Black & White: The Confrontation Between Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene “Bull” Connor (2011) by Larry Dane Brimner
At a time when Birmingham, Alabama, was known as Bombingham, Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene “Bull’ Connor were central in the fight for civil rights there, but standing at opposite ends. From his pulpit, Shuttlesworth agitated for racial equality, while Commissioner Connor fought for the status quo. Well-written and well-researched nonfiction that illuminates lesser known characters from this historic era. (Grade 6 and up)
Fake Mustache : Or, How Jodie O’Rodeo and her Wonder Horse (and Some Nerdy Kid) Saved the U.S. Presidential Election from a Mad Genius Criminal Mastermind (2012) by Tom Angleberger; illustrated by Jen Wang
When Lenny’s friend, Casper, buys a “Heidelberg Handlebar #7” fake mustache, it triggers a riot of surreal events that end up with criminal genius Casper almost becoming President of the United States after mesmerizing the entire population. From the writer of Origami Yoda and sharing a similar wacky sensibility, Fake Mustache, with its eye-catching cover, will have great appeal to readers who relish the absurd. (Grades 3-5)
Frogs: Strange and Wonderful (2012) by Laurence Pringle
The latest entry in the always reliable Strange and Wonderful series tackles frogs. The books looks at similarities and differences across this amphibian family – from the tiny Brazilian gold frog that can fit onto a dime to the mighty 6lb African Goliath frog. Stuffed full of fascinating froggy facts, this is perfect for young naturalists. (Grades 2-5)
Ghost Knight (2012) by Cornelia Funke
On his first night in boarding school, Jon sees three hideous ghosts. It turns out that they are the servants of a long dead murderer, who wants to get revenge on all members of Jon’s family. Jon and his new friend Ella find a way to summon help from the Other Side in this creepy and atmospheric novel from the well-loved author of Igraine the Brave and Inkheart. (Grades 3-6)
A Greyhound of a Girl (2012) by Roddy Doyle
This affectionately humorous story of four generations of women and girls from an Irish family, tackles the themes of facing death and facing the death of a loved one. It all starts when 12-year old Mary meets a mysterious young woman who turns out be her long dead Great Grandmother. Going back and forth in time, and told from the perspective of the women and the girls, this short but complete tale is anchored in family stories and family love. The ending brings this all together with a very Irish road trip through the dark to the old family farm. (Grades 5-8)
- Hayley
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