WET CEMENT

MIDDLE SCHOOL NONFICTION  

V/A Raczka, Bob.  WET CEMENT.  Roaring Brook, 2016.  43p.  978-1-62672-236-1.  17.99.  Have audible and visual fun by "stepping" into this interesting collection of "poeTRY."  Each poem's shape is unique -- perhaps a maze, a coat hangar or a kite.  Topics are also variable -- a musical instrument, weather, a sport, etc.  A good literary appetizer to be offered to classes at schools or in libraries.  

E.M. Roublow (ret.)

BUBONIC PANIC

GENERAL YA NONFICTION

G/M  Jarrow, Gail.  BUBONIC PANIC.  Calkins Creek, 2016.  195p.  978-1-62091-738-1.  18.95.  It is estimated that an original outbreak of this disease occurred in the sixth century -- long before reaching U.S. shores.  In the early 1900's, when a medical plague developed in San Francisco's Chinatown, the area was unfairly quarantined.  An ignorant diagnosis of who contracted the sickness or where the illness could spread was ultimately disproved.  Politics was sometimes more of a hindrance than a help in determining causes and medical solutions.  This handsome presentation -- complete with drawings, b&w photos, glossary, index and graphs -- is useful as an introduction to more detailed research.   E.M. Roublow (ret.)

RHYTHM RIDE: ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE MOTOWN SOUND

ADULT/YA NONFICTION

G/A  Pinkney, Andrea Davis.  RHYTHM RIDE:  ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE MOTOWN SOUND.  Roaring Brook, 2015.  166p.  978-1-59643-973-3.  22.99.  Detroit's Motown was the music production birthplace for R&B, soul and pop songs performed by that city's young black singers.  Berry Gordy's song-writing skills plus financial aid from his family were the initial investments into a  recording company in 1959.  Some of the voices that matured through that studio were Diana Ross, The Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, "Smokey" Robinson, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder.  Today, Motown is not what it once was but it will always be remembered for the finger-snapping, toe-tapping melodies plus its many talented artists.  A Timeline, an extensive Discography and a listing of TV and Motion Picture credits are included.   E.M. Roublow (ret.)