Picture Books
Middle Grade/ Young Adult
Reference/Non-fiction

Authors and Illustrators
Ordering Information

Penelope in the Winter
By Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben
0-439-67360-7; $9.99, Cartwheel Books, Ages 3-5

Penelope is an adorable blue koala created by the author and illustrator of the popular Gaspard and Lisa books. Children can pull the tabs on every spread and help Penelope get dressed to play fun games in the snow. This is the third book in the Penelope series.

A Grand Old Tree
By Mary Newell DePalma
0-439-62334-0, $16.99, Arthur A. Levine Books, Ages 4-8

 “This is a tale of a grand old tree whose roots ran deep, and whose arms reached high... This is the grand and beautiful tale of the cycle of life." This beautiful picture book can be shared by all ages, and is perfect for elementary classrooms for teaching life cycles and the seasons.

Also available by Mary Newell DePalma:
My Chair, 0-439-44421-7, $16.95

A Real Read Selection

New York State of Mind
By Billy Joel, Illustrated by Izak
0-439-55382-2, $16.99, Scholastic Press, Ages 4-8

Billy Joel's evocative lyrics invite readers to tag along as two spirited little dogs experience the energy and excitement of New York City. From the "movie stars in their fancy cars" at Radio City Music Hall to Chinatown, from the Empire State Building to a Central Park carriage ride, this is a colorful portrait of the city's most beloved landmarks.

Crackback
By John Coy
0-439-69733-6, $16.99, Ages 12 & up

This gripping debut novel by acclaimed picture book author John Coy, set in the world of high school athletes--and their struggle to be the best, is provocative and searingly honest.

"... [Coy] writes a moving, nuanced portrait of a teen struggling with adults who demand, but don't always deserve, respect….sharply authentic, open ended, and filled with small details that signify larger truths." - Booklist Starred Review

Downtown Boy
By Juan Felipe Herrera
0-439-64489-5, $16.99, Ages 10-14

This is a novel written in verse about Juanito Paloma, his mother, and elderly father. The family moves to San Francisco's Latin Mission District after years of working in the fields of California's Central Valley. Juanito longs to be in one place, rather than "going, going, going," and pines for the love of his often-absent father. This story of growing up Latino will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.

The Will of the Empress
By Tamora Pierce
0-439-44171-4, $17.99, Ages 14 & up

Sandry, Daja, Briar, and Tris are older now and back together again, in Tamora Pierce’s exciting and much-awaited follow-up to The Circle Opens Quartet and The Circle of Magic Quartet.

“…its strength lies in complex characters and solid incorporation of social issues into the tale…Readers will find this feminist tale thought provoking, and it might provide enough material for a good classroom discussion.” – Voice of Youth Advocates

“…familiar characters demonstrate why they’re so popular with tween readers…Pierce has some fresh surprises regarding each mage’s powers, and through danger and repose she keeps the story rolling merrily along.“ – Horn Book

A Real Read Selection

Tell Me What You See
By Zoran Drvenkar
0-439-72452-X, $16.99, Ages 12 & up

A terrific horror story from a new young German author — sure to send chills down your spine! Berlin, Christmas, the dead of night: 16-year-old Alissa and her best friend, Evelin, are making their annual secret pilgrimage to the grave of Alissa's father when Alissa finds a child's casket with a strange black plant embedded in the heart of the dead child. From that moment forward, Alissa's life descends into nightmarish turmoil.

A Real Read Selection

Unexpected: Eleven Mysterious Stories
Edited By Laura E. Williams
0-439-45585-5, $5.99, Ages 9-12

Mind-bending tales conjured up by some of today's most popular authors, including Gail Carson Levine, Graham Salisbury, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Norma Fox Mazer, Jane Yolen, Dian Curtis Regan, Peter Lerangis, and Bruce Coville. All of them conspire to make you ask: Is this really happening?

No Boys Allowed!
By Marilyn Levinson
0-439-71965-8, $4.99, Ages 9-12

Parental divorce can be hard on teenagers. When her dad moves away to marry another woman, Cassie Landauer decides that there will be no boys allowed in her house --- or her life. Not even her best friend, Bobby. But then her mom invites Great Uncle Harry to stay with them for a few months- and that's the last straw.

The First Americans : The Story of Where They Came From and Who They Became
By Anthony Aveni
0-439-55144-7, $18.99, Ages 9-12

Describing the scientific, mathematical, and cultural accomplishments of the first people to step foot in North America, this vivid account celebrates their disparate cultures, highlighting the Taino, the Iroquois, the Adena, the Anasazi, the Kwakiutl, and the Timucua.        

Scholastic Atlas of the Earth
0-439-67270-8, $17.99, Ages 7-10

Learn about the forces of nature that form our planet from its molten core to its highest mountain peak. Middle-grade readers will find plenty of useful facts about fossils, minerals and gems, climatic zones, glaciers, tectonic plates, geysers, landslides, and much, much more. Activities at the back include making a mountain, setting off a volcanic eruption, or forming your own fossil.

Keeping you informed about major highlights of the author visit program in the school and library markets.

BRIAN SELZNICK, Children's Book Guild Luncheon, featured speaker, Washington DC
Saturday, November 12, 2005

500 librarians and teachers will attend the presentation of award-winning illustrator Brian Selznick.  He will be signing copies of his critically acclaimed titles, including Walt Whitman: Words for America, When Marion Sang, and more

PAM MUÑOZ RYAN, Arkansas Reading Conference, keynote presentation, Little Rock, Arkansas
Friday, November 18, 2005

Award-winning author Pam Muñoz Ryan will be talking to 600-800 teachers.  Afterwards, they will be lined up to have their copies of Pam’s titles, including Becoming Naomi Leon, Esperanza Rising, and When Marion Sang.

STEPHEN KRENSKY, keynote presentation, Virginia Educational Media Conference, Williamsburg, Virginia
Saturday, November 12, 2005

Stephen Krensky will be speaking to approximately 150 librarians and media specialists, as well as signing copies of his titles, including such classroom staples as Scholastic History Reader: Egypt,. Children of the Earth and Sky and George Washington: The Man Who Would Not Be King.

These authors and illustrators will be making school and library appearances in the month of November.

John Coy         Napa, CA                    November 2-3, 2005

If you have any questions about these events, please contact Stephanie Nooney, Marketing Manager for Author Appearances, in the New York office at extension 3772.

We hope that you have enjoyed reading our monthly newsletter. We welcome your comments and suggestions. We would appreciate hearing what you think! Please email us at BookUpdate@Scholastic.com
           
How to Order
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School orders, shop online at The Teacher Store.

Don't forget to look for the December/January BookUpdate. Until then, Happy Reading!