Books
Design It!
- Resource Links Best Books 2010
Info from the publisher at Tundra Books
Design It! makes for great reading and is a useful resource for those who are beginning to think about careers.
“Design It! is a perfect introduction to the way the products we use each day, from toasters to telephones, came to be.”
— Quill & Quire
On a Medieval Day
Info from the publisher at Maple Tree Press
“The collection may pique readers’ interest in finding out more about some of this realms and eras.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“A gorgeous book to be savored, read aloud, and enjoyed repeatedly.”
— Quill & Quire
“The fast-paced stories make for entertaining reading…a wonderful attempt to expand the usual concept of the medieval world beyond Europe”
— School Library Journal
Mrs. Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium
- ForeWord Reviews finalist in the 2010 Book of the Year Awards
Treat yourself to a visit to the wackiest restaurant ever! Mrs. Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium is a colorful tale that blends history and fantasy with a journey of discovery, adventure, and fun.
“Author Rona Arato introduces dragons, gangsters and an assortment of other questionable characters to tell the story of one family’s challenging early 20th century emigration from a small Russian shtetl to the often frightening, confusing and overwhelming streets of New York.”
— City Winnipeg Jewish Review
“This is a funny, irreverent, look at life of immigrants at the turn of the century. Children will enjoy the crazy happenings.”
— Tristate Reviews
“Framed by real historical events, from the tragic to the inspiring, this story steers a fantastical and farcical course.”
— CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials
On a Canadian Day
What better way for a young reader to truly understand another time than to get an intimate look at the daily life of another child? In this groundbreaking book, Rona Arato’s arresting writing introduces nine engaging fictional characters, and through their stories situates young readers perfectly in nine pivotal moments in Canadian history.
“On a Canadian Day is a wonderful assortment of pre-adolescent’s life experiences that are vividly described and illustrated in this authentically framed and researched collection.”
— Midwest Book Review: Children’s Bookwatch
“This anthology of historical short stories would make excellent read-aloud material for Social Studies lessons or an interesting book to put into the hands of young history buffs...The author skillfully weaves a wealth of historical information into each story, painting a detailed picture of daily life and the social context of the time.”
— Canadian Teacher
“The information about each time period will appeal to young readers as the stories give the sense of a real child living a much different life than that of most modern children. Recommended.”
— CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials
“The diversity and time span these stories cover paints an interesting portrait of Canadian history.”
— Resource Links
Courage and Compassion,
Ten Canadians Who Made a Difference
- 2011 Golden Oak Winner
- 2010 Silver Birch Finalist
“...it is well written; the author covers a whole lifetime in a few pages and conveys a good sense of the person and the obstacles that he or she faced. This will be a useful addition to all school libraries.”
— Canadian Children’s Book News,
Summer 2009
“…compelling descriptions of the lives and works of these amazing people.”
— CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials
“This fascinating series of vignettes is lavishly endowed with archival and contemporary photos...this chronicle of our past will make readers of all ages proud to be Canadian.”
— North Bay Nugget
“...an easy and fascinating read and a great resource for classroom assignments.”
— Canadian Teacher Magazine
Working for Freedom,
the Story of Josiah Henson
- CCBC Best Books 2010
“Rona Arato’s writing is smooth and sure; the dialogue flows and the stories of Henson’s adventurous life keep the reader turning the pages.”
— Canadian Children’s Book News,
Summer 2009
“The story sings along, page by page, replete with photos, drawings, archival documents and maps. It is impossible to stop reading this book... Arato has mined Henson’s autobiography for dialogue and included much of it here, allowing Henson to communicate to the modern reader in his own words.”
— Canadian Materials Magazine
Ice Cream Town
- CLA Children’s Book of the Year Award 2008 longlist
- CCBC’s Best Books for Kids & Teens 2008
- Children’s Crown Award 2009 Finalist
“... Ice Cream Town is a pleasurable, inspiring read with historical value.”
— Jewish Tribune
“Rona Arato’s first novel for young children is to be applauded.”
Recommended.
— CM Magazine
“Readers of historical fiction — perhaps especially those who recognize aspects of their own family history in Sammy’s experience — will appreciate the details of the book’s setting and its portrait of growing up where ‘everything is upside down.’ ”
— Booklist
“This is a richly detailed, solid piece of historical fiction that gives insight into the early-20th-century immigrant experience.”
— The School Library Journal
“Experienced readers of the Sydney Taylor books will get a grittier and more realistic side of immigrant life from child’s point of view.”
— Jewish Book World (US)
Protists
“…Protists are well illustrated, thoughtfully designed, and written to inform and interest youth and adults alike.”
— CM Magazine
Fossils and World of Water
“These books will be a welcome addition to a school or classroom library.”
Highly Recommended.
— CM Magazine
