Kidsguide Magazine Online
July 17, 2009

Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite bookworm, or for a fun summer read? Here’s a look at what’s out and what to look forward to, from an environmental lawyer-turned writer, to a long-awaited sequel to a one-of-kind historical fiction of a kid’s life on “residential” Alcatraz.

“Smart Mamma’s Green Guide: Simple Steps To Reduce Your Child’s Toxic Chemical Exposure” (Center Street. Paperback, $14.99) - Written by environmental lawyer and child advocate Jennifer Taggart, “Smart Mama” is a sedate, informative book with busy parents in mind. Its goal isn’t to convert the skeptic to living an all-out “green” lifestyle, but to arm parents with the knowledge they can use to shop wisely and reduce their family’s exposure to toxic chemicals. Release date: Out now.

“American Girl: A Smart Girl’s Guide to the Internet: How To Connect With Friends, Find What You Need, And Stay Safe Online” (American Girl, $9.95) - Ideal for the 8+ set, this attractive, full-color paperback written by tech expert Sharon Miller Cindrich offers sound advice about online activities. From instant-messaging and blogging to cyber-bullying, the book gets to the heart of those sticky issues unique to socializing on the Web. Bubbly, but matter-of-fact, young readers not only learn how to express themselves online, they’ll also get food for thought: the importance of privacy; which steps to stop bullying over the ‘net; how to pick safe chatrooms; and downloading music. Release date: September 2009.

“American Girl: A Smart Girl’s Guide to Understanding Her Family: Feelings, Fighting & Figuring It Out” (American Girl, $9.95) - “Families fight. It’s normal.” This advice book for elementary schoolers and tweeners helps young girls understand and get along with parents, nip sibling fights in the bud, and strengthen family ties. This latest offering teaches youngsters conflict resolution, with tips on how to best deal with disagreements and how to talk to parents about tough subjects. Most importantly, it emphasizes how special everyone is in the family – and how much more rich life is to have them around. Release date: September 2009.

“Al Capone Shines My Shoes” (Dial Books For Young Readers. Paperback, $16.99) - The follow-up to Gennifer Choldenko’s award-winning “Al Capone Does My Shirts” finds protagonist Moose Flannigan at his home sweet home: Alcatraz. Set in the 1920s, the story picks up where it left off. After the island’s most infamous inmate helps Moose’s sister gain entrance into an academy to treat her undiagnosed autism, he receives a mysterious note with just one line: “Your turn.” Atmospheric and populated with intriguing characters criminal and non-criminal alike, “Al Capone Shines My Shoes” will not disappoint. Release date: September 2009.