From 1850 to 1899, a former slave named Rosa nursed, healed, and comforted countless men, women, and children who fought on both sides of Cuba's struggle for freedom from Spain. She was a real person, not a work of fiction, as were Lieutenant Death, Jose, her husband, and General Weyler. The Surrender Tree is part biography, part history, and fully poetry. An interesting combination that Margarita Engle weaves together masterfully and is so deserving of the Newbery Honor awarded this book. I had heard of the Spanish-American war but was not aware that the first modern concentration camps made their debut during this time in Cuba. Even though it's poetry, flowing and visual, shelved in the 811's at the library, Engle's book teaches volumes about Cuba's bloody, long-lasting war for independence. A great supplement for any history class, as well as language arts. It's not often we see a book that can serve both. Well done, Margarita!
Intermediate Mystery books are a gold mine. High-low books refer to titles that are of high interest to readers, but contain low level vocabulary. These titles are clever, action-packed, and have several books in the series to keep the mystery alive. These intermediate mystery books are the first in their series and are sure to appease any mystery loving reader. The Ghost Tree Written by Natasha Deen Illustrated by Lissy Marlin New York: Random House Children's Books, 2022. Intermediate. 95 pages. With a dash of paranormal mixed with mystery, this book introduces Asim, a Guyanese American fourth grader who moves to a new town. After a visit to a graveyard, an evil spirit is unleashed. Asim works with new friends, Rokshar and Max, to save their town. With scarily cool illustrations to accompany this text, this book is great for any amateur sleuths who love a touch of creepy. Detective Duck: The Case of the Strange Splash Written by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver Illustrated by Dan San
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