East of the Sun & West of the Moon  •  Jorgen Moe  •  Peter Asbjornsen  •  George Webbe Dasent LITERATURE •  1970 •  PAPER  • 418 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) The Norse equivalent and counterpart to the German collection by the brothers Grimm, this anthology of 59 illustrated folk tales contains the famous title story along with "Why the Sea Is Salt" and "The Three Billy Goats Gruff." The original Norwegian text was published in Christiania in 1843; George Webbe Dasent's translation first appeared in England in 1858. It is delightful, fanciful reading for the entire family. (SCN06, $13.95)
Number the Stars  •  Lois Lowry LITERATURE •  1998 •  PAPER  • 137 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Set in German-occupied Copenhagen, this is the fictionalized account of 10-year-old Annemarie Johanneson and her struggle to help her Jewish friend to safety. Winner of the Newbery Medal in 1990, Lois Lowry's book masterfully recreates this dramatic tale of the Danish Resistance. Recommended for children ages 9-12. (DMK11, $6.99)
Odin's Family, Myths of the Vikings  •  Neil Philip  •  Maryclare Foa LITERATURE •  1996 •  HARD COVER  • 124 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) For kids wanting an introduction to Norse mythology, its major players and most famous stories, we suggest this book. The stories are clearly and excitingly told, and the full-color illustrations are ver nice. Ages 9-12. (VIK14, $19.95)
The Real Vikings: Craftsmen, Traders and Fearsome Raiders  •  Melvin Berger  •  Gilda Berger HISTORY •  2003 •  HARD COVER  • 54 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) This colorful guide gives young readers a nice overview of the history of the Vikings and dispels several myths about their brutality and choice of headgear. The Bergers, no strangers to the world of children's literature, focus on the Vikings' emphasis on equality and democracy without ignoring their penchant for violence. An easy and engaging read for kids in grades 4 to 7. (SCN31, $18.95)
Viking  •  Susan M. Margeson HISTORY •  2005 •  HARD COVER  • 63 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A wonderfully illustrated, fact-filled history of the Vikings geared for children ages 9-12. Presenting an overview of this culture, from music to mealtime, social hierarchy, to the more violent aspects of their explorations and expansions into new territories, this fascinating look at the life of the Vikings examines their ships, weapons, and artifacts. Full-color photos. (VIK05, $15.99)
The Vikings  •  Robert Nicholson CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1990 •  PAPER  • 32 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A volume in the colorful "Journey into Civilization" series, this slim book concentrates on the Vikings and how they lived in days gone by. With plenty of information on the Viking world, great stories and activities for kids ages eight to twelve. (VIK08, $9.95)