Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa

Winter, J. (2008). Wangari's Trees of Peace A True Story from Africa. 

Orlando, FL: Harcourt, Inc. 

This true story about a woman named Wangari Maathia was an inspirational biography.  

When Wangari returns from college, she sees that her homeland in Kenya has changed.  

The land is barren because trees have been cut down to make way for the city.  

Wangari makes a very noble attempt to plant new trees and to keep the 

government from cutting them down.  Other people in Kenya begin to do the same 

and "The umbrella of green in Kenya returns.

Read Alikes:  The librarian of Basra : a true story from Iraq / written & illustrated by Jeanette Winter 

Listen to the wind : the story of Dr. Greg and Three cups of tea / by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth ; collages by Susan L. Roth

Discussion Questions: 

What were Wangari's motives for risking her life to challenge the government of Africa?

What would happen if Wangari had never returned to her homeland after college?

http://us.macmillan.com/author/jeanettewinter

Princess Candy Sugar Hero

Dahl, M., Crowther, J. (2010). Princess Candy Sugar Hero. (Minnesota): Stone Arch Books.

http://stonearchbooks.blogspot.com/2008/01/staff-spotlight-michael-dahl.html

This graphic novel was a quick read that keeps the readers interest! The main character is a normal, cute little girl hanging out with her grandma for her birthday. Her aunt Pandora has sent her a special and secret birthday gift. It appears to be a box of candy and has Halo confused. Her dear auntie always encouraged her to eat her fruits and veggies. This is where the real adventure begins- the candy isn't just your typical candy, it gives Halo super powers. You must read this novel to experience the exciting adventure for yourself.

If you like this book you might also enjoy:

Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta by Jarrett J. Krosoczka or

The Graphic Novel Hansel and Gretel retold by Donald Lemke

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think Aunt Pandora sent the candy to Halo?

If you had the choice to become a superhero, would you do it? Why?

Gabriel's Horses

Hart, A. (2007). Gabriel's horses. Racing to freedom trilogy, book 1. Atlanta: Peachtree.

The name of the book I just read was Gabriel's Horses by Allison Hart. It is a Golden Sower nominee for 2010-2011. The genre is historical fiction and the time period was set back during the civil war in Lexington, Kentucky. This book was one of those that you pick up and start reading and can never put down. Right from the beginning Ms. Hart has you "hooked" when you first read of the main character, Gabriel. He is a twelve year old slave boy living with his family at Woodsville Farm. Gabriel loves helping his father (a free man) who works as a horse trainer for Master Giles. His father's love and kindness toward the horses is passed on to Gabriel when he becomes a jockey for Tenpenny, one of Master Giles' thoroughbred race horses. Gabriel is a natural with the horses because he relates to them and gives them all of his heart. The plot becomes tense when Gabriel's father enlists in the Union army in order to buy his wife and son's freedom someday. Gabriel is left to care for the horses and his mother. It is not an easy task when Master Giles hires a new trainer who has a violent temper and mistreats the horses and wants to whip Gabriel for being insubordinate when asked to harm the horses. Another great plot in the story is following the crimes of an infamous confederate raider who is out to get Master Giles's thoroughbreds. He rides with his men throughout the countryside terrorizing the farms by stealing horses, supplies and leaving a trail of destruction behind. Much of the story is actually based upon real life heros and criminals who lived during the civil war in Lexington, Kentucky. I absolutely LOVED this story. It has such heart! I highly recommend this book to anyone (especially if you love horses). If you love this book you might also love Gabriel's Triumph or Gabriel's Journey the next two stories in the trilogy, or read Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco. Check out this heartwarming author at: http://www.alisonhartbooks.com/

Answer these 2 questions after you read this book:

How would you feel if your father left you and your mother alone to fight for your freedom?

What events in the story could be factual and what events would be fiction?