Leonardo's Horse

Leonardo's Horse

Written by Jean Fritz

Illustrated by Hudson Talbott

IL: Grades 4-7

RL: 4+

The first part of this uniquely shaped and beautifully illustrated book gives a brief biography of Leonardo da Vinci and introduces us to the 25-foot bronze horse that Leonardo was commissioned to create for the Duke of Milan. Leonardo labored over the horse for over 19 years and never saw it to completion, with many saying that "even on his deathbed he wept over it."

We are next introduced to Charlie Bend, who in 1977 read the story of Leonardo's horse in a magazine. It became his life's work to see it to completion. Unfortunately, in 1994 when Bend was nearly finished he died of Lou Gehrig's disease. Bend's family was determined to fulfill his dream, knowing that Charlie wanted it finished for Leonardo and not for his own glory. They found Nina Akamu, a New York sculptor who was finally able to carry out both Leonardo's and Bend's dreams. The horse was unveiled in Milan in 1999.

This is a well-written and beautifully illustrated book that not would not only work well in art and 7th grade history classes, but also for biography reports on da Vinci.  The unique shape of the book and the ease with which it can be read also attracts the casual reader. The book directs readers to www.leonardoshorse.org for more information.

Fritz, J. (2001). Leonardo's Horse. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Warriors

Warriors

By Catherine Bereton

IL: Grades 5-8

RL: 4+

This book has great shelf appeal. It opens from a magnet "lock" in the middle of the front cover and looks like a gamer kid type of book. The book showcases 10 warriors from different centuries, from the Spartans through the Zulu warriors. It then pairs them in 5 battles and declares a winner.

I seriously love this book. After each battle we learn about each warrior and their strengths. The role they played in their society is detailed and details about that society are provided as well. Photos and drawings are clear, crisp and appealing. They clearly let you know when a picture may be somewhat unrealistic, as in the case with a picture of a Gladiator, which has the caption, "This Gladiator from a movie in 2000 is unrealistic, but dramatic."

All of the details are broken up on the page, making it undaunting to read and perfect for reluctant readers. It includes an index as well as a glossary.

I can see some of my gamer kids really enjoying this. And to think it's actually an accurate book! This would be a perfect addition for any  6th or 7th grade classroom or a school library. 

Harpur, J. (2008). Warriors: all the truths, tactics, and triumphs of history's greatest fighters.  New York, NY: Atheneum.

You wouldn't want....

You wouldn’t want to be an Inca mummy
Written by: Colin Hynson
Illustrated by: David Antram

IL: Grades 4-7
RL: 5+
  










This series has 20+ titles and the format is especially appealing to the age group for whom they are written. They are factually correct and contain all the gory bits and details, accompanied by comical drawings that they really speak to their audience. 

These books are published by the Salariya Publishing Company, a company that seems to have figured out what they do well and continue to do it.

This particular volume appealed to me because it seems that there isn’t a lot of browsing/ quick read type material on the Ancient Incas,  which in California must be taught according to the State Standards. This would make a good addition to any middle school library or 7th grade classroom.

While reading ...Inca mummy I found myself learning things about the Inca Empire that I was clueless of. For instance, did you know that once the dead Sapa Inca (which means “only emperor”) dies all but his eldest son (the new Sapa Inca) had to parade the mummified body through all the empire for a year followed by mourners?

Each chapter is only 2 pages and contains a lot of illustrations, making them very accessible to all readers. The “Handy Hints” contained in each chapter alternate between hilarious, gruesome and just plain “eeew!” Even better, each contains a glossary and an index, which are sometimes missing in funner type non-fiction. 

Pick one up. I bet you’ll find yourself laughing, learning, groaning, and maybe even feeling squeamish all in one short read.

Hynson, Colin. (2008). You wouldn't want to be an Inca mummy. New York, NY: Franklin Watts.