This large-sized biography is very reader friendly with wonderful illustrations by M.P. Robertson. The information is provided through short entries in the diary of Nefret, Cleopatra's young handmaid. Nefret describes what life was like for her before she worked in the palace and after. She tells of what is going on in the life of the queen as well. The reader learns of Cleopatra's relationship with the Romans, particularly Julius Caesar. In her diary, Nefret does mention her own family and friends, but it is obvious how as a royal servant her life centered on her queen, Cleopatra. A section at the end of the book includes Cleopatra's family tree, maps, time-lines, glossary and more specific information relating to the time period. The cover will grab the attention of many children with the sparkling jewels. Robertson's illustrations will keep their attention the rest of the way.
Stand Tall
By Siena Siegel
by Joan Bauer
Putnam, 2002, 182 pgs Realistic Fiction
Tree is 12 years old and over 6 feet tall. That would be great if he were a basketball player, but he is not. Dealing with his unusual size is not Tree's only challenge. Tree's parents have recently gone through a divorce, and his grandfather has had his leg amputated as the result of an old Vietnam War injury. The strength of this book is the characterizations. All of the main characters are dimensional and sympathetic. Bauer sets the characters in real and often funny family situations. Best of all is the character of Tree. He is boy with a heart to match his stature. This is a great book for boys or girls ages 9-12, as a read aloud or for individual reading. This book could also be a good Rx book for children whose families are going through divorce, or for anyone who feels like they don't fit in.

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