Staff Review - Jeanette

How Carrots Won the Trojan War

Once upon a time I meet an author. Not an unusual event in a bookstore, but this author stuck in my mind because she was fun and giggly and very much a kindred spirit!  Her name is Rebecca Rupp. Her middle-reader novel, The Dragon of Lonely Island is still one of my favorite books. But a new book of hers, How Carrots Won the Trojan War (while like her other non-fiction works) is not my usual reading. First it is non-fiction. And while I've read some non-fiction (even willingly and not mandatory for a class assignment) it is not first on my list of readings.

But when I heard that carrots helped win the Trojan War, I had to take a chance on a friend. And it was a chance worth taking! Rupp has taken vegetables to a new level. She has traced the funny, serious and unusual facts and stories of 20 different vegetables: such as asparagus (a least favorite veggie of mine due to an unfortunate dinner preparation for a couple of children I was babysitting) and how it seduced a French King. Such as corn with its connection to a famous Transylvanian. Such as Pumpkins (a favorite pie of mine and a food for a family legend) and of course turnips (that vegetable that ties in with pumpkins and has a history that would give me a starring role in a Junior-High Play—which to this day I've still not gotten my academy award for!) (READ MORE)

How Carrots Won the Trojan War: Curious (but True) Stories of Common Vegetables By Rebecca Rupp Cover Image
$16.95
ISBN: 9781603429689
Availability: IN WAREHOUSE - Usually Ships in 3-7 Business Days
Published: Storey Publishing, LLC - October 7th, 2011

Betsy Ross

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Betsy Ross By Becky White, Megan Lloyd (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Becky White, Megan Lloyd (Illustrator)
Call or email to see if a used copy is available.
ISBN: 9780823419081
Availability: Out of Print
Published: Holiday House - September 1st, 2011

Sweet, simple and detailed all rolled into one. Read about the process of how Betsy Ross made the most recognizable symbol of American history. Each illustration looks like a patchwork quilt as White tells you how each piece of silk and cloth was torn, sown and made into the stripes and stars that become the American Flag. Perfect for early readers or toddlers. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette


Jefferson's Sons

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Jefferson's Sons: A Founding Father’s Secret Children By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Cover Image
Call or email to see if a used copy is available.
ISBN: 9780142421840
Availability: Out of Print
Published: Puffin Books - January 10th, 2013

This novel for 10 to 14 years old shows a completely different side of Jefferson. Not only was he the father of our country and a number of children, but as history shows, he was a slave owner who had children with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings. This story is how two of his sons and another slave child saw the man, the history surrounding him and their own stories: one son who would be able to escape slavery but leave behind everyone he loves and one who will take a different path and a third child who because of his birth will probably never be free. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette


Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud

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Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud By Larry Day (Illustrator), Suzanne Tripp Jurmain Cover Image
By Larry Day (Illustrator), Suzanne Tripp Jurmain
$18.99
ISBN: 9780525479031
Availability: Special Order
Published: Dutton Books for Young Readers - December 8th, 2011

This longer picture book of how two friends became not so friendly then put aside differences near the end of their lives is touching, informative and accessible to all readers.  It is a lovely way to be introduced to people we know a little about, but in a more human light. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette


Things Will Never Be the Same

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Things Will Never Be the Same (26 Fairmount Avenue #5) By Tomie dePaola Cover Image
$6.99
ISBN: 9780142401552
Availability: Special Order
Published: Puffin Books - May 24th, 2004

This is dePaola's fifth installment in the 26 Fairmount Avenue series. After being given a diary for Christmas, almost second grader Tomie tells of his adventures in 1941. With his characteristic illustrations and amazing humor, dePaola creates a delightful look into the life of a precocious young man who tackles many different adventures and events. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette


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