SCROLL DOWN to read more about my books for kids or CLICK HERE for book activities.
SCHOOL VISIT information is HERE.
My Bookshelf
Children's Literature - Gail Karwoski
I have published children's literature, including novels, short stories, nonfiction, and picture books. From historical fiction to fully-illustrated stories for very young kids just discovering the joys of reading, I have a variety of titles for children of all ages. I invite you to explore my full bibliography of children's literature...
Novels
Seaman, The Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis & Clark
Master List: Georgia Children's Book Award; South Dakota Prairie Pasque Award; Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award
“Pick of the Lists” - American Booksellers Association
Accelerated Reader quiz available
from Parade Magazine: "This soundly researched, smoothly written story will bring the entire expedition alive for readers 8 to 12, adding not only a canine but a human element to a tale that never grows wearisome."
from School Library Journal: “Once young readers begin this fictional account of the dog’s role in the expedition, they will be caught up in the drama and action and even reluctant readers will find it just too good to put down.”
Click here for ideas for using Seaman with kids.
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Hardcover ISBN: 1-56145-276-9
Paperback ISBN: 1-56145-190-8
Surviving Jamestown; The Adventures of Young Sam Collier
“Best Children's Books of the Year” - Bank Street College
Featured in “Meet the Author: Gail Karwoski” on Fairfax Network TV
Recommended Middle School Reading for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Virginia - Virginia Foundation Center for the Book
starred review – KLIATT
Accelerated Reader quiz available
from Christian Library Journal: "A thrilling, fast paced, you-are-there adventure in which the young reader will experience life as it was for the earliest Europeans to settle America..."
from VABooks!: “Karwoski’s historical research shows in the details of the novel....Through young Sam’s eyes, the reader takes a new look at the excitement and the hardship encountered by the colonists. And more importantly, the author explores the impact of the colony upon the Native Americans and presents them as the complex and varied people they were.”
Click here for ideas for using Surviving Jamestown with kids.
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Hardcover ISBN: 1-56145-239-4
Paperback ISBN: 1-56145-245-9
Quake! Disaster in San Francisco, 1906
Sydney Taylor Book Award, Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Books for Older Readers
Maxwell Medal for Best Children’s Book, Dog Writers Association
Master List: Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Book Award; Massachusetts Children’s Book Award; Nevada Young Readers Award; New Mexico Land of Enchantment Book Award ; Rhode Island Children’s Book Award; Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award
Kansas State Reading Circle 2005 Recommended Reading List
Pennsylvania 2004 Young Adult Top Forty
Brodart “Gem” (exceptionally good book from a small press)
Accelerated Reader quiz available
from Booklist: “It is 1906, and 13-year-old Jacob Kaufman, who lives in San Francisco with his father and little sister, is outside when a major earthquake shakes the city, cracking streets and toppling buildings. After Jacob and his dog save the life of San, a Chinese boy, the two join together to search for their families and for food and temporary shelter. Though San occasionally faces racial hostility, the boys meet many strangers who help them through the difficult days. In the appended author’s note, Karwoski discusses the earthquake, the events and social changes that followed. What actually happened is reflected in the story, which emphasizes the communication and sharing that took place as different groups––the Jews, the Irish, and the Italians—found common bonds in coping with disaster. Prejudice against the Chinese, however, was more resistant to change. Karwoski’s research is apparent in the many vivid details of life after the earthquake, but readers will be less concerned with social issues and than with the developing stories of the sympathetic characters.”
from School Library Journal: “Karwoski’s novel conveys very capably the fear, disorientation, and shock of living through a major disaster and coping with the aftermath....the protagonist is appealingly unvarnished, alternately sweet and angry, open-eyed both to the destruction at large and the smaller scale unhappiness at home....”
Click here for ideas for using Quake with kids.
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Hardcover ISBN: 1-56145-310-2
Paperback ISBN: 1-56145-369-2
_________________________________________________________
Testing Ground
Kindle e-book
It’s 1968, and the struggle for Civil Rights is in the national spotlight. In a Boston suburb, the focus is on two sixth-grade girls: Elizabeth Lewis - the first black girl at the school - is assigned to Debbie Ruben’s class. With their shared love of books and dogs, the two become best friends.
Debbie’s dad and brother don’t like it. But Debbie thinks she can change her family’s attitude. When a series of nasty incidents begin, it’s clear that someone is determined to drive the Lewis family out of the neighborhood. Debbie has a nagging suspicion that her brother is involved.
The hate crimes are destroying Elizabeth’s family. Debbie knows she needs to confront her brother, but she’s afraid. Can she find the courage to stand up for what she believes? Can she make Martin Luther King's dream come true in her community?
ISBN: 978-0-9883931-1-0
It’s 1968, and the struggle for Civil Rights is in the national spotlight. In a Boston suburb, the focus is on two sixth-grade girls: Elizabeth Lewis - the first black girl at the school - is assigned to Debbie Ruben’s class. With their shared love of books and dogs, the two become best friends.
Debbie’s dad and brother don’t like it. But Debbie thinks she can change her family’s attitude. When a series of nasty incidents begin, it’s clear that someone is determined to drive the Lewis family out of the neighborhood. Debbie has a nagging suspicion that her brother is involved.
The hate crimes are destroying Elizabeth’s family. Debbie knows she needs to confront her brother, but she’s afraid. Can she find the courage to stand up for what she believes? Can she make Martin Luther King's dream come true in her community?
ISBN: 978-0-9883931-1-0
When Hurricane Katrina Hit Home
Sydney Taylor Book Award, Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Books for Older Readers
Gold Winner, Moonbeam Awards
Based on actual events! This is a novel about the worst hurricane in our country's history. Two New Orleans kids, Chazz and Lyric, manage to escape the floodwaters by climbing onto a roof. When they finally get rescued, the kids face danger and confusion at the Convention Center. Where are their missing family members? In the aftermath of the disaster, Chazz and Lyric discover the importance of home.
Publisher: The History Press
ISBN: 978-1-62619-083-2
Sydney Taylor Book Award, Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Books for Older Readers
Gold Winner, Moonbeam Awards
Based on actual events! This is a novel about the worst hurricane in our country's history. Two New Orleans kids, Chazz and Lyric, manage to escape the floodwaters by climbing onto a roof. When they finally get rescued, the kids face danger and confusion at the Convention Center. Where are their missing family members? In the aftermath of the disaster, Chazz and Lyric discover the importance of home.
Publisher: The History Press
ISBN: 978-1-62619-083-2
Story Collection
The Tree That Owns Itself, and Other Adventure Tales
1996 winner, Georgia Authors of the Year for Children's Literature
- Georgia Writers Association
Georgia Center for the Book: 25 Books All Young Georgians Should Read!
Storytelling World award ... "Most Tellable Tale"
Accelerated Reader quiz available
from School Library Journal: "In these 12 short stories...three centuries of Georgia history leap out... Historical figures ringing with authenticity...energetic pacing and keen plot development pull readers in."
from Children’s Literature: “The stories in this book come from every part of Georgia. They are stories old and new, tall, sad and funny, and they tell of a big, big state....a very reader-friendly book.”
Click here for ideas for using Tree with kids.
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Paperback ISBN: 1-56145-120-7
Georgia Center for the Book: 25 Books All Young Georgians Should Read!
Storytelling World award ... "Most Tellable Tale"
Accelerated Reader quiz available
from School Library Journal: "In these 12 short stories...three centuries of Georgia history leap out... Historical figures ringing with authenticity...energetic pacing and keen plot development pull readers in."
from Children’s Literature: “The stories in this book come from every part of Georgia. They are stories old and new, tall, sad and funny, and they tell of a big, big state....a very reader-friendly book.”
Click here for ideas for using Tree with kids.
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Paperback ISBN: 1-56145-120-7
Nonfiction for Middle Grades Readers
Terriers, Loyal Hunting Companions
in the Loyal Hunting Companions series - an Edge Book
Terriers were bred to hunt vermin such as rats and badgers. Learn all about these tough, brave dogs and what makes them great hunting companions and loyal friends.
Well-written and straight-forward text relates information on how young readers can select, train, and care for a terrier hunting companion. Presents information about the many different breeds using both text and tables. Most breeds are pictured. High-quality color photos of teens interacting with hunting dogs. Charts that explain breed and hunting characteristics and traits. This is one of the only books on this topic geared toward young readers.
Publisher: Capstone Press
ISBN: 978-1-4296-9989-1
Terriers were bred to hunt vermin such as rats and badgers. Learn all about these tough, brave dogs and what makes them great hunting companions and loyal friends.
Well-written and straight-forward text relates information on how young readers can select, train, and care for a terrier hunting companion. Presents information about the many different breeds using both text and tables. Most breeds are pictured. High-quality color photos of teens interacting with hunting dogs. Charts that explain breed and hunting characteristics and traits. This is one of the only books on this topic geared toward young readers.
Publisher: Capstone Press
ISBN: 978-1-4296-9989-1
Search and Rescue Dogs
Search and rescue dogs fearlessly search for survivors in many dangerous situations, from burning buildings to heavy snow. With their sharp senses, these dogs can cover areas faster and with more accuracy than people can. Learn more about these amazing animals, including how they are chosen, the training they go through, and the missions they complete.
Reading age: 8 - 14 years
Grade level: 3 - 9
Publisher: Capstone Press
ISBN: 978-1476501314
Reading age: 8 - 14 years
Grade level: 3 - 9
Publisher: Capstone Press
ISBN: 978-1476501314
Miracle, The True Story of the Wreck of the Sea Venture
Junior Library Guild selection
2005 National Book Festival Pavilion of States
2004 Georgia Children’s/Young Adult Author of the Year - Georgia Writers Association
St. Louis Post-Dispatch Best Books for Young Readers
2007 Beacon of Freedom Award - Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators Work-in-Progress grant award
Accelerated Reader quiz available
from The Royal Gazette of Bermuda: “professionally researched, vividly written and very handsomely produced, with ten beautifully engraved illustrations ...The 100-foot long Sea Venture, sailing for Jamestown but lost in the midst of a fierce hurricane ... miraculously, all aboard were saved, even the ship’s dog. The hurricane, and the desperate state of the passengers and crew as salvation came, in the shape of a Bermudian reef, are well described.”
Click here for ideas for using Miracle with kids.
Publisher: Darby Creek Publishing ; a division of Lerner Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 1-58196-015-8
2005 National Book Festival Pavilion of States
2004 Georgia Children’s/Young Adult Author of the Year - Georgia Writers Association
St. Louis Post-Dispatch Best Books for Young Readers
2007 Beacon of Freedom Award - Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators Work-in-Progress grant award
Accelerated Reader quiz available
from The Royal Gazette of Bermuda: “professionally researched, vividly written and very handsomely produced, with ten beautifully engraved illustrations ...The 100-foot long Sea Venture, sailing for Jamestown but lost in the midst of a fierce hurricane ... miraculously, all aboard were saved, even the ship’s dog. The hurricane, and the desperate state of the passengers and crew as salvation came, in the shape of a Bermudian reef, are well described.”
Click here for ideas for using Miracle with kids.
Publisher: Darby Creek Publishing ; a division of Lerner Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 1-58196-015-8
Tsunami, The True Story of An April Fools' Day Disaster
Junior Library Guild selection
National Council for the Social Studies & Children’s Book Council: Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2007
Accelerated Reader quiz available
from Booklist: “opens with a description of the tsunami waves that struck the northern coast of the Hawaiian Islands in 1946, destroying a school and sweeping many children and adults out to sea. The book goes on to provide broader information about tsunamis, from scientific understanding of how they occur to ongoing efforts at early warning systems. At the beginning of each chapter is a full-page, bordered illustration with the distinctive look of a woodcut or linocut print ...many helpful diagrams, maps, and photos.... Clearly written and informative.”
Click here for ideas for using Tsunami with kids.
Publisher: Darby Creek Publishing; a division of Lerner Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 1-58196-044-1
National Council for the Social Studies & Children’s Book Council: Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2007
Accelerated Reader quiz available
from Booklist: “opens with a description of the tsunami waves that struck the northern coast of the Hawaiian Islands in 1946, destroying a school and sweeping many children and adults out to sea. The book goes on to provide broader information about tsunamis, from scientific understanding of how they occur to ongoing efforts at early warning systems. At the beginning of each chapter is a full-page, bordered illustration with the distinctive look of a woodcut or linocut print ...many helpful diagrams, maps, and photos.... Clearly written and informative.”
Click here for ideas for using Tsunami with kids.
Publisher: Darby Creek Publishing; a division of Lerner Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 1-58196-044-1
Picture Books
Thank You, Trees!
A board book.
A rhyming celebration of the Jewish version of Earth Day, in a boardbook for the youngest child.
from The New York Times: “This charming celebration of Tu B'Shevat marries Jewish tradition with contemporary environmentalism in a celebration of trees, reflecting the way the winter holiday is celebrated today in much of Israel. "On Tu B'Shevat/We thank each tree/For all it gives/To you and me." The art and the rhyming text are carefully pitched to a very young reader. Even the youngest will glean new appreciation for and respect of the environment: "Recycle paper,/show you care./Weed and water./Do your share." Kristen Balouch's jolly collage-like illustrations, done in a vaguely '70's palette, have lots of orange, olive and faded blue. The backgrounds are a faux wood grain, which reinforces the book's celebratory tree-hugging."
From Kirkus: "An ode to trees and fruit in celebration of Tu B’Shevat, a Jewish holiday. Often occurring in the latter part of January or early February, Tu B’Shevat is also called “New Year of the Trees.”
The five double-page spreads show friends and family members planting trees, picking and eating tree fruit, and taking care of the planet as the holiday is observed in modern Israel and other parts of the world. The rhymed verse scans with a pleasing rhythm: "On Tu B'Shevat/we plant a tree. / Baskets of fruit / For you and me. // Orange, grapefruit / Peach or plum, / Lemon, mango, / Apple - yum!" The collagelike graphics in muted jewel tones are overlaid on wood grain (likely digitally simulated) with a blue or green wash. While some fo the body postures and facial expressions are a bit stiff, it is refreshing to see a diverse group of children and adults engaged in the festivities. There are playful bits of humor in the art, evident in one scene in which a young boy pops out of a hole where a tree is about to be planted.
While commemorating only a minor holiday, this book is a gentle introduction for the youngest observers. (Board book. 2-4)
From Publisher's Weekly: "Tu B’Shevat is the Jewish Arbor Day, and families can celebrate its message with this charming and colorful board book for youngest readers. Karwoski (Seaman, the Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis and Clark) teams with educator Gootman to provide easy-to-say (or repeat) rhymes (“Recycle paper,/ Show you care./ Weed and water./ Do your share”). Collage-style illustrations by Balouch (The King and the Three Thieves) brighten the book. The lines and shapes she uses are expressive and energetic, and her illustrations are packed with birds and other outdoor critters, as well as a multicultural complement of children. The simple lesson will stick, and trees can be thanked almost all year round, from sticky green spring to the last leaf of fall. Tu B’Shevat will next be celebrated Jan. 26, 2013. Ages 1–4. (Jan.)"
Publisher: Kar-Ben; a division of Lerner Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-58013-973-1
A rhyming celebration of the Jewish version of Earth Day, in a boardbook for the youngest child.
from The New York Times: “This charming celebration of Tu B'Shevat marries Jewish tradition with contemporary environmentalism in a celebration of trees, reflecting the way the winter holiday is celebrated today in much of Israel. "On Tu B'Shevat/We thank each tree/For all it gives/To you and me." The art and the rhyming text are carefully pitched to a very young reader. Even the youngest will glean new appreciation for and respect of the environment: "Recycle paper,/show you care./Weed and water./Do your share." Kristen Balouch's jolly collage-like illustrations, done in a vaguely '70's palette, have lots of orange, olive and faded blue. The backgrounds are a faux wood grain, which reinforces the book's celebratory tree-hugging."
From Kirkus: "An ode to trees and fruit in celebration of Tu B’Shevat, a Jewish holiday. Often occurring in the latter part of January or early February, Tu B’Shevat is also called “New Year of the Trees.”
The five double-page spreads show friends and family members planting trees, picking and eating tree fruit, and taking care of the planet as the holiday is observed in modern Israel and other parts of the world. The rhymed verse scans with a pleasing rhythm: "On Tu B'Shevat/we plant a tree. / Baskets of fruit / For you and me. // Orange, grapefruit / Peach or plum, / Lemon, mango, / Apple - yum!" The collagelike graphics in muted jewel tones are overlaid on wood grain (likely digitally simulated) with a blue or green wash. While some fo the body postures and facial expressions are a bit stiff, it is refreshing to see a diverse group of children and adults engaged in the festivities. There are playful bits of humor in the art, evident in one scene in which a young boy pops out of a hole where a tree is about to be planted.
While commemorating only a minor holiday, this book is a gentle introduction for the youngest observers. (Board book. 2-4)
From Publisher's Weekly: "Tu B’Shevat is the Jewish Arbor Day, and families can celebrate its message with this charming and colorful board book for youngest readers. Karwoski (Seaman, the Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis and Clark) teams with educator Gootman to provide easy-to-say (or repeat) rhymes (“Recycle paper,/ Show you care./ Weed and water./ Do your share”). Collage-style illustrations by Balouch (The King and the Three Thieves) brighten the book. The lines and shapes she uses are expressive and energetic, and her illustrations are packed with birds and other outdoor critters, as well as a multicultural complement of children. The simple lesson will stick, and trees can be thanked almost all year round, from sticky green spring to the last leaf of fall. Tu B’Shevat will next be celebrated Jan. 26, 2013. Ages 1–4. (Jan.)"
Publisher: Kar-Ben; a division of Lerner Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-58013-973-1
Water Beds, Sleeping in the Ocean
Winner of the Mom’s Choice Award: Most Outstanding Children’s Author of 2005
Learning Magazine 2007 Teachers Choice Award
Finalist, 2006 Southern Independent Bookseller’s Alliance Award
Finalist, Foreword Magazine, Book of the Year
Accelerated Reader quiz available
from Sea World Adventure Parks: "Water Beds is a book that dives into the many mysteries of animal sleep with illustrations that are a dream come true. It's a great way to introduce youngsters to the variety of sleeping patterns found in marine animals ranging from killer whales to sea otters to walruses. A wonderful bed time story…perfect for inspiring dreams on the beauty of the oceans."
Click here for ideas for using Water Beds with kids.
Publisher: Arbordale Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 0-9764943-1-0
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-934359-01-3
River Beds, Sleeping in the World's Rivers
2009 Georgia Children’s Picture Book Author of the Year winner - Georgia Writers Association
Winner of the 2009 Mom’s Choice Gold Award for books about the Animal Kingdom
2009 Earth Day Books - Children’s Book Council
2009 “Just Read, Florida!” Recommended Summer Reading List
Accelerated Reader quiz available
from CBC Magazine: "This sequel to the award-winning Water Beds takes readers on an around-the-world boat ride to learn how mammals sleep in or around major rivers of the world ... told in a soothing style, this books serves as a bedtime/naptime story for younger children or an animal geography book for older children.”
from Booklist: "Softly colored illustrations capture the feel of evening, matching the gentle yet informative tone of the text.”
Click here for ideas for using River Beds with kids.
Publisher: Arbordale Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9777423-4-9
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-934359-31-0
Winner of the 2009 Mom’s Choice Gold Award for books about the Animal Kingdom
2009 Earth Day Books - Children’s Book Council
2009 “Just Read, Florida!” Recommended Summer Reading List
Accelerated Reader quiz available
from CBC Magazine: "This sequel to the award-winning Water Beds takes readers on an around-the-world boat ride to learn how mammals sleep in or around major rivers of the world ... told in a soothing style, this books serves as a bedtime/naptime story for younger children or an animal geography book for older children.”
from Booklist: "Softly colored illustrations capture the feel of evening, matching the gentle yet informative tone of the text.”
Click here for ideas for using River Beds with kids.
Publisher: Arbordale Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9777423-4-9
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-934359-31-0
Julie the Rockhound
Accelerated Reader quiz available
From School Library Journal: ”While exploring the hillside behind her new house, Julie finds a sparkly clear rock .... The book successfully incorporates nitty-gritty details about crystals. Soft pastel illustrations make this a warm, accessible introduction to rock collecting. The interplay between Julie and her dad and the infectious enthusiasm passed between the two add to the appeal of digging up treasure in one's own backyard.”
From Rock & Gem Magazine: “A girl's interest in mineral collecting is sparked by the discovery of a quartz crystal in Julie the Rockhound, a picture book for ages 5 to 9. Developed in response to teacher requests, this book was designed to support the National Science Standard with regard to rocks and minerals.”
Click here for ideas for using Julie with kids.
Publisher: Arbordale Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9764943-7-9
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-934359-21-1
From School Library Journal: ”While exploring the hillside behind her new house, Julie finds a sparkly clear rock .... The book successfully incorporates nitty-gritty details about crystals. Soft pastel illustrations make this a warm, accessible introduction to rock collecting. The interplay between Julie and her dad and the infectious enthusiasm passed between the two add to the appeal of digging up treasure in one's own backyard.”
From Rock & Gem Magazine: “A girl's interest in mineral collecting is sparked by the discovery of a quartz crystal in Julie the Rockhound, a picture book for ages 5 to 9. Developed in response to teacher requests, this book was designed to support the National Science Standard with regard to rocks and minerals.”
Click here for ideas for using Julie with kids.
Publisher: Arbordale Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9764943-7-9
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-934359-21-1