Yes We Can

A Biography of President Barack Obama by Garen Thomas. I really enjoyed reading this summary of Obama's life starting with his father coming to the United States and meeting his mother at the University of Hawaii. The book includes many photographs and words of President Obama both verbal and written throughout his career, each is cited for its reference. The book includes a bibliography and web sites for further investigation. I felt after reading this biography that I knew this man better and could understand why people voted for him for president. This was a historical event, electing our first multi-racial man. Someday I hope to see a woman elected to the presidency.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

You have no idea what the book is about from the cover. It's a page-turner because Hugo finds the key to the auto-man. It is exciting to see what he does to stay alive. Everyday he shows bravery and gentleness and at the same time he is a thief!
Thanks to SJV student Thomas, grade 5, for this post.

Readers can add to their knowledge of the illustrations and what went into making of this book at the web site by Brian Selznick, the author, who was awarded the Caldecott Medal for this book last year. Even though The Invention of Hugo Cabret has over 500 pages, it won't take you long to read it because almost 300 of its pages are just illustrations!