Brian Selznick
Having spent his childhood drawing and exercising his imagination, Brian Selznick graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design planning to be a theatrical set designer. Life took a different turn and he became interested in illustrating children's books. Because his training had not actually prepared him to work in the children's literature field, he chose to take a job in a children's bookstore. As a bookseller at Eeyore's Books for Children in New York he learned about children's literature from his boss and mentor Steve Geck. While working at Eeyore's he also painted the store's windows to highlight visits from various authors or to promote different events and holidays, giving him an eye to considering "Is this visible from across the street? Is it bold enough to be eye catching?" He feels that this training serves him well in approaching the illustrations for his own work or that of others. His first book, The Houdini Box (1991), was published while he was still working at the bookstore. His book The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins (Scholastic, 2001) was named a 2002 Caldecott Honor Book.
During the Children's Literature Festival held at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA., I was treated to the opportunity of attending a dinner reception for Brian Selznick and Sarah Weeks. Observing Brian and Sarah interacting with the guests was a brilliant opportunity to absorb the genius that perks beneath the surface. Brian's ability to converse on a wide variety of subjects put everyone at ease. He obviously enjoyed exchanging ideas and discussing everything from politics to trends in all genres of literature. One could almost see the gears engaging in his creative brain as he participated in an after dinner game of "Celebrities." It gives one insight to his processing to see him in action - making it a bit easier to imagine how his mind works when he begins to create his intriguing art concepts for books, as well as the ideas that populate his writing.
Browse through the following reviews for a glimpse of the creativity and brilliant talents of this award winning author/illustrator.
Contributor: Sheilah Egan
For a recent interview with Brian Selznick about his book The Invention of Hugo Cabret, click here.
For additional information about Brian Selznick, click here.
Reviews
Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride: Based on a True Story
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Pictures by Brian Selznick
Climb aboard for a delightful spin with two unconventional ladies in Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, which is based on a true story. The First Lady was enamored with flying; she had taken some lessons. When her friend Amelia Earhart was in DC on a tour, Eleanor invited her and her husband for dinner at the White House. Before dessert was served, Amelia suggested a plane ride to see the Capitol at night. The Secret Service agents were aghast, but the two determined women could not be stopped. What a ride it was! The pencil drawings are bursting with life in this energetic charming anecdote of two famous ladies. 1999, Scholastic, $16.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature).
In 1933 Amelia Earhart was invited by Eleanor Roosevelt to dine at the White House. The famous aviator and the president's wife admired each other tremendously. They were birds of feather, both stretching boundaries for women. To cap off the evening, they went for a night flight over Washington. Ryan, who wrote the evocative Riding Freedom, captures the moment perfectly in prose, while Selznick's pictures soar. His graphite and colored pencil renderings take over the pages in dazzling panoramas of Washington and the sky by night. The end result is a spectacular book which illuminates a snippet of history. 1999, Scholastic, $16.95. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (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
Capitol Choices, 1999; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2000; Children's Literature; United States
Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 1999; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
Notable Books for Children, 2000; American Library Association-ALSC; 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, September 1999; Cahners; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Teachers' Choices, 2000; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2000 Non-Fiction United States
American Booksellers Book Sense Book of the Year (ABBY) Award Finalist 2000 Children United States
New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association Book Awards Winner 2000 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Arizona Young Readers' Award, 2001; Nominee; Intermediate; Arizona
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Picture Books; Maryland
Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award, 2002; Nominee; Louisiana
Nevada Young Readers' Award, 2003; Nominee; Picture Book; Nevada
South Carolina Book Awards, 2001-2002; Nominee; Children's Book; South Carolina
Virginia Young Readers Program, 2000-2001; Nominee; Primary; Virginia
Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Washington
Young Hoosier Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades K-3; Indiana
ISBN: 0-590-96075-X
Barnyard Prayers
Laura Godwin
Illustrated by Brian Selznick
Against a nighttime cityscape seen through his window, a little boy and his cat begin their prayers. Selznick's bright illustrations show the pajama-clad boy playing with a pig in his imagination, encountering a dew-bejeweled spider's web and the spider's prayer--"No rain. / Many flies.' Gentle feet/ That take no notice/ Of one so small. / That/s all." Laura Godwin deftly portrays the essence of each animal though his or her prayer, showing the fox's greed, the cows' single-mindedness ("how I love each blade of green"), and the narcissism of the cat. We also hear from the hawk, the sparrow, the lamb and the goat. These prayers will engage children and teach them about a variety of animals and reverence as well. 2000, Hyperion Books for Children, $14.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Nancy Tilly (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-7868-0355-X
ISBN: 0-7868-2302-X
The Boy of a Thousand Faces
Brian Selznick
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Book Sense 76 Picks, Winter 2001; Book Sense 76; United States
Children's Choices, 2001; International Reading Association; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2002; Nominee; Texas
ISBN: 0-06-026265-6
ISBN: 0-06-026266-4
The Boy Who Longed for a Lift
Norma Farber
Pictures by Brian Selznick
The boy, whose name we never learn, feels lonely at home with his parents and baby sibling. He sets out on an adventure, receiving rides from all sorts of creatures--a snail, a gull, etc. In the end, he returns home via the best ride of all--in his father's arms. 1997, HarperCollins, $15.95 and $15.89. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Karen Saxe (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-027108-6
ISBN: 0-06-027109-4
The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins: An Illuminating History of Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, Artist and Lecturer
Barbara Kerley
Drawings by Brian Selznick; Many of Which Are Based on the Original Sketches of Mr. Hawkins
In the mid-nineteenth century, Waterhouse Hawkins, with the help of a scientist, built full-size models of dinosaurs at a time when no one knew more about what they looked like than their bones. Hawkins was also a master showman who inspired awe and excitement with his lectures and his models in the Crystal Palace in London. But in America, his great plans for a Paleozoic Museum in Central Park ended in political turmoil. When vandals destroyed and buried his reconstructions, he was dispirited but continued to build, lecture and promote dinosaurs until his death. Selznick's melodramatically colored illustrations, mostly double-page spreads with many period details, convey the opulence of Victorian England, including a visit from the queen. Large pages, elegantly designed with thin colored borders on creamy paper, add to the importance. The models are presented as Hawkins conceived them, as demonstrated by notes about the history and extensive research done by both author and illustrator. 2001, Scholastic Press, $16.95. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
When and how did we first get a real look at how a dinosaur may have looked all those years ago? The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins tells the story of Waterhouse Hawkins and how he began to construct theories; at first, about how dinosaurs looked based on known scientific evidence at the time. Later, he actually began taking those assumptions and rendering images of the dinosaurs with brick and mortar. The ongoing interest in dinosaurs began with Hawkins' models back in the mid-1800s. I loved Selznick's illustrations of England at that time and his illustrations of Hawkins' ideas of what the dinosaurs looked like. I think children will absolutely love this book for the dinosaurs at first look. However, a librarian or teacher who really uses this book to encourage children to really think about the detective work Hawkins did to create the dinosaurs will find them fascinated. Lastly, I loved the extensive author and illustrator notes in back. Both Selznick's and Kerley's enthusiasm spill off the page. This is a great read. 2001, Scholastic, $16.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-11494-2
The Doll People
Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin
With pictures by Brian Selznick
New York: Hyperion Books for Children, c2000
Kate inherited her dollhouse with its handmade porcelain dolls from her mother and her grandmother. The dolls have lives of their own inside that hundred-year old doll home. While the dolls do not age, they do play and work and have adventures when the humans are away from the house or asleep. Annabelle Doll lives in the house with her mother, father, brother, baby sister, Nanny, and uncle. Her aunt used to live there too, but about forty-five years ago, she disappeared! When Annabelle discovers her aunt's old diary, she becomes determined to solve the mystery of her aunt's disappearance; modeling her behavior after the detective Nancy Drew that she hears Kate talking about all the time with her friends. Fans of such little people books as The Borrowers or The Littles will enjoy reading about Annabelle Doll and her family and neighbors gallivanting around the human house trying to find the missing Auntie Sarah. Black-and-white drawings turn up often lending just the right old-fashioned touch to the tale. 2000, Hyperion Books for Children, $15.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Judy Katsh (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Capitol Choices, 2000; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 15, 2000; United States
Notable Books for Children, 2001; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 2000; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2000; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 2000; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2001 Middle Grade Readers United States
Maryland Children's Book Award Winner 2002 Intermediate Level Maryland
Massachusetts Children's Book Award Honor Book 2005 Michigan
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award Winner 2005 Grades 3-5 Minnesota
Seal of Approval Winner Holiday 2000 Children's Books United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Cochecho Readers' Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Dover, New Hampshire
Colorado Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Colorado
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Vermont
Indian Paintbrush Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Wyoming
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Kentucky
Maryland Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Intermediate; Maryland
Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Massachusetts
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Pennsylvania
Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Rhode Island
Volunteer State Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Tennessee
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2002; Nominee; Texas
Young Reader's Choice Award, 2003; Nominee; Junior Division-Grades 4th-6th; Pacific Northwest
ISBN: 0-7868-0361-4
ISBN: 0-7868-2372-0
The Dulcimer Boy
Tor Seidler
Illustrations by Brian Selznick
Seidler's tale has it all: abandoned twins left on a doorstep in a wicker basket, together with a dulcimer kept behind locked glass doors; selfish guardians who favor their own spoiled son and exploit the twins for their own benefit; escape of the dulcimer-playing twin to the city, where he is tricked into a fraudulent contract as a nightly performer in a wayside inn; a mysterious seafaring stranger who turns out to be the twins' long-lost father; flocks of following birds; ultimate protection by a wealthy patron. But the over-abundance of familiar Victorian elements begins to seem merely mechanical, as one stock device after another is brought on the scene. The story, while filled with plenty of action, nonetheless seems slow, for the reader knows that everything will be resolved in the canonical way. Of course, William will return to his mute brother; of course the brother will be living in terrible misery as a chimney sweep, toiling on behalf of the evil Carbuncles; of course, the Honorable Mayor of New York will appear to rescue them. Still, fans of Harry Potter may enjoy the similarities between the Carbuncles and the Dursleys, and between exploited William's emerging gifts and ultimate triumph as a celebrated musician and exploited Harry's emerging gifts and ultimate triumph as a celebrated wizard. 2003, Laura Geringer/HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
In an eerie world where people have cold and hard hearts, twin baby boys are left at the doorstep of their uncle's house. They grow up into odd boys, kept hidden from the world because of their strangeness. The only thing they have from their parents is a dulcimer. The dulcimer has a powerful attraction for William, the stronger of the twins, and he decides to take the wonderful instrument and flee. This is a dark, almost gothic place where cruelty to children is commonplace. In a Dickensian world where orphaned youngsters are there to be thrown away or used for profit, William and his lonely little brother seem to be the pawns of chance. Masterfully written with powerful imagery, this is a disturbing tale that left this reader feeling more than a little uncomfortable. True to the Dickensian model, a stranger steps in to help the boys in their time of need and we are relieved to have a happy ending. The author has infused small pieces of wry humor into his story, which adds to the weird nature of this book. For example the horrible aunt and uncle are called Mr. and Mrs. Carbuncle. A carbuncle can be a gem, but it can also be a terrible sore. There is one aspect of the story that is puzzling: How can William leave his poor defenseless brother in the home of his cruel aunt and uncle? How can he abandon Jules, a boy who does not speak and who is so frail and ill? There is a magical and ethereal quality to William, an almost spirit like element to his personality, and yet at the same time he is heartless enough to leave his brother behind. Once again Tor Seidler has written a book that is deeply moving, thought provoking, and which will appeal to many different kinds of readers. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Children's Crown Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; United States
ISBN: 0-06-623610-X
ISBN: 0-06-623609-6
Friends: Stories about New Friends, Old Friends, and Unexpectedly True Friends
Ann M. Martin and David Levithan
Martin and Levithan have collected eleven stories of friendship from well-known children's book authors, i.e. Meg Cabot, Brian Selznick, and Pam Munoz Ryan. Some are clearly fiction while others could be autobiographical, told in the author's voice about his/her young life and friends encountered in the past. Whether the friend is real or imaginary, two- or four-legged, funny or pathetic, there is a friend story here for everyone. This collection shows that a friend can be a bully, a teacher, a pet, an adopted grandmother or a next-door neighbor. We find our friends in unexpected places. The cornerstone of this book is the story told by Tanuja Desai Hikier, set in Varad, India in the spring of 1946. It is the story of survival as two friends traverse the boundary between carefree friendship and fighting for freedom, when the risk of death is an ever-present entity. The money raised from the sale of this book will be donated to The Lisa Libraries, a nonprofit that provides children's books to groups that work with children living in poverty. A perfect topic for a worthwhile goal. 2005, Scholastic Press, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Wendy M. Smith-D'Arezzo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Choices, 2006; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog 2006 Supplement to the Ninth Edition, 2006; H.W Wilson Company; United States
ISBN: 0-439-72991-2
Frindle
Andrew Clements
Pictures by Brian Selznick
Fifth grader Nicholas Allen finds out that dictionaries were actually written by people. He realizes that someone, somewhere, must have decided what certain words meant and wrote them down. But what would have happened if a different word had been chosen to represent, for instance, the instrument we write with? You know, the one with the ink in it, that you push the button and the point comes out? What if it was called a frindle? Nicholas and his friends experiment with frindle until the word has a life of its own. This story is terrific, and Nicholas' teacher, Mrs. Granger, is a dead ringer for my fifth grade teacher! One really unusual aspect of the book is that we actually find out what Nicholas is like when he's a junior in college! 1996, Simon and Schuster, $15.00. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Judy Silverman (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Books That Comfort Us, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 1996; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Fanfare Honor List, 1996; Horn Book; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1996; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award/Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award Winner 1999 Arkansas
Beehive Award Winner 2000 Grades 3-6 Utah
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Winner 1999 Gr. 4-6 Maryland
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award Winner 1998-1999 Arkansas
Children's Crown Award Winner 1998-1999 Grades 3-6 United States
Christopher Awards Winner 1997 Ages 10-12 United States
Delaware Diamonds Winner 1999 Grades 3-4 Delaware
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award Winner 2001 Juvenile Fiction North Dakota
Georgia Children's Book Award Winner 1999 Grades 4-8 Georgia
Golden Sower Award Honor 1999 Intermediate Nebraska
Great Lakes Great Book Award Honor Book 2001 Grades 4-5 Michigan
Great Stone Face Award Winner 1998 New Hampshire
Massachusetts Children's Book Award Winner 1999 Massachusetts
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award Winner 1999 Division I Minnesota
Nevada Young Readers' Award Winner 1999 Young Readers' Nevada
North Carolina Children's Book Award Winner 1999 Junior Book North Carolina
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award Winner 2000 Gr. 3-5 Pennsylvania
Prairie Pasque Award Winner 1999 South Dakota
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award Winner 1999 Illinois
Rhode Island Children's Book Award Winner 1998 Rhode Island
Sasquatch Reading Award Winner 1999 Washington
William Allen White Children's Book Award Winner 1999 Kansas
Young Hoosier Book Award Winner 1999 Gr. 4-6 Indiana
Young Reader's Choice Award Winner 1999 Youth Pacific Northwest
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
California Young Reader Medal, 2000; Nominee; Intermediate; California
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award Reading List, 1998-1999; Nominee; Arkansas
Children's Crown Award, 1998-1999; Nominee; Grades 3-6; United States
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 1998; Nominee; Vermont
Georgia Children's Literature Awards, 1999; Nominee; Grades 4-8; Georgia
Golden Sower Award, 1999; Nominee; Intermediate; Nebraska
Great Stone Face Award, 1997-1998; Nominee; New Hampshire
Indian Paintbrush Book Award, 1999; Nominee; Wyoming
Iowa Children's Choice Award, 1999-2000; Nominee; Iowa
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 1998; Nominee; Kentucky
Maine Student Book Award, 1997-1998; Nominee; Maine
Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 1998-1999; Nominee; Massachusetts
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award, 1998-1999; Nominee; Minnesota
Michigan Reader's Choice Award, 2001; Nominee; Grades 4 - 5; Michigan
Nevada Young Readers' Award, 1999; Nominee; Young Reader; Nevada
Nutmeg Children's Book Award, 2000; Nominee; Connecticut
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 1999-2000; Nominee; Pennsylvania
Prairie Pasque Award, 1999; Nominee; South Dakota
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 1999; Nominee; Illinois
Sasquatch Reading Award, 1999; Nominee; United States
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 1998-1999; Nominee; N/A; Texas
Utah Children's Book Awards, 2000; Nominee; Children's Fiction; Utah
William Allen White Children's Book Award, 1998-1999; Nominee; Kansas
ISBN: 0-689-80669-8
Harry Houdini: a Magical Life
Elizabeth MacLeod
Harry Houdini lived on the edge most of his life. How he did it is fascinating. This 32-page book offers an excellent account and includes tons of facts and details. A cartoon-like Houdini narrates part of all spreads. It is fun to read through the book at least once just using those. Every spread has a new heading and quotes from Houdini head up the spreads. One of his best is, "Never try to fool children. They expect nothing and therefore see everything." This is to be remembered when deciding on the "child appeal" of the book. Children will look at it more than once as they glean the pages for extra information. Realistic drawings and old posters that were used to advertise Houdini's shows are included and add to the book. The format is arranged in an appealing manner so that the book could be read in its entirety or used for specific information. Add this to the library biography section and be ready to have it checked out most of the time. 2005, Kids Can Press, $14.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
Hocus-pocus abounds in Harry Houdini: A Magical Life. From being the poverty-stricken immigrant son of a rabbi, Houdini rose to greatness, astounding audiences with his death-defying feats. Elizabeth MacLeod marshalls her considerable research and writing skills to illuminate the man behind the illusions. A savvy self-promoter, Houdini was constantly thinking of new angles for his magic and rarely slept more than five hours a night. He exposed fraudulent psychic mediums who tried to fleece the public and was known for his kindness to children. Filled with period photos, newspaper clippings and playbills amassed by a visuals team at the publishing company, this biography proves that fact can be as compelling as fiction. 2005, Kids Can, $14.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award, 2006-2007; Finalist; English Non-Fiction; Canada
Rocky Mountain Book Award, 2007; Nominee; Canada
ISBN: 1553377699
ISBN: 1553377702
The Houdini Box
Brian Selznick
Magicians can do anything. They can make candy appear and parents disappear. Victor, aged ten, wants to be a magician. He tries to duplicate the tricks of the great magician, Houdini, by locking himself in his grandmother's trunk, but his mother has to rescue him. He submerges himself in bathtub water and tries to count to five thousand, but his mother makes him get out and breathe. His success at walking through walls isn't any better. Then, a chance meeting with the real Houdini leads Victor to a box containing the secrets to the famous man's greatest tricks. Is it a hoax? This brief but cleverly engaging story follows Victor to adulthood before revealing the entertaining answer. While plenty of young readers will enjoy the tale by themselves, its subtle wit begs to be read aloud. The bold crosshatch pencil drawings depict dramatic enlargements and perspectives that accent the intrigue as well as the humor. Magicians and mystery lovers of all ages will enjoy this well-told, visually satisfying story. Additional information about Houdini is provided. 2001 (orig. 1991), Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, $17.00. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Betty Hicks (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1992 Younger Fiction United States
Rhode Island Children's Book Award Winner 1993 Rhode Island
Texas Bluebonnet Award Winner 1993 Texas
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Prairie Pasque Award, 1994; Nominee; South Dakota
ISBN: 0-679-81429-9
ISBN: 0-679-91429-3
Lunch Money
Andrew Clements
Illustrations by Brian Selznick
Clements is back in rare form with this novel of money-obsessed middle schooler Greg Kenton and his rival, Maura Shaw. Greg has made money his goal from an early age and his latest scheme is to publish and sell a comic book series to his school. Maura, in typical form, soon follows his lead and their confrontation ends in Greg's bloody nose, causing the collapse of queasy math teacher, Mr. Z. Greg and Maura are quintessential tweeners, and Clements captures their ambivalent relationship brilliantly, and the humorous Mr. Z is perfect. Greg views Mr. Z as a typical 6th grader approaches adults, with some challenge and questioning. Once the adult proves himself to be trusted, however, he gains ardent respect and loyalty, becoming something between a friend and a mentor. Indeed, it is Mr. Z who helps Greg and Maura get on track with each other, as well as confront the principal and school committee over the merits of selling homemade comics in school. Mr. Z, in turn, is forced to step out of his comfort zone and deal with the very non-mathematical workings of interpersonal relationships. The entire book is both believable and funny, a great read for all. 2005, Simon & Schuster, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Kathryn Erskine (Children's Literature).
Andrew Clements has a NEW book--Lunch Money. It is about a kid, who has the drive and foresight for making money. Right way you gotta love this kid, no? He invents a series of comic books that he sells for a quarter (every kid has a quarter in their pocket, right?) and is about to become very, very rich when his across-the-street female nemesis gets into the act, and you know right away how this is going to end up but you wonder what will happen along the way. It is all very pleasantly satisfying, like mashed potatoes and meat loaf--a good, solid, comfortable story that every entrepreneur ought to read. Most people are not born with good business sense, and some are born totally lacking the gene for Lemonade Stand 101, but regardless, Andrew Clements finds a place in this endearing book for us all. 2005, Simon and Schuster, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Gwynne Spencer (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Emphasis on Reading, 2006-2007; Book List; Grades 4-6; Alabama
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Grades 3-6; United States
Wisconsin Battle of the Books, 2006; Booklist; Elementary Division Grades 4-6; Wisconsin
ISBN: 0-689-86683-6
Marly's Ghost: A Remix of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol
David Levithan
Illustrated by Brian Selznick
As its subtitle unapologetically points out, this is "a Remix of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol." What it is remixed for is the Valentine's Day market. Levithan, of Boy Meets Boy fame, shamelessly recaps the classic in the guise of contemporary teenager Ben mourning the death of his girlfriend Marly. When his friends have all but given up on his rejoining the human race, and Ben himself contemplates suicide, Dickens's updated ghosts take over the rehabilitation project. The Ghost of Love Past takes Ben and his readers on an excruciating recap of his love affair with Marly-gone. The Ghost of Love Present sets him up as an embarrassing peeping Tom to an all-night rendezvous between Tiny and Tim, his high school's gay pair. The last ghost sends him on a mad mission to present the town's lovers with profligate batches of roses. Long before E-BEN-ezer Scrooge's saving, you might be hunting for handkerchiefs--or a place to barf. This may be the biggest piece of engineered schlock since Erich Segal's Love Story. Poor Dickens doesn't deserve it. 2006, Dial, $14.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog 2006 Supplement to the Ninth Edition, 2006; H.W Wilson Company; United States
ISBN: 0-8037-3063-2
Riding Freedom
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Drawings by Brian Selznick
In the mid-1800s, it was hard to be a girl, and even harder to be a girl all alone. Charlotte could not remember the event that left her all alone, but she could remember the nights in the orphanage that followed. Charlotte hoped every day for new parents that would adopt her and take her home, but those parents never came. When Charlotte's best friend is adopted and she has to face that aloneness, she decides to do something about it. So begins the life of Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst. Charley was the best stagecoach driver the west had ever seen, but Charley lived a secret life, with hopes and dreams she never shared. This little known heroine from history comes alive in this story of a girl, a horse, and a dream. This is a great story for middle school students who like horse stories or adventure stories. This is also an excellent choice for the older adolescent who is a reluctant reader. It would make a great adventure to share aloud with a classroom. It opens many avenues for further study about this time in history. 1998, Scholastic Press, $15.95. Ages 10 to 12. Reviewer: Joyce Rice (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
Capitol Choices, 1998; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Eureka! California in Children's Literature, 2003; United States
Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 1998; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, February 1998; Cahners; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Teachers' Choices, 1999; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Arizona Young Readers' Award Winner 2000 Intermediate Arizona
California Young Reader Medal Winner 2000 Intermediate California
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award Honor 2000-2001 Arkansas
Children's Literature Council of Southern California Awards Winner 1999 Recognition of Merit for a First Novel United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Beehive Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Children's Fiction Books; Utah
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Maryland
California Young Reader Medal, 2000; Nominee; Intermediate; California
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award Reading List, 2000-2001; Nominee; Arkansas
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award, 1999; Nominee; Juvenile Fiction; North Dakota
Golden Sower Award, 2001; Nominee; Intermediate; Nebraska
Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Massachusetts
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Minnesota
Michigan Reader's Choice Award, 2000; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Michigan
Nutmeg Children's Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Connecticut
Prairie Pasque Award, 2001; Nominee; South Dakota
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Illinois
Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Rhode Island
Sasquatch Reading Award, 2001; Nominee; United States
South Carolina Book Awards, 2001; Nominee; Children's Book; South Carolina
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; N/A; Texas
Volunteer State Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Intermediate; Tennessee
ISBN: 0-590-95766-X
The Robot King
Brian Selznick
Two motherless children build a robot from odds and ends in their attic and by adding their mother's treasured music box as its heart, bring the creation to life. The Robot King's pyrotechnic powers cause silent Ezra to speak again and help both children understand their own powers of memory and love. Haunting black-and-white illustrations capture the magic and mystery of this entertaining fantasy. 1995, HarperCollins, $13.95 and $13.89. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Tim Whitney (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1995; United States
ISBN: 0-06-024493-3
ISBN: 0-06-024494-1
The School Story
Andrew Clements
Illustrated by Brian Selznick
Natalie is writing a book--a good book. The problem is, how does a twelve-year-old girl get a book publisher to take her seriously? Her friend Zoe comes to the rescue by becoming her imaginative and surprisingly competent literary agent. Careful and credible plotting makes this unlikely adventure almost believable. Aspiring young writers will be particularly interested, but should understand that today's demanding market isn't likely to find a twelve-year-old to be professional enough to publish. Nevertheless, readers will be dying to find out if Natalie succeeds, and will gain a lot of accurate and interesting information about slush piles and the publishing industry. Minus the credibility problem, this is an engaging story, though the beginning chapters lack some of the immediate vitality of Clements' earlier works. Black-and-white drawings lend additional interest to the already strong characters. 2001, Simon & Schuster, $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, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Book Sense 76 Picks, Fall 2001; Book Sense 76; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, April 15, 2001; 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, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, May 2001; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2002 Middle Grade Readers United States
California Young Reader Medal Winner 2004 Intermediate California
Parents' Choice Award Silver 2001 Fiction United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
California Young Reader Medal, 2004; Nominee; Intermediate; California
Cochecho Readers' Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Dover, New Hampshire
Colorado Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Colorado
Golden Sower Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Nebraska
Indian Paintbrush Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Wyoming
Iowa Children's Choice Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Iowa
Maine Student Book Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Maine
Nevada Young Readers' Award, 2003; Nominee; Young Reader; Nevada
Nutmeg Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Connecticut
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Grades 3 - 6; Pennsylvania
Volunteer State Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Intermediate, Grades 4-6; Tennessee
Sunshine State Young Reader's Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Florida
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2003; Nominee; Texas
Utah Children's Book Awards, 2003; Nominee; Children's Fiction; Utah
West Virginia Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; West Virginia
William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Kansas
Young Reader's Choice Award, 2004; Nominee; Junior (Grades 4-6); Pacific Northwest
ISBN: 0-689-82594-3
Walt Whitman: Words for America
Barbara Kerley
Illustrated by Brian Selznick
Incorporating many actual quotes from Whitman's correspondence, poems, and other writings into text and pictures, this book is a bold introduction to the person who changed poetry forever. Kerley respects the reader but makes Whitman and his times understandable for those with a rudimentary knowledge of the Civil War, Lincoln, and the havoc wreaked by the War Between the States. Some of the most moving passages and illustrations are ones that convey the poet's compassion for injured soldiers dying far from ones who love them. Whitman's love of all humankind, his sensuous enjoyment of nature, his outreach, and the composition of his poem "O Captain, My Captain" are included. The text ends with the open-handed invitation: "Whoever you are now I place my hand upon you that you be my poem." In extensive author and illustrator notes, both creators reveal the sources of their inspiration, cover more completely the trajectory of Whitman's life, and give the reader a deeper sense of Whitman's admiration for Lincoln. It is especially telling to see what Selznick drew upon to create his powerful images and montages and children will look again with deeper appreciation after reading these notes. In an effort not to shortchange Whitman's poetry, Kerley has included eight longer excerpts from "Leaves of Grass." As an introduction to "The Good Gray Poet," this book succeeds on every level. Older readers who wish to learn more about Whitman should search out Catherine Reef's 1995 biography, Walt Whitman. 2004, Scholastic, $16.95. Ages 9 to 14. 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
Capitol Choices, 2005; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
Children's Editor's Choice, 2004; Kirkus Reviews; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2005; Children's Literature; United States
Choices, 2005; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, September 15, 2004; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2005; American Library Association ALSC; United States
Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts, 2005; NCTE Children's Literature Assembly; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2005; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books, 2004; Cahners; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 18, 2004; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2004; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 2004; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Beacon of Freedom Award Nominee 2006 United States
California Book Awards Silver Medal 2005 Juvenile United States
Parent's Choice Award Silver 2004 Non-Fiction United States
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Honor 2005 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Cochecho Readers' Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Dover, New Hampshire
Volunteer State Book Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Grades 4-6; United States
ISBN: 0-439-35791-8
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson: The Voice of a Century
Libretto [i.e. text] by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Staging [i.e. illustrations] by Brian Selznick
A moving portrait of Marian Anderson, this book is a beautiful marriage of text and illustrations. We follow Marian from her childhood, singing in church, through her rejection from a music school that refused to take "colored" to her glowing success despite the challenges of racism and prejudice. The text invites us into her life, and we ache with Marian every time she faces a struggle. Lyrics from songs Marian recorded are interspersed throughout--they are perfectly placed so they advance the story, justifying the title page description of the text as a "libretto." For example, as she sails to Europe to escape the restrictions of America and to learn foreign languages to expand her repertoire, the words "sometimes I feel like a motherless child... a long ways from home" are printed over a luminous seascape. The evocative illustrations are done entirely in shades of brown, akin to sepia-tone photographs. The author and illustrator previously collaborated on the award winning Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, and according to their notes in the back, a connection between Eleanor Roosevelt and Marian Anderson helped inspire this book. May such inspiration continue to arise. 2002, Scholastic, $16.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
Ryan and Selznick have teamed up again to create a wonderful picture book biography of the great African American singer, Marian Anderson. Ryan's text begins in Marian's early years as her enormous musical talent is seen and nurtured. It also covers the prejudice Marian encountered as a child growing up in Philadelphia in the early part of the 20th century. Marian tried to enroll at a music school to study and was turned away because she was black. Yet her own church community saw the glory in her talent and helped support her as she developed it. As a professional adult, Marian sang to crowds in Europe, only to return home where concerns about "mixed audiences" and "appropriate venues" overshadowed her career. Marian went on to become one of the most famous singers of the 20th century. In 1939, Marian Anderson, much more than just a marvelous singer by that time, was invited to sing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday. 75,000 people of all colors came to share in Marian's great gift. While I found the text strong, the illustrations are beyond gorgeous. Selznick chose to use a sepia/chocolate tone throughout that is so rich and deep we can only see the color as beautiful. Marian's skin tones resonate throughout the book and that says so much. His sense of placement in Marian's performance scenes makes the reader feel as if they are in that particular audience. I particularly liked how Selznick's opening page is inviting us into a theater slowing filling up and it's counterpoint, at the end, has us in the theater watching the great Marian Anderson sing. He provides a luminous quality to Marian throughout that gives us a sense of how special she was--quite a visual challenge when the musical realm was where she reigned. Selznick did it here with attention to the lighting of his main character--a nice theatrical touch. The back matter was a wonderful enhancement to the text. I was so interested in Anderson by the end of the book that I was grateful for the extra information. And Selznick's story of how he came upon this information from his uncle speaks to the serendipity in life. This moving book works on so many levels--a strong biography, a wonderful multicultural story, a gorgeous picture book, and a story of profound determination. Overall, I had such a feel for Marian Anderson when I finished this book and I really hadn't before. It was just what I wanted from a biography. 2002, Scholastic, $16.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Nov. 15, 2002; United States
Capitol Choices, 2002; The Capitol Choices Committee; 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
Choices, 2003; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2002; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, September 1, 2002; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2003; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2003; NCTE Children's Literature Assembly; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2003; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 7, 2002; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2002; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 2002; Cahners; United States
Top 10 Art Books for Youth, 2003; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Top 10 Biographies for Youth, 2003; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Top 10 Black History Titles for Youth, 2002; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2003 Folktale, Poetry, Arts United States
Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award Nominee 2004 United States
California Book Awards Silver Medal 2002 Juvenile United States
Flora Stieglitz Straus Award Winner 2002 Nonfiction United States
James Madison Book Award Honor Book 2003 United States
Jefferson Cup Award Worthy of Special Note 2003 United States
Mitten Award Honor Book 2002 United States
Norman A. Sugarman Children's Biography Award Winner 2004 United States
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Winner 2003 United States
Parent's Choice Award Gold 2002 Picture Book United States
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Honor Book 2003 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Picture Book; Maryland
Children's Crown Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 3-6; United States
Cochecho Readers' Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Dover, New Hampshire
Delaware Diamonds, 2003-2004; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Delaware
Garden State Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Juvenile Non-Fiction; New Jersey
Land of Enchantment Book Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Children's; United States
Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award, 2005; Nominee; Louisiana
Monarch Award: Illinois' K-3 Children's Choice Award, 2006; Nominee; Illinois
North Carolina Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Junior Books; North Carolina
Red Clover Children's Choice Picture Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Vermont
Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Rhode Island
South Carolina Book Awards, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 3-5; South Carolina
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Texas
Texas Reading Club, 2004; Texas
William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Kansas
ISBN: 0-439-26967-9
Wingwalker
Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by Brian Selznick
The stability of everyday life in 1933 Oklahoma was reassuring to second-grader Reuben. In fact, he believed that nothing but the seasons would ever change. He liked "to look out at the world from our attic window." It is no wonder, then, that when he had the opportunity to fly in an airplane, he was afraid. Life changed, however, with the arrival of the dust storms. Both his father and mother lost their jobs. With his experience as a dance instructor, his father is hired as an airplane wingwalker but the family must move to Minnesota. Reuben's world widens when he meets the carnival people--Fat Man (the first "colored man" he has ever seen), the Tattooed Lady, the Fire Eater and the Human Snake, who, each in his or her own way, help Reuben conquer his fears. When his father asks him to go out on the wing of the plane with him, Reuben rises to the occasion. "He held his hand out to me. We stood on the wing together." Wells creates the scene and captures the ambience of the depression era. Her symbolic uses of the window and the airplane work well. Selznick's double-page drawings for the chapter headings help the reader gain a sense of place. The paintings within each chapter focus on the people. Their expressions clearly indicate their feelings. His choice of muted sepia tones and blues reflect the tone of the story, and he ends with a beautiful blue sky with the sun coming out of the clouds and two birds soaring off to the right. This short (63 pages) piece of fiction is full of warmth but never becomes maudlin or sentimental. 2002, Hyperion, $16.49 and $15.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Mar.15, 2002; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, April 15, 2002; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, March 25, 2002; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 2002; Cahners; United States
Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2002; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Oklahoma Book Award Finalist 2003 Children/Young Adult United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Sequoyah Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Children's; Oklahoma
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Texas
ISBN: 0-7868-0397-5
ISBN: 0-7868-2347-X
Updated 10/31/06
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If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.