2008 Schneider Family Award

2008 Schneider Family Award
Reaching for the Sun by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

Josie Wyatt and her family live in a small farmhouse where she lives with her career-obsessed mother and her grandmother. Josie suffers from Cerebral Palsy a disability her mom can not seem to accept. Having no friends, Josie meets a young boy by the name of Jordan. He does not seem to notice Josie’s disability which makes it easier for Josie to befriend him. Josie faces many challenges with her family but at the end her relationship with her mom flourishes.

2008-2009 2X2 List

The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend
2008-2009 2x2 list

Jack the cat builds a perfect nest to lure in a chicken that will hatch an egg. Jack wants to turn that egg into a delicious omelet. The nest ends up attracting a Spanish chicken (Caramba) a French speaking duck (Sacre bleu) and an all American goose (Great balls of fire). Each bird lays an egg which makes Jack happy but after making themselves comfortable the three birds refuse to leave the nest. Jack in desperation tricks the birds by lying to them by telling them there is a empty nest at a farm down the road. The birds excitedly leave the nest and move to the next. Jack is ready to eat the eggs when suddenly the eggs hatch. The babies confuse Jack for their mommies. Jack is taken by the cute babies and ends up snuggling with them and caring for them. Jack soon realizes that the nest he built is comfortable and decides to stay and care for the babies.

2008-2009 2X2 List

Kid Tea by Elizabeth Ficocelli
2008-2009 2x2 List

Each day a young boy and girl engage in different activities such as; playing football, eating popsicles, eating muffins, etc. When it is time to bathe, they dip themselves in the water and the water changes different colors. Similar to the change of color in water as a tea bag is dipped in the mug. The kids enjoy playing in the tub as they see the water change colors. The book follows a weeks worth of the children engaging in different activities.

The book is filled with colorful pictures that add enjoyment to the tale. This tale teaches children the days of the week as well as identifying the color palette.

2008-2009 2X2 List

Bob and Otto by Robert O. Bruel
2008-2009 2x2 List

Bob, a caterpillar and Otto, an earthworm are good friends that spend a lot of time together. One day Bob climbs up a tree to transform into a cocoon. Meanwhile, Otto digs a hole in the soil to feed. Bob changes into a beautiful butterfly and Otto turns into a fat earthworm. Otto is upset and wishing he could of climbed the tree to turn into a butterfly. Bob cheers him up by explaining the importance of his role as an earthworm.

2008-2009 2X2 List

Up, Down and Around by Katherine Ayres
2008-2009 2X2 List

Two children help plant a garden. The children learn that there are certain vegetables that grow underground, some shoot up, and some grow on vines. The children learn that the process begins from seed to plant to lunch. A great book for explaining to children how plants grow and how fruits and vegetables are produced.

2008-2009 2X2 List

2008-2009 2X2 List
Babies in the Bayou by Jim Arnosky

Baby alligators, baby raccoons, baby turtles, and baby ducks are some of the babies in the bayou. The author does not name the animals at first, having the child using clues from the illustrations and text to figure out what animal the author is describing. The author explains the dangers the animals may face and describe how their mothers protect them.

A fun book to read and interact with young children and the colorful illustrations will keep children entertained.

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
Grace After Midnight: A Memoir by Felicia “Snoop” Pearson and David Ritz

Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, a brilliant actor was once a convicted felon put away in Jessup State Penitentiary for killing a woman in self-defense. With the intervention of her mentor she was able to change her life around. Soon after, Snoop was spotted at a night club by one of the actors from the series, “The Wire”. She was asked by the producers to go in for an audition. Two weeks later she received a call letting her know she had been given the part playing a gangster.

Pearson’s life story is inspiring and motivating. This book will help teens become aware that negativity can turn positive if you have faith in yourself.