Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Fault Lines in the Constitution Blog Tour & Giveaway

Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, And the Flaws that Affect Us Today
by Cynthia Levinson & Sanford Levinson
Peachtree Publishers (September 1, 2017)
Nonfiction * Government & Politics * Social Science
Audience: Ages 10 to 14
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: 
Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the US Constitution. Husband-and-wife team Cynthia and Sanford Levinson take readers back to the creation of this historic document and discuss how contemporary problems were first introduced then they offer possible solutions. Think Electoral College, gerrymandering, even the Senate. Many of us take these features in our system for granted. But they came about through haggling in an overheated room in 1787, and were still experiencing the ramifications. Each chapter in this timely and thoughtful exploration of the Constitutions creation begins with a story all but one of them true that connects directly back to a section of the document that forms the basis of our society and government From the award-winning team, Cynthia Levinson, children's book author, and Sanford Levinson, constitutional law scholar, Fault Lines in the Constitution will encourage exploration and discussion from young and old readers alike.

Thoughts about the book:
Over the last year, I have watched as our Constitution has essentially come under attack and been challenged. Yes, definitely an opinion statement but you can't turn on the TV or read the newspaper without learning daily of events happening in our government that has caused more and more people to sit up and take notice. Over the past year, I have been following Cynthia on twitter and Facebook and seeing regular posts about revisions on this book. Reading her posts about how they needed to update information in the book based on what was happening in our country was further evidence of the timeliness of this topic and the need for this book. It has also reminded me that I have taken our Constitution for granted and that I did not understand it as well as I had thought. 

Cynthia Levison has partnered with her husband, Sanford Levinson to write a book to look at the issues impacting our government today and how these exact same issues have their foundation in the conflicts and challenges that faced our country at the beginning. The conflicts and challenges haven't gotten any easier in 200+ years, and yet, I am often amazed at how much foresight the original writers of the Constitution had when creating the basis for our government. 

What I love about this book is how accessible it is. Though it is written for 10 to 14 year olds, it really can be read by anyone (and should be read by everyone). The topic can be a challenge but the authors do their best to make the subject clear to their readers. There are seven sections to the book with catchy titles like "Hello Can You Hear Me?" (Gerrymandering) and "If America Threw a Party, Would You Be In?" (Voting Rights).  As I read this book, I kept wondering where the book was when I was in high school taking US History?! 

For more information and continued updates, check out the Fault Lines in the Constitution blog.  To check out an interview with the authors, click here.

Look for a copy of the book at your local indie bookstore or community library. 

About the authors: 

Cynthia Levinson holds degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard University and also attended the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. A former teacher and educational policy consultant and researcher, she is the author of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March as well as Watch Out for Flying Kids!. She has also published articles in Appleseeds, Calliope, Cobblestone, Dig, Faces, and Odyssey.

Sanford Levinson is an American legal scholar, a professor in the Law School and the Department of Government at the University of Texas, and a frequent visiting professor at Harvard Law School. He holds degrees from Duke, Stanford, and Harvard universities and is the author of several adult books on the Constitution, including Constitutional Faith (1988, 2d ed. 2011); Our Undemocratic Constitution (2006); and Framed:  America’s 51 Constitutions and the Crisis of Governance (2012); and, most recently, An Argument Open to All: Reading The Federalist in the 21st Century (2015).

Thank you Peachtree Publishers for providing a book giveaway as part of the blog tour. Winner must be 13 years or older and have a US mailing address. Please enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win. 

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Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017

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Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Bound by Ice Blog Tour

Bound by Ice: A True North Pole Survival Story
by Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace
Calkins Creek/Boyds Mills Press (September 19, 2017)

Description from GoodReads: 
In the years following the Civil War, -Arctic fever- gripped the American public, fueled by myths of a fertile, tropical sea at the top of the world. Several explorers attempted to find a route to the North Pole, but none succeeded. Bound by Ice follows the journey of George Washington De Long and the crew of the USS Jeannette, who departed San Francisco in the summer of 1879 hoping to find a route to the North Pole. However, in mid-September the ship became locked in ice north of Siberia and drifted for nearly two years before it was crushed by ice and sank. De Long and his men escaped the ship and began a treacherous journey in extreme polar conditions in an attempt to reach civilization. Many--including De Long--did not survive. A riveting true-life adventure, Bound by Ice includes excerpts from De Long's extensive journals, which were recovered with his body; newspapers from the time; and photos and sketches by the men on the expedition. The title also includes an epilogue, author's note, bibliography, source notes, and index.

Thank you Calkins Creek and Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace for the interview about your newest book. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE BOUND BY ICE?

SANDRA: I’m drawn to stories about people who break barriers and become change-makers, and they often risk their lives for what they believe in—in this case, advancing humanity through science and discovery. I was inspired by the courage of the USS Jeannette explorers and their herculean skills, which helped many of them survive. Their discoveries broke through some pretty serious inaccuracies about the Arctic and changed polar history. But it was their strength to survive and help each other that changed the mindset of future explorers and made me want to write their stories.

RICH: I’ve always been fascinated by polar-survival-type stories--the Jack London genre. When I learned that Commander De Long’s detailed journals of this expedition were accessible to researchers at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, I couldn’t wait to read them.

HOW DO YOU THINK KIDS OF 2017 WILL RELATE TO EVENTS IN THE BOOK FROM THE 1800s?

RICH: Who hasn’t been cold, wet, exhausted, and hungry? Anyone with an adventurous spirit will be drawn into this story immediately and will be astonished—as we were—by what these explorers were able to endure.

SANDRA: I can’t wait for young fans of survival stories like Hatchet and the I Survived series to read Bound By Ice, because it’s the ultimate true story of adventure and survival.

Fear of the unknown—and that fear factor of getting stranded somewhere, is timeless. Just like the question, “Could you survive the harshest climatic conditions known to humankind?”

For some of the Jeannette explorers, the answer was “yes.” But how did they stay alive? What did their courage look like? And who died? That’s what I wanted to know. Reading how their survival skills were tested and the physical and emotional stamina they developed is what I think young readers will find gripping.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO RESEARCH AND WRITE THIS BOOK?

SANDRA: It took us two years to research and write Bound By Ice. The first place we visited for research was the Naval Academy Museum, reading De Long’s forty-five pound logbooks and the ice journals he lugged through ice and slush. That really gave us a sense of just how thrilling, terrifying, and harrowing their search for the North Pole became. But there are always twists along the way. We wanted to know more about the Alaska Native explorers on the expedition, which led us to connecting with tribal elders in the Native Village of St. Michael, and to Rich making contacts at the University of Alaska. As journalists, we feel it’s our job to correct inaccuracies and uncover new facts, even though this takes a lot longer.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS OF WRITING A BOOK WITH ANOTHER PERSON?

SANDRA: Rich may have a much different answer, but I see nothing but benefits co-authoring long-form nonfiction projects with him. First off, we both read the same research materials and choose the sections to want to write about. Then for continuity, we become each other’s editors before the manuscript even gets to the editor of the book. Rich really keeps me on track. We’re also accountable to each other when it comes to deadlines and challenge one another to keep sharpening our detective skills in solving the seemingly impossible 100 or so questions that usually pop up while we’re researching a book.

RICH: Sandra is the most intense researcher I’ve ever seen, so I just try to follow her lead!

WHY DO YOU THINK NONFICTION BOOKS ARE IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG READERS TODAY?

RICH: Many of today’s nonfiction books tell stories that are at least as compelling as a novel. Our primary goal in deciding whether we want to pursue a subject is whether there is a strong central character and an exciting story arc. Bound By Ice has all that plus fascinating secondary characters and an incredible setting. And we were able to tie that era of Arctic history to the present because of De Long’s scientific discoveries: his measurements and other data captured the state of the ice and the fauna. Today’s scientists are using that information to demonstrate how the climate has changed.

SANDRA: When it comes to history, knowing our past gives us an understanding of where we came from and promotes critical thinking. It's vital for young readers to know how our world got to this point and how humans have navigated life before us; often badly but also heroically. What course do they want to chart?

About the authors:
Sandra Neil Wallace had a lengthy career as a news anchor and ESPN sportscaster before writing realistic fiction and nonfiction for young readers. A pioneer in the journalism field, she was the first woman to cover the National Hockey League on network TV. Selected as a promising new voice in children’s literature by The Horn Book, Wallace’s titles have been named to state and national awards lists including Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Book of the Year, ALA-YALSA Quick Picks, and Booklist’s Top 10 Sports Books for Youth. Visit sandraneilwallace.com. 

Rich Wallace has written more than three dozen novels for children and teens. His first novel, Wrestling Sturbridge, was selected by the American Library Association as one of the top 100 YA books of the twentieth century. His recent children's nonfiction includes the acclaimed Blood Brother, co-written with his wife, Sandra Neil Wallace. He lives in Keene, New Hampshire. Visit richwallacebooks.com.  

Check out the other stops on the blog tour: 
Sunday, 9/17     Nerdy Book Club
Monday, 9/18   Mrs. Yingling Reads
Tuesday, 9/19   The Booklist Reader
Wednesday, 9/20 KidLit Frenzy
Thursday, 9/21   Dr. Bickmore’s YA Wednesday
Friday, 9/22       The Nonfiction Detectives

Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Two Books I am Excited About

The Quest for Z: The True Story of Explorer Percy Fawcett and a Lost City in the Amazon
by Greg Pizzoli
Published June 13th 2017 by Viking Books for Young Readers
Nonfiction * History * Exploration
Audience: Ages 7 to 10 year olds
IndieBound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: 
British explorer Percy Fawcett believed that hidden deep within the Amazon rainforest was an ancient city, lost for the ages. Most people didn't even believe this city existed. But if Fawcett could find it, he would be rich and famous forever. This is the true story of one man's thrilling, dangerous journey into the jungle, and what he found on his quest for the lost city of Z.

Quick thoughts on this book:
Both books being featured here today are ones that I have been eager to read, but I have unfortunately been crazy busy and only now getting to these books. 

The Quest for Z by Pizzoli is his second biographical title. With the first book, Tricky Vic, Pizzoli had to guess at some of the information about Robert Miller's life. However, with his newest biography on Percy Fawcett, Pizzoli had more research and documents to work with. The biography on Fawcett flows on several levels. First, there is the narrative story that tells about the life and work of Fawcett. Second, there are expository text facts shared with readers on various pages. Finally, there is an element of humor in the dialogue bubbles. This may be one of those things that can be a point of discussion with young readers. There is a cartoon style about the characters and the dialogue bubbles and for most readers, they will pick up on the fact that this is not actual dialogue but a splash of humor. 

At the end of the book, Pizzoli includes an author, glossary, and selected sources. 

Check out Greg Pizzoli's website and blog. 

What Makes a Monster?: Discovering the World's Scariest Creatures
(The World of Weird Animals)
by Jess Keating; Illustrated by David DeGrand
Published August 8th 2017 by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Nonfiction * Science & Nature * Zoology
Audience: Ages 6 to 10 year olds
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: 
Monsters are real--and they're everywhere in nature! Animal Planet meets Godzilla in this nonfiction picture book that puts the "Ack!" into backyard science.

Some people think monsters are the stuff of nightmares--the stuff of scary movies and Halloween. But monsters can also be found right in your backyard. Animals like aye-ayes, goblin sharks and vampire bats may look scary, but they pose no threat to humans. Others, such as the prairie dog, seem innocent--cute, even--yet their behavior could give you goose bumps.
What makes a monster? Read this book to find out, if you dare. . . .
Jess Keating and David DeGrand, the author illustrator team behind Pink Is for Blobfish will have readers shrieking with laughter at this latest installment to the World of Weird Animals series.

Quick thoughts on this book:
Keating's first book in the World of Weird Animals series, Pink is for Blobfish, is one of my favorite books. I new if the latest book was even half as good as the first book that I would love it as well. From the moment, I flipped through the book, I knew I had another favorite book. Fans of Pink is for Blobfish will be thrilled to read the newest book.

Official Book Trailer:

Keating features 17 creatures in What Makes a Monster? and each animal is featured on a two page spread. Each spread includes basic facts about the animal being featured, a written description, and a little fact about each animal that may provide humor or another level of knowledge about the featured animal. 

At the end of the book, readers there are several pages of additional information including a glossary. 

Check out this video interview:

Check out Jess Keating's website for lots of great resources.

Pick up both of these books at your local bookstore or community library.

Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...

#Road2Reading Challenge: Early Readers to Check Out from Simon Spotlight

Batman is Fast!
by Maggie Testa; Illustrated by Patrick Spaziante
Simon Spotlight, May 23, 2017

Description from GoodReads: 
Now very new readers can reach for the stars with Batman in this book that’s part of an all-new Ready-to-Read level, Ready-to-Go!

Perfect for kids at the beginning of their reading journeys, Batman Is Fast! was written for children who have learned the alphabet and are ready to start reading! And what better way to get kids excited than with a fun story with words they can actually read and starring their favorite super hero?

Each Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read includes a note to parents explaining what their child can expect, a guide at the beginning for readers to become familiar with the words they will encounter in the story, and reading comprehension questions at the end. Each Ready-to-Go! story contains no more than 100 words and will feature sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills. In this book, readers will learn seventeen sight words and five words from two word families. So come on and get reading with Batman!

BATMAN and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. 

I am a fan of the Simon Spotlight Early Reader nonfiction titles. However, today, I wanted to share a couple of titles from their new series of Ready-to-Read New Readers. I really appreciate that both of the titles that I am sharing in this post are much more accessible for very beginning readers. 

In both books, you will notice larger font and limited text per page and repetitive language patterns throughout the pages. This is not typically what you will find with commercial early readers. Often time, I will pick up a reader marked "Level 1" or "Level 2" and think that it is really a book written for students with more skill in navigating text and vocabulary. 

Who Can? Daniel Can! 
by Maggie Testa; Illustrated by Jason Fruchter
Simon Spotlight, May 2, 2017

Description from GoodReads: 
Now very new readers can reach for the stars with Daniel Tiger in this book that’s part of an all-new Ready-to-Read level, Ready-to-Go!

Perfect for kids at the beginning of their reading journeys, Who Can? Daniel Can! was written for children who have learned the alphabet and are ready to start reading! And what better way to get kids excited than with a fun story with words they can actually read and starring their favorite tiger star?

Each Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read includes a note to parents explaining what their child can expect, a guide at the beginning for readers to become familiar with the words they will encounter in the story, and reading comprehension questions at the end. Each Ready-to-Go! story contains no more than 100 words and will feature sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills. In this book, readers will learn twenty-three sight words and eight words from four word families. So come on and get reading with Daniel!

© 2017 The Fred Rogers Company

Another feature I appreciate about the books include the addition of a key terms at the beginning of the book and discussion questions listed at the end of the book. Both of these are nice features for parents sharing the book with children. 

Look for these and other titles in the Simon Spotlight New Readers series at your local bookstores or community libraries. 

All journeys have a starting place.
This is a weekly place to find books and tools
that you may use with readers at the start of their reading journey.
Join in the conversation at #road2reading.

Each week, Michele Knott and I post about new early readers and transitional chapter books. 

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Her Right Foot

Her Right Foot
by Dave Eggers; Illustrated by Shawn Harris
Chronicle Books (September 19, 2017)
Nonfiction * History * Monuments
Audience: Ages
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: If you had to name a statue, any statue, odds are good you'd mention the Statue of Liberty. Have you seen her?

She's in New York. 
She's holding a torch. 
And she's in mid-stride, moving forward. 
But why?
In this fascinating, fun take on nonfiction, Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris investigate a seemingly small trait of America's most emblematic statue. What they find is about more than history, more than art. What they find in the Statue of Liberty's right foot is the powerful message of acceptance that is essential to an entire country's creation. 

My thoughts on the book...
It is hard these days not to get a little political with some of my nonfiction posts. As I wrote this review, we were waiting to hear whether the president would end the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. A few weeks ago, White House spokesperson Steven Miller and a journalist had a heated exchange about Emma Lazarus' famous poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty. And issues surrounding immigrants and immigration laws have been in the news constantly the past several months. 

Eggers likely envisioned this book and began work on it long before the current political climate and didn't expect how timely it would be, and important. Learning about our history and the symbols that communicate much about what our country stands for. 

In HER RIGHT FOOT, Eggers and Harris have created a book that not only shares the history of one of our most famous statues but also reminds us of the need for diversity and inclusion. 

I hope that as children read through this book they will learn new facts about the Statue of Liberty and her origin and journey from France to the United States. 

And I am thankful for Eggers's focus on "her right foot". I like many others are accustomed to seeing the upper body of Lady Liberty holding her torch up high. It never occurred to me to think about her feet and the sense of movement conveyed by her one leg and foot. 

Though The New Colossus poem by Emma Lazarus was added later, it cemented the role of Lady Liberty as a symbol welcoming immigrants. 

The Engines of Our Ingenuity is Copyright © 1988-2006 by John H. Lienhard.

For more information about the Statue of Liberty, click here. 

HER RIGHT FOOT
Children's Illustration Project

Here's How to Enter:

1. Read this excerpt from the book with a child 12 years old or younger and encourage them to illustrate something inspired by the theme or imagery. We encourage teachers and librarians to share with their students!

2. Take a photo of the illustration(s) and post on Twitter or Instagram (if your profile is public) with the hashtag #HerRightFoot. Please include the first name of the child illustrator and a few words about what the Statue of Liberty means to them. 

3. Don’t want to post on social media? Scan or take a photo of the illustration(s) and upload using the "Enter" tab.

4. Alternatively, you can mail a copy of the illustration with your contact details to:
Dave Eggers, c/o Chronicle Books, 680 Second St., San Francisco, CA 94107

Update: Chronicle Books has extended the submission deadline date until December 31st!

Look for HER RIGHT FOOT (when it comes out) at your local indie bookstore or public library.

Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...