Posted on: Saturday, August 4, 2001

Read Aloud
State librarians recommend books for kids

By Jed Gaines

Last month in this column, we heard about the current favorite children's book of local school librarians. Now let's hear about some of our state public librarians' favorite books:

• Karen Ikemoto, Hanapepe Public Library:

"The Schernoff Discoveries" by Gary Paulsen (grades 5-7). "When two geeks try to use scientific formulas to attract girls and solve everyday challenges, a hilarious series of misadventures follows."

"Alanna: The First Adventure" (Book 1 of the "Song of the Lioness" quartet) by Tamora Pierce (grades 6-10). "Alanna, who wants to be a knight, disguises herself as a boy to train at the palace of King Roald. Skillfully combines adventure, fantasy and romance."

• Janet Yap, main state library:

"Eye of the Great Bear" by Bill Wallace (grades 4-6). "Bailey visits an Indian tepee and learns he will see the 'eye of the great bear.' He finds courage while searching for his lost sister in Montana."

"The Wayfinder" by Darcy Pattison (grades 5-9). "Winchal, an apprentice wayfinder, is only 11, but Prince Reynard asks him to find the Well of Life with his telepathic royal dog, Lady Kala. Fast-paced!"

• Cora Sakai, Hilo Public Library:

"Year of Miss Agnes" by Kirkpatrick Hill (grades 4-6). "An Indian girl tells about village and school life in Alaska when a 'strange' new teacher arrives."

"Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry (grades 5-8). "An orphaned girl with a special artistic talent searches for truth in a bleak futuristic civilization. Raises questions about society's values."

• Beryl Goo, Wahiawa Public Library:

"Cleopatra VII, Daughter of the Nile" by Kristina Gregory (grades 5-7). "The secret teenage diary of this legendary beauty and famous Egyptian ruler tells her most cherished thoughts and feelings. Fascinating!"

"The Quiltmaker's Gift" by Jeff Brumbeau (grades K-3). "Beautifully intricate quilt designs leap off the lavishly illustrated pages. A king must give up everything to receive one special gift."

• Irene Parao, Hana Public Library:

"The Pumpkin Runner" by Marsha Diane Arnold (grades 4-5). "All the sheep ranchers in the valley ride horses or drove Jeeps. All except Joshua Summerhayes, who likes to RUN."

"The Remarkable Farkle McBride" by John Lithgow (grades 1-4). Music and rhymes will leave children rolling in the aisles with laughter as they learn to always try something new and exciting, no matter what it may be."

• Merle Uegawa, Lihu'e Public Library:

"The Princess Diaries" by Meg Cabot (grades 7-9). "Mia Thermopolis, a social nobody at Albert Einstein High School, one day discovers that she is heir to the throne of Genovia."

"Sandry's Book" (Circle of Magic Series) by Tamora Pierce (grades 6-9). "Sandry's personality and talent in weaving help four children to trust and value each other while weaving together their magical lifesaving abilities."

For Read Aloud America's reading list, send a 55-cent stamped, addressed envelope to Jed Gaines at Read Aloud America, 1937 Ke'eaumoku St., Honolulu, HI 96822. E-mail questions to: readaloudamerica@lava.net