Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Number the Stars

As the German troops begin their campaign to “relocate” all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her as part of the family.
Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.


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Amazon.com Review
The evacuation of Jews from Nazi-held Denmark is one of the great untold stories of World War II. On September 29, 1943, word got out in Denmark that Jews were to be detained and then sent to the death camps. Within hours the Danish resistance, population and police arranged a small flotilla to herd 7,000 Jews to Sweden. Lois Lowry fictionalizes a true-story account to bring this courageous tale to life. She brings the experience to life through the eyes of 10-year-old Annemarie Johannesen, whose family harbors her best friend, Ellen Rosen, on the eve of the round-up and helps smuggles Ellen's family out of the country. Number the Stars won the 1990 Newbery Medal. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Bridge to Terabithia

Jess Aarons' greatest ambition is to be the fastest runner in his grade. He's been practicing all summer and can't wait to see his classmates' faces when he beats them all. But on the first day of school, a new girl boldly crosses over to the boys' side and outruns everyone.

That's not a very promising beginning for a friendship, but Jess and Leslie Burke become inseparable. Together they create Terabithia, a magical kingdom in the woods where the two of them reign as king and queen, and their imaginations set the only limits. Then one morning a terrible tragedy occurs. Only when Jess is able to come to grips with this tragedy does he finally understand the strength and courage Leslie has given him.

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From Amazon.com
From Publishers Weekly
Paterson's Newbery-winning novel becomes an entertaining and dramatic audiobook via Leonard's accomplished reading. Jess Aarons is eager to start fifth grade. He's been practicing his sprints all summer, determined to become the fastest runner at school. All seems to be on track, until the new girl in class (who also happens to be Jess's new next-door neighbor), Leslie Burke, leaves all the boys in the dust, including Jess. After this rather frustrating introduction, Jess and Leslie soon become inseparable. Together, they create an imaginary, secret kingdom in the woods called Terabithia that can be reached only by swinging across a creek bed on a rope. But one morning a tragic accident befalls Leslie as she ventures alone to Terabithia, and Jess's life is changed forever. Leonard deftly interprets the strands of humor, realism and heart-wrenching emotion woven into Paterson's fine tale. His careful and authentic handling of Jess's anger and grief in the aftermath of the accident is sure to touch listeners. Contemporary instrumental interludes featuring guitar, piano and drums signal the beginning and end of each tape side. Ages 9-up.

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Who is Neil Armstrong? by Roberta Edwards

Who Was Neil Armstrong?
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and, to an audience of over 450 million people, proclaimed his step a giant leap for mankind? This Eagle Scout built his own model planes as a little boy and then grew up to be a test pilot for experimental aircraft before becoming an astronaut. Over 100 black-and-white illustrations bring Armstrong's story to life.

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From Amazon.com
By R. Martin on January 25, 2009
Format: Paperback
I had purchased this book some months ago. Last week my son needed to do a timeline project for his third grade class. I pulled this book off the shelf and we read it together. The book has some very interesting facts about Neil's life. Once you read the book, you will understand why NASA chose Neil for Apollo 11. The illustrations are in black and white but they are good and very useful for the flow of the story. There are some very helpful diagrams that explain the Saturn V rocket and the Apollo 11 mission. And guess what? There's a timeline in the back of the book! (I didn't let my son see it.) When my son did an oral presentation of his timeline, the teacher was amazed about how much my son knew about Armstrong's life. She said the other students were on the edge of their seats. The book also has some interesting short diversions about the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, the Korean War, and the loss of the Apollo 1 astronauts. This is a great book for young readers! Adults who are interested in space exploration will also enjoy the book.

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Voices in St. Augustine (Mom's Choice Award Recipient)

Voices in St. Augustine (Mom's Choice Award Recipient)

Thirteen-year-old Joey Johnson hears voices. Only he can't find the people who belong to them. His curiosity leads him on a quest where he learns more than just history about the Nation's Oldest City. He discovers he has a special connection to the past -- something that changes his life forever.

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