Reading Rainbow

Yesterday I was greatly saddened to hear that Reading Rainbow was being canceled after 26 years of inspiring children to read. The show is as old as I am and I remember watching LeVar Burton introduce me to all sorts of things, my favorite being the episode about bees. Reading Rainbow (and my mother) told me that reading could take me anywhere and I took that to heart. At a young age I became an avid reader and have not stopped to this day.

In a roundabout way Reading Rainbow also inspired me to become a librarian so that I could inspire children to become avid readers as well. And since I always wanted to be one of the kids reviewing a book on Reading Rainbow here are a few reviews of kids books that are just coming out.

Nerds by Michael Buckley, expected publishing date September 2009, Audience: 8-12.

NERDS stands for National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society. Its newest member is Jackson Jones aka Braceface who became a nerd when he had to get braces. Before becoming a nerd Jackson was the typical cool kid who thought the world liked him. When he joins NERDS he realizes what a bully he had been and learns he needs to earn the trust of the rest of the NERDS by saving the day and the world.

Nerds is a promising new series by Michael Buckley. It interacts and includes the reader in the story and had a nice mix of illustrations, not quite a graphic novel but it has a manga feel; perfect for the reluctant reader.

The Pharaoh's Secret by Marissa Moss, expected publication date October 2009, Audience: 9-13.

The Pharaoh's Secret takes place in modern day Egypt with flashbacks to ancient Egypt during the time of Hatshepsut, the first (and unlike Cleopatra) powerful female pharaoh. The story centers around a young teen, Talibah who visits Egypt with her father and younger brother. In many ways Talibah is older than her years, mostly due to taking care of her brother after her mother died. While in Egypt Talibah is drawn to the story of Hatshepsut and a mystery surrounding her steward, Senenmut. With the help of her younger brother and father they are able to solve the mystery and get closure about her mother's death.

This is a great book for children interested in historical fiction, Egyptology, and strong female characters.


Marie Curie: Mother of Modern Physics by Janice Borzendowski, 2009, Audience: 8-12.

This biography of Marie Curie tells the story of Curie's life, her discovery of polonium and radium and their importance in later scientific developments. Related topics to Marie Curie's life such as Polish history, radiation, and the role of women during Curie's time are also explained to give a well rounded explanation of the choices Curie made and the impact she made on science.

This was a great read for children and adults looking for information about Marie Curie that is explained in an easy to understand way. For a person not interested in science it is easily understood and for someone who is drawn to science will want to learn more.