From day one, Impy is constantly aware that middle school has transported her into an entirely new enviornment. Unlike the familiarity of the festival community, the halls of middle school are fraught with terrors at every turn. She must navigate the complex maze of classrooms, negotiate seating in the cafeteria, and meet the demands of a regimented assignment schedule. She is immediately the subject of curiosity. Some express honest interest while others resort to ridicule. For Imply trying to fit in, trying to discover who she is, trying to keep up with the demands of teachers becomes very...well, trying.
She makes two fatale mistakes: one with her younger brother and one with a classmate. From her perspective, it appears that each one is impossible to completely recover from.
This book is honest, so painfully honest. No one is perfect: not Imogene, not the kids at school, not her family. They all make mistakes and struggle to learn, live, and forgive. The characters are spot on and Jamieson imbues each with a distinctive personality.
It is impossible for me to express how much I adore this book. Both the images and text work together to create storytelling magic. Copies of the book should be given as a gift to every youngster about to enter middle school. Not only will tweens learn about the Middle Ages and life in middle school, but they will also gain important insights into self acceptance.

I have always been fascinated by illuminated manuscripts and was delighted to note that Jamieson chooses to begin each chapter with an introduction featuring some gorgeous illumination.  Why not encourage young readers to try this intricate art?  Instead of illuminating an entire page, why not try illuminating a letter? Here is my attempt to illuminate the first letter of my last name. It's not nearly as intricate and the gold pigment ink is missing. But I had fun with a fine point black sharpie and a fistful of colored pencils. 

​Johannes’ early chapter book contains wild adventures, puns, and illustrations with just the right amount of zaniness. Did I mention the Pig Latin? Young readers will not be able to get enough of Miss Zinker, a book chock full of more fun than should be allowed. But go ahead and read it. You too might be an upside down thinker.

If you are acquainted with Beatrice, then you know of her affinity with this dessert. Why not try making these Pineapple Upside Down Mini-Cakes? They are fun and easy and yummy! Here is the recipe from an upright girl who knows the up and down sides of cake: Betty Crocker.

During her underwater travels Corinne encounters a vessel on the ocean floor. She makes a horrifying discovery when she uncovers what she assumes to be a rock. Instead Corinne has discovered chains that once enslaved the mermaids, her underwater companions. Their bodies still bear the marks left by these cruel iron bands. Recent reading of Shackles from the Deep brought these scenes to my mind with a fierce intensity. The reality of enslaved people trapped within a sinking ship is indelibly seared into my consciousness.

Baptiste's book is also a testament to the power of friendship and affirms the enduring bonds which connect family members. "All families are connected, Corinne. It's true. We don't get to choose who we share blood with. But we do get to choose how we are with each other."

Read this book for the flavorful Caribbean setting. Read it for the fantastic mythology. Read it to meet one very brave girl. Read it if you like the thrill of a good scare. Read it to discover more about a shameful past hidden in the depths of the sea.  That's a tall order for one middle grade book, but Baptiste delivers on all counts.
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Back matter includes a historical timeline, acknowledgements, chapter notes, a bibliography, reference to Articles and Amendments, and an index.
Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson, husband and wife team have penned a highly readable consideration of some fascinating details about our constitution.  They bring those musty dusty Civics 101 lessons into the real and challenging world of young people today and invite them to become active participants.

Companion Books for Younger Readers

My hands trembled with excitement as I picked up a copy of  Suzanne Slade's  Dangerous Jane, a thoughtful picture book biography of this remarkable woman. Beginning with her birth and early childhood, which included the death of her mother and contraction of a debilitating condition,   Jane is characterized as a sensitive and well-educated young woman. After extensive travel in Europe, she returned home determined to realize her dream of creating a settlement house in Chicago.  With the successful establishment of Hull House, she eventually turned her attention to seeking a peaceful resolution to World War I with the formation of the Women's Peace Party in America.  Her leadership brought her international attention: some unfavorable (FBI naming her "Most Dangerous Woman in America") and some favorable (first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.) 
"Throughout her life she remained committed to "doing what she'd always done: helping people."

Alice Ratterree's soft watercolor illustrations show Jane within the context of her ever-expanding sphere of influence.  The passage of time is expertly reflected in the subtle changes in her appearance as Jane ages. The text is significantly enhanced with Jane's expressive face: the dismay on her young face as she views poverty, her hopeful outlook as she returns to American, the adult women looking to her charges with such care. As she encounters the problem of war, her face by turns registers discouragement, resolve, and compassion.  The images on the final pages portray a woman who has lived a full and rich life, surrounded by some of the individuals who benefitted from her untiring efforts.

Backmatter includes additional biographical information, a timeline, a selected bibliography, and a listing of quotation sources. An outstanding addition to a picture book biography collection. Readers will be inspired by the life of Addams. ​ ​

This historical account of a determined activist can serve as a model for young readers.  After reading and discussing Dangerous Jane, help youngsters explore ways in which they can make a difference.  Encourage them to research the community and identify actions that young people can take to improve life for others in their immediate community or within a larger context.  Video clips of young activists who are reaching out to others may serve as an inspiration.

Using the Jane Addams posters as an inspiration, young activists may want to create their own "wanted" posters.  Here is an example: After visiting the local Humane Society, a group of teens in our area decided to conduct a blanket and towel drive to benefit a local animal shelter.  Poster artwork was created one of the teens. The group collected an impressive stack of linens which they delivered to the Humane Society.  An easy-to-arrange community service project. Inspired by Jane Addams, young people can find ways to help "save the world."