Newly Transcribed Books for September 2011
In our quest to promote braille literacy among children, Wisconsin Braille, Inc. is very pleased to offer another new selection of free braille books for your school library funded by grant money. This year’s collection was well researched. Every effort was made to include quality children’s literature not already available in braille by checking the data bases at American Printing House (www.aph.org), the National Library Service (www.loc.gov/nls), and Seedlings (www.seedlings.org). You may continue to order print/braille books for early readers in either contracted or uncontracted braille. Books for older readers may be ordered in hard copy braille or e-files. Just indicate your preferences on the order form. We sincerely hope that our selection meets the needs of your readers!
Our current selection is:
Almost Astronauts—13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone
An interesting and informative account of women's efforts to shatter existing norms and enter into a highly non-traditional occupation in aeronautics. The struggle of these 13 women reflects the struggle of all those who have dreams that are out-of-sync with the age in which they happen to live. Grades 6 and up.
Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
A chapter book which features a young girl and her large extended biracial family who live in a large city in Africa. Cars, cell phones, and the Internet are a way of life, but so are traditional dress, food, and values. Humor is drawn from situations in which embracing modern ideas has unexpected outcomes. Grades 2-5.
Every Bone Tells a Story: Hominin Discoveries, Deductions, and Debates by Jill Rubalcaba and Peter Robertshaw
The story of four hominins—people who lived before recorded history. The four discoveries (Turkana Boy, Lapedo Child, Kennewick Man, and Iceman) present a host of compelling stories from the moment that they are first sighted through the history of the research and the often conflicting explanations of the results. Grades 7 and up.
Henry Aaron’s Dream by Matt Tavares
Henry Aaron was a young boy growing up in Mobile, Alabama, with what seemed like an impossible dream: to be a big-league baseball player. He didn’t have a bat or ball and there were no black baseball players in the major leagues but nothing could stop Henry Aaron. Grades 3 – 5.
Ling & Ting: not exactly the same! by Grace Lin
Ling and Ting are identical twins, and do many things together. But Ling and Ting are not the same. Read about their funny adventures! Grades 1 – 3.
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Twelve-year old Lanesha lives in a very close-knit community in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward with her loving grandmother, Mama Ya-Ya. She can predict the future and did see the fast approaching hurricane, Katrina, coming upon New Orleans in one of her visions. Now Lanesha must rely upon the hope and strength Mama Ya-Ya has given her to help them both survive the storm. Grades 4-6.
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
The story of Melody, an intelligent fifth-grader with severe cerebral palsy who cannot speak. Her world changes when she acquires an electronic voice. Told in the first person, the story relates details of family and school life from Melody's memorable, eye-opening, often humorous, perspective. Grades 4-6.
The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Lyon
Ginny was not born a pirate but since her birth she was headed in that direction. This book tells the story of Ginny’s voyage toward earning an eye patch and how the patch helped her stop seeing everything double. This book offers a double helping of surprise on the subject of seeing. For younger children. Reproduced as a print/braille book.
Poetry Speaks to Children, edited by Elise Paschen
A collection of childhood’s classic poetry as well as the newer voices of today’s poets, this book is really a storybook about children’s real experiences set to verse. It can act as a starting point for the further exploration of all forms of poetry. Accompanying CD is available from libraries. Wide age range appeal.
Salad People & More Real Recipes: New Cookbook for Preschoolers & Up by Mollie, Katzen
This cookbook, by celebrity chef Mollie Katzen, contains 20 easy to prepare, healthy recipes for kids. Contains kitchen tips, safety and behavior rules, and thoughts on what children can learn from cooking. A great addition for the Expanded Core Curriculum.
Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
In real life, Skippyjon Jones is a Siamese cat, but he imagines himself to be, among other things, a Chihuahua called El Skippito, the great sword fighter. He can do anything, even save a band of Chihuahua chums in old Mexico. Children and adults alike will enjoy this well-written, humorous story with a Mexican flair. For younger children. Reproduced as a print/braille book.
Tuck Me In! by Dean Hacohen and Sherry Scharschmidt
All the baby animals are ready for bed. Who will tuck them in? Can you? Wonderful! Just turn each page and, one by one, you will tuck them in. This book may become one of your favorite bedtime stories! For younger children. Reproduced as a print/braille book.
Yucky Worms by Vivian French
Who would want to be friends with a wiggly, slimy, yucky worm? You can’t even tell which end is which! There’s more to worms than meets the eye. Find out where worms live, how they move, and why gardeners consider them friends in this humorous and informative book. For younger children. Reproduced as a print/braille book.
Our research this year yielded a number of noteworthy books which have already been brailled and are available for loan through the National Library Service or for purchase with federal quota money through APH. They are:
- My Garden by Kevin Henkes (Early grades)
- Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan (Early grades)
- Bird Lake Moon by Kevin Henkes (Grades 4-6)
- Zora and Me by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon (Grades 4-6)
- Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements (Grades 4-6)
- Anything but Typical by Nora Baskin (Grades 4-6)
- Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin (Grades 4-6)
- One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia (Grades 7-8)
Please remember to submit your order by November 30, 2011 at the latest, using the accompanying order form; send it only to the OSCI address on the form. In addition to ordering books from this year’s collection, you may order up to five books from our composite list, found on our web site www.wisbrl.org. Teachers, please work with your school librarians to answer any questions they may have about ordering from Wisconsin Braille. You should receive your books in the spring of 2012 before school dismisses for summer vacation. Many thanks for using our service!
Sandy Adams, Mary Ann Damm, Alison McKee, and Marilyn Harmon,
Special Book Project Committee
Email contact: skadams@tds.net