Books by Theme: It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's a...Yeti!!!

Elwood Bigfoot: Wanted: Birdie Friends! by Jill Esbaum; illustrated by Nate Wragg Cryptid life can be lonely, and in this quirky tale one isolated bigfoot named Elwood embarks on a campaign to befriend the birds whose chirping brings him so much joy. The birds, however, are reluctant to approach Elwood, even when he dresses like them, invites them to a party, and builds a birdie amusement park. Kids will quickly spot why Elwood's efforts go astray, but they'll also root for the kindly sasquatch as he bumbles his way toward success. Fans of Elwood and his (eventual) feathered pals may also want to pick up Nadia Shireen's The Yeti and the Bird for a different take on a similar friendship.

Dear Yeti by James Kwan "Dear Yeti, We're searching for you. Sincerely, Hikers." If you want to find the elusive yeti, it can't hurt to let him know, right? That's the logic employed by the two young hikers in this book, who venture out into a snowy landscape to look for the yeti, who shyly shadows their journey and reads each of the notes they leave behind. With sweet, stylized illustrations that portray the mythical beast as fuzzy and friendly-faced, this gently suspenseful story is sure to be a crowd-pleaser among kids who are fascinated by imaginary creatures. For another appealing pair of cryptid hunters, try Mary Ann Fraser's No Yeti Yet.

Yeti, Turn Out the Light! by Greg Long; illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan After a long day and a tasty spaghetti dinner, a tuckered-out yeti switches out the light and snuggles into his bed for a good night's sleep. Except…what's that scary shadow? "On the light goes, and to Yeti’s surprise, he sees only bunnies, and their big bunny eyes." Yeti's bunny buddies (who naturally decide to cuddle up in his bed) turn out to be just the first of many friendly but unexpected nocturnal visitors, each appearing in comical page-turn reveals. How is a Yeti supposed to get any shut-eye? Find out in this rhyming tale of bedtime jitters featuring stylish, retromodern illustrations.

The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot! by Scott Magoon This book begins with a little boy named Ben telling a big fat lie: “LOOK EVERYONE, IT’S BIGFOOT!” At first people believe Ben’s tall tale, but when no Bigfoot materializes, they start to get frustrated. Kids will chuckle as Ben (aided by his long-suffering dog) deploys increasingly outrageous tactics to get his skeptical family and friends to believe in his Bigfoot sightings. And when Bigfoot finally does appear…well, we don’t want to give away the surprise! Expressive, playfully retro pictures help to balance the underlying lesson about honesty in this lighthearted and quirky retelling of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.”

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Level the Playing Field

Level the Playing Field 
by Kristina Rutherford
Owl Kids Books (2016)
Middle Grade Nonfiction

Summary:

Level the Playing Field examines the root of these issues by taking readers through the history of women's pro sports, exploring how far we have come in a relatively short time and exposing what ground is left to gain. The book provides first-person insight through exciting interviews with professional female athletes, including Canadian hockey player Cassie Campbell, American MMA fighter Miesha Tate, and WNBA star Elena Delle Donne. Along the way, author and sports journalist Kristina Rutherford covers important topics like opportunity, female role models, and stereotypes.

Why You'll Love It:

• In an engaging, conversational tone, Rutherford lays out the state of women in professional sports before Title IX was passed and mandated equal opportunities for women in federally funded schools, how it has changed since, and where women’s sports leagues are headed.
• Big, full-color action photos of a diverse array of women from a broad range of sports adorn each page, and brief interviews offer tidy glimpses into the life of a professional athlete.
• Young girls especially will be inspired by this volume and the bright future for women’s sports it portrays.

Who Should Read It:

Great for 5th-8th graders.

What Else You Should Read:

• Breakaway: Beyond the Goal by Alex Morgan
• Babe Conquers the World by Rich Wallace
• Annaleise Carr: How I Conquered Lake Ontario to Help Kids Battling Cancer by Annalise Carr

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Dara Palmer's Major Drama

Dara Palmer's Major Drama
by Emma Shevah
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (July 2016)
Fiction

Summary:

Dara Palmer dreams of being an actress, but when she does not get a part in the school play she wonders if it is because of her different looks as an adopted girl from Cambodia, so Dara becomes determined not to let prejudice stop her from being in the spotlight.

Why You'll Love It:

• Dara is a winning, fittingly overdramatic character who starts to grow once she takes a more serious look her life and those in it. 
• With themes of transracial adoption, racism, identity, friendship, and sibling rivalry (not to mention a hyperactively decorated page design), there's a lot going on here, but Shevah's novel raises interesting questions without attempting to neatly answer them all.
• Crawford-White's charming doodle illustrations along the margins reflects Dara's inner monologues throughout the book.

Who Should Read It:

Great for 3rd-6th graders...and here's the discussion guide.

What Else You Should Read:

• Dream On, Amber by Emma Shevah
• Five, Six, Seven, Nate! by Tim Federle
• Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy

P.S. I've discovered a great place to find more middle grade books! Check out Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for more suggestions.

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Left Out by Tim Green

Follow my blog with Bloglovin Left Out 
by Tim Green
HarperCollins (Sep. 2016)
Sports fiction

Summary:

All Landon Dorch has ever wanted is to be like everyone else. His deafness and the way he talks have been obstacles all his life. But now he finally sees his chance to fit in. Bigger and taller than any other seventh grader in his new school, Landon plans to use his size to his advantage and join the school’s football team. But the same speech problems and the cochlear implants that help him hear continue to haunt him. 

Just when it looks like Landon will be left out of football for good, an unlikely friend comes along. But in the end only Landon can fight his way off the bench and through a crowded field of bullies bent on seeing him forever left out.

Who Should Read It:

Great for 5th-8th graders...and here's the curriculum guide.

What Else You Should Read:

• Kid Owner by Tim Green
• Top Prospect by Paul Volponi
• The Extra Yard by Mike Lupica

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Panda Pants

Panda Pants
by Jacqueline Davies
illustrated by Sydney Hanson
Knopf, 2016
Picture book

Summary:
Witness a hilarious battle of wills in which a young panda tries to convince his father that pants make perfect sense.

Why You'll Love It:

• The warm-hued, soft-textured illustrations with sweet, adorable animals only add to this touching story.
• Pairs perfectly with Paul Schmid's A Pet for Petunia for two delightfully funny tales that would be perfect for teaching persuasive writing.
• Hanson has a knack for drawing ridiculously cute, expressive animals, and she does so here, with the facial expressions reflecting the dialogue wonderfully.

Who Should Read It:
Great for PreK-2nd graders.

What Else You Should Read:

• Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie
• Puddle by Hyewon Yum
• Little One by Jo Weaver

Kid Lit Quick Pick: Frazzled - Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom

Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom
by Booki Vivat
Harper Collins, 2016
Fiction chapter book

Summary:

Nervous about middle school because her family does not get her and her friends know exactly what they want to do, Abbie Wu searches for her own passion before discovering a knack for leadership when injustices in the cafeteria come to light.

Why You'll Love It:

• This one's perfect for fans of the Wimpy Kid series and anyone who will appreciate rooting for a witty underdog.
• The humorous, doodlelike artwork makes her struggles entertaining and relatable.
• The multicultural cast of characters, including kooky Aunt Lisa and scary Ms. Skelter, turns up the charm and humor scale.

Who Should Read It:

Great for 3rd-6th graders...and here's the book trailer!



What Else You Should Read:

• Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
• Jessie Elliot is a Big Chicken by Elise Gravel

Kid Lit Pick of the Week: Wish

Wish
by Barbara O'Connor
Farar, Strauss, and Giroux (Aug. 30, 2016)
Fiction chapter book

Summary:

A story about a girl who, with the help of the dog of her dreams, discovers that family doesn't always have to be related--they are simply people who love you for who you are.

Why You'll Love It:

• At school, at home, and in the community, the characters and settings are well drawn, but it’s the narrator’s convincing, compelling voice that will draw readers into the novel and keep them there until her wish finally comes true.
• Poignant and genuine, this is a tale that will resonate with readers long after they finish it and have them cheering for the underdogs-both of the two-legged and four-legged varieties.
• In this first-person narrative, Charlie’s emotions are as evident as the events she records and her occasional misreading of other people’s lives and intentions. 

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 4-6...and here's the reader's guide.



What Else You Should Read:

• The Education of Ivy Blake by Ellen Airgood
• A Handful of Stars by Cynthia Lord
• Dear Hank Williams by Kimberly Willis Holt

 

This Librarian's Quick Picks: When Green Becomes Tomatoes

When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons 
by Julie Fogliano
Roaring Brook (Mar. 1, 2016)
Nonfiction Poetry

Summary:

Flowers blooming in sheets of snow make way for happy frogs dancing in the rain. Summer swims move over for autumn sweaters until the snow comes back again. In Julie Fogliano's skilled hand and illustrated by Julie Morstad's charming pictures, the seasons come to life in this gorgeous and comprehensive book of poetry.

Why You'll Love It:

• The artwork has a cozy, inviting feel. The height of each time of year is encapsulated in universal images: children playing on the beach in August, for example, and playing in the snow in December. Full-spread illustrations are particularly striking, such as one of a boy and girl sitting on a hill and gazing up at a starry sky.
• Featuring forty-eight poems broken into four sections, the collection is ideal for dipping into throughout the year and will reward multiple reads. 
• This is a perfect arrival for both the changing of the seasons here in Tennessee and a celebration of poetry month!

Who Should Read It:

Great for 1st-4th graders.

What Else You Should Read:

• Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems by Paul B. Janeczko
• Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold by Joyce Sidman
• Hi, Koo!: A Year of Seasons by Jon Muth

What they're (really) reading: March 2016

photo by Toby Neal

By keeping a pulse on what my kiddos are checking out and keeping a close eye on which books are circulating heavily, I feel that I can spend the small budget I have more wisely by choosing books I know will have a greater likelihood of circulating widely.

Each month I'll feature a few fiction and a few nonfiction books that are on the "heavy rotation" list at our elementary library. They're not necessarily new, shiny, or covered with awards -- they're simply what the kids want.

This Month's Selections:

Why Are There Stripes on the American Flag?
by Martha Rustad
Nonfiction Picture Book

Do you know why the US flag has stars and stripes on it? Join Mr. Gomez's class as they learn when the first American flag was made, what the Pledge of Allegiance means, and why we honor the flag.




Prehistoric Actual Size
by Steve Jenkins
Nonfiction Picture Book

What is it like to come face-to-face with the ten-foot-tall terror bird? Or stare into the mouth of the largest meat eater ever to walk the earth? Can you imagine a millipede that is more than six feet long, or a dinosaur smaller than a chicken? In this "actual size" look at the prehistoric world, which includes two dramatic gatefolds, you'll meet these awe-inspiring creatures, as well as many others.

Crankenstein
by Samantha Berger
Picture Book

A boy who looks ordinary transforms into grumbling Crankenstein when faced with a rainy day, a melting popsicle, or bedtime, but everything changes when he meets a fellow Crankenstein. 




Chicken Butt!
by Erica Perl
Picture Book

The classic schoolyard joke has been recast as an irreverent picture book, with call-and-response parts for parent and child. The word repetition in Erica S. Perl's text, and wonderfully comic illustrations by beloved artist Henry Cole, make this a particularly inviting book for new readers, as does the opportunity to "trick" a parent or other adult into participating in a very silly joke. Warning: Kids will want to read this one over and over and over again!

Starring Jules (As Herself)
by Beth Ain
Chapter Book

Jules is an ordinary seven-year-old girl, concerned with school and friends and other ordinary things--until a chance meeting with a casting director leads to an audition for a television commercial. 




Night of the Living Dummy
by R.L. Stine
Chapter Book

Kris, jealous of her sister Lindy's success as a ventriloquist, convinces her father to buy her a dummy of her own, but weird things start to happen after she reads the words inscribed on a piece of paper found in the dummy's shirt pocket. 

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Big Nate Blasts Off

Big Nate Blasts Off
by Lincoln Peirce
Balzer + Bray (Feb. 16, 2016)
Chapter Book

Summary:

Nate has a crush on Ruby. But after his scrap with Randy Betancourt makes headlines in the Weekly Bugle, he's got a problem WAY worse than detention! Can Nate bounce back? And will the annual Mud Bowl be a blast . . . or a bust?

Why You'll Love It:

• It's an entertaining addition to the popular Big Nate series and a sure-fire circulator.
• Quick pacing, frequent jokes, and an appealing graphic-novel format make this a crowd pleaser. The plentiful illustrations include several comics penned by Nate. His believable middle-school perspective covers topics such as his dream job (Cheez Doodles taste consultant), and the horrors of running into Principal Nichols (in “casual” clothes) on the weekend.
• Lincoln Pierce is adept at including humor without diminishing serious situations. For instance, when Nate is worrying in school that bully Randy has it in for him, Nate’s art teacher is pictured scratching his head over Nate’s latest painting—an angry-looking portrait of Randy.
• Randy, who has appeared in other Big Nate books, is further developed here. While Randy’s bullying behavior hasn’t earned him any friends, Nate’s insensitive treatment of him in a published comic may have readers feeling sympathetic. As the story progresses, Nate’s growing compassion toward Randy is heartwarming.

Who Should Read It:

 Great for 3rd-6th grades.

What Else You Should Read:

• The 39 Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths (and others in the series)
• The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett
• Dinosaur Boy by Cory Putman Oakes

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Wet Cement

Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems
by Bob Raczka
Roaring Brook (Mar. 8, 2016)
Poetry

Summary:

Who says words need to be concrete? This collection shapes poems in surprising and delightful ways. Concrete poetry is a perennially popular poetic form because they are fun to look at. But by using the arrangement of the words on the page to convey the meaning of the poem, concrete or shape poems are also easy to write!

Why You'll Love It:

•  While short, the poems are by turns amusing and thoughtful and make excellent use of figurative language devices. Plus, it makes an excellent mentor text for poetry units!
• A few layouts may test some readers, such as one about a home run in which one whole line is printed backward, but most students will enjoy the challenge.
• Readers will enjoy turning the volume upside down and every which way to catch every word and nuance and won't miss illustrations a bit. 

Who Should Read It:

Great for 2nd-6th grades...and here's a resource to use as you write!

What Else You Should Read:

• Ode to a Commode: Concrete Poems by Brian Cleary
• Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole by Bob Raczka
• Firefly July by Paul Janeczko

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Mother Bruce

Mother Bruce
by Ryan T. Higgins
Disney-Hyperion (Nov. 24, 2015)
Picture Book

What It's About:

Bruce the bear likes to keep to himself. That, and eat eggs. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he’s their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can’t seem to rid himself of his new companions. What’s a bear to do?

Why You'll Love It:

• Ryan’s illustrations demonstrate a great range of movement and emotion, giving each page depth, with humorous details mixed in throughout.
• Curmudgeonly Bruce and his devoted goslings will win readers over, especially as Bruce grows to love the geese against his better judgment.  
• This book is laugh-out-loud funny, and its clever jokes will entertain adults and children alike. 
• Bonus for librarians: Ryan has visited nearly 100 elementary schools in the past year to promote his work. His genuine interest in engaging children in his books really shines through.

Who Should Read It:

Great for  PreK-1st grade.

What Else You Should Read:

• Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown
• Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
• Goodnight Already! by Jory John

What they're (really) reading: February 2016

photo by Toby Neal

By keeping a pulse on what my kiddos are checking out and keeping a close eye on which books are circulating heavily, I feel that I can spend the small budget I have more wisely by choosing books I know will have a greater likelihood of circulating widely.

Each month I'll feature a few fiction and a few nonfiction books that are on the "heavy rotation" list at our elementary library. They're not necessarily new, shiny, or covered with awards -- they're simply what the kids want.

This Month's Selections:

The Incredible Life of Balto
by Meghan McCarthy
Picture book biography

Illustrations and text describe the life of Balto, the real-life, legendary sled dog that braved a deadly blizzard to bring a lifesaving serum to people in Alaska in 1925, focusing on the dog's life after his celebrity-status waned. 

 
Kali's Story: An Orphaned Polar Bear Rescue
by Jennifer Keats Curtis
Nonfiction

Follow the rescue of orphaned polar bear Kali (pronounced Cully) from the Inupiat village of Kali (Point Lay in English) to the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage to his new home at the Buffalo Zoo in New York with Luna, a female polar bear. This photographic journey beautifully captures the remarkable development of the cub, who initially drinks from a baby bottle, sucks his paw for comfort, and sleeps with a "blankie" as he rapidly grows into the largest land carnivore on earth.

Splat the Cat
by Rob Scotton
Picture book

It's Splat's first day of school and he's worried. What if he doesn't make any new friends? Just in case, Splat decides to bring along his pet mouse, Seymour, and hides him in his lunchbox. The teacher, Mrs. Wimpydimple, introduces Splat to the class and he soon starts learning all his important cat lessons. But when Seymour escapes and the cats do what cats do (they chase mice!), Splat's worried again.

Pete the Cat: A Pet for Pete
by James Dean
Picture book

When Pete the Cat gets a goldfish, he decides to paint a picture of his new pet. But what will Pete do when everyone wants one of his paintings?


A Snicker of Magic
by Natalie Lloyd
Fantasy chapter book

The Pickles are new to Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, a town which legend says was once magic--but Felicity is convinced the magic is still there, and with the help of her new friend Jonah the Beedle she hopes to bring the magic back.

 

Tales from a not-so-dorky drama queen
by Rachel Renee Russell
Realistic fiction chapter book

A certain member of the CCP girls Dork fans know all about has gotten her hands on Nikki's diary and has decided to share some thoughts of her own…Find out what happens when Nikki's worst nightmare becomes a reality.

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Glow

Glow: Animals With Their Own Nightlights
by W. H. Beck
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Dec. 15, 2015)
Informational Picture Book

Summary:

Why be afraid of the dark when there is so much to see? Whether it's used to hunt, hide, find a friend, or escape an enemy, bioluminescence--the ability to glow--is a unique adaptation in nature. In this fun and fascinating nonfiction picture book, join world-renowned photographers and biologists on their close encounters with the curious creatures that make their own light.


Why You'll Love It:

•  Set against black backdrops, the photographs are often hauntingly beautiful, and closing pages note the creatures' habitats, actual size, and binomial nomenclature.
• The cover photograph of a bizarre, long-toothed fish with a personal flashlight quickly catches the eye -- this book is sure to capture-and hold-readers' attention.
• This overview is an effective jumping-off point for younger readers; for those interested in learning more, extensive back matter provides more detailed information on the animals discussed, as well as a bibliography. 

Who Should Read It:

Great for 1st-4th grade -- introduce the concept of bioluminescence with one of these video clips.

What Else You Should Read:

•  See What a Seal Can Do by Chris Butterworth
• Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies
• Bats: Biggest! Littlest! by Sandra Markle

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Quickest Kid in Clarksville

The Quickest Kid in Clarksville
by Pat Zietlow Miller
illustrations by Frank Morrison
Chronicle Books (Feb. 9, 2016)
Historical fiction picture book

Summary:

Growing up in the segregated town of Clarksville, Tennessee, in the 1960s, Alta's family cannot afford to buy her new sneakers--but she still plans to attend the parade celebrating her hero Wilma Rudolph's three Olympic gold medals. 

Why You'll Love It:

• As a native Tennessean, I was thrilled when I came across this local little gem in our state's history. Using Olympic runner Wilma Rudolph’s 1960 homecoming parade as a backdrop, the story is a lively look at the rivalry between two of Wilma’s young fans—narrator Alta and Charmaine. 
• Frank Morrison’s vibrant illustrations are expressive and charming. Elongated limbs and exaggerated movements put an emphasis on the girls’ athleticism.  
• An author’s note provides further information about Wilma Rudolph’s life and accomplishments, as well as segregation in the South. Reading about Wilma’s insistence that her homecoming parade be integrated is inspiring.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades K-2...and here's a link to some great discussion questions.

What Else You Should Read:

• Izzy Barr, Running Star by Claudia Mills
• Happy Like Soccer by Maribeth Boelts
• The Hula-Hoopin' Queen by Thelma Lynne Godin

This Librarian's Quick Picks: The Great Monkey Rescue

The Great Monkey Rescue: Saving the Golden Lion Tamarins
by Sandra Markle
Millbrook (Oct. 1, 2015)
Nonfiction

Summary:

Golden lion tamarins were once common in Brazilian forests. But years of deforestation caused their numbers to shrink. See how scientists and concerned citizens came together to rescue these remarkable monkeys from near extinction. 

Why You'll Love It:

•  Markle clearly explains the work of several scientists and acknowledges the contributions of committed Brazilians and their government to save the species through reforestation.
• Numerous photographs of the golden lion tamarins and the humans working to insure their survival introduce readers to the lives of these intriguing monkeys.
• Readers gain insights into the research, hard work, and patience involved in conservation efforts while learning about a fascinating animal. 

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 3-6...and here's an activity from the publisher!

What Else You Should Read:

• Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats by Sandra Markle
• No Monkeys, No Chocolate by Melissa Stewart
• Finding Home by Sandra Markle

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Aaron and Alexander

Aaron and Alexander: The Most Famous Duel in American History
by Don Brown
Roaring Brook (Oct. 13, 2015)
Informational picture book

Summary:

The story of Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, whose politics put these Founding Founders in constant conflict which led to the most famous duel in American history.

Why You'll Love It:

•  This picture-book dual biography does a thorough job of tracing the lives of Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton and accentuating the many parallel aspects of their upbringings, as well as
  conveying the nuances and personalities of major players.
•  The strong compare/contrast pattern introduces youngsters to founding fathers Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton.
• There is almost nothing on this piece of history for this age group, making it a very useful as well as entertaining writing on this time in history.

Who Should Read It:

Great for  grades 3-5...and here's some mentor text possibilities with the book.

 

What Else You Should Read:

• Worst of Friends by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain
• He Has Shot the President! by Don Brown
• Henry and the Cannons by Don Brown

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Women Who Broke the Rules

Mary Todd Lincoln: Women Who Broke the Rules
by Kathleen Krull
illustrations by Elizabeth Baddeley
Bloomsbury (Dec. 1st, 2015)
Nonfiction/Biography

Summary:

Mary Todd Lincoln was witty and highly educated, although that wasn't popular for women of her time. Though born and raised in the South, she opposed slavery and supported her husband's quest to save the Union. No matter what criticism or hardship she faced, including her husband's assassination, she remained loyal to her country.

Why You'll Love It:

• Presenting a fresh view and focusing on these individuals' determination and resulting achievements, the author adroitly tells their stories from birth to death.
• In Mary Todd Lincoln, Lincoln is portrayed as a clever woman who used her intelligence to promote herself and her husband. Neither opposition from her family regarding her marriage nor the contempt she suffered from Abraham Lincoln's cabinet daunted her, as Krull makes clear.
•  Despite the upbeat, positive tone, the author does not shy from the less pleasant aspects of Lincoln's life, including her arguments with her husband while she was redecorating the White House and her enforced confinement in a mental institution by her son, Robert Todd Lincoln.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 2-5...and here's the teacher's guide!

What Else You Should Read:

• The other fabulous books in the series by Krull: Sonia Sotomayor, Sacajawea, Dolley Madison, and others.
• Where Do Presidents Come From? by Michael Townsend
• Abe Lincoln: His Wit and Wisdom from A to Z by Alan Schroeder