parents fight all the time, but when her dad moves to a motel outside of town, she is devastated. About this same time, she receives a school assignment to make up a possible diary that could have been written by a girl her age during the Civil War. Amanda weaves many of her personal conflicts and problems into the writings of her imaginary character.
Those who have read Claudia's books can't help but be impressed with her astute powers of observation. She writes about school settings and students as they really exist. She sees beyond surface appearances and takes readers into the thoughts, motivations, fears, and personal achievements of her characters.
Claudia likes the structure of writing chapter books for students in specific age groups. Her large body of work includes series and individual titles appropriate for readers in elementary and middle school grades. She hopes that young people will grow and change as a result of reading her books.
All of Claudia's characters have exceptional traits. Some of them are actually in gifted and talented classes, but others struggle to find their way. Children in Losers, Inc. and the companion books are often discouraged, feeling like they don't fit in. But they all eventually find friends and, more importantly, discover their individual identities.
In the Dinah series, the heroine begins middle school and many of the problems faced by students show up in the four-book series: running for class offices, trying out for parts in plays, going to dances, and falling in love. Deeper issues such as dealing with the birth of a brother, dealing with the death of friend, and contemplating concerns about the environment also appear.
Using humor and dialog consistent with the teenage experience, the West Creek Middle School series features characters considering important life issues and making tough decisions. Should Marcia go to the school dance with the date of her dreams or be at the bedside of a dying woman she has befriended at the local nursing home?
Although many of Claudia's books have school settings, she skillfully incorporates the sometimes rocky roads of relationships with parents, siblings, and neighbors, as well as those resulting from classroom friendships. In 7 x 9 = Trouble!, Wilson struggles with learning his times tables as he comes to appreciate a younger brother he had previously considered a nuisance. Trading Places features twins, Amy and Todd, who have been cast in specific roles by both their parents and teachers. Then everything turns topsy-turvy.
Her "Gus and Grandpa" series celebrates loving relationships that exist across generations. These beginning reader books feature common situations such as learning to ride a bicycle, baking cookies, finding the right Halloween costume, and the anticipated agony of a piano recital.
Claudia loves everything about children's literature and she is actively involved in every aspect of the field. She not only writes books for children; she reviews books written by others; she contributes scholarly research; she serves on award committees; she visits schools throughout the U.S.; and she participates in workshops and seminars related to children's literature abroad.
School visits are an important piece of Claudia's repertoire of skills. Comfortable speaking with both large and small groups, her presentations are lively and humorous. Students are immediately drawn in and remain engaged throughout. Teachers and librarians report increased interest in reading after an "Author's Day with Claudia Mills".
One of the highlights of her career was helping select the 2005 National Book Award winner. Claudia has also served on judging committees for the Phoenix Award presented by the scholarly Children's Literature Association and the Golden Kite Award given by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
She recently taught a course at the Graduate Institute of Children's Literature at National Taitung University and attended the 9th Asian Children's Literature Convention, both in Taiwan. The other participating countries were Japan, Korea, and China.
Dr. Mills has always had another job while she has been writing books. She presently lives in Boulder and teaches philosophy at the University of Colorado.
Claudia Mills has made significant contributions throughout the field of children's literature. All of her manuscripts and papers are housed in the Kerlan Collection in the Research Libraries at the University of Minnesota.
Contributor: Phyllis Kennemer
Find out more about Claudia Mills and her books at www.childrensbookguild.org/mills.htm.
Reviews
7 x 9 = Trouble!
Claudia Mills
Pictures by G. Brian Karas
Wilson Williams feels like the only kid in his third grade class who can't learn his times-tables. The other kids are sailing through each level to earn the ice cream cone reward. Wilson thinks he'll be a "huge, hulking fifth grader, practically a grown man," before he passes all the tests. Worse, Wilson's five-year-old brother is smart in math. He can even do multiplication. When Wilson brings home Squiggles, the class hamster, he is able to study his parents' practice tests easier. If only he had a pet of his own! Wilson's anxieties increase with each table as he scales the multiplication mountain. When Squiggles escapes his cage, Wilson draws a lifelike poster, revealing his talent in art. Though he finishes last in the math race, he realizes he doesn't have to be good at everything. But Wilson's relationship with his little brother is the heart of the story. Wilson recognizes Kipper as a real person, not just a pest who drags around stuffed animals. Multiply well-balanced writing with gentle humor and the answer is a winning first chapter book. 2002, Farrar Straus Giroux, $15.00. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Candice Ransom (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2002; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
- Capitol Choices, 2002; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
- Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
- The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States
- Notable Children's Books, 2003; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
- Colorado Book Awards Finalist 2003 Childen United States
- Virginia Young Readers Program Winner 2004-2005 Elementary School Level Virginia
- Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award, 2005; Nominee; Oregon
- Cochecho Readers' Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Dover, New Hampshire
- Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Grades 3 - 6; Pennsylvania
- Sunshine State Young Reader's Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Florida
- Virginia Young Readers Program, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Virginia
- Young Hoosier Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Intermediate; Indiana
ISBN: 0-374-36746-9
Alex Ryan, Stop That!
Claudia Mills
Class clown Alex Ryan can't wait for the West Creek Middle School outdoor field trip, a camping adventure for the entire seventh grade. He's got a number of practical jokes up his sleeve and knows the trip will be the perfect place to carry them out. He also has to figure out a way to make up with Marcia, who he likes, but who he has repeatedly, and perhaps unforgivably, insulted. Alex's attempts to impress both Marcia and his overbearing, often obnoxious father almost result in tragedy, but in the end, Alex manages both to work his situation out and to gain strength and maturity from owning up to his mistakes. Mills portrays Alex's father as a blustery know-it-all for whom reputation and practicality override moral sensibility; the conflict between his father's advice and what Alex knows to be right provides impetus for Alex's moral growth. Although the theme is serious, Mills' depiction of seventh-grade life is dead-on funny. This is the fourth in a series of novels about the West Creek Middle School seventh grade, including Losers, Inc.; You're a Brave Man, Julius Zimmerman; and Lizzie At Last. 2003, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Anne Marie Pace (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2004, 2004; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Land of Enchantment Book Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Young Adult; New Mexico
ISBN: 0-374-34655-0
Being Teddy Roosevelt
Claudia Mills
Illustrated by R.W. Alley
This short chapter book is an engaging episode in the life of fourth grader Riley. His problems--losing his papers, forgetting his Language Arts notebook, not being able to afford a saxophone, and having a hard time getting anything higher than a C grade--hang heavy on his mind. The author deals sensitively with his problems big and small. Many a fourth grader will identify with Riley's feelings and admire his attempts, eventually successful, to devise strategies for coping with each problem. A school assignment about Teddy Roosevelt gets Riley thinking about how the intrepid president would have handled similar obstacles. He comes to realize that celebrities face just as much adversity as ordinary people. Roosevelt was asthmatic and his father, like Riley's, died young. The biography inspires the boy to focus on perseverance and solutions rather than problems. The author populates her classroom with ordinary children, including the stock teacher's pets and show-offs, but they are not one-dimensional or static. Amusing illustrations by R. W. Alley endear these children to the reader and put their problems in perspective. The characters and situations are timeless, reminiscent of Cleary's Ramona books in their focus on the dilemmas and perspective of the young elementary school child. There is also enough humor to make this a good bet for reluctant readers. 2007, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Christina M. Desai (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, Supplement, 2007; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-374-30657-5
Gus and Grandpa
Claudia Mills
Illustrated by Catherine Stock
Gus and Grandpa make life an intergenerational treat! They share ideas, plans, and jokes. They hangout together and when things get mixed-up, they work out their problems together, too. This book is simply written--beginning readers will enjoy being able to read it independently. But there is no shortage of meat on this book's bones. There is fun to be had here, and lots to think about, too! 1997, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $13.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Judy Katsh (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Children's Choices, 1998; International Reading Association; United States
ISBN: 978-0-374-32824-5
Gus and Grandpa and Show-and-Tell
Claudia Mills
Illustrated by Catherine Stock
Gus isn't very happy. He used to love show-and-tell, but now his second grade teacher has imposed themes for the students. He hardly ever has anything interesting and feels like every member of the class outshines him, especially Ryan Mason. When Gus visits Grandpa and tells of his predicament and relates that the next assignment is Colorado history, Grandpa starts telling stories about his grandparents. Then Gus gets a great idea, and he and Grandpa become the stars of the next show-and-tell. A dilemma that is all too real for that age group, a multicultural cast of students and a warm intergenerational story make for another winning combination. Kids will enjoy reading this book. 2000, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $13.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
-
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002;
National Council of Teachers of English; United States - The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Children's Books on Aging, 2004; ALSC American Library Association; United States
- The Children's Literature Choice List, 2001; Children's Literature; United States
- Parent's Guide to Children's Media, 2000; Parent's Guide to Children's Media, Inc.; United States
- Garden State Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Easy-to-Read Series Books; New Jersey
ISBN: 9780374328191
Gus and Grandpa and the Christmas Cookies
Claudia Mills
Illustrated by Catherine Stock
Tis the season for song and special foods, for presents and visits and a spirit of cheer. In this gently humorous chapter book, a boy and his cookie-baking grandfather are inundated with holiday goodies from neighbors. They discover a way to share with homeless kids. The expressive watercolors are a lovely accompaniment to the simple, lyrical text. 1997, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $13.00. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-374-32823-4
ISBN: 978-0-374-32823-8
Gus and Grandpa and the Halloween Costume
Claudia Mills
Pictures by Catherine Stock
Beginning readers can't go wrong with the Gus and Grandpa stories. The characters and situations are real and this story is no exception. Gus is really excited about Halloween but he knows that his Mom and Dad ar not going to let him have a store-bought costume and his Dad even says what is all the fus "When I was a kid we wore any old thing we could find lying around the house." Gus ponders as to what he can create. His real hope rests with Grandpa. On his weekend visit, Gus harvest the pumpkins they planted in the spring, but he also asks if there might be any costumes in Grandpa's shed which seems to be a resource for most anything. It is not the shed but a musty trunk stored in a closet that turns out to be the source of Gus' Halloween costume. It is a handmade Canadian Mountie uniform made by Gus' grandmother because his father had made such a fuss over having just the right costume. Needless to say the costume and the story are both winners. Stock's pencil and watercolor illustrations are also a perfect match for one of the heartwarming teams in children's books--Gus and Grandpa. 2002, Farrar Straus Giroux, $15.00. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
- The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States
-
Garden State Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Easy Reader Series; New Jersey
ISBN: 978-0-374-32816-0
Gus and Grandpa and the Piano Lesson
Claudia Mills
Pictures by Catherine Stock
This is another charming story about Gus and Grandpa, and this time it's about Gus's dreaded piano lessons and daily practices that last for a long half hour. He can't seem to get his piece right, "The Horse Race;" his horse keeps "stopping, and tripping and falling down." Grandpa sympathizes because he had to practice his violin when he was younger, too. When the recital arrives, Gus does well until he blanks out on the end, and his teacher quietly hands him his sheet music and Gus's horse limps to the finish line. But back home, his grandfather and father get out their old instruments and begin to play "The Horse Race," and by the end of several go-arounds, this family band even sounds pretty good. And the horse wins every time. The next-door neighbor, Ryan, hears the music and asks them to play it again. Stock's watercolors enhance the drama. The telling details in the text (Gus's tie is too long on the recital day), and Mills's gently humorous and metaphoric way with words make this a winner. It has both a positive message about practicing an instrument and about making music for fun, at least some of the time. It's the tenth story about Gus and his wonderful Grandpa. 2004, Farrar Straus Giroux, $15.00. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
- Garden State Children's Book Award, 2007; Nominee; Easy Reader Series; New Jersey
ISBN: 978-0-374-32814-6
Gus and Grandpa and the Two-wheeled Bike
Claudia Mills
Pictures by Catherine Stock
The familiar, childhood rite of passage, learning to ride a bicycle, is given gentle treatment in this early reader chapter book. Gus is happy using training wheels, but his parents buy him a shiny new bike with gears. He is afraid to learn after a few tumbles. Grandpa knows just the answer--he has the old, rusty bicycle Gus' dad learned to ride many years ago. With a little work, Gus is flying! He will always remember who taught him to ride. Full-color illustrations done with line and watercolor wash convey the love between Gus and his grandpa. 1999, Farrar Straus Giroux, $13.00. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
- The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Garden State Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Easy Reader (Series); New Jersey
ISBN: 978-0-374-32821-4
Gus and Grandpa at Basketball
Claudia Mills
Pictures by Catherine Stock
The team of Gus and Grandpa tackle the problem of basketball performance in this latest from the popular early chapter series for beginning readers. Gus makes baskets when he practices with the team and with his dog Skipper, but does poorly on game days. In fact, the team is having a losing season. Grandpa finally comes to the last game and offers valuable advice to Gus that results in a win for the team. The relationship between Gus and Grandpa is priceless. The well-written text and wonderful illustrations evoke the everyday experiences of a boy and the supportive, gentle grandparent that all children deserve. The book will reward grade one and grade two readers with a story that endures. 2001, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $14.00. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Jacki Vawter, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Notable Books for Children, 2002; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
- Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Best Book 2002 Language Arts-Grades K-6 Novels United States
- Monarch Award: Illinois' K-3 Children's Choice Award, 2007; Master List; Illinois
ISBN: 978-0-374-32818-4
Gus and Grandpa at the Hospital
Claudia Mills
Pictures by Catherine Stock
Gus and Grandpa enjoy spending time together, and they love opening the mail every day. Life seems to be quite predictable until Grandpa doesn't feel well. He has a mild stroke and ends up in the hospital. It is scary for Gus to go and visit Grandpa there, and he longs for Grandpa's return home. While Grandpa is getting better, Mom Dad and Gus take care of his mail, dog, and garden. The love they all feel for each other comes through in this warm family story, that manages to poke fun at junk mail and all of the contests promising to make those who enter millionaires. As in the other books in the series, Catherine Stocks watercolors show real people in believable scenes. 1998, Farrar Straus Giroux, $13.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Capitol Choices, 1998; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
- Emphasis on Reading, 1998-1999; Nominee; Grades 2 & 3; Alabama
ISBN: 978-0-374-32827-6
Gus and Grandpa Go Fishing
Claudia Mills
Pictures by Catherine Stock
Gus and his family, which includes his Grandpa, are getting ready for a day of fishing. It is exciting because Gus has never been fishing before. Grandpa brought along two old fishing poles while Gus's Dad had a brand new set of gear that he had ordered from a catalog. Grandpa taught Gus how to cast and that was so much fun to practice that Gus kept it up for a long time. He wasn't sure that catching a fish would be as much fun, but finally he did try his hand at fishing. Grandpa caught a fish and everyone cheered. Dad was still trying to figure out how to use his fancy new fishing gear. Finally Gus got a bite, but the fish got away. Later in the afternoon after a delicious picnic, Gus caught a fish. Mom and Dad and Skipper the family dog went for a walk, but Gus and Grandpa "the family fishermen" went back to the lake to see if they could catch a few more. Mills has written another delightful intergenerational story and offered an experience that many city kids may never get to enjoy. It brought back memories of the many times I went fishing with my uncle on a lake near the Delaware Water Gap. Stock's loose watercolor illustrations deftly capture all the nuances of the story and definitely make readers feel that they are part of the scene. 2003, Farrar Straus Giroux, $15.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Garden State Children's Book Award, 2006; Nominee; Easy Reader Series; New Jersey
ISBN: 978-0-374-32815-3
Gus and Grandpa Ride the Train
Claudia Mills
Pictures by Catherine Stock
Trains pass near Grandpa's house everyday. When Gus visits, he just loves to go outside and wave to the train cars as they pass by; then one special day there is a caboose and the man on the train waves back. Grandpa remembers that he has a toy train that belonged to Gus' dad, after turning the house upside down, the old train is found in the shed, but when the train is all together, Gus and Grandpa realize that his dog Skipper is missing. Never fear, the lost is soon found. In their final adventure Gus and Grandpa actually take a train ride. Mills has created another delightful intergenerational story that young kids will be able to read on their own. 1998, Farrar Straus Giroux, $13.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
- Capitol Choices, 1998; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
- The Children's Literature Choice List, 1999; Children's Literature; United States
ISBN: 978-0-374-32826-9
Lizzie at Last
Claudia Mills
Lizzie Archer is at the seventh grade crossroads with decisions to make. Her academically brilliant, but overly preoccupied parents are no help at all. When Aunt Elspeth takes charge, Lizzie goes shopping, and her seventh grade odyssey is off to a racing start. Even Ethan, a classmate, is impressed, so of course Lizzie presses forward and proceeds to reinvent herself. Mills captures the humor and vulnerability of early adolescence in a way that young readers can both identify with and smile at. She provides a lighthearted look at those middle school years and at the discovery of self. A pleasurable layer of story lies in the young protagonist's growing facility with poetry, so that the reader stops short at the end, caught off guard by a perfectly lovely bit of verse from the new--and yes, definitely improved--Lizzie At Last. 2000, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
- Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor 2001 Language Arts - K-6 Novels United States
- South Carolina Book Awards, 2003-2004; Nominee; Junior Book Award; South Carolina
- William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Grades 6 - 8; Kansas
- Prairie Pasque Award, 1994; Nominee; South Dakota
ISBN: 978-0-374-34659-1
Losers, Inc.
Claudia Mills
Sixth graders, Ethan Winfield and Julius Zimmerman have formed a club. They call themselves Losers, Inc. The way Ethan sees it, the universe has something against him and Julius. He even keeps track of all the unfair things that happen to the two of them in a book called Life Isn't Fair, A Proof. It's easy for Ethan to feel like a loser around his perfect older brother, Peter. Peter is so perfect that he's even nice to Ethan, which makes it hard to hate him. Losers, Inc. is Ethan's defense. He takes pride in being a loser. But then the beautiful Grace Gunderson becomes Ethan and Julius's student teacher. Both boys fall in love with her. Ethan suddenly wants to do his best on things. He wants to impress Ms. Gunderson. He wants to be "worthy" of her. So he decides to do a really special science fair project. He even decides to do his book report on a 422-page book instead of the bare minimum 100-page book. But Ethan's true test of worthiness comes when teacher's pet, Lizzie Archer (AKA the Lizard) falls in love with him. Will Ethan go along with his classmates' cruelty toward Lizzie, or will he stand up for her? And if he stands up for her, will everyone think he likes her as much as she likes him? This humorous book about sixth grade relationships and first love will appeal to both boys and girls. The characters are especially well drawn and the situations ring true. Claudia Mills knows her sixth grade audience very well. 1997, Farrar Straus & Giroux, $16.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Dori Butler (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1998; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Great Stone Face Award, 1998-1999; Nominee; New Hampshire
- Mark Twain Award, 1999-2000; Nominee; Missouri
- Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2000; Nominee; Illinois
ISBN: 978-0-374-34661-4
Makeovers by Marcia
Claudia Mills
Marcia Faitak is not looking forward to the beginning of school. Pretty and popular, she's spent the summer with a broken ankle caused by her friend and love interest, Alex Ryan. Now she faces starting eighth grade five pounds heavier, with an obvious pimple--the absolute worst thing that's happened to her in her entire life. When their social studies teacher assigns a project that forces the kids to visit a nursing home, Marcia and her friends worry that the old people will smell funny, talk too much, or not talk at all. In this fifth and final book about the West Creek Middle School gang, Claudia Mills writes with good humor and a terrific ear for young teens' dialog. Mills avoids stereotyping elderly characters by focusing on what makes each nursing home resident unique. The mother whose son was killed by friendly fire in Vietnam, the woman who wants nothing to do with the young visitors, and the fiery red-head who loves Elvis are candidates for Marcia's beauty makeovers and her friend's oral history project. While Marcia's life as an eight-grader is full of the normal ups and downs of school dances, mean teachers, and a wise step-sister, her community service project teaches her a thing or two about true friendship and lasting beauty. Makeovers by Marcia, an appealing middle-grade novel, can be read independently or as part of the West Creek Middle School series. 2005, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Augusta Scattergood (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog 2006 Supplement to the Ninth Edition, 2006; H.W Wilson Company; United States
- Carol D. Reiser Book Award Winner 2006 United States
ISBN: 978-0-374-34654-6
One Small Lost Sheep
Claudia Mills
Pictures by Walter Lyon Krudop
Benjamin is searching for his lame sheep, Kivsa. He had raised her from a sickly newborn, and now she had strayed from the flock and was in potential danger. Frustrated, sad, and tired Benjamin cries himself to sleep. Upon awakening, he sees that the sky is light, but it is not yet dawn. When he joins his family, he learns that he has missed a miraculous event. Angles appeared in the sky to announce the birth of a new king in Bethlehem. Benjamin joins the other shepherds as they head to town. Once there, he hears a bleat in the distance. Yes, it is his beloved Kivsa, there with the Christ child. Benjamin kneels before this newborn king happily reunited with his beloved sheep. It is a warm story, warmly illustrated in soft muted pastel and pencil drawings. 1997, Farrar, $16.00. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1998; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 978-0-374-35649-1
Perfectly Chelsea
Claudia Mills
Pictures by Jacqueline Rogers
Fourth graders Chelsea and Danny are in the same class at school and at their Christian church. Chelsea tries so hard to be perfect in both places. She is not amused by Danny's clowning around; in fact, his silliness offends her. Despite her "holier that thou" attitude, Chelsea is a sweet girl who enjoys spending time with her family and with her best friend Naomi, who is Jewish. Chelsea's thoughts and actions will hit close to home for readers in the intended age group. Chelsea's relationships with her parents, younger brother, Naomi, Danny, and others are realistic and fluid. Her story will pull readers in from the very first chapter and keep them engaged until the very end. Children will observe how Chelsea deals with many realistic situations, such as resolving a fight with a best friend, helping a sick neighbor, tattling on a classmate, and coming to terms with disappointments. This is a girl who is growing in self awareness. She learns that the world does not stop when she makes mistakes. She can strive to do her best and, sometimes, she will fail. But life goes on; there are ways to turn a mistake around. Chelsea is not perfect, but she learns how to live with that revelation. In this book children will learn many things about Christian traditions, and some things about Judaism. Chelsea learns that both religions have special rites for their members. In this way, diversity is celebrated. 2004, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati, J.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-374-31244-3
ISBN: 978-0-374-31244-2
Standing Up to Mr. O.
Claudia Mills
Maggie loves her seventh grade biology teacher until he asks the class to dissect a worm. This modest request makes a rebel of an otherwise perfect A-student. Maggie slides from horror to vegetarianism to frog-stealing in Mills's portrait of an adolescent torn between a quest for father figures, first love, and her first big moral quandary. Mills explores the do or die mentality of the hormonal set with grace and wisdom. 1998, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
- The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 1999; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
- Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2000; Nominee; Kentucky
- Maryland Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Middle School; Maryland
ISBN: 978-0-374-34721-5
The Totally Made-up Civil War Diary of Amanda MacLeish
Claudia Mills
Amanda MacLeish is studying the Civil War in school, but the war really tearing her apart is the one in her own home. Night after night, her parents fight with each other; Amanda and her sister Steffi are worried about what will happen next. Amanda uses the splintering of her family as the inspiration for the splintering of a family and a nation in her Civil War Diary assignment for school. As her character Polly struggles to understand her two brothers fighting against each other, Amanda struggles to understand her parents' decision to divorce. Amanda is able to craft an ending for her Civil War family that brings the family back together, but is that possible with her own family? What about what is happening in the classroom, where Amanda hears one student bullying another and is not sure what to do? Students confronted with family problems or issues of discrimination will be able to use the text as a fine starting point for discussion. 2008, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-374-37696-3
Trading Places
Claudia Mills
It is so hard to find a novel with substance that will capture and support developing readers. Mills takes on a weighty subject as she views a family struggling with a father's unemployment and the shifts that occur. She escapes potential heaviness by staying firmly in the viewpoints of her two heroes--fifth grade twins, Amy and Todd Davidson. The family is in crisis and their father's depression and mother's new employment change everything for the twins, not to mention the normal troubles of fitting in to fifth grade. Todd, who has always been clear-headed and logical, has been dubbed "the engineer" and dreamy Amy, "the poet". But suddenly creative Todd cannot think of a product to sell for their Mini Society project, and Amy is caught up in the cattiness of two girls who rapidly become former friends as she is thrown into a partnership with crybaby Violet. By novel's end, everyone in the family has dealt with some kind of change and the family has shifted into a new comfort. The author pulls off believability by balancing home and school realities, excellent pacing, and two well-developed heroes who are as surprised by the changes to their lives as the readers are. 2006, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2007; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor Book 2006 Language Arts- Grades K-6 Novels United States
- Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2007-2008; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Maryland
- Emphasis On Reading, 2007-2008; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Alabama
ISBN: 978-0-374-31798-0
You're a Brave Man, Julius Zimmerman
Claudia Mills
Julius Zimmerman's innermost thoughts are as funny as he is likable. Too bad he doesn't mean to be funny. He's merely trying to manage life's most humiliating problems, like how to avoid changing Edison Blue's stinky diaper, play The Hokey Pokey in French, or talk intelligently to the beautiful Octavia. He'd also like to please his mother and teacher by reading A Tale of Two Cities, but who wants to read a 422 page book that begins with a contradiction? Readers will definitely relate as Julius struggles through sixth grade, constantly revising his hilarious list of goals and resolutions, and doing all the wrong things (but for all the right reasons). This book shines with respect for the often grown-up wisdom of twelve-year-olds, while also understanding their very real vulnerability. It also illuminates, from both sides, the sometimes unbridgeable gap between parental goals and children's desires. Fortunately for Julius, even his demanding mother discovers by the end that he is a great kid with a big heart--something the reader has known all along. 1999, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Betty Hicks (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
- The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States
- Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Capitol Choices, 1999; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
- The Children's Literature Choice List, 2000; Children's Literature; United States
- Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
- School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 1999; Cahners; United States
- Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor 2000 Language Arts - K-6 Novels United States
- Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Maryland
- Children's Crown Award, 2002; Nominee; United States
- Garden State Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Fiction; New Jersey
- Iowa Children's Choice Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Iowa
- Maine Student Book Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Maine
- Mark Twain Award, 2001; Nominee; Missouri
- Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Illinois
- Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Rhode Island
- South Carolina Book Awards, 2001-2002; Nominee; Junior Book; South Carolina
- Virginia Young Readers Program, 2000-2001; Nominee; Elementary; Virginia
- West Virginia Children's Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; West Virginia
ISBN: 978-0-374-38708-2
Ziggy's Blue-Ribbon Day
Claudia Mills
Pictures by R.W. Alley
On track-and-field day, Ziggy is hoping for rain. He is good at drawing, but not at any of the events of the day. His teacher emphasizes that it is important to do your best, cheer for everyone, and have fun. But as he has tried and cheered, but has only a silver/gray participant ribbon for each event, Ziggy feels bad. Still his classmates come to admire the beautiful pictures he has drawn on the envelope with his ribbons, and offer him one of their prize blue ribbons if he will decorate theirs. Ziggy happily skips the optional races and draws away. He ends up with five blue ribbons for doing what he likes to do, and has had fun as well. Alley's double-page scenes depict a mixed group of elementary youngsters in energetic action unashamedly displaying their emotions. Ziggy's feelings seem more pensive, even dreamy in one scene, as he creates his pictures, still feeling demoralized by his failures. But as he is asked to draw by his classmates, his face becomes animated and his posture upright. In this hopeful story--which could open class discussions--individuals are valued for their different talents. 2005, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
- Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Best Book 2006 Language Arts-Picture Books United States
- Show Me Readers Award, 2007-2008; Nominee; Missouri
ISBN: 0-374-32352-6
Added 09/22/08
To stay up to date on new books by this author, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.