Braille Book Review

January-February 2009


Books for Children The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, contact your braille-lending library. Nonfiction

Every Season BR 17038
by Shelley Rotner and Anne Love Woodhull
1 volume
Celebrates children's enjoyment of the four seasons of the year, beginning with spring. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 2007.

Kids' Baking: Sixty Delicious Recipes for Children to Make BR 17396
by Sara Lewis
1 volume
Collection of recipes that were selected to encourage kids to bake and eat foods that appeal to them. Includes muffins, cookies, and shortbread for beginners with an adult standby, and cakes, scones, and squares for more advanced, independent bakers. Covers equipment, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips. For grades 4-7. 2006.

The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights BR 17397
by Russell Freedman
1 volume
Recounts the life of African American singer Marian Anderson and her "once-in-a-hundred-years" voice. Describes her Philadelphia childhood, intense training, successful career in Europe, triumphant return to America, and setbacks caused by racial discrimination. Highlights Anderson's successful 1939 Lincoln Memorial performance. For grades 6-9 and older readers. Newbery Honor, Sibert Medal. 2004.

From Bat Sonar to Canes for the Blind BR 17431
by Toney Allman
1 volume
Explains the echolocation skills used by bats that became the basis for designing a cane to permit people who are blind to have more freedom of movement. Discusses the UltraCane--a white cane fitted with transmitters to bounce signals off objects within ten feet. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 2006.

If My Mom Were a Platypus: Mammal Babies and Their Mothers BR 17452
by Dia L. Michels
1 volume
Discusses the birth, growth, instincts, and feeding habits of fourteen mammals: platypus, elephant, koala, monkey, whale, giraffe, shrew, seal, bat, lion, bear, hippopotamus, orangutan, and human. Covers length of time mothers stay with their babies and what mothers teach them. For grades 3-6. 2005.

Sounds All Around BR 17453
by Wendy Pfeffer
1 volume
Explains how sounds are made and heard. Describes the purposes they serve for humans and other animals. For preschool-grade 2. 1999.

Who Was First? Discovering the Americas BR 17557
by Russell Freedman
1 volume
Contends that Columbus was among the last of foreign explorers to reach the Americas and was preceded by Chinese explorers, Vikings, and Irish monks. Examines archaeological and DNA evidence on the origins of Native Americans that challenges the Bering Strait land bridge theory. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 2007.

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village BR 17648
by Laura Amy Schlitz
1 volume
Nineteen monologues and two dialogues about the ten- to fifteen- year-old sons and daughters of nobility and paupers living near an English manor in 1255. Interspersed between dramatic readings are background pieces on medieval customs and events, such as farming, falconry, the Crusades, and pilgrimages. For grades 5-8. Newbery Medal. 2007.

United Kingdom BR 17657
by Rachel Bean
1 volume
An overview of the country comprising England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Describes the region's climate, geography, plants and animals, history, culture, government, and economy. Includes a glossary of common Welsh phrases. For grades 3-6. 2007.

Kenya BR 17660
by Bridget Tanguay
1 volume
An overview of this eastern African nation. Describes Kenya's geography, climate, plants and animals, history, government, economy, and many cultures. Includes a glossary of common phrases in Swahili, one of Kenya's national languages. For grades 3-6. 2006.

Egypt BR 17661
by Selina Wood
1 volume
This overview of the land of pyramids along the Nile River covers Egypt's history but focuses on modern geography, natural resources, festivals, family life, and political and economic facts. For grades 3-6. 2007.

Canada BR 17674
by Brian Williams
1 volume
An overview of America's neighbor to the north. Describes Canada's geography, plants and animals, history, government, economy, industry, holidays, and culture, including that of the native Inuit people. For grades 3-6. 2007.


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