Braille Book Review

January-February 1998
Books for Children--Fiction

Books listed in this issue of Braille Book Review were recently sent to cooperating libraries. The complete collection contains books by many authors on fiction and nonfiction subjects, including animals, geography, nature, mystery, sports, and others. Contact your cooperating library to learn more about the wide range of books available in the collection.

To order books, contact your cooperating library.

Max and Ruby's Midas: Another Greek Myth BR 10041
by Rosemary Wells
1 volume
Max loves to eat sweets, but his sister Ruby knows they are not good for Max. So she tells him a story about King Midas and how he was able to turn things he did not want into something else. Before long Max turns his mother into a cherry float and his father into lime Jell-O. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1995.

Kashtanka BR 10042
by Anton Chekhov
1 volume
A chestnut-colored dog named Kashtanka gets lost on a snowy evening while walking with her master. She is taken in by a kind circus clown and taught to do tricks. But she still longs for her home. The story, by a famous Russian author, is more than one hundred years old. For grades 3-6. 1995.

Mud BR 10043
by Mary Lyn Ray
1 volume
Mud! Gooey, gloppy, mucky, magnificent mud. One night it just happens. The earth comes unfrozen and winter squishes, squcks, sops, splats, slurps, and melts into mud. Happy mud. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1996.

Pip's Magic BR 10044
by Ellen Stoll Walsh
1 volume
Pip, a salamander, is afraid of the dark. His frog friends tell Pip he should ask Old Abra, the wizard, for some magic that will help him be brave. Pip thinks it is a wonderful idea, but finding Old Abra means going through the dark woods and a darker tunnel. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1994.

The Snowy Day BR 10045
by Ezra Jack Keats
1 volume
Young Peter is thrilled to wake up to snow piled high. He spends the day crunching, sliding, building a snowman, making snow angels, and having a great time. For grades K-3. Caldecott award winner. 1962.

The Great Ball Game: A Muskogee Story BR 10047
by Joseph Bruchac
1 volume
Retelling of a Native American folktale. In a game of stickball between the birds and the animals, the bat plays a very special role. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1994.

Bad Day at Riverbend BR 10048
by Chris Van Allsburg
1 volume
One day a terrible thing happens in the small western town of Riverbend. A driverless stagecoach arrives, and the horses are covered with shiny greasy scribble marks. As the sheriff investigates, he finds people, plants, and land all have the scribblings, and he is determined to find the culprit. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1995.

Rifles for Watie BR 10834
by Harold Keith
3 volumes
A carefree boy learns the cruelty and savagery of war when he is sent as a Union scout to spy on a Cherokee Indian regiment and find the source of their rifles. To his astonishment, he makes good friends among the enemy and falls in love with a beautiful part-Cherokee girl. For grades 6-9. Newbery Medal. 1957.

The Little Prince BR 10846
by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
1 volume
The narrator's plane is forced down in the African desert, where he meets the little prince from Asteroid B-612, who freely shares his experiences with the fascinated pilot. For grades 3-6. 1943.

The Bridge to Cutter Gap: Christy Fiction Series, Book 1 BR 10848
by Catherine Marshall
1 volume
Christy Huddleston, nineteen, travels to her first teaching job at remote Cutter Gap in the Smokey Mountains. Her trip ends with a fall from the rickety, icy bridge leading to the village. After recovering from her bruises, Christy nervously begins her new job. For grades 5-8. 1995.

Understood Betsy BR 10852
by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
1 volume
Originally published in 1917. When her doting aunt Frances can no longer take care of her, Elizabeth Ann learns that she is to be shipped off to those Vermont cousins who make children do "chores." There she discovers who really understands her. For grades 5-8. 1987.

The War of Jenkins' Ear BR 10859
by Michael Morpurgo
1 volume
Autumn 1952. Toby Jenkins is not looking forward to another year at Redlands Preparatory School in Sussex, England. But beginning with dinner the first night, Toby and his schoolmates know things will be different because of the new boy, Simon Christopher, who before long claims to be Jesus. For grades 6-9. 1995.

Flying Lessons BR 10863
by Nava Semel
1 volume
Young Hadara lives with her widowed citrus-grower father in a village in Israel. She becomes friends with their new neighbor, shoemaker Maurice Havivel, who says he used to be in a circus. Telling her that anything is possible if you practice, Maurice inspires Hadara to believe she can fly like a bird. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1995.

Bridge to Terabithia BR 10864
by Katherine Paterson
1 volume
Jess finds his biggest rival and best friend in Leslie, a girl who moves to his rural Virginia community from the city. Together they create Terabithia, a secret kingdom in the woods where they reign supreme--until tragedy strikes. For grades 5-8. Newbery Medal. 1977.

Kirsten's Surprise: A Christmas Story BR 10873
by Janet Shaw
1 volume
Christmas is just a few weeks away, and Kirsten, a young pioneer girl, longs for Papa to get their trunks from town so she can have her doll Sari. But there are many things to be done on the farm before Papa can go. The day finally arrives, but the trip almost ends in tragedy. Sequel to Kirsten Learns a Lesson (BR 10872). For grades 2-4. 1986.

Happy Birthday, Kirsten! A Springtime Story BR 10874
by Janet Shaw
1 volume
Young pioneer Kirsten, her extended family, and the local teacher take shelter in a root cellar when a tornado threatens. While they are there, Miss Winston tells the cousins about her friendship quilt. After the disaster passes, the girls begin their own quilting projects--and their friends catch on! Sequel to Kirsten's Surprise (BR 10873). For grades 2-4. 1987.

Kirsten Saves the Day: A Summer Story BR 10875
by Janet Shaw
1 volume
When Kirsten and Peter's puppy gets stung by a bee, they discover the nearby hive full of honey. Kirsten's pioneer family can use the honey to trade for goods. But her decision to harvest the honey herself leads to trouble. Sequel to Happy Birthday, Kirsten! (BR 10874). For grades 2-4. 1988.

Changes for Kirsten: A Winter Story BR 10876
by Janet Shaw
1 volume
Kirsten and Lars are out setting traps when they find a wounded baby raccoon. Kirsten takes it to their frontier home to nurse, but the raccoon gets loose and causes a fire that destroys their house. Later, good fortune comes to the Larsons when the children make a discovery in the woods. Sequel to Kirsten Saves the Day (BR 10875). For grades 2-4. 1988.

Meet Addy: An American Girl BR 10881
by Connie Porter
1 volume
Nine-year-old Addy lives on a North Carolina plantation. In the summer of 1864, when her father and brother are sold and taken away, Addy and her mother leave Addy's baby sister with relatives and begin a dangerous trip to freedom, hoping eventually to reunite the family. Prequel to Addy Learns a Lesson (BR 10882). For grades 2-4. 1993.

Addy Learns a Lesson: A School Story BR 10882
by Connie Porter
1 volume
When Addy Walker and her mother arrive in Philadelphia to begin life as free people, Sarah Moore and her mother meet them. The Moores help Mrs. Walker find a job, and Sarah takes Addy to school. But will Addy snub Sarah in order to be friends with the rich girls? Sequel to Meet Addy (BR 10881). For grades 2-4. 1993.

Addy's Surprise: A Christmas Story BR 10883
by Connie Porter
1 volume
Their first Christmas as free people is approaching, and Addy Walker and her mother are busy helping Mrs. Ford finish her holiday orders. The Walkers have been saving to buy a lamp, but when a boatload of freedmen arrive, Addy and her mother decide to help them instead. Sequel to Addy Learns a Lesson (BR 10882). For grades 2-4. 1993.

Happy Birthday, Addy! A Springtime Story BR 10884
by Connie Porter
1 volume
Addy, Momma, and Poppa are now living as free people in a Philadelphia house, and it is like being a family again--except that Sam and baby Esther are still missing. Addy makes friends with the landlord's mother, M'dear, who encourages Addy to select a special day for her birthday. Sequel to Addy's Surprise (BR 10883). For grades 2-4. 1994.

Addy Saves the Day: A Summer Story BR 10885
by Connie Porter
1 volume
Addy, a former slave now living in post-Civil War Philadelphia, helps with a church fair to benefit families separated by the war. The children plan to make spool puppets and put on a show, but Harriet, Addy's desk partner, thinks that is silly. Then tragedy strikes, and the girls must work together. Sequel to Happy Birthday, Addy! (BR 10884). For grades 2-4. 1994.

Changes for Addy: A Winter Story BR 10886
by Connie Porter
1 volume
Addy hopes her family, separated by slavery and the Civil War, can be together for Christmas. She is working extra hard so Poppa can make another trip to look for her aunt and uncle and baby Esther. Addy also worries about her friend Sarah, who has dropped out of school. Sequel to Addy Saves the Day (BR 10885). For grades 2-4. 1994.

In Trouble with Teacher BR 10888
by Patricia Brennan Demuth
1 volume
Third-grader Montgomery is having a horrible day. He knows he is going to flunk his spelling test and his new teacher will get mad at him. He wishes Mrs. Wix was like his nice second grade teacher, Miss Pink, who loved his great stories and didn't care that Montgomery had problems with spelling and reading. For grades 2-4. 1995.

Happy Birthday, Felicity! A Springtime Story BR 10894
by Valerie Tripp
1 volume
When Felicity's grandfather arrives in colonial Williamsburg for a visit, he brings her a birthday surprise--her grandmother's guitar. Felicity promises not to take it out of the house, but is overcome by her longing to have Miss Manderly tune the guitar and teach her to play it. Sequel to Felicity's Surprise (BR 10893). For grades 2-4. 1992.

Felicity Saves the Day: A Summer Story BR 10895
by Valerie Tripp
1 volume
Felicity's colonial family is spending the summer at Grandfather's plantation on the York River. When Grandfather gets some new horses, Felicity recognizes Penny, a colt she helped escape from its mean owner. Then her father's apprentice, Ben, is hurt, and Penny helps save the day. Sequel to Happy Birthday, Felicity! (BR 10894). For grades 2-4. 1992.

Changes for Felicity: A Winter Story BR 10896
by Valerie Tripp
1 volume
Felicity's favorite horse, Penny, is going to have a foal. But there is trouble in colonial Williamsburg. The father of Felicity's friend Elizabeth is in jail for being a Loyalist, and Jiggy Nye is there for debt. Grandfather helps them both, but the cold costs him his life. Sequel to Felicity Saves the Day (BR 10895). For grades 2-4. 1992.

Silent Superstitions: Christy Fiction Series, Book 2 BR 10897
by Catherine Marshall
1 volume
Christy is the new teacher at a rural mission school. After a good first week, Christy notices that her students seem wary and distant. Then she learns of a local woman's rumor that Christy is cursed. Christy must summon all of her courage to overcome the superstition of the mountain people. Sequel to The Bridge to Cutter Gap (BR 10848). For grades 5-8. 1995.

The Angry Intruder: Christy Fiction Series, Book 3 BR 10898
by Catherine Marshall
1 volume
In this sequel to Silent Superstitions (BR 10897), teacher Christy Huddleston is plagued by malicious pranks and suspects one of her students. Meanwhile, Christy is in trouble with her mentor, Miss Alice, over soliciting donations for the mission school. For grades 5-8. 1995.

Midnight Rescue: Christy Fiction Series, Book 4 BR 10899
by Catherine Marshall
1 volume
Ruby Mae, one of Christy's students, disappears in a storm. In her search for the girl, Christy happens upon a gang of moonshiners desperate to prevent anyone from exposing their illicit enterprise. Christy uses courage and cunning to evade the outlaws and recover Ruby Mae. Sequel to The Angry Intruder (BR 10898). For grades 5-8. 1995.

The Proposal: Christy Fiction Series, Book 5 BR 10900
by Catherine Marshall
1 volume
When David Grantland, the handsome minister, asks for her hand in marriage, Christy is delighted, but hesitant to commit. Then she is blinded in a riding accident, and all of her dreams for the future seem to be in jeopardy. Eventually, Christy recovers her sight and begins to see things in a new light. Sequel to Midnight Rescue (BR 10899). For grades 5-8. 1996.

Christy's Choice: Christy Fiction Series, Book 6 BR 10901
by Catherine Marshall
1 volume
When Christy receives an offer to teach in her hometown of Asheville, she makes a decision that stands to affect her entire future. During a train wreck on her return to Cutter Gap, Christy experiences a life-changing insight that clarifies her destiny. Sequel to The Proposal (BR 10900). For grades 5-8. 1996.

See You Around, Sam! BR 10909
by Lois Lowry
1 volume
Four-year-old Sam Krupnik comes home from school delighted with a set of fangs that makes him look disgusting. His mother won't let him wear them in the house, so Sam decides to run away to Alaska. But after Sam leaves home, he needs food and a drink of water--and maybe there isn't any reason to hurry to Alaska. For grades 3-6. 1996.

Here There Be Dragons BR 10910
by Jane Yolen
1 volume
Five poems and eight stories about dragons by Jane Yolen, who precedes each with an introductory note about the piece. The collection includes "Why Dragons?" "The Dragon's Boy," "The Making of Dragons," and "Here There Be Dragons." For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1993.

George's Marvelous Medicine BR 10915
by Roald Dahl
1 volume
George doesn't have any brothers or sisters. He lives on a farm miles away from everything, so there are never any kids to play with. He is tired of staring at cows and sheep and pigs and hens. And he is especially tired of living with his mean, old grizzly grunion of a grandma, who is always complaining and bossing him around. So one day, he substitutes for her medicine a fantastic bubbling brew he makes himself. For grades 2-4 and older readers. 1981.

Miracles on Maple Hill BR 10930
by Virginia Sorensen
1 volume
As a newly returned POW, a father experiences difficulty in adjusting to his old way of life. When the family moves into a country farmhouse, his ten-year-old daughter sees magic in the changing seasons, and eventually in the changes in her father. For grades 4-7. Newbery Medal. 1956.

Happy Birthday, Molly! A Springtime Story BR 10934
by Valerie Tripp
1 volume
During World War II, Emily Bennett, an English girl Molly's age, has come to stay. Molly is excited, but Emily is very quiet, and the girls have a hard time becoming friends. But they do, just in time for Molly's birthday. Then they can't agree on how to celebrate. Sequel to Molly's Surprise (BR 10933). For grades 2-4. 1989.

How Do You Spell GEEK? BR 10980
by Julie Anne Peters
1 volume
Eighth graders Ann and Kimberly are busy practicing for the national spelling bee when Ann is asked to help home-schooled Lurlene through her first days in class. Everyone, Kimberly included, makes fun of Lurlene's geeky ways, and Ann is mortified to be associated with her. So why does Ann suggest Lurlene join them in the spelling bee? For grades 4-7. 1996.

The Pain and the Great One BR 10981
by Judy Blume
1 volume
An eight-year-old girl and her six-year-old brother tell all about each other. She thinks that their parents love him best, and he thinks that they love his sister more than they love him. For grades 2-4. 1974.

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin BR 11001
by Lloyd Moss
1 volume
Musical instruments take their place, one by one, on the stage until there is a chamber group of ten. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1995.

Do You See a Mouse? BR 11002
by Bernard Waber
1 volume
The Park Snoot Hotel is very fancy, and the staff makes sure everything is always clean and neat. But one day there is a big commotion in the hotel. Someone has seen a mouse! PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1995.

The Shepherd Boy BR 11003
by Kristine L. Franklin
1 volume
A young Navajo boy discovers that one of his sheep is missing when he brings in his family's flock one evening. He then must rescue the lost lamb before nightfall. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1994.

Swimmy BR 11004
by Leo Lionni
1 volume
Swimmy is the only black fish in a school of little red fish who live in a corner of the sea. One day a big fish comes along and eats all the little red fish, but Swimmy, who can swim very fast, escapes. He is very sad, until he starts meeting all the other wonderful creatures in the sea. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1963.

Two Mrs. Gibsons BR 11006
by Toyomi Igus
1 volume
A girl recalls growing up with two Mrs. Gibsons--her mother, who is Japanese, and her grandmother, who is African American. She explains how their love for her overcame racial barriers. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.

Some Smug Slug BR 11010
by Pamela Duncan Edwards
1 volume
While out strolling one summer Sunday, a slug struggles up a bumpy slope that is blocking his path. Despite the warnings of a sparrow, a spider, a swallowtail, a skink, and a squirrel, the slug continues on...until a toad has a succulent meal. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1996.


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