Running Shoes by Freserick Lipp - ESSENTIAL

Lipp, Frederick Running Shoes, illustrated by Jason Gaillard. Charlesbridge, 2008. PICTURE BOOK. 

EL - ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE (for TA program). 

From the book cover, "Sophy and her mother are poor. They live in a small village with no doctor, hospital, or school. But Sophy has a secret wish - a wish for something that will change her life forever. With the help of a pair of running shoes, Sophy might just be able to make her wish come true." Sophy's wish is to attend school eight kilometers away through the jungle and over streams and sharp, red rocks. On his current visit, the government census taker learns of Sophy's dream, measures her foot, and promises to send a surprise. With new running shoes Sophy proves herself not only by braving the distance alone, but also by courageously attending an all-boy school and outrunning every single fellow student. 

Through lyrical text and beautiful paintings, "author Fredrick Lipp and illustrator Jason Gaillard create an empowering story of hope and determination set in the countryside of Cambodia." This book is for everyone; it made me cry. 

Reviewer: BS

My Chocolate Year by Charlotte Herman - ESSENTIAL

Herman, Charlotte My Chocolate Year, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 163 pgs. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. 

Language-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G; 

EL-ESSENTIAL 

Dorrie is a 5th grader and her teacher is having a baking and essay contest. When her cousin Victor comes to America for the first time, he shows her how precious her family and a free country are, while teaching her a few tricks from his family's bakery. 

Because this book is set in 1945 and Dorrie's family is Jewish, you get a lot of history about the holocaust. It gave just the right amount of history while having fun and hearing about all of the desserts she makes. There are even recipes for a lot of the things they make in the story. It is perfect for any elementary school library. 

Student Reviewer-KD