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The Boy Who Saved Cleveland: Based on a True Story by James Cross Giblin (Holt, 2006). ISBN: 0805073558 What a dearth there is of easily readable, short middle grade historical fiction in the transitional novel category--stories with vocabulary that goes beyond that of a beginning reader, with a plot and backstory that will intrigue a slightly more sophisticated child, albeit one who struggles with longer and more complex books. For this reason, and many others, elementary school librarians will want to add The Boy Who Saved Cleveland to their collections. Giblin's considerable historical knowledge and research skills shine in this story of 1798 Cleveland when a malaria epidemic strikes the small colony of settlers living there and leaves only 10-year-old Seth standing. He's forced to care for his own family and all of his neighbors and, in particular, to walk two miles a day carrying the corn that must be ground into grain if all are to eat and survive the plague. Giblin's penchant for shining a light on an intriguing slice of history so that young people can appreciate its significance is brought to bear in this slim book of fiction (his first) written in an accessible style, with short sentences, friendly vocabulary, attractive pencil illustrations, and brief chapters, all of which increase the book's appeal. Furthermore, librarians will want to alert intermediate grades teachers who enjoy assigning an historical fiction novel to each of their reading groups but often struggle to find one to suit the challenged readers. When this book is available in paperback (and let's hope that it is soon), it will be just the ticket. [Suggested grades 3-5] Toni Buzzeo, MA, MLIS <mailto:tonibuzzeo@tonibuzzeo.com> Maine Library Media Specialist of the Year Emerita Maine Association of School Libraries Board Member Buxton, ME 04093 http://www.tonibuzzeo.com Our Librarian Won't Tell Us ANYTHING! A Mrs. Skorupski Story, illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa (Upstart 2006) COMING OCTOBER 13!! -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html --------------------------------------------------------------------