Books with author Helen Recorvits

A touching story about heroismTen-year-old Junior wasn't even born when his father came home from World War II, but he knows his dad was a war hero. He'd been a pilot, and Junior would like to know more about his wartime experiences, but his dad doesn't want to talk about the war and gets mad whenever the subject comes up. Plenty of other things make him angry, too, especially Junior's best friend, Lenny, a polio survivor. Even though Lenny is no longer contagious, Junior's father doesn't want his son taking any chances. Junior knows better and he's not going to let his father ruin his summer or his friendship. His dad comes close to doing both until something happens that shows everyone where heroes hide.

A touching story about heroismTen-year-old Junior wasn’t even born when his father came home from World War II, but he knows his dad was a war hero. He’d been a pilot, and Junior would like to know more about his wartime experiences, but his dad doesn’t want to talk about the war and gets mad whenever the subject comes up. Plenty of other things make him angry, too, especially Junior’s best friend, Lenny, a polio survivor. Even though Lenny is no longer contagious, Junior’s father doesn’t want his son taking any chances. Junior knows better and he’s not going to let his father ruin his summer or his friendship. His dad comes close to doing both until something happens that shows everyone where heroes hide.

Kindergarten-Grade 2-With subtle grace, this moving story depicts a Korean girl's difficult adjustment to her new life in America. Yoon, or "Shining Wisdom," decides that her name looks much happier written in Korean than in English ("I did not like YOON. Lines. Circles. Each standing alone"). Still, she struggles to please her parents by learning an unfamiliar language while surrounded by strangers. Although her teacher encourages her to practice writing "Yoon," the child substitutes other words for her name, words that better express her inner fears and hopes. Calling herself "CAT," she dreams of hiding in a corner and cuddling with her mother. As "BIRD," she imagines herself flying back to Korea. Finally, she pretends she is "CUPCAKE," an identity that would allow her to gain the acceptance of her classmates. In the end, she comes to accept both her English name and her new American self, recognizing that however it is written, she is still Yoon. Swiatkowska's stunningly spare, almost surrealistic paintings enhance the story's message. The minimally furnished rooms of Yoon's home are contrasted with views of richly hued landscapes seen through open windows, creating a dreamlike quality that complements the girl's playful imaginings of cats on the chalkboard, trees growing on walls, and a gleeful flying cupcake. At first glance, Yoon seems rather static, but her cherubic face reveals the range of her feelings, from sadness and confusion to playfulness, and finally pride. A powerful and inspiring picture book.

"Wanda, an observant and perceptive fifth grader, gives readers a first-hand account of the effects of powerlessness and grinding poverty on everyday life and family."- School Library Journal."Recorvits makes a poised and confident debut with this bittersweet Depression-era tale of a Polish immigrant family ... Bloom's softly shaded black-and-white line illustrations, sometimes brooding, sometimes hopeful, punctuate each chapter and contribute to the emotional impact of the tale." - Publishers Weekly, Starred Review