Braille Book Review

May-June 2004
Books for Children

The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, contact your braille-lending library. Nonfiction

Artists of the Renaissance BR 14580
by James Barter
1 volume
Discusses the life and accomplishments of six Italian artists of the early and High Renaissance, whose works represent important innovations and achievements in painting, sculpture, and architecture. Includes Giotto, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. For grades 6-9. 1999.

Planting the Seed: A Guide to Gardening BR 14612
by Suzanne Winckler
1 volume
Organic gardening at home: how to grow fruits and vegetables that are free of chemicals and pesticides. Discusses determining location and soil conditions, choosing the right seeds and plants, caring for plants, and harvesting food. Includes a few recipes and recommendations for further reading. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 2002.

Extraordinary Explorers and Adventurers BR 14647
by Judy Alter
2 volumes
Brief biographies of seventy-three men and women--from the Greek hero Hercules to Mae Jemison--who traveled to new lands or conquered space. Includes major explorers of North America and the North Pole, as well as more recent astronauts. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 2001.

Revenge of the Whale: The True Story of the Whaleship Essex BR 14653
by Nathaniel Philbrick
2 volumes
Recounts the 1820 sinking of the Essex by an enraged sperm whale and the survivors' ordeal--including cannibalism. Incorporates a fourteen-year-old cabin boy's account of this marine disaster, which inspired the climactic scenes of Moby Dick. Some violence. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 2002.

Dinosaurs Big and Small BR 14727
by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
1 volume
Discusses the height and weight of various dinosaurs in comparison to a school bus, an elephant, or an average ten-year- old kid. Covers some facts about dinosaur behavior and habits. For grades 2-4. 2002.

Global Warming BR 14775
by Mark Maslin
1 volume
Examines the causes, consequences, and future threat of global warming. Explains "the devastating effects it will have on human society, the natural environment, and the world economy, including drastic changes in health, agriculture, water resources, coastal regions, storminess, forests, and wildlife." For grades 6-9 and older readers. 2002.

The Legend of Blue Jacket BR 14782
by Michael P. Spradlin
1 volume
Biographical sketch of a sixteen-year-old West Virginian youth adopted by the Shawnee, who called him Blue Jacket because of his clothing. Describes how he was transformed into a hunter and warrior, fought against American settlers in 1774, and made friends with Daniel Boone. For grades 3-6. 2002.

Mission to Mars BR 14825
by Franklyn M. Branley
1 volume
Discusses what people might find if they could travel to Mars; whether there might be air, water, or gravity; and what it might be like to live in a space station while exploring the planet. For grades 2-4. 2002.

Kites: Magic Wishes That Fly Up to the Sky BR 15010
by Demi
1 volume
Presents the legend of how kites painted with animals and other symbols started in China. Discusses kite flying as a sport and as part of a festival. Includes directions for making a simple kite at home. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1999.

Wash, Scrub, Brush! BR 15011
by Mick Manning
1 volume
Recommendations for developing healthy habits by keeping the body clean. Covers fingernails, ears, teeth, hair, and bathroom practices. Also includes facts about animal cleanliness. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1999.


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