Library of Clean Reads: Second Story Press

Showing posts with label Second Story Press. Show all posts

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Kid Konnection: Fostergirls by Liane Shaw

Fostergirls by Liane Shaw
Second Story Press
ISBN: 978-1897187906
Published Aug 1, 2011
Trade paperback, 256 pages

I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book, but it surpassed my expectations big time. I can say that Fostergirls will be counted among my favourite reads of 2011.

Sadie is a 15 year-old foster girl who has been in the system since she was three, found in the streets begging for food with her brother and no sign of their mother. Since then she was separated from her brother and has lived in twelve different foster homes. Now in another new group home in a small town, Sadie wants to get out of the system and live on her own. She's a tough girl who prefers to go unnoticed and keep to herself, but on her first day in school she meets Rhiannon, a girl her age who talks non-stop and wants to befriend her.

From the moment I picked up this book I wanted to read non-stop. The author captures Sadie and her world so well, that I became engrossed in it very quickly. The story is told from Sadie's point-of-view and I loved being inside her head and seeing things through her young and streetwise eyes. The author's professional experience in the field of education shone through in this novel and she portrayed the challenges both of the foster care parents and the kids, as well as the school system so realistically.

Sadie and Rhiannon are so different from one another and yet they share the frustration of being different from other teens. Their characters are so well-developed, unique, and memorable. Sadie is tough, used to looking out for herself, not allowing herself to care because if she does, she will then feel disappointment which she's experienced too many times in her life. But she is also vulnerable and needs to be loved. Rhiannon loves to take care of others and even when others are unkind to her she is strong and looks beyond their behaviours.

The author handles the rough scenes in this book well. She manages to show us the life of girls in foster care, who've come from painful situations no child should go through, without using any profanity or explicit descriptions. Sure, the language was crude at times but so realistic and without being offensive. This book also explores learning disabilities and some of the programs being implemented to help students who have trouble reading and writing.

Overall, this was an inspiring and revealing book. I highly recommend it to teens, social workers, parents, and teachers. What a great read!

Note: This book is rated C = clean read. There is some rough language but no profanity.
I will count this book toward the following challenges: Young Adult Reading Challenge

Reviewed by Laura

Disclosure: Thanks to Monica Palkowski from Second Story Press for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Every Saturday, Booking Mama hosts a feature called Kid Konnection—a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, visit Booking Mama.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Second Story Press: Publishing Great Books that Matter

Second Story Press is one of my favorite publishers. It is a Canadian feminist press publishing books of special interest to women. Their list is a mix of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books dealing with the many diverse and varied aspects of the lives of girls and women. Here are some children's books we enjoyed reading last month. And we didn't just read them once...

Splish, Splat! by Alexis Domney, illustrated by Alice Crawford

Second Story Press

ISBN: 978-1897187883

Published April 1, 2011

Hardcover, 24 pages
Ages 4-8

Colin is tired of the egg-yolk yellow color on his bedroom walls, so his mom hires painters to change the color to navy blue. The painters are two women named Heather and Molly who are both Deaf and use American Sign Language. As they chat to each other while painting, they inadvertently create a surprising effect on the walls.

My 7 year-old son loved this book because of the friendly painters and their way of communicating. In the back of the book, there are three pages with some ASL signs used in the story and also the fingerspelling alphabet. He learned them in no time. I know some ASL and so my son and I had fun signing and fingerspelling to each other.

We also enjoyed the outcome of the story, which had my son looking at his own walls and wanting to change them like Colin did! My son said this book was "cool" not just because of the sign language but also because of the illustrations which was a mix of drawings with real photo collage. The characters' shoes and mouths and other items were real photos. My son, who has a keen eye for drawings, took his time looking at all the details carefully.

Splish, Splat is a charming book that exposes children to sign language and the people who use it. It has a unique ending and will appeal to children who love learning new things. Highly recommended.

Franny and the Music Girl by Emily Hearn, illustrated by Mark Thurman

Second Story Press

ISBN: 0-929005031

Published Jan 1, 2005

Softcover, 24 pages
Ages 4-8

My son loves music so he was attracted to this book about a young girl named Franny who ends up making friends with an older girl, Maia, who is a whiz on the clarinet. Franny is in a wheelchair and she loves to dance and dream when she listens to music, but she becomes upset one day when someone mysteriously pushes all the buttons on the elevator in the apartment where she lives and makes her late for camp day after day for a whole week.

The story is simple but it touches on anger, dealing with situations one cannot change, and love of music. Franny is a strong-willed child who feels empathy and comes to the aid of someone in need. She is rewarded by a new friendship and the new skill of learning how to play an instrument. My son noticed that even if the children were in wheelchairs they still danced and had fun.

This was another good story that exposed my child to children in wheelchairs. The story does not say why Franny was in a wheelchair, and my son didn't ask, probably because it didn't matter to him, only that Franny did what other kids do in the summer--go to camp, play with their friends and make new friends.

My Mom Loves Me More Than Sushi by Filomena Gomes, illustrated by Ashley Spires

Second Story Press

ISBN: 1-897187092

Published Sept 1, 2006

Hardcover, 32 pages
Ages 4-8

My son fell in love with the title of this book and after I read it, he was tickled pink by the whole concept of being introduced to ten different foods from around the world. And this from a boy who's a picky eater and likes his food bland! Yes, my son was amused reading about a mom who cooks these fabulous ten foods (some new to us, and some not) and shares the experience with her daughter.

My son said that this book makes him hungry! It's true. A few days later he was asking me for couscous, a dish I haven't made recently but that is mentioned in the book. Whenever I am in the kitchen baking, my son wants to help. He likes mixing, stirring and putting things together. I think that's one of the reasons this book appeals to him so much. He even showed it to his friend who came over to play.

The illustrations are cute, a little wacky, and most of them are of a mother with her daughter in the kitchen, cooking and eating together. They are comforting and heartwarming. This is a cute, cheerful book that clearly portrays the message that although people express love through food, a mom will always love her child more than sushi.

The Girl Who Hated Books by Manjusha Pawagi, illustrated by Leanne Franson

Second Story Press

ISBN: 1-896764096

Published Oct 1, 2010

Softcover, 24 pages
Ages 4-8

In our house, we have fun reading. And yes, books are everywhere... in the kitchen, bedrooms, living room, den, home office... much like at Meena's house, except at her house they are literally everywhere! Her parents keep bringing books home but Meena hates books and reading. Until one day, a huge stack of books fall and all the characters in them fall out, making Meena realize that books are full of wondrous characters and not just words.

As she begins reading to find out where the characters belong, they all eventually return to their stories, making Meena relieved that she has helped them find their way home but also sad because she thinks she will never see them again until she realizes that all she needs to do is open the books again and begin reading.

In 2003, this book was chosen as the Grade One book giveaway distributed in conjunction with TD Canadian Children's Book Week to all the children in this grade level across Canada. I can see why. This is the perfect book to introduce children who do not like to read to books as more than just words. Meena made friends with the characters she discovered in the books that she initially refused to open. It's important to make our children discover the beauty and practicality of books without forcing books down their throat. Meena was determined to hate books, but on her own, came to the conclusion that she didn't hate them after all. Isn't that how it should be?

Disclosure: Thanks to Second Story Press for sending me the first three books for review. The last one I bought at a used book store. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review these products.

Every Saturday, Booking Mama hosts a feature called Kid Konnection—a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, visit Booking Mama.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Kid Konnection: Empowering Books for Middle Graders

Lost in the Wild by Ryan Jacobson (Rated: C)
Adventure Publications
ISBN: 978-1591930907
Published Sept 22, 2008
Paperback, 152 pages
Ages 9 - 12

I haven't read one of these books in years. Lost in the Wild is a choose-your-path book—an adventure book with dozens of possible endings depending on the decisions you make throughout the story.

You are the main character. You and your sister Kate (story written in the second-person POV) are on a camping trip with your family. But when you and Kate get caught in a terrible thunderstorm your struggle for survival begins. And what an adventure it is!

My kids and I had so much fun reading this story together. We also learned a lot about surviving in the outdoors where there are bears and wolves. We made it to the end after dying...three times? Yes, we had to retrace out paths several times and try to figure out how to survive. The first night we read it my husband joined us as we were deciding which four items from the list of ten we should pack into our backpack. They all seemed essential to us, especially me, the city girl who would bring everything I possibly could. I am so not an outdoors person.

At one point in the story we made a wrong choice and ended up getting rescued but not the sister. But then at another time, we also ended up getting rescued and our sister did too and we failed to see why it was different the second time around when the circumstances seemed the same. Apart from this, the choices we made really helped us see the value in survival knowledge and preparedness.

We found this book exciting and suspenseful and we finished it in two sittings. But of course, one could re-read this book many times and always have a different adventure exploring the various choices along the way. It's a great book to read as a family as each member can give their input and then decide together what to do. It's an ideal book for both boys and girls and also for the reluctant reader. Both my 9 year-old girl and my 6 year-old boy loved it. My son actually said to me that it's now one of his favourite books.

I thought the book trailer was great too. Check it out:

For more information on this book and its author, visit http://www.ryanjacobsononline.com/

Disclosure: Thanks to Nicole Bonia for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Our Earth: How Kids are Saving the Planet, written and illustrated by Janet Wilson (Rated: C)
Second Story Press
ISBN: 978-1897187845
Published Sept 1, 2010
Hardcover, 32 pages

Janet Wilson portrays ten youths from around the world who have taken action to do something for our Earth, whether it's saving the rainforest, building wells in Africa, or starting an organic school vegetable garden. This colorful book begins with the African proverb:

If many little people,

in many little places,

do many little things,

they can change

the face of the Earth.

How empowering for our children!

Each page spread is dedicated to a child environmentalist, containing beautiful illustrations, photos, and Website links. It's a visually stimulating book that ends with further examples of what other kids have created and how we can help save the planet such as getting unplugged or giving your school an e-report card.

My children were impressed with the things these kids from 7 to 17 years of age accomplished. They were also taken aback with the problems we are currently facing with climate change, pollution, endangered species, poverty, deforestation, and global warming. It has raised awareness in them and myself too, and it makes us think twice about some choices we make and how we can be more conscientious.

Not long after reading the book, as I was driving on the highway, my 6 year-old son pointed to the black smoke spewing from the factories and said, “Mom, look at all that pollution!” He was suddenly seeing the implication of something he hadn't noticed or been aware of before we read this book. During our reading, my children and I discussed how precious the gift of the Earth, our home, is for us and what we can do to show God our appreciation of it.

This is an inspiring book for children and an excellent gift for the active child who loves to get involved and bring about positive changes to the world.

This book is printed on paper from responsible sources (FSC).

Disclosure: Thanks to Lauren Connor from Second Story Press for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

The Orphan Rescue by Anne Dublin

The Orphan Rescue by Anne Dublin (Rated: C)
Second Story Press
ISBN: 978-1897187814
Published Sept 1, 2010
Paperback, 124 pages

Twelve-year-old Miriam and her seven-year-old brother David are orphans. They live with their grandparents in Sosnowiec, Poland during the Great Depression in 1937. When the grandparents can no longer take care of them, they make the heartrending decision to place David in a Jewish orphanage and pull Miriam out of school to work in a butcher shop. But Miriam is determined to rescue her brother and bring him home.

This story is heartbreaking to read, especially knowing that it is based on true events that happened to the author’s own cousins. As a mother, my heart ached for Miriam and David, so young and taken advantage of by cruel and greedy men. My sensitive daughter was sad because of the children’s desperate situation and my son kept saying, “Mommy, those are bad men”, in reference to the orphanage director and the factory owner who forced David to work in a factory. He, too, keenly felt the injustice.

The second half of the story is adventurous as Miriam teams up with Ben, another orphan, to rescue her brother. Miriam and David’s close relationship is beautiful and it is touching to see what Miriam is willing to do to help her brother and her family. My daughter was very happy that it ended on a hopeful note.

This book gave me the opportunity to explain to my children how fortunate they are in comparison to many children in the world today who are in forced labour or even sold because their families cannot take care of them. However, I made sure that they understood that they not feel guilty for what they have because every child has the right to be loved and taken care of. I wanted them to understand that being aware of world events, both past and present, helps them to see what role they can play as good neighbours in direct relation to the commandment: “Love thy neighbour as yourself.”

This book is a real eye-opener for children. Although sad, it shows the resilience of the human spirit and celebrates the courage and determination of filial love.

For more information on this author, please visit her website: www.annedublin.com

Disclosure: Thanks to Lauren Connor from Second Story Press for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

A Woman's Agenda 2011: Celebrating Movers and Shakers by Karen Helm

A Woman's Agenda 2011: Celebrating Movers and Shakers by Karen Helm
Second Story Press
ISBN: 978-1897187739
Published July 1, 2010
Spiral-bound, 192 pages

I love agendas. I guess that’s because I like to be organized, not that I’m always … uhmm … organized. But I know I can’t live without one. Agendas help me to see how chaotic my world can get (if I don’t attempt to organize it) and how to solve my dilemma of not having enough time. Enter A Woman’s Agenda 2011: Celebrating Movers and Shakers by Karen Helm. I instantly liked this agenda from the moment I received it in the mail. Let me tell you why.

The first thing I noticed is its practicality. Its 5½ X 8½ size fits into an average purse. It’s also sturdily spiral-bound, allowing the agenda to stay open easily and to write into it without difficulty. It’s a weekly agenda (my favourite) where you can see a full week spread on two pages with adequate room to write your daily and evening activities. A section for notes is included at the beginning and end of every month as well as an address book at the end of the agenda. It’s simple and uncluttered.

The only two things missing that I have found useful in other agendas I’ve used throughout the years are: a marker or tab to indicate where you’ve left off and a monthly calendar at the beginning of each month to set one’s monthly goals at a glance. For me, a marker is useful to quickly turn to the current week without having to flip through the pages, and a monthly calendar to visually plan my activities for the month ahead.

Apart from this, what makes this agenda unique is that it showcases “remarkable women of various backgrounds, disciplines, personalities and life challenges”. Twelve women in all. Some of these inspiring women include Dr. Vandana Shiva, physicist and ecologist; Dr. Cornelia Wieman, Canada’s first female Aboriginal psychiatrist; and Judith Snow, an inclusion activist (for the disabled). It then includes a weekly quote from the woman showcased that month.

This agenda is empowering for women. We are all in our own way movers and shakers, and this agenda can remind us of our own unique contribution to our families and society. I can’t wait to start using it in January.

Disclosure: Thanks to Annie from Second Story Press for sending me this agenda for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Kid Konnection: The Contest by Caroline Stellings

The Contest by Caroline Stellings (Rated: C)
Second Story Press
ISBN: 978-1897187647
Published Aug 12, 2009
Paperback, 123 pages

This was another winner for my daughter and me in the Gutsy Girl Series published by Second Story Press. This time the gutsy girl is Rosy Taylor, a Native Canadian (she’s half Mohawk) who lives in a single parent family with three brothers. Although their economic situation is dire, they are a close-knit family brought up with loving care and good family values. The story centers on Rosy’s desire to enter and win an Anne of Green Gables look-alike contest because the prize is a brand new set of Anne books. And Rosy doesn’t own new books.

Rosy is a great character—smart, courageous, determined and sometimes rude and selfish, but she comes through at the end of the book, revealing the depth of her character. She is perfectly flawed, and my daughter and I liked her. I enjoyed the cast of mixed characters from Mr. and Mrs. Spinelli to Mr. Wing and the hairstyling duo, Jay and Sebastian. Rosy also meets rich Lydia Parker who does look like Anne of Green Gables and who inadvertently changes Rosy’s perspective on several things in life. Rosy’s situation and her positive outlook despite the things she lacked are gentle lessons for my own daughter who gets brand new books monthly and doesn’t have to worry about whether we can afford to send her to university.

Again, this was a great mother/daughter read and we both definitely look forward to the next book to come out in the Gutsy Girl Series.

Disclosure: Thanks to Annie from Second story Press for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.