UNDERGROUND by Shane Evans (Roaring Brook 2011) is an incredibly powerful book about the Underground Railroad. Evans' illustrations, dark at the outset and then brilliantly vibrant at the end, speak volumes and extend the very powerful but spare language. Tie this to Faith Ringgold's AUNT HARRIET'S UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN THE SKY and then to Christopher Paul Curtis' ELIJAH OF BUXTON. <109>




Mo Willems give readers another treat in I BROKE MY TRUNK, an elephant and piggie book (Hyperion 2011). The whole story of how elephant broke his trunk centers around a rhine, a hippo, a piano, and more. Easy to read and one that kids will love. <110>




Finally, this is a book that celebrates the book I AM A BOOK (Holiday House 2011) is a collection of poems from anthologist and poet Lee Bennett Hopkins. Naomi Shihab Nye, Kristine O'Connell George, and Karla Kuskin contribute to this wonderful collection illustrated by Yayo. <111>