Marissa Moss
About this time last year while in San Francisco, I had an opportunity to talk with Marissa Moss. I learned that Marissa grew up in a home where reading was a central part of daily life. "We went to the library every week," she says. "Once I opened a book, I felt compelled to finish it. I was drawn into a world and I had to know what would happen, how it would end." When she was nine she wanted to get into publishing and had a picture book ready to send out, but didn't really know what to do. It took a college education and perseverance, but Marissa has certainly made a name for herself in the world of children's literature.
She studied fine art at San Jose State University, but found the experience limiting. "As an art major I was constantly resisting the draw that narrative has for me." After studying art history at the University of California at Berkeley, Moss decided to "concentrate on how I wanted to draw. What kept coming out were humorous watercolors that were stories in themselves. I realized I was making single-page children's books and that I wanted to tell stories." From there Marissa continued her study of illustration at the California College of Arts and Crafts and taught illustration through UC-Berkeley's extension program for several years.
It wasn't easy getting her foot in the door, but she persisted and developed a portfolio and began to call on editors. The response was positive, they liked her art but she needed the right story. After five years she was tired of waiting for the right story and Houghton Mifflin called with an offer to illustrate One Two Three Four No More. It was a challenge, and at this point in her career she is happy that the book published in 1988 is now out of print, but it did get her started. Since then Marissa has written and illustrated more than three dozen children's books, as well as illustrating for other authors. Her book Regina's Big Mistake was a "Notable 1990 Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies," Knick Knack Paddywack was a finalist for "Best Picture/Story Book of 1995" as voted by the schoolchildren of Georgia, Amelia's Notebook was a 1997 ABA "Pick of the Lists" book, Rachel's Journal: The Story of a Pioneer Girl made the 1999 Children's Literature Choice List, Galen: My Life in Imperial Rome: An Ancient World Journal was selected as a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, and Mighty Jackie: The Strike Out Queen has won numerous awards including an ALA Notable.
As she wrote more books, she also moved to other publishing houses. True Heart was a great book and she loved doing the research. When she saw the photograph of the all female railroad crew, it just blew her away. The fascinating story was illustrated by C. F. Payne, and remarkably it was his first picture book. As a team they garnered favorable reviews and awards. Their latest book together Mighty Jackie: The Strike Out Queen had done exceptionally well. It came about when she was in Rome undertaking research for Galen. Her editor wanted Marissa and Chris Payne to do a baseball book. Initially Marissa was not interested, but when her editor sent her the material about Jackie, Marissa became passionate about the story. It was frustrating to see what happened to Jackie. There was no reason why women couldn't play-"Jackie had a mean pitch." There were plenty of newspaper articles at that time and the majority were quite negative. The papers didn't know what to make of this female ballplayer and some speculated that it was all a publicity stunt. Finally the baseball commissioner pulled her contract.
Often when Marissa's name comes up, librarians and young readers think of the Amelia books. When she had the idea for Amelia's Notebook, she sent it to all the major publishers. They didn't know what to do with it. However, some of the smaller publishers were interested and in 1995 Tricycle Press published it. Although Moss does not model most of her characters after herself, she describes Amelia as the grand exception. Moss says she got the idea for Amelia when she bought a blank composition book and started to write and draw what she remembered from when she was nine years old. She explains, "The things that happened to Amelia really happened to me--from the fire in the school to the marshmallows on the ceiling--though the names have been changed because my sister is mad enough at me already!"
After four books in the Amelia series were published, Pleasant Company excerpted one in its magazine. It generated more mail than any other feature. For three years Marissa continued to do columns and features for the magazine. While she was a little leery about getting involved in a series, she did agree to produce new books. One of the problems that she faced was the inability to have her character grow. Poor Amelia was in 5th grade for eight years and Pleasant wanted her to stay there. Marissa wanted Amelia to move on and grow, and also she wanted to grow as a writer. The proof is in the books that she has done since with publishers such as Harcourt and Simon & Schuster.
Her background and training in art history has helped her with her writing. She learned to write by reading which all of her coursework required. In turn, she tries to write so that kids feel like they are looking at primary sources. She remarked that at Berkley there are collections of diaries in the library and you can use them. The diaries provided the material for her book Rachel's Journal: The Story of a Pioneer Girl which is part of a series of books that center around important time periods in American history. The women and children who came across on the wagon trains would sometimes record what they saw both in text and in watercolors. They are a distinct contrast to the diaries that the men kept which were more like ledgers and straight matter of fact accounts. The women tended to be more discursive probably because they were younger and freed from some of the restraints of society. One of the interesting parts of reading these diaries what the realization the danger these pioneers faces was not so much from the Native Americans but from the diseases and real hardships encountered in the journey.
During her time teaching art, she found that it was a huge creative drain. There was one young girl who was afraid to draw because she might make a mistake. Marissa was able to turn her around and she eventually became an art student. "Teaching can be gratifying because you can influence lives." These days Marissa looks at school visits as a way of giving back. She creates stories with them and draws to accompany their stories.
She told me that she was working on the next Amelia book entitled Amelia's Most Unforgettable Embarrassing Moments which was published this year. Also in the works is an Egyptian murder mystery-a middle grade novel. She has been to Egypt and does travel with her sons. Having been to Egypt myself and with the tremendous interest in the new King Tut exhibit starting its tour of the U. S., I am sure that Marissa's new adventure will be right on top of the best seller list.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
Amelia's 6th Grade Notebook
Marissa Moss
Amelia is worried about all the middle school traumas that have worried young adolescents since the beginning of public school: intimidating eighth graders, buildings that are more like huge mazes destined to swallow children, locks and lockers and perhaps most important of all--food becoming the least important part of lunch. Her thoughts and experiences are realistic and amusing, but there is a fine line between identifying with the transient emotions of adolescents and reinforcing stereotypes that could have life long consequences. The author crosses that line when Amelia insists that even with a nice teacher, "nothing can make math good." Amelia does like science and has some success with math toward the end of the book, when she learns to be a little more self-assured. Amelia fills her printed pages with familiar doodles and cartoons and even adds commentary and illustrations to the title page. Amelia's notebook may inspire young readers to keep their own diaries or journals and it will certainly provide some laughs and funny memories for a wide range of readers. 2005, Simon & Schuster, Ages 8 to 12, $10.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett
ISBN: 0-689-87040-X
Amelia Lends a Hand
Marissa Moss
Amelia has written a book in a journal format with hand print text about her experiences during her summer break. She has an older sister who is always arguing with her mom, whom she thought she would have to listen to all summer, however a new neighbor changes all of that. Her new neighbor, Enzo is deaf. At first Amelia is confused and not able to understand how Enzo communicates until she goes to the library and gets a book about American Sign Language. Soon Enzo and Amelia are communicating and having fun together in their own way, thanks to Enzo who helps Amelia learn by using flash cards. Amelia teaches readers that because someone is not like you, it doesn't mean that you can't be friends. Whether they are deaf, physically challenged or mentally challenged, everybody wants to reach the same goal; there are many creative ways to go about it. Kids are able to learn sign language through Amelia's drawings and explanations in her journal. This is a great book for kids and adults who want to learn sign language. Caring, kindness and getting along despite differences are the messages from Amelia. 2002, First Pleasant Company, $7.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Christy Oestreich (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5848-5539-8
ISBN: 1-5848-5508-8
Amelia's Best Year Ever: Favorite Amelia Stories from American Girl Magazine
Marissa Moss
Material previously published in the American Girls Magazine and new bits and pieces have been combined to take readers through a year (10th) in the life of Amelia. It starts in the fall with the opening of school and Halloween. Amelia and her friend Cathy have a hair-raising outing at a haunted house. In November, Amelia gets to be an ear of corn in the thanksgiving play. As with other notebooks and stories about Amelia, the text is peppered with amusing illustrations, captions, side notes, humorous observations and ideas for activities and things to make. As readers move through the year they meet Amelia's pen pal in Japan, learn about her science fair project, experience a Double Dutch jump-rope contest, a trip to the carnival, and Amelia serving as a junior bridesmaid. All in all, it was a great year! 2003, Pleasant Company, $5.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1-5848-5713-7
ISBN: 1-5848-5712-9
Amelia's Easy-As-Pie Drawing Guide
Marissa Moss
Amelia has some very good advice about drawing--if you want to learn how to draw, just do it. The more you draw, the better you'll get. Her guide is a great way for Amelia fans (and others) to develop their drawing skills. In the signature black-and-white composition book, the artist learns to draw by building on simple shapes and learns how to make art out of squiggles. Complex images like a double double-decker sandwich and a birthday cake are built step-by-step. Faces and profiles are drawn by using a grid. Space is available on each page for practice. There is plenty of direction, but the sample drawings are varied enough to help developing artists realize no two people will end up with the identical artwork. 2000, Pleasant Company Publications, $7.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1-5848-5082-5
Amelia's Most Unforgettable Embarrassing Moments
Marissa Moss
Many middle school girls will identify with Amelia and the embarrassing moments that fill this next notebook in her ongoing series--everything from spilling milk, to being seen with mom inside school or seeing a teacher outside of school. The story line takes Amelia on an overnight science field trip with her class, prompting a whole new basket of worries. "Will I have to take showers with everyone else? Will kids make fun of my pajamas?" There are a few themes that may be typical but are unfortunate and probably should not get quite so much attention: Amelia's frequent put-downs of science, her dislike of her older sister Chloe who is a student aide on the field trip, and everyone making fun of Chloe's big nose. Relations with both Chloe and science are friendlier by the end of the book, which is written in Amelia's printed handwriting with her characteristic line drawings illustrating every page. The Amelia books reach girls at a vulnerable age and remind them in a humorous way that they are not alone with their fears and concerns and embarrassing moments. 2005, Simon & Schuster, $9.95. Ages 9 to 13. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-87041-8
Amelia's Moving Pictures
Marija Miletic Dial
Amelia is moving. The up side is that she won't have to share a room with her awful older sister, Cleo. The down side is that she is leaving her best friend, Nadia, and everything she knows behind. Amelia resists the move until she is firmly ensconced in her new home and school and begins to make new friends. She decides that Nadia will always be only a phone call away and that the new house and school are all right after all. Late at night she pulls her bed close to the wall that separates Cleo's room from hers so that she can hear Cleo through the wall. Some things, once annoying, can bring comfort. This video is adapted from Amelia's Notebook by Marissa Moss and the character of Amelia is as feisty as she is in the pages of the book. Fans of Amelia will enjoy "seeing" her on the screen. The video is animated and is 22 minutes long. 2001, Pleasant Company, $9.99. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5848-5160-0
Amelia's Notebook
Marissa Moss
Amelia's Notebook employs the format of the old black and white bound notebook that everyone has used at one time or another in elementary school. It is the story of a young girl and her first attempt at keeping a journal. Given to her by her mother on their arrival in a new town, Amelia proceeds to record every feeling and event of her daily life as well as using her notebook as a doodling pad and scrapbook. Amelia has created a wonderful memory of her life that is fun to share. Her efforts will inspire students who are having a difficult time beginning a journal of their own, whether at home or school. It's a nice resource for the classroom. 1995, Tricycle, Ages 7 to 12, $14.00. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger
Best Books:
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, March 1995; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1996 Special Subjects United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Prairie Pasque Award, 1998; Nominee; South Dakota
ISBN: 1-883672-18-X
Brave Harriet: The First Woman to Fly the English Channel
Marissa Moss
Illustrated by C.F. Payne
In her own lively voice, Harriet Quimby conveys her excitement about airplanes and her eagerness to fly. At a time when no woman has ever become a licensed pilot, Harriet is flying in air shows. She then determines to be the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel. Despite the danger and attempts to discourage her, in April of 1912 she braves the elements and succeeds. Ironically, the news of her achievement is eclipsed by the sinking of the Titanic. Payne's single and double-page, fully developed, mixed media scenes describe the events with a naturalism that provides a convincing sense of history. His choice of perspectives adds significantly to the feeling of flying, to the sense of romance experienced by Harriet. A note adds many facts about her life beyond the flight itself. 2001, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Harriet Quimby was already a successful newspaper reporter when she decided she just had to learn to fly. The licensing board did not want to honor Harriet's request because in 1912 women did not fly airplanes. Her persistence paid off and soon she was able to fly, but Harriet wanted a new challenge. Harriet wanted to become the first woman to fly alone across the English Channel. Many of her friends tried to change her mind because it was such a dangerous endeavor. Harriet would not be deterred and on April 16, 1912, she became the first woman to fly solo from England to France. Harriet's great accomplishment was overshadowed by another historic event that occurred at the same time as her flight, the sinking of the Titanic. Beautiful illustrations by Payne portray wonderful characters and add historic perspective and detail to this little known aviator who made history. An author's note at the end describes the events of Quimby's life after her flight and reveal the braveness it took to pursue her dreams. 2001, Silver Whistle, $16.00. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Sue Reichard (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Amelia Bloomer Project, 2002; American Library Association-SRRT; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Jul. 1, 2001; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2001; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Virginia Young Readers Program, 2003-2004; Nominee; Elementary (Grades 3-5); Virginia
Young Hoosier Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades K-3; Indiana
ISBN: 0-15-202380-1
Dr. Amelia's Boredom Survival Guide: First Aid For Rainy Days, Boring Errands, Waiting Rooms, Whatever!
Marissa Moss
Moss brings another addition to her collection of Amelia's notebooks. This time, Amelia is providing us with 50 fail-proof tips on how to survive boredom, such as #1, "See if you can touch the tip of your nose with your tongue" and #7, "Think up comic book sound effects for real life," Not all of her ideas are silly, however, some are even educational, such as #25, "Think up all the figures of speech you can," and #38, "Think of great first sentences for a story." As before, text and pictures are woven together on lined paper with humorous quips in the margins. Not only is this a great children's book, but it also provides lots of creative ideas for young readers. 1999, American Girl, $5.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Sheree Van Vreede (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5624-7794-3
Emma's Journal
Marissa Moss
With the plethora of middle grade historical novels on the market, it's interesting to see how each publishing house strives for individuality. This book has lots of fresh ideas, such as hand-printed text and lined pages that appear yellowed with age, giving it the look of an authentic old diary. Another great idea is a postcard tucked inside the book for kids to send. The story itself is told in language from the period, which adds texture and a strong voice. Ten-year-old Emma leaves the family farm in Menetomy to live with her Aunt Harmony in Boston. It is 1774, and this is a Boston torn apart in the ferment of the Revolution. Given a secret code by her father with which to pass on any information she hears, Emma is able to serve the cause she loves so much. Important figures of this period parade through Emma's life, and they are described with the sometimes mischievous and honest eye of a young girl. Well-rounded characters and some sensitive insights into the struggles of the early colonists make for a very interesting history lesson. The book is part of the "Young American Voices" series. 1999, Harcourt Brace & Co., Ages 8 to 12, $15.00. Reviewer: Nancy Partridge
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Emphasis on Reading, 2000-2001; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Alabama
ISBN: 0-15-202025-X
Galen: My Life In Imperial Rome: An Ancient World Journal
Marissa Moss
This piece of historical fiction is unique in a number of ways--the entire text is handwritten in small print, there are sidebars of information on most pages, small illustrations are tucked within the text and margins, and there is a close resemblance to a nonfiction book. However, this is a story of a Greek slave boy in ancient Rome who longs for freedom for himself, his father, and his brother. Galen's family, once prosperous, has been taken into slavery. His father is an artist who is ordered to remodel the luxurious villa of a Roman governor, and Galen is an apprentice to his father. They are treated badly, but see no way out. When the Emperor Augustus stops at the villa for an overnight respite, he is disgusted by the governor's treatment of his slaves and lavish lifestyle. As punishment, Augustus takes Galen's family back to his own palace to work for him. The new life is much better, but has its own difficulties. When Galen accidentally uncovers a brutal takeover being plotted by Augustus's family members, he risks his own life to save Augustus. His efforts work in his favor, and the family finally earns freedom and status as Roman citizens. This is an interesting twist on the average adventure story because of its setting. Some background knowledge of Roman history is necessary to keep the reader from getting lost, and the story becomes confusing in some places. The small print in the sidebars can be difficult to read. 2002, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, $15.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Carol E. Lynch (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2003; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 21, 2002; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-15-216535-5
Hannah's Journal: The Story of an Immigrant Girl
Marissa Moss
HANNAH'S JOURNAL is the story of Hannah, an immigrant girl, who at age ten is unexpectedly given a ticket to leave her home in Lithuania and to travel with her fourteen-year-old cousin to America. Hannah records every detail in her journal and draws sketches in the margins. This unbelievable journey of two little girls--with no experience, unable to speak or read English, frightened, sea seasick, hungry and homesick--is made bearable when they meet a ten-year-old boy, also alone, who has more experience. Details of their detention on Ellis Island and living condition in New York after they arrive are horrible. Grades 3-7. 2000, Silver Whistle, Unpaged, $15.00. Ages 8 to 13. Reviewer: Louise Foerster (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 13, No. 3)).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Best of the Bunch, 2000; Association of Jewish Librarians; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2001; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor 2001 Language Arts - K-6 Novels United States
ISBN: 0-15-202155-8
The Lapsnatcher
Bruce Coville
Pictures by Marissa Moss
Jacob looked forward to having a new baby sister, but now that she has arrived, he feels she's stealing the attention and affection which once was all his. He decides he must find a way to get rid of the "lapsnatcher." Discover what happens as Jacob tries to give his baby sister away to the mailman, garbage collector, and others. Will his plan succeed? Siblings will identify with Coville's tender, yet funny tale that comes alive with colorful illustrations. Category: Humor; Novello; Realistic Fiction. Grade Level: Toddlers; Preschool. 1997, Bridge Water Books, under 40 pages. Ages 1 to 5. Reviewer: Susan (BookHive (www.bookhive.org)).
ISBN: 0-8167-4233-2
Mel's Diner
Marissa Moss
In this upbeat story, Mabel, has lots of fun helping her parents in the diner. She talks to customers, listens to their stories, sets the table, cleans the counter and dances to the juke box music with her friend Rhoda. The story is so alive that you can really feel Mabel's warmth and the energy that she wraps around the people that she touches. 1994, BridgeWater/Troll, Ages 5 to 9, $13.95 and $4.95. Reviewer: Leila Toledo
Mabel has a special place in her life. Every morning she goes and works in the diner that her family owns. Mabel helps her mother and father get everything ready and soon the first customers arrive. In ones and twos they come in and sit down, and we get to meet Mabel's friends. There is Mrs. Krupnik who always has coffee and a sticky bun and who has wonderful stories to tell about her life. Jorge and Lila read the paper as they drink cup after cup of coffee. Cole and Craig like to tell jokes and make Mabel laugh. After school Mabel and her best friend Rhonda come to the diner to have a snack and do their homework. They also have fun playing music on the jukebox and dancing. With each page, the reader gets to share this wonderful place with Mabel and her family. We see people of all shapes, colors and sizes come into the diner, we smell the food and hear the voices. At the end of the day we leave the diner with Mabel and her mother and see "the light in our front window, welcoming us home." The author has created a unique book with lovely soft illustrations and simple prose. 1996 (orig. 1994), Troll Books, $4.95. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8167-3460-7
ISBN: 0-8167-3461-5
Mighty Jackie: The Strike Out Queen
Marissa Moss
Illustrated by C.F. Payne
Moss takes us back to 1931 for a little-known piece of baseball history. The New York Yankees, with legendary players like Babe Ruth, are playing an exhibition game with the Chattanooga Lookouts, whose pitcher is, shocking for that time, a seventeen-year-old girl named Jackie Mitchell. Despite the fact that girls weren't supposed to be able to play baseball, Jackie had always dreamed of playing in the World Series. She grew up practicing constantly. In the game, she triumphantly strikes out both the mighty Ruth and Lou Gehrig. The author's note, following Jackie's career even after the baseball commissioner voided her contract to protect her because baseball was "too strenuous" for a woman, is frustratingly anti-climactic after the thrill of her success. Payne's full-page and double page mixed-media illustrations look like grainy color photographs as they add zip to the scenes. Even more compelling are the perspectives he uses; right behind Jackie as she pitches at Babe Ruth; looking down from the stands as Gehrig strikes out; straight into the eyes of Ruth, and, on the jacket/cover, Jackie herself. These pictures drive home the emotional content that makes us want to stand up and cheer. 2004, A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $16.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Amelia Bloomer Project, 2005; American Library Association SRRT; United States
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 2005; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2005; Children's Literature; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2005; American Library Association ALSC; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, January 19, 2004; Cahners; United States
Top Ten Youth Sports Books, 2004; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award Nominee 2005 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Black-Eyed Susan Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Picture Book; Maryland
Chickadee Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Maine
Washington Children's Picture Book Award, 2006; Nominee; K-3; Washington
ISBN: 0-689-86329-2
Oh Boy, Amelia!
Marissa Moss
Amelia is a typical ten-year-old trying to figure out what "normal" girl behavior is. She is especially confused at how her older sister Cleo's behavior changes when a cute boy enters the picture. She has never seen Cleo act so dumb and goofy. Amelia is also a bit bewildered by her surprising strengths and weaknesses in Life Skills class, in which she and the other boys and girls are learning to sew and work with tools, among other things. Using a notebook/journal format, Marissa Moss displays Amelia's personality with honesty, humor and funny pictures to boot. Young girls will easily relate to spunky Amelia's trials and tribulations in this fun-to-read notebook. It is well worth the price. If you want more of Amelia you can find her in American Girl magazine, on-line at www.americangirl.com and in other Amelia notebooks by Marissa Moss. 2001, Pleasant Company, $12.95 and $5.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Trina Heidt (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Choices, 2002; International Reading Association; United States
Parent's Guide to Children's Media, 2001; Parent's Guide to Children's Media, Inc.; United States
ISBN: 1-5848-5344-1
ISBN: 1-5848-5330-1
Rachel's Journal: The Story of a Pioneer Girl
Marissa Moss
Covered wagons, glowing buffalo muffins, raging river crossings, mouse pills, and friendly Indians are the images shared through the words and drawings of Rachel. She and her family bravely press on beyond the Continental Divide, left at the Oregon Trail, through the desert to the Sierra Mountains, and on to California. It is the story of overland emigrants in the mid to late 1800's, of courage, adventure, and of pioneer spirit. 1998, Harcourt Brace, Ages 7 up, $15.00. Reviewer: Leslie Verzi Julian
Best Books:
The Children's Literature Choice List, 1999; Children's Literature; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 1999; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 1998; Cahners; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1999 Non-Fiction United States
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor 1999 Social Studies: K-6 United States
ISBN: 0-101806-9
Rose's Journal: The Story of a Girl in the Great Depression
Marissa Moss
Rose Samuels is an eleven-year-old girl growing up in 1930s Kansas and this book is her diary. Every page is creatively adorned with a combination of black-and-white photos, child-like illustrations and comic strips. These pictures, along with the hand-written text, provide a fascinating look at young girl's life during the Great Depression. In spite of her desperate situation, Rose tells her story using matter-of-fact language. She talks of the ongoing drought and the continuous dust storms. All the days are dark and gloomy and the air is thick and heavy with dirt. Rose sleeps with a washcloth over her face to try to keep from ingesting dirt while she sleeps. Some of the townspeople have died from "dust pneumonia." Rose's family has deep roots and they are reluctant to leave their farm and home. Although there are some who say the storms are a sign from God telling them that they should leave, Rose and her family find strength and support from their neighbors. This book is part of the "Young American Voices" series. 2001, Harcourt, $15.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Denise Daley (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
ISBN: 0-15-202423-9
True Heart
Marissa Moss
Illustrated by C.F. Payne
Bee is a strong-willed sixteen-year-old in Wyoming whose greatest ambition is to be an engineer on the Union Pacific Railroad. Unheard of for a girl at the turn-of-the-century, you might say. However, Bee overcomes prejudice against women with hard work and determination. Then her opportunity comes to step up to the controls when the engineer is shot during a train robbery. Did it really happen? No, but it might have, and the illustration of a grim-faced Bee taking charge of the train--and her destiny--will inspire and entertain contemporary readers. This story is written with rhythm and with a "voice" that will make it a perfect vehicle for storytellers with a feminist repertoire of tales. 1999, Harcourt Brace, Ages 5 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Lois Rubin Gross
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2000; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, March 1999; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Michigan Reader's Choice Award, 2001; Nominee; Grades 2 - 3; Michigan
ISBN: 0-15-201344-X
Added 07/28/06
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