June 2010 – Page 2 – Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Dana Lurie
Illustrator: Phil Montelone
Publisher: Tomgirlz Enterprises
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9768012-1-4
Pages: 116
Price: $5.95

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In this sixth book in the Tomgirlz series, Mackey and her friends have gone to camp for a week. When they find the camp activity center is closed, they come up with their own plan to make sure all the kids have fun anyway. They always love to make new friends, and when Abbey joins them, they’re thrilled to have her around.

But Abbey is concerned about her weight, and other girls tease and bully her. Tomgirlz won’t stand for anyone being mistreated, so they all stand up for Abbey, making sure she feels welcome at their games.

Bullying is an ongoing and troubling problem kids often face. While it may sometimes seem like harmless teasing, it can leave lasting scars. Abbey’s Turn shows kids that it’s not okay to bully someone because of a perceived defect, and the right thing to do is try to stop it when it happens. The Tomgirlz try to be friends with the bullies, which isn’t always possible, but they make sure Abbey knows they accept her just as she is. And most importantly, Abbey learns to like herself too.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Jennifer White
Illustrator: Colin White
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
Genre: Poetry / Humor
ISBN: 978-1-4392-5983-2
Pages: 58
Price: $14.99

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What do you get when you team up a son who likes to draw faces with a mom who’s a whiz at poetry? On the Edge With Coolhead Luke, which combines the best of both.

When Jennifer White saw her son’s drawings, they sparked the idea to work on a book together. She then matched her own poetry to the faces with surprising results. In this sequel to Coolhead Luke, patrons visit a restaurant with an operatic chef, the Metta Four sisters share a lesson, and Uncle Marvin presents a Thanksgiving feast fit for a king.

Most of these poems are written in some form of rhythmic meter, with some more unusual styles thrown in for fun. There is a glossary of terms included, as well as discussion questions about the overall messages and styles of verse.

These are fun and well-written poems, with quirky and unique drawings accompanying them. I admire what Jennifer White and her son, Colin, have achieved in On the Edge With Coolhead Luke. Not only have they created interesting works of literature, but they’ve also nurtured the creative bond between them. Now that’s about as cool as it gets!

Reviewer: Alice Berger