WOW Recommends: Animals by the Numbers

Book of the Month, January 2017
Animals by the Numbers: A Book of Animal Infographics by Steve Jenkins

The author/illustrator illuminates fascinating zoological information with infographics that compare and contrast scientific research. For example, one infographic shows that the biomass of all insects on the planet is more than the biomass of any other category of creatures. This book melds, art, science and math to demonstrate how to integrate the curriculum. -Recommended by Marilyn Carpenter
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WOW Recommends: Luis Paints the World

Book of the Month, December 2016
Luis Paints the World by Terry Farish with illustrations by Oliver Dominguez

Nico, Luis’ older brother is off to join the army and see the world. While Nico is gone, Luis decides to paint the world on an alleyway wall in their Latino neighborhood and is joined by his family and neighbors to create a colorful mural. Spanish words and descriptions of Dominican foods are sprinkled throughout the text contributing to the warm sense of community. -Recommended by Marilyn Carpenter
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WOW Recommends: Shepherd’s Crown

Book of the Month, November 2016
The Shepherd’s Crown: A Tiffany Aching Adventure by Terry Pratchett

The is the fifth and last fantasy tale about Tiffany, who has grown into a young woman and becomes a powerful and caring Head Witch. The Wee Free Men, 6-inch-tall blue men, zesty characters from the previous four books, join Tiffany to battle an invasion of the evil Fairies. Pratchett’s last book is a testimony to his belief that each person must make a difference in her world by helping others. -Recommended by Marilyn Carpenter
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WOW Recommends: Irena’s Children

Book of the Month, October 2016
Irena’s Children: A True Story of Courage, Young Reader’s Edition by Tilar J. Mazzeo, adapted by Mary Cronk Farrell

This book focuses on Irena Sendler, a courageous young woman who, with a network of trusted colleagues, saved about 2500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. With tremendous bravery and personal sacrifice, Irena and her network toiled throughout the war to find safe hiding places for Jewish children from the ghetto who otherwise would have been murdered. The account of Irena’s courage in the midst of terrible inhumanity is an inspiration. -Recommended by Marilyn Carpenter
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WOW Recommends: The Pact

Book of the Month, September 2016
The Pact by Amanda West Lewis

Based on actual events, this WWII novel gives readers an inside look at how a German boy became and internally struggled with his role as a member of the Hitler Youth. This is a fascinating read that compels readers to think both about history and current political situations. -Recommended by Holly Johnson
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WOW Recommends: Worm Loves Worm

Book of the Month, August 2016
Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian with illustrations by Mike Curato

Worm Loves Worm is a delightful romp of a picture book that explores traditional gender roles in the marriage ceremony. The story demonstrates the silliness of requiring traditional cultural observances for any wedding. The humor in the text doesn’t make fun, but it demonstrates how a wedding can be a celebration that matches the needs and desires of the couple uniting in love. -Recommended by Marilyn Carpenter
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WOW Recommends: What Elephants Know

Book of the Month, July 2016
What Elephants Know by Eric Dinerstein

Twelve-year-old Nanda Singh (Nandu) is raised on an elephant stable in the southern-most part of Nepal. After he stops the king from killing a tigress, the Palace Wildlife Committee threatens to close the stable and Nandu must rely on fate to ensure that this does not happen. This incredible book offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the Nepalese people and endangered animals who co-exist in the Borderlands jungle. -Recommended by Desiree Cueto
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WOW Recommends: The Smell of Other People’s Houses

Book of the Month, June 2016
The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

The interweaving of four teen’s lives in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1970 will both inspire and break readers’ hearts. How we touch one another and give each other hope –often unknowingly–are the wondrous and magical aspects of this remarkable and well-written story. -Recommended by Holly Johnson
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WOW Recommends: Salt to the Sea

Book of the Month, May 2016
Salt to the Sea by Ryta Sepetys

Four teens tell of their journey during World War II as the Russian Army pushed Germans troops and refugees away from Baltic countries to the shores of the Baltic Sea where they were herded aboard ships to take them to Germany. When Russian subs sunk their ships, 25,000 of those people were killed. The characters are courageous and become dear as we discover their stories and the result of their ordeal. -Recommended by Marilyn Carpenter Continue reading →

WOW Recommends: Pax

Book of the Month, April 2016
Pax by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Jon Klassen

Pax, a pet fox, and 12-year-old Peter have been together for 5 years from the time Pax was a 2-week-old kit. When they are cruelly separated each goes on an odyssey to find each other. This beautiful, magical and heart-touching story of a strong bond between a boy and his pet demonstrates how love and determination can overcome overwhelming challenges. -Recommended by Marilyn Carpenter
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Worlds of Words

International Collection of Children’s and Adolescent Literature

WOW Recommends