Petey by Ben Mikaelsen

I had no idea what to expect when I grabbed this book out of one of our lit. circle tubs, but the story of Petey Corbin is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Beginning in 1922, the story introduces us to the infant Petey who's born with cerebral palsy (a diagnosis, of course, which could not be made back then) and then follows Petey's life as he grows into an elderly man. Though he cannot walk or talk, Petey's mind is sharp, and he finds ways to communicate with the friends who move in and out of his life, such as he best friend Calvin, a young military wife named Cassie, and an 8th grade boy named Trevor. From his childhood in an asylum to his senior years in a nursing home, Petey touches the lives of those who take the time to get to know him as a person. Readers will come away with a sense of compassion, hope, and living life to the fullest (or as Petey suggests "to go fish"). I will be highly recommending this book to my students.

Lost Star by Patricia Lauber

Many of us are familiar with Amelia Earhart and her ill-fated final flight in an attempt to fly around the world way back in 1937. And I knew about some of Amelia's accomplishments prior to the mysterious disappearance of the Electra plane she was flying along with navigator Fred Noonan. However, I knew nothing about Amelia's childhood, family, and life before flying. This book, by Patricia Lauber, shares interesting details about "AE's" life. For instance, "Meely" and her sister Muriel often lived with their grandparents when her father's job as a claims agent for the railroad took him and her mother away. Her education was interrupted when she decided to be a nurse's aide in a Toronto hospital. Her interest in flying didn't develop till she was around 24 years old. She had no interest in marriage until she was in her 30's and married her manager George Palmer. As I read her biography, I began to understand this remarkable woman who lived life large and to admire her for her intelligence, independence, and tenacity. The end of the book also offers some possible explanations of how Amelia's famous final flight may have ended. Lauber provides a quick read about one of America's most intriguing historical figures.

Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle ... by Nan Marino

It's time to get my rear back in gear and review some more books. I just finished Neil Armstrong is My Uncle and Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me, a cute yet meaningful story about a girl named Tamara who is odds with "Muscle Man" McGinty, a foster child who moved in with one of her neighbors, Mrs. Kutchner. Tamara's best friend Kebsie, also a foster child, had been living with Mrs. Kutchner and moves away suddenly without saying goodbye to Tamara. Tamara feels betrayed and lonely and simply will not give "Muscle Man" a break. In fact, Tamara, not the most tactful character I've ever met (sometimes I felt like she was being such a spoiled brat), believes everything he says is a lie. When he claims he can beat the neighborhood kids at a game of kickball, Tammy holds him to it - even when the score is 43-0 and the other kids would like to go back to regular teams. However, certain events within the neighborhood force Tammy to focus on someone other than herself, allowing her a chance to grow up the summer before her 6th grade year. I chose to purchase the book from Scholastic based on the description but now realize that - though it is a quick, enjoyable read - it might be a little "young" for my 7th graders. Still, it held my attention and gave me some insight into life during the summer of '69. Students may like to learn more about some of the events mentioned: the Neil Armstrong, the moon walk, and the Vietnam War.