Mrs. Katz's Book Blurbs

Invisible Inkling by Emily Jenkins

2012-02-09T22:47:00.000-08:00

Hank lives in Brooklyn with his sister, parents and new invisible friend, Inkling. No one else knows about Inkling although Hank often mentions he has an invisible friend! Struggling with a school bully and a best friend moving away Inkling has arrived just in time to help Hank get through fourth grade. While I don't think the adults helped Hank deal with the bully readers will learn why some kids become bullies and will perhaps wish for their own imaginary friend.

This humorous book will appeal to a wide audience. The Invisible Inkling would be a good introduction of the fantasy genre for young readers or for fans of Jordon Sonneblick's Dodger books and the Stink books by Megan McDonald. Reluctant readers will enjoy it and the illustrations by Harry Bliss. Recommended for 2-5 grades.

Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Harper Collins via Netgalley.

Jennifer Lawrence : Star of The Hunger Games by Katherine Krohn

2012-02-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

From a young age Jennifer Lawrence knew she wanted to act. With determination, supportive parents and talent she is now on the brim of becoming world famous as Katniss in the soon to be released movie THE HUNGER GAMES based on the book by Suzanne Collins.

In this biography Katherine Krohn gives us a glimpse into Jennifer's life. What stood out to me was the way Jennifer prepared for auditions. For instance instead of dressing up and being made up she showed up to the Katniss audition a wreck from a long flight and no sleep! The book is infused with photographs that readers will pour over. The writing is accessible to reluctant readers and fans of THE HUNGER GAMES will clamour for it. Every library should have this book as it is going to be a bestseller (I don't predict that often). It's on my wish list for my library!

Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Lerner Publishing Group via Netgalley.

A Full Moon is Rising by Marilyn Singer

2012-02-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

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As a fan of Marily Singer, especially MIRROR MIRROR : A BOOK OF REVERSIBLE VERSE I am not surprised to find that I loved A FULL MOON IS RISING. So much so that not only did I read the book a few times I also listened to Marilyn Singer read her poems aloud. What a treat. The illustrations by Julie Cairns are bright and colorful and meld well with the poetry. After finishing the book I felt like I had traveled the world. Recommended for libraries needing to spruce up their poetry sections and for readers interested in the moon and/or for multil-cultural collections. A gem of a book.

Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Lee & Low books via Netgalley. A FULL MOON IS RISING is now available.

Penderwicks on Gardham Street by Jeanne Birdsall

2012-02-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

The Penderwicks are a family of four daughters, a loving father and a very caring aunt. In this sequel to THE PENDERWICKS:A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy, Jeanne Birdsall once again writes a charming piece of contemporary fiction. In this book, Mr. Penderwick begins dating and the girls do all they can to ruin his chances of finding someone new to love. There is a new neighbor with a young son, sisters swapping homework, romance and more in this charming book recommended for middle graders.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

2012-02-08T15:34:00.000-08:00

It is 145 years after the fourth World War in New Beiijing. Cinder is a cyborg and a mechanic well known for fixing androids, netscreens, hovercars and more. Her stepmom and one of her stepsisters are relentlessly mean to her while the other stepsister is her friend. By chance she meets the prince when he needs his android repaired. Sadly, the emperor is dying as are thousands of other people as a plague unyet curable sweeps across the nation.

Science fiction is not usually a genre that I am drawn to. However, once I started Cinder I could not put it down. It was hard not to visualize Iko and the other androids looking like R2D2 from Star Wars. The feelings developing between Kai and Cinder did not feel rushed. I love the fact that Cinder couldn't blush.

Cinder will take her place along side other strong and intelligent female characters such as Katniss, Katna and Kat. While part of me would have liked the story tied up and over with I will patiently wait for book two in The Lunar Chronicles and most likely books three and four. Marissa Meyer style of writing is appealing and quick paced. Loved it!

Cinder is a YA book I would recommend it for even the younger end. Science fiction fans would enjoy it as well as those that enjoy (very fractured) fairy tales. There is enough romance to appeal to girls that enjoy romance but are willing to try something different.

Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via Netgalley. Cinder is now available from your favorite bookseller.

The Sneezy Wheezy Day by Sharon Cramer

2012-02-06T21:44:00.000-08:00

At first glance THE SNEEZY WHEEZY DAY looks like a book written for pre-schoolers. After reading it though it's apparent that it's aimed at an older audience. The vocabulary is sophisticated with great words such as deduced, admirably and peered. The illustrations are charming and bright and colorful and children will enjoy the hidden surprises. THE SNEEZY WHEEZY DAY begs to be read aloud to get the full benefit of the rhymes. The humor in the story will also be noticed more by older children and I admit to laughing aloud at some of the suggested remedies especially Grizzly Old Bear telling Boy cougar to shave his own body! Not just a story about being sick, this is also a story of love between siblings. Recommended for kindergarteners and up and for sharing in a group or with your child/children.

Read as an ebook arc courtesy of B&F Publishing via Netgalley.

Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt

2012-02-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

A few years ago I introduced Scaredy Squirrel to the students in my school library. The book became an instant hit and as each new Scaredy Squirrel adventure unfolded I could barely keep up with the demand. Fast forward three years and I am in a "new" school library. Open Road offered me the opportunity to read the original Scaredy Squirrel as an ebook. Within a few days I purchased and added two copies to my school library collection. Once again, Scaredy Squirrel checks out as fast as it is returned. Whether it is the adorable illustrations or the story that delights, students are drawn to it. From first grade to sixth it is one of my most popular and most requested books. Needless to say the other Scaredy Squirrel books are now on my wish list.

Thank you Open Road via Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to be reacquainted with Melanie Watts's wonderful book via ebook and therefore sharing it with my students. Recommended for a home library whether in print or digitally and for every elementary school library.

2012 Caldecott Medal Announced

2012-01-29T09:16:00.000-08:00

Each year the American Library Association awards a Caldecott Medal to the best illustrated children's book published the previous year. This year's winner is A BALL FOR DAISY by Chris Raschka. The story unfolds visually as there are no words! This week I shared the book with students in kindergarten through fifth grade. I enjoyed them telling the story aloud page by page or just watching it using their imaginations and ahhing and oohing in all the right places.

A beautiful book for kids of all ages and for dog lovers. Congratulations to Chris Raschka on his second well deserved Caldecott medal.

2012 Newbery Medal Winner

2012-01-29T09:06:00.000-08:00

Jack Gantos wrote JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY which I have been recommending to students, boys especially as a very funny piece of contemporary fiction. Gantos's latest book
DEAD END IN NORVELT was named the recipient of the 2012 Newbery Medal. Check back soon for my review (it is on the top of my TBR pile.)

2012 Children's Book Awards Announced

2012-01-29T08:49:00.000-08:00

On Monday January 23 the world of children's and young adult literature listened as the American Library Association announced the winners of the 2012 Youth Media Awards. For a complete list of the winners click here.

I am thrilled that UNDER THE MESQUITE by Guadalupe Garcia McCall won the Pura Belpre Author Award. The Pura Belpre awards honor Latino authors and illustrators whose work best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in children’s books. My review for UNDER THE MESQUITE is here.

Congratulations to all the authors and illustrators that won honors, medals and recognition.

Pie by Sarah Weeks

2012-01-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

As a fan of Sarah Weeks I was not surprised that I totally enjoed PIE. With delicious recipes starting each chapter, it's humor in the cat inheriting the pie crust recipe, mystery surrounding said inheritance, friendship, romance (kiddie romance), and relationships it was quite a full yet quick read. I am on my way to set up a display right now with PIE, THE TEASHOP GIRLS and THE SECRET INGREDIENT by Laura Schaefer (see reviews below) and another new book THE CASE OF THE MISSING DEED by Ellen Schwartz. For fans of mysteries, cooking or friendship stories PIE is a terrific book.

Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

2011-12-27T13:34:00.000-08:00

Written in free verse Under the Mesquite is the story of Lupe and her family not only dealing with her mother's illness and death but it is also a view into the life of Mexican-Americans. Wanting their children to have a good education and a better life than possible in Mexico, the family moves to a border town in Texas although they visit their relatives often. We learn about the move, the birth of more siblings, the dad working far away, the siblings relationships, the mom's illness and the aftermath of her death. The writing is beautiful and sprinkled with spanish words and phrases.

Since I now work in a school with many native Spanish speaking students I have already introduced this book to some students. Many have never read a book written in this style and between that and the Spanish they are lining up to check it out. Recommended for 5th grade and up.

Read it as an arc courtesy of Lee & Low Books via Netgalley.

The Grand Plan to Fix Everything by Uma Krishnaswami

2011-12-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

Dini is an 11 year-old Indian American girl living in the U.S. She and her best friend Maddie love Bollywood movies and Dolly Singh, the biggest Bollywood star. When her doctor mom receives a grant to work in India, Dini is sad to leave Maddie but excited to spend two years in India. Her goal? To meet Dolly in person.

Uma Krishnaswami has written a story that will appeal to young girls who love movies, adventure, traveling, puzzles and stories of friendship. She plants clues to things going on around different Indian cities/villages which seem plausible to help tie the story together. Dini creates a screenplay hoping to fix her problems and those of others. A fun read for middle grade girls.

Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes

2011-12-10T19:06:00.000-08:00

Told in short poems Planet Middle School explores so many themes it's hard to believe the book is only 154 pages and a delightfully quick read. Joylin is a tomboy and an awesome basketball player. She tries to teach her artist younger brother to play in the hope that their dad will notice him more. She's dealing with her body changing against her will and her best friends (one a boy, one a girl) are trying to make her understand she's still the same person. She's experiencing her first crush.

This book is recommended for girls in grades 6 and up. Reluctant readers will be drawn to it's quick pace and easy to read style while appreciating Nikki Grimes' understanding of what tweens/young teens are going through. I laughed and cried and loved it from the opening poem to the closing one.

The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True by Gerald Morris

2011-12-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

After saving a damsel in distress from a dragon, Sir Gawain the Undefeated does not accept the thanks the damsel offers him. King Arthur informs him that was quite rude behavior. As the story proceeds Sir Gawain's life is put in danger by a Green Knight while at the same time he is learning about codes of honor, friendship and courtesy.

Stories about King Arthur, Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table have always enthralled me. As a matter of fact one of my top 25 favorite books is Meg Cabot's AVALON HIGH. In THE ADVENTURES OF SIR GAWAIN THE TRUE, the third book in Gerald Morris's The Knights' Tales series, while for a much younger audience then AVALON HIGH does not disappoint. As a matter of fact it made me smile with it's subtle humor and clever storyline. The illustrations by Aaron Renier are charming. A great introduction for young readers to King Arthur's court. Recommended for readers in grades 3 and up (or 2nd grade strong readers) who enjoy the knights or are looking for something new.

Hidden by Helen Frost

2011-12-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

When she was 8, Wren was in a car at a gas station (her mom ran in to pay for gas and a drink) that was stolen during a robbery. Hiding in the back the driver never knew she was there and she stayed hidden for two days in his garage. The man's daughter, Darra, also 8, discovered Wren and left her food and planned to help her. Wren overhears the abuse Darra and her mom receive from the dad. Wren manages to escape and Darra always wonders how and blames Wren for her dad going to jail. Six years later the two girls meet face to face for the first time in a sleep-a-way summer camp. At camp, Wren and Darra take turns telling their story.

Helen Frost has crafted an amazing work of fiction. Told in two voices the first being Wren's in free verse. Darra's is written in a form that Frost devised herself. You read about this in a "notes on form" section at the end. Then, you need to reread part of the book to see what she has "hidden" for us to help understand even more of the story. That is what takes this from a very good book to an amazing piece of work.

Recommended for readers who enjoy novels written in free verse or are looking for something new. Recommended for reluctant readers as the story moves along at a nice pace and is only 145 pages. While it is contemporary it could also pass for adventure if your readers are looking for something in that genre. It is truly a remarkable book.

Bigger than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder

2011-12-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

At first it seems this is going to be a just a story about a 12 year-old girl dealing with her parents' separation. Rebecca's mom packs up her up and her little brother Lew and leaves their dad and Baltimore to move in with Gran in Atlanta. Needless to say Rebecca is sad about a new school, missing her friends and Dad and is angry with her mom. However, a magical bread box found in Gran's attic grants Rebecca's wishes for money, jewelry, and gifts but it takes a while for Rebecca to realize the truth about the magic.

Laurel Snyder digs dip into the feelings and emotions of a 12 year-old. The magic adds a fantasy element to the story but at it's core Bigger than a Bread Box is contemporary fiction about a girl dealing with more than 12 year-olds should have to deal with. The love Rebecca feels for Lew is admirable and we can only hope Rebecca's true wishes are granted as we close the last page of this wonderful book. Recommended for readers in grades 4-8, fans of fantasy such as Half Magic by Edward Eager and contemporary fiction or dealing with parental separation/divorce.

Water Balloon by Audrey Vernick

2011-11-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

Marley's parents are separated and she is spending the summer with her dad in his new house. Since money is tight he takes on summer jobs gardening( he is a teacher during the school year) and gets Marley a job babysitting twin 5 year-olds. Her two BFF's begin excluding her from their lives and her mother doesn't answer her phone when Marley calls. The twins are a handful and it is interesting to see Marley use her own life experiences to entertain them, help them deal with their 5 year-old issues and ultimately come to enjoy their company. The friendship/budding romance between Jack and Marley is innocent and sweet. My favorite part though is Marley realizing just how poorly her BFF's treated her and that maybe it is time for new friends.

In Water Balloon the author explores friendships among young girls, the relationship between a daughter and her father, dandelions, babysitting, and first crush. Audrey Vernick does a great job in all aspects in this easy reading story for middle grade girls. Recommended for fans of contemporary fiction and girls asking for romance.

Rumors From the Boys Room : A Blogtastic Novel by Rose Cooper

2011-11-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

The author, Rose Cooper, has mangaged to get inside a middle school girl's head and help us understand a little of what goes on in there. Sophia spies (overhears, really) different conversations around the school and blogs about what she hears. She's an anonymous blogger but there is a teacher who is in on it and keeps Sophia in line. Sophia is dealing with a pregnant mom (who also teaches at the schoool), a best friend liking a boy, liking a boy herself, a gross boy, a mean girl, etc.

The writing is extremely funny. The illustrations (by the author) are adorably charming. Recommended for girls in grades 4 and up and for fans of the Wimpy Kid and Ellie McDoodle books. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Random House Children's Books via Netgalley.

Win a free book!

2011-10-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

Last year I reviewed a book called TOUCH BLUE by Cynthia Lord. To read that review click here.

Would you like to win a copy of TOUCH BLUE? I am giving away a copy of the book to one lucky winner. All you have to do to enter the give-a-way is comment on this post by telling the name of the book and the author you enjoyed the most in the last year. One lucky winner will be chosen. Contest ends Sunday, November 6 at 11:55 PM.

Good luck!

The Case of the Missing Deed by Ellen Schwartz

2011-10-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

For their annual summer vacation, five cousins visit their grandparents in a cottage on an island in British Columbia. This summer is different though. Their grandfather has died and a mining company is buying up property all over the island and their grandmother can't remember where the deed to the house is hidden. If it's not found she will lose the cottage. Promising to help grandma locate the deed the cousins stumble upon one clue after another and realize grandpa has left them exactly what is needed to find the deed. If only they can connect the clues and break a secret code.

Many of the clues are written in grandpas's handwriting on favorite recipes. The author, Ellen Schwartz has shared these recipes with us making The Case of the Missing Deed a delicious mystery. The cousins are all believable characters adding a little of their talents to the mix. The parents and other adults are mostly in the background allowing the kids to figure things out on their own. This looks to be the first in a series entitled Teaspoon Detectives and I look forward to the next installment.

Recommended for middle grade boys and girls who like mysteries and for fans of books where recipes and cooking is involved such as The Teashop Girls reviewed here and The Secret Ingredient reviewed here both by Laura Schaefer. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Tundra Books via Netgalley.

Mallory's Super Sleepover by Laurie Friedman

2011-10-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

Mallory's parents agree to a sleepover party for her tenth birthday. She promises them a small well behaved group of girls. However, Maryann, Mallory's best friend has other ideas and invites more girls and plans some messy activities which leads to the party spiraling out of control.

As in the other Mallory books, the parents handle the situation calmly yet firmly. They always let their children know what their expectations are and help Mallory understand what she did wrong. Young girls can relate to Mallory and will enjoy the stories within the story and the cartoonish illustrations. What a different place this world would be if more parents were like Mallory's. From the eye appealing cover and the terrific illustrations by Jennifer Kalis, Laurie Friedman has given us another wonderful book for young girls. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Lerner Publishing Group via Netgalley.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

2011-10-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

Would you like to win a copy of The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman? Click on the link below to enter for a chance to win. Beware though, it is SCARY!

http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/feature/halloween2011/?hc_guid=

Mallory's Guide to Boys, Brothers, Dads, and Dogs by Laurie Friedman

2011-10-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

Mallory has a crush on an older boy and tries to get his attention. This angers her brother who wants her to like someone her own age. When she fails a math test because she has spent too much time dreaming of her crush she's grounded to spend more time studying. When she is home alone she bakes cookies to bring to him and gets lost looking for his house. When her parents find her she gets in even more trouble.

Told in the first person Mallory is someone young girls will love. She is so sweet and innocent and tries very hard to get what she wants. Her parents are loving and kind and even though she displeases them they never lose their temper with her. The illustrations are wonderful and cheerful and add a lot to the story.

After reading the book I can see why girls in grades 3-6 (and sometimes younger) always check out the Mallory books. Many times I see them recommending the books to each other. I recommend this for elementary aged girls (I already owned it in my former school library). Read as an ebook courtesy of Lerner Publishing Group via Netgalley.

A Year Without Autumn by Liz Kessler

2011-09-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

Imagine going up in an old cranky elevator to visit your best friend in a condo you know she lives in for one week every summer while your families are on vacation. Only when you knock on the door it is opened by a lady you've never seen. Turns out a year has gone by and Jenni, our elevator rider doesn't remember a thing about it. She learns that her best friend, Autumn, is in a different condo and that Autumn's family has suffered a tragedy and that her own family is a mess. And that is just the beginning.

What starts off as a simple contemporary story twists into a time travel work of science fiction. Written so well we believe that the world has moved on without Jenni and she is left to play catch up. Three times! Jenni is up to the challenge of putting puzzle pieces together and because of her love and loyalty to her family and Autumn's she works hard to try to make things right. While the chapters are a little long for young readers they are cliff hangers that will keep readers turning the pages. Fans of When You Reach Me and A Wrinkle in Time will enjoy A Year Without Autumn and girls in grades 4-8 who enjoy stories about friendship, mysteries and light sci-fi. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Candlewick Press via Netgalley.

Lily Renee, Escape Artist by Trina Robbins

2011-09-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

World War II is one of the most requested non-fiction subjects in a school library. Graphic novels are also quite popular. A graphic novel about a World War II event is sure to find it's niche.

Lily Renee lives a comfortable life in Vienna enjoying all the culture the city has to offer. Told in accessible language that young readers can understand, Trina Robbins tells the story of Hitler's rise to power including how friends turned their backs on the Jews, the beginning of ghettos, and Kristtelnacht, the night of broken glass, the event that led to Lily's parents sending her out of the country. Lily is shown on the train and boat as one of the 10,000 children saved by being sent out of Nazi rule. While not so lucky with the family she was sent to live with in London Lily leaves them and becomes a nurse's assistant surviving the bombings. Finally Lily makes her way to America to be reunited with her parents. She dines in an automat ( I have too!)and gets a job which ultimately leads her to be a successful comic book artist.

Throughout her life Lily overcame the horrific obstacles dropped in her way but this book is written so young children get just enough information about the situation and perhaps be inspired to seek more. Lily is an admirable girl and I would recommend this book for a biography report, a non-fiction report or casual reading. While the illustrations by Anne Timmone may not be as eye popping as manga or anime they work well with this story. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Lerner Publishing Group via Netgalley.

Honestly, Red Riding Hood was Rotten! by Trisha Speed Shaskan

2011-09-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

Each spring in my school library I share different versions of a few fairytales with my students. Red Riding Hood is always one. While some versions are a little scarier and the pictures a tad more gory, this version told in the wolf's point of view is actually laugh out loud funny. From the first page to the last you can't help smiling.

The wolf is starving and dreaming about apples which are now out of season. Little Red looks an awful lot like a red apple while granny looks like a green one. They are both so vain and self possessed and the wolf is spot on when he says "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Gerald Guerlais's digitally produced illustrations are simply beautiful. I look forward to sharing this version along with other more traditional ones and having the students compare them. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Capstone via Netgalley.

Prince William & Kate:A Royal Romance by Matt Doeden

2011-09-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

Back in 1981 I remember watching Prince Charles and Diana's wedding which was just a few months before my own. Thirty years later I was not one of the millions who woke early to watch Prince William and Kate's wedding, I did however catch glimpses of it on-line. Therefore most of what I know about it I learned from Matt Doeden's book.

Filled with lots of pictures from Prince William and Kate's relationship over many years including the most recent from their wedding. Doeden has made it accessible to young readers. Anyone interested in the royals will enjoy this quick reading factual book. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Lerner Publications via Netgalley.

Clementine and the Family Meeting by Sara Pennypacker

2011-08-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

I remember reading the first Clementine book a few years ago and laughing out loud. The series has quickly become a favorite and her fans and new readers will love this addition. Clementine's mom is pregnant, her friend Margaret is obsessed with make-up and the rat being used in her science experiment is missing. Just how much is a third grade girl supposed to handle?
Not only does Clementine have an understanding teacher, her parents are amazing. They know what to say and how to say it and twice I found myself tearing up. Written so young readers will not only want to read this book they will fall in love with Clementine and her family. Recommended for those who enjoy Ivy & Bean, Judy Moody and Kylie Jean and for readers graduating from easy chapter books. Do you think we will ever find out Clementine's little brother's real name? Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Disney-Hyperion courtesy of Netgalley.

Pearl Verses the World by Sally Murphy

2011-08-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

In short poems Sally Murphy has told the story of Pearl, her mom and granny. We learn that Granny is very sick and no longer knows who Pearl is. We learn that her dad left long ago. We learn that Pearl's teacher assigns poems that rhyme. But neither Pearl nor her poems rhyme. It is a very sad event that brings to light to everyone that Pearl is indeed a wonderful poet.

The relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter is a very special relationship. Through poems we can see what Granny and Pearl meant to each other, their shared love of children's literature and poetry.
The illustrations by Heather Potter are lovely and show the emotions Pearl feels throughout the book. This is a wonderful book and can be paired in a poetry unit with Love That Dog by Sharon Creech to introduce poetry to young children. Recommended for grades 2-5. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Candlewick Press via Netgalley. Pearl Verses the World is now available and every library should own it.

Just Grace and the Double Surprise by Cherise Mericle Harper

2011-07-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

   In this seventh installment of the Just Grace series, Grace's best friend Mimi is anxiously awaiting the adoption of a new baby sister. In the first surprise Mimi's parents bring home Robert, a 3 year-old-brother instead. Mimi is not happy about this and Grace tries really hard to help prove brothers can be just as much fun as sisters. The second surprise is that Grace gets something she has always wanted but I don't want to spoil that surprise for readers!
   Harper's illustrations work beautifully with the story. Grace and Mimi are best friends and it's wonderful to see how they care for and watch out for each other. Their parents are depicted as caring but not overbearing involved parents. This series is spot on for young girls especially those ready to move on from Junie B. or Judy Moody. Just Grace and the Double Surprise is a stand alone but readers will fall in love with Grace as I did and will want to read them all. (Be sure to introduce fans to Harper's Fashion Kitty too!) Recommended for girls in grades 1 (strong readers) through 6th grade (reluctant readers) and everyone in between.
   Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via Negalley. Just Grace and the Double Surprise will be published August, 2011.

Nikki and Deja : Election Madness by Karen English

2011-07-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

When Deja's teacher announces the school is holding a student body election, Deja is sure she would make an excellent president. She is counting on her best friend, Nikki to be her campaign manager. Although they are best friends they don't always see eye to eye on everything. While Deja wants to spend all their time focusing on getting the nomination, Nikki is worrying that the tension between her parents means they will be getting a divorce. Youngsters will enjoy the relationship the girls have with each other and with Deja's aunt who is raising her. They will see that sometimes friends argue and disagree. Auntie is a loving character who guides Deja rather than telling her what to do. The illustrations by Laura
Freeman are wonderfully expressive and add pizazz to the story. This is a welcome addition to chapter books for primary grade students. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via Netgalley.

Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

2011-07-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

While camping with his mother, Jack wakes up to discover that she has left him. Alone. Again. Jack uses his experience with his mom disappearing and his smarts to avoid the police and social services. Being far home in Maine (they live in Masachusetts) doesn't hinder Jack's ability to find food (helping an old lady or from trash cans) or finding a place to sleep (in a store or church). We surmise from Jack that his mom is mentally ill and that she has Jack believing that his grandma is the enemy. Each chapter begins with a blurb about elephants with a quote from a book or an interesting fact. Jack has always loved elephants and it is this love that will ultimately save him and help him heal.

A parent with a mental illness is a tough subject for kids. Being abandoned by a parent is also tough. Jennifer Jacobson handles these subjects deftly and readers will be cheering for Jack. While as an adult I find it hard to believe that Jack survived alone as long as he did young readers will not. Recommended for readers who like survival or adventure stories and contemporary fiction.

Planet Explorers Chicago by Laura Schaefer

2011-07-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

If you have read my interview below with author Laura Schaefer then you know she is writing a series of guidebooks for children. I had the chance to review one and chose Chicago because for three years Chicago was my home.

My children would have loved this book when they were young. It is written specifically to intrigue children and to help them understand this large magical city. The trivia facts are interesting by themselves. For instance every man, woman, and child in Chicago eats an average of 23 pounds of pizza a year! And the Brookfield Zoo was the first zoo to use moats and ditches instead of cages. I can just hear a child in the back seat saying "hey, did you know..." and rattling off some cool fact about Chicago.

Are you traveling there? Just want to learn about Chicago? I highly recommend this ebook for everyone. It is a great overview of the city yet detailed enough to really help you learn your way around. And although I haven't eaten there for twenty years, Ed Debevics was our favorite family restuaruant! Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Smashwords. To purchase this book on amazon.com click here.

The Hole in the Wall by Lisa Rowe Fraustino

2011-07-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

Strange things are happening to Sebby, his family and around his home. His dad is out of work and his mom is overworked. His grandmother has moved in forcing Sebby to share a room with his twin sister Barb. His older brother has disappeared and the chickens are laying eggs hard as rock. The hole in the wall is his hide-a-way spot to get away from all his troubles. Soon though Barb joins him in trying to figure out just what is causing the beautiful colors they see floating around, why a baby chick has attached itself to his belly and why he has had an unnatural growth spurt.

Written in Sebby's voice, Lisa Rowe Fraustino has us believing in the magic (or is it science?) Though the twins bicker their love for one another shines through as does their mom's. They act as young children would in their situation even questioning their feelings for their father as he disappoints them continuously. Sebby has a sense of humor as does big brother Jed that will make kids laugh.

Part science fiction, part mystery, part environmental, The Hole in the Wall will keep readers turning the pages. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Milkweed Editions via Netgalley.

True (...sort of) by Katherine Hannigan

2011-07-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

Delly is such a troublemaker that even she believes she is bad to the core. She reaches rock bottom though when threatened to be expelled from school and sees her mom cry. With the help of her younger brother R.B. and their new friend, Ferris Boyd, Delly just may be saved. Although Ferris Boyd does not talk, R.B., Delly and another boy in town, Brud, manage to communicate with her.

True (...sort of) starts off as a simple story. However, like an onion Katherine Hannigan peels away layer by layer revealing little by little the goodness in Delly, the love in R.B.'s heart, the understanding in Brud, and the pain that silences Ferris Boyd.

Although dealing with the issue of physical abuse, Hannigan makes readers understand that it is not Ferris Boyd's fault. She is the victim but there is help available. A tough subject for young children to read about but an important one and written extremely well. You will fall in love with Delly, R.B., Ferris Boyd and Brud just like I did. Recommended for 4th graders and up.

Nerd Girls : The Rise of the Dorkasaurus by Alan Lawrence Sitomer

2011-07-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

Tired of being bullied by the popular girls, three girls team up to try to win the school talent show and end the reign of bullies always winning. Alice, aka Allergy Alice, Barbara aka Beanpole and Maureen aka Mo (the fat girl) find the true meaning of friendship as they nearly become convinced they are losers for ever.
For most of this book I was reading with a smile on my face and laughed out loud in many spots. When Alice's tragic background came to light I had tears in my eyes. Sitomer sure knows how to twist a story. Recommended for grades 6 and up and all middle school girls who have ever been bullied.
Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Simon and Schuster via Netgalley. Nerd Girls : The Rise of the Dorkasaurus will be available July 5, 2011.

Meet Author Laura Schaefer

2011-06-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

It is my pleasure to introduce Laura Schaefer, author of The Teashop Girls and the newly released sequel, The Secret Ingredient.

For readers who don't know you please tell us a little about yourself.

I live in Madison, Wisconsin and I began writing full-time after I graduated from college here in 2001. When I was in school, I wrote book reviews for my school paper and had the chance to interview several authors. It was a world I knew I wanted to join. I initially thought I might be an editor, but it turned out that freelance writing suited me, so I stuck with it.

As I found my niche, I fell in love with it. I began as a curriculum writer, which means I wrote educational content such as small lessons, informational pieces for reading comprehension practice, and test questions. When I turned to fiction, it was a natural fit for me to write for middle-grade and young adult readers. I've always been a huge reader myself and the books I read when I was ten or twelve years old are the ones that really stuck with me. It's an honor to write for young readers.

Why did you decide to use blogging and social networking to create awareness about you and your books?

I think social networking is a great way for authors to connect with readers. I've really embraced Twitter and Facebook in the last few years, so when it came time to write a sequel to The Teashop Girls, it made sense to me to incorporate that part of my life into The Secret Ingredient. Annie starts a food blog, which isn't necessarily an easy thing to do. I've only blogged intermittently in the last three years, so I have a lot of respect for anyone who can keep a quality blog going.

Using the Internet in all its glory to connect with readers is such a natural fit for most authors. As a group, we tend to be a bit introverted, so it's nice to have an option to reach out to people that doesn't involve getting on stage.

How much of Annie's personality and life experiences are biographical?

Her personality is more biographical than her life experiences, as I've never worked in a tea shop myself. We do share some things: great friends, an entrepreneurial spirit, and concern for the world around us. Annie is thoughtful and genuine, and I'd like to think I am too. :-) One thing we don't share is hair problems. Annie always fights with her big red curls, and my hair doesn't really give me trouble. It's usually up in a bun and not on my mind at all. That's the beauty of not having to leave the house for work, I suppose!

Did you create and tryout the recipes for the scones in The Secret Ingredient? What is your favorite scone? What is your favorite tea?

I did! My favorite scone in the book is the last recipe, which involves apples and toffee (but don't flip ahead...they're all good!). My tea tastes have really been evolving lately, so it's harder and harder to pick a favorite. For a while, it was English Breakfast tea, which is delicious and classic. Then I really loved this caramel rooibos. Next up, I went through a matcha phase where I made a lot of frappes with blended milk, ice, matcha, and sugar (the recipe is in the new book). Now I'm drinking Pu'erh, which is an earthy tea from China that is good for heart health. I recommend all of these.

I think the Steeping Leaf scone blog being real is brilliant. How did you come up with that idea?

Actually, the blog address given in the book just directs back to my website in real life. ;-) But I did have a lot of fun writing the blog entries in the book. I might have Annie or Genna "guest blog" on www.teashopgirls.com one of these days. Perhaps they could answer questions from readers. That would be fun.

What are you reading now?

I just finished an advance review copy of Lauren Oliver's lovely middle grade novel LIESL & PO and I'm starting CLEOPATRA CONFESSES by Carolyn Meyer next.

Who was your favorite author as a tween?

As a young tween, I loved The Babysitters Club books and the Anastasia Krupnik books by Lois Lowry. As for stand-alone titles, I adored A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (I've been meaning to reread that, in fact).

Have you thought about writing in another genre and if yes which one?

Yes. It's fun to try new things. I'm working on a book now for older teen readers, and I'm also working on some non-fiction titles for 8-12 year-olds. They're a series of travel guidebooks for kids called Planet Explorers. I just finished a guide to Chicago and one to Walt Disney World...so fun to work on! They will exist as ebooks only.

Will we see Annie, her grandmother and friends in another book?

I think so! I'm not working on a third book just yet, but it would be great fun to see where another story could take them. :-)

Wow! Thank you so much for visiting my blog Laura :)

If you'd like to purchase either book on Amazon.com click on the title here : The Teashop Girls or The Secret Ingredient.

If you'd like to read my reviews of the books you can click here for The TeaShop Girls and click here for The Secret Ingredient.

Here's the link for The Teashop Girls website for lots more fun! http://teashopgirls.webnode.com/

The Secret Ingredient by Laura Schaefer

2011-06-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

   Warning: reading this book will make you crave tea and scones. Not that that is a bad thing! Annie and her friends are back after helping to save The Steeping Leaf teashop in The Teashop Girls reviewed here. In The Secret Ingredient Annie is attempting to create an original scone recipe and at the same time publish a food blog while gathering a following to win an entry into a contest. Annie shares her recipes with us her along with her blog posts. Annie is also dealing with understanding the love/hate relationship with Zach especially after he kisses her.
   Middle grade girls will relate to Annie and the secondary characters. They will enjoy her friends and how they help her and support her. They'll laugh at the awkwardness between her and Zach. They'll love the relationship between Annie and her grandmother which is so loving and caring. They may be inspired to start a blog or even to bake scones and try new teas.
   The illustrations are charming and will add to the desire to taste a scone or drink chai latte (artwork was not final). While not absolutely necessary to read The Teashop Girls first I would suggest to do so. Recommended for fans of that book, contemporary fiction and friendship stories and LITTLE BLOG ON THE PRAIRIE by Cathleen Davitt Bell. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Simon and Schuster. The Secret Ingredient will be available June 28, 2011 and on June 29 the author, Laura Schaefer will be stopping by this blog so come on back!
**Note:Received the book and read some of it again. This time got to see the final illustrations and photos added to the blog posts and recipes. Yummy. And guess what? Used the vegetable sushi recipe for lunch :) Next up? One of those tea frappes.

Troublemaker by Andrew Clements

2011-06-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

Clay is a troublemaker and a frequent visitor to the principal's office. His file is so thick with incident reports that the school secretary calls it her masterpiece. However, when Clay's brother Mitch is released from jail after serving a month for contempt of court, Mitch sets out to change Clay's ways. While it's not easy giving up throwing food at lunch, Halloween and hanging with his troublemaker friends Clay learns to trust his brother's words of wisdom.
Andrew Clements has written another terrific story for middle graders. Readers will get a glimpse as to why someone might bully and make fun of others. The secondary characters are well drawn and Mrs. Ormin the school secretary is my favorite. Mitch is believable as the reformed troublemaker older brother and we can see why Clay idolized him both before and after his jail sentence. The writing is smooth and the illustrations (although not final) work well with the story. Recommended for 3-6 graders. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Simon & Schuster. Troublemaker will be available on July 26, 2011.

Junonia by Kevin Henkes

2011-05-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

   Each year Alice and her parents vacation in Florida and celebrate Alice's birthday there. Alice considers the guests in the other cottages and her mom's best friend (who stays in their cottage) her extended family as she really has no other relatives. She's hunting for junonia, a rare seashell and spends lots of time searching for it on the beach. This year not only does the junonia continue to evade her but some of the regulars do not come to Florida. Additionally Kate is joined by her boyfriend and his six-year-old daughter Mallory. Alice is worried that her tenth birthday will not be the best birthday ever.
   Alice is a child on the cusp of pre-teen. Supported by attentive and very loving parents, they help her navigate and deal with a trying situation. It's very obvious that the other guests adore Alice but have little patience for Mallory. Henkes is spot on in how a ten-year-old thinks. From her jealous feelings and anger towards Mallory to the joy of her birthday gifts, from walks on the beach to the pitter patter of rain this is a delightful book and young girls in grades 3-6 will enjoy it.
   Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Harper Collins via Netgalley (without the illustrations).

Press Here by Herve Tullet

2011-05-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

The first time I prepared to read this book to a class it was checked out by an upper grade student when I wasn't looking. Finally today it was back and so I read it to a class of kindergartners. I asked one boy to come up to help me. Although I enjoyed the Press Here on my own it was seeing it through 5 and 6 year-old eyes that made me really appreciate it's brilliance. They loved it. They laughed and begged for more. Recommended for everyone!

Aliens on Vacation by Clete Smith

2011-05-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

Publisher's description : "David, otherwise known as Scrub (don't ask), isn't happy about leaving Florida and his friends to summer with his grandmother in "Middle of Nowhere," Washington. When he arrives at her Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast, he isn't surprised by its 60s meets Star Wars decor, but he is surprised by the weird-looking guests. It turns out that each room in the inn is a portal, and his grandma is the gate-keeper, allowing aliens to vacation on Earth. Grandma desperately needs Scrub's help with welcoming (and disguising) the tourists, shopping for cartloads of aluminum foil for dinner, and taking rambunctious alien kids camping in the nearby woods. The problem is, the town sheriff--already suspicious about Granny--is a scout leader camping in the same spot."

A combination of science fiction and humor, Aliens on Vacation will appeal to a wide audience. There is also a little romantic thread running through as Scrub finally learns how to talk to a girl, even one he has a crush on. Scrub is an amazing young boy. Thrown into a situation not many young boys would be able to handle he manages to help his grandmother take care of and entertain her "guests" in the inn although he also gets the inn into a lot of trouble around the same time he wins the summer challenge. The basketball scenes with the aliens are hysterical as is the kind of food the aliens eat. Imagine eating tin foil for dinner? Yuk!. All of the main characters are well drawn and Grandma, Mr. Harnox, Amy and Scrub are all believable and likeable. The Star Wars theme is brilliant and kids who read nothing but Star Wars books will enjoy this. Clete Smith has his finger on the pulse of what middle grade students like and I highly recommended this book for boys and girls alike.
Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Disney-Hyperion via Netgalley.

The Lemonade Crime by Jacqueline Davies

2011-04-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

In "The Lemonade Crime" by Jacqueline Davies Jessie and Evan are sibling fourth graders in the same class. However, Jessie has skipped third grade and Evan is not too happy about having his little sister in his class. When fellow classmate and bully Scott announces he has purchased a brand new video game console Jessie suspects he has stolen the money that Evan and Jessie made over the summer with their competing lemonades stands. She sets out to prove it by putting Scott on trial. Each chapter opens with a term relating to crime or the law and it's definition. "The Lemonade War", also by Davies focused on marketing and making money. In "The Lemonade Crime" readers will not only get a glimpse into a courtroom but also see what it's like to have siblings that really do care for each other. I read this advanced readers copy as an e-book courtesy of Houghton Harcourt Mifflin via Netgalley. The Lemonade Crime will be published in May 2011 and I highly recommended it for elementary school students.

Till Death Do Us Bark by Kate Klise

2011-04-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

This is book 3 in a series entitled 43 Cemetery Road and is written by Kate Klise and illustrated by M. Sarah Klise. For my review of the first book please see this post . My favorite parts of this series are the clever names especially Shirley U. Jest and Kanine Breth. The illustrations work very well with the written word and I really enjoyed the story. It will be an easy book to recommend to the elementary students in my library as is the whole series. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via Netgalley.

Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney

2011-04-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

Joe Louis was nicknamed the Brown Bomber and was one of the first African American sports heroes in the U.S. When Joe Louis boxed people sat around their radios and listened. In Bird in a Box we meet three children who are strangers from different families who became friends and we see how the Brown Bomber affected their lives. They cheer Joe on and we cheer them on and hope they overcome obstacles in their lives. From the Depression to jazz to life in an orphanage Andrea Davis Pinkney has written a beautiful book. Recommended for middle graders who are fans of boxing, historical fiction and "Dave at Night."

Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Little, Brown Book for Young Readers via Netgalley.

Between Two Ends by David Ward

2011-04-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Imagine finding a pirate bookend that's been buried in the dirt for twenty years and reuniting it with it's partner. At once the bookends come alive and like genies, grant you a wish. That's exactly what happens to Yeats, a 12 year-old boy in David Ward's Between Two Ends. The pirates transport Yeats into The Arabian Nights to rescue Shari, his father's friend, left in the story twenty years before. Shari thinks she is Shaharazad. Yeats needs to convice her she's really Shari and make her wish to return home. There is more on the line for Yeats than just rescuing Shari and he is determinded not to die in the story.
The pacing of this book is one that will keep readers interested. The pirates are quite funny and entertaining. While the other adults have minor roles it is admirable to see how much Yeats loves his family and is willing to risk his life to help them.
David Ward has written a tale filled with adventure, fantasy and mystery and Between Two Ends will appeal to a wide audience. Readers who enjoyed Inkheart, The Magic Tree House or The Time Warp Trio series will enjoy this one too as will fans of adventure. While it is a stand alone book Ward has left open the possibility for a sequel. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Abrams Books via Netgalley. It will be published May 1, 2011.

Rodeo Queen (Kylie Jean )

2011-04-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

Kylie Jean decides she wants to enter a rodeo and win the title of "Rodeo Queen." From previous books (reviewed on this blog) we know that Kylie Jean is a determined young girl with a lot of family support. In this book one of her grandmothers helps her learn to ride a pony. Fans of the series will like it and first time readers will fall in love with Kylie Jean. Each book starts off the same so it doesn't matter which one you read first. Recommended for young girls who enjoy horse stories and those ready to move on from easy readers. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Capstone via Netgalley.

Blueberry Queen (Kylie Jean) by Marci Peschke

2011-04-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

In this installment of the series, Kylie Jean sets her goal on winning her first pageant and becoming Blueberry Queen in the local blueberry festival. She asks her cousins, neighbor, friends and grandparents for help and surprises her mom with the news after her application is submitted.
     Kylie Jean is a lucky girl. She is surrounded by loving and supportive parents, brother, extended family, friends and has a dog who understands her so well. With a writing style ideal for readers who enjoy Ivy & Bean and Judy Moody the story easily flows from chapter to chapter with lovely illustrations sprinkled throughout. This is such a fun upbeat book and girls in grades 2 and up will love it. See below for reviews of other Kylie Jean books.
     Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Capstone via Netgalley.

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

2011-04-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

At the start of Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt I almost put the book down. Doug Swieteck (a character from The Wednesday Wars)is beaten up by his brother for a signed Joe Pepitone baseball cap (the first thing Doug ever owned that was not a hand-me-down)and quietly admits to his other brother beating him up before he's drafted into the army and to his dad having "quick hands." However I kept going and proceeded to read the book in one day. Doug moves to a small town in the Catskill Mountains and has life changing experiences. He befriends a girl and a librarian/artist, gets a job, finds caring teachers and develops an appreciation of the art of John James Audobon. The librarian helps Doug understand Audobon and the plates of paintings of birds on display in the library. His job delivering groceries introduces him to the townspeople including a writer who owns one of the Audobon paintings sold out of the book in the library (Doug begins a mission to have all the plates returned). Doug's brother is accused of robbing a hardware store and the grocery store and Doug needs to deal with the changing attitudes of the townspeople and school staff as they assume he is guilty by association. There is so much going on here and Schmidt had me rooting for Doug throughout the book. There are twists and turns (spoilers I can't discuss) and you too will root for Doug. This is an amazing book and I love it. If you haven't read THE WEDNESDAY WARS read that one now as this one is not being published until April. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via Netgalley.

P.S. OKAY FOR NOW is now available.

Yum Yum by Catherine Hnatov

2011-03-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

This is a charming board book for babies and toddlers. The illustrations are bright & lovely. Each animal/food gets a different color treatment with black & white common in all of them. Pre-schoolers will be able to "read" this book. My kids would have loved Yum Yum when they were babies. It's short and sweet and yummy! Read courtesy of Star Bright via Netgalley.

Six Sheep Sip Thick Shakes by Brian Cleary

2011-03-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

Most of us grew up with "She sells sea shells by the seashore" and "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickeled pepper" that we were challenged to say three times fast. A new generation will get a new slew of tongue twisters courtesty of Brian Cleary. In Six Sheep Sip Thick Shakes, lusciously illustrated by Steve Mack, we are introduced to 23 new ones and children (and adults) will enjoy saying them aloud. For instance "The water in Flo's Inn flows in frozen." Mack has shown a penguin in the shower with ice cold water pouring out of the faucet and a Flo's Inn sign outside the bathroom window. Another cute one is "As a favor my favorite flavor was placed on my plate." A turtle is being served green leaves! Readers will enjoy the tongue twisters as well as the illustrations. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Lerner Publishing Group via Netgalley.

Dino-Basketball by Lisa Wheeler

2011-03-07T15:51:00.001-08:00

It's March madness in Dino Land and the Grass Clippers are playing the Meat for the championship. Each teammate is aptly named a dinosaur, the cheerleaders are set and the arena is packed. We get the play by play of the game in verse with each player's name in the color of it's team. Barry Gott's illustrations capture the enthuasiam and dedication of the players, the coaches frustrations, and we are treated to celebrity fans in the stands hiding behind their dark sunglasses. At the conclusion of the book Wheeler lets us know that football season is around the corner and I'll be looking forward to that book and I need to play catch up with the previous Dino Land books. Recommend for fans of dinosaur and/or sports stories. They will love not only the story but also the illustrations which are just charming. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Lerner Publishing Group via Netgalley.

The Great Moon Hoax by Stephen Krensky

2011-03-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

In 1833 the New York Sun, a new publication used newsboys to sell it's newspapers on the street. To entice people to buy their paper the headlines and stories needed to be interesting. And so in 1835 when the paper began to write about what a far away astronomer was seeing on the moon through his telescope, lots of papers were sold. Jake and Charlie are two of these boys and it's their story we hear. Homeless and without family they sell papers to feed themselves and on a big sales day spend the night in a boardinghouse. Illustrations by Josee Bisaillon depict among other creatures man-bats and moon beavers. When Jack and Charlie learn it was all a hoax they're not upset. Instead Jake thinks about writing his own stories one day. Krensky has made this historical fiction book accessible for young readers and even though the boys live in poverty, hope for them shines bright. Readers will look at the moon through new eyes. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Carolrhoda via Netgalley.

The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin

2011-03-01T16:30:00.000-08:00

In Doreen Cronin's THE TROUBLE WITH CHICKENS, J.J. is a retired search and rescue dog enjoying a quiet life in the country. Unfortunately his doghouse does not have a door and so when Millicent (Mooosh) the chicken asks for help in finding her two kidnapped chicks J.J. can't hide from helping to solve the mystery. All his training and experience will really come in handy when the inside dog, Vince the Funnel's scheme comes to light. There are some very laugh out loud funny lines which made me laugh out loud. For instance, When J.J. informs Moosh that the inside dog, Vince the Funnel has the chicks "She was running around like a chicken without a head." The illustrations are adorable and young readers will enjoy the mystery and animal antics. Be sure to read this if you enjoyed THE DIARY OF A WORM or THE DIARY OF A SPIDER or any of Cronin's other books, or if you like mysteries or animal fiction. I read this as an e-book ARC through netgalley and the book will be published in March 2011.

Mudkin by Stephen Gammell

2011-03-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

This book is all about going out after a rainstorm to play in the mud. Boys will love the rain, the mud and the messiness of the whole book. Girls will love the queen and the carriage (made out of mud). They will be laughing out loud and trying to fill in the gibberish of Mudkin's part of the conversation. Some children may need some help in understanding the story but when they get it they'll enjoy it. Recommended for pre-schoolers through first graders. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Carolrhoda via Negalley.

Big Bouffant by Kate Bosford

2011-02-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

This book begs to be read aloud! Annabelle is a girl who wants to be an individual and not look like all the other girls with their ponytails and braids. After seeing a picture of her grandma with a bouffant she decides that's what she needs. After not succeeding in making one herself her mom agrees to help. Reminiscent of Munsch's Stephanie's Ponytail in story this one will also connect with young girls and inspire them to be be creative. The pictures are adorable. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Carolrhoda Books via Negalley. Big Bouffant will be published April 2011.
To see a book trailer on you-tube click here.

The Unicorn's Tale by R. L. LaFevers

2011-02-21T17:09:00.000-08:00

The Unicorn's Tale is Book 4 in the series Nathaniel Fludd : Beastologist. Nate and his aunt Phil are summoned to the Broceliande Forest in France to check up on a unicorn that has been acting strange. While Nate would rather search for information about his missing parents, he and Aunt Phil head to the forest to examine the unicorn. Unfortunetly Obediah Fludd, another relative follows them there and threatens to harm the unicorn. He claims to have information about Nate's parents. In exhange for the parents and the unicorn's safety Obediah wants the Book of Beasts. Will Aunt Phil and Nate trade the book for the unicorn's safety? Are Nate's parents alive? What is wrong with the unicorn anyway? You'll have to read the book to find out!

Readers are quickly caught up in the events of the previous books so reading them prior to this one is not necessary. However, they may just want to read the first three books after this one and will certainly await the next installement as I do. The book is infused with fantasy and mystery while being funny at the same time. The adventurous aunt, the various beasts and creatures and an era before cell phones and the internet make this a fun read for young readers. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via Netgalley. The Unicorn's Tale will be published in April, 2011 and I recommend it for students in grades 2-6.

The Secret of Rover by Rachel Wildavsky

2011-02-21T12:34:00.001-08:00

   Katie and David are twins and live with their parents in a suburb of Washington, D.C. After struggling for many years financially their parents (and uncle) invent Rover for the U.S. government and since then things have been much better. Their parents are now off to Katkajan to adopt a baby girl while Katie and David stay behind with the newly hired nanny. However, it turns out that Katkajan is in a political mess, the nanny is not a nanny and the parents and baby sister have been kidnapped. Katie and David realize only their reclusive uncle can help them and so they venture on their own to Vermont to find him.
   This in an exiting adventure though the pacing is a little slow. It's a page turner nonetheless. Katie and David, like most siblings argue and bicker a lot but they work well together. Bouncing ideas off each other or just winging it they manage to reach their uncle on a remote mountain in Vermont. Uncle Alex is a great character. (I'd love to hear his story, but I digress). But can he help them? Can they save their parents and bring them and their new baby sister home? And what is Rover anyway? You'll have to read this book to find the answers.
   Recommended for readers who enjoyed Stormbreaker (Alex Rider series), Mission Unstoppable (Genius Files series), (for my review click here) or who enjoy adventure and mysteries with a little sci-fi thrown in. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Amulet Books via Netgalley. The Secret of Rover will be published March 1, 2011.

Play Ball, Jackie! by Stephen Krensky

2011-02-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

One of the first illustrations in this fabulous book is of Jackie Robinson sitting in the locker room tying his shoes. We can only imagine what was going on in his head that day. As the story unfolds we learn that Matty's dad got two tickets to the 1947 Dodger opening game from a co-worker who doesn't want to attend the game. The co-worker does not want to see a black man play baseball. The dad takes Matty out of school early and they see history being made. The dad quietly explains why Jackie is having a hard time as a black man in baseball but there is hope in his words. We also see the baseball game going on, the fan's reactions in the stands and the history of black people in baseball.

The illustrations are lustrous and Jackie seems larger than life perhaps giving us a clue as to the enormity of this first of many days in the big leagues. While the illustrations totally grab you in the story flows smoothly from history to converstation to baseball. Included at the end are some real photos of Jackie, an author's note well worth reading, and suggestions for further reading. This is a wonderful book for baseball fans of all ages and belongs in everyone's library. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Lerner Publishing Group via Netgalley and will be available March 1, 2011.

The Basilisk's Lair by R. L. LaFevers

2011-01-20T15:28:00.000-08:00

Book two in the Nathaniel Fludd Beastologist series reminds me of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Sort of. At least the parts about the basilisk and in the Chamber with the basilisk. This could however be a draw for young readers. Nate and Aunt Phil need to capture and return an escaped basilisk to it's lair or if need be kill it. As a student of beastology Nate is along for the ride and observation but his knowledge and bravery helps their mission succeed. Nate is an intelligent boy who uses his resources wisely. The book is exciting and full of adventure in foreign countries. Book three is set up in the ending to two. There is a very helpful glossary in the back of the book. Recommended for fans of fantasy and adventure in grades for grades 3-5.

Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy

2011-01-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

Words in the Dust takes place in a small village in Afghanistan and shows us the day to day life through the eyes of a young girl named Zulaikha. Zulaikha was born with a cleft lip and hides behind her shawl. She shares the household chores with her older sister Zeynab and her father's second wife and helps to care for her younger brothers while her older brother works with their father. At the baazar she meets an old woman who knew her late mother and the woman teaches her to read and write in secret. American soldiers help Zulaikha have surgery to fix her face soon after her sister is married off to a much older man.

So much of Afghani life is described in this book. We learn about the call to prayer at dawn, bargaining at the bazaar, wedding rituals, daily chores and family dynamics. The writing is beautiful and I could barely put the book down. It is hard for most Americans to imagine girls not being allowed to go to school, not meeting their new spouse until the wedding and women being treated as subserviant to men. As Zulaikha's tells her story we can see she is a strong, brave and loving girl who's one wish in life is to be normal. As I read this book I anticipated something awful happening to her as visions of The Kite Runner floated in my head. I breathed a sigh of relief with the success of her surgery and then cried as Zeynab's story unfolded the way it did.

The author, Trent Reedy spent time in the army on a peacekeeping mission and his repect and admiration of the people of Afghanistan shines through. His "author's note" helped me understand how he came to write this story and to portray the characters as well as he did. The glossary was very helpful and I used it often. This is a fascinating piece of fiction and I recommend it highly to fourth graders and up and to those who enjoyed A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park and/or Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai.

Moon Over Manifest by Claire Vanderpool

2011-01-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Newbery Medal winner is Moon Over Manifest which tells the story of Abilene and the townspeople of Manifest, Kansas. Abilene and her dad Gideon have ridden the rails her whole life. When she turns 12, Gideon buys her a real ticket and sends her to Manifest to live with Shady who Gideon had lived with for a while as a youngster. Abilene spends time with Miss Sadie, a diviner and through her, old newpaper clippings and a box of letters and trinkets she found in her room Abilene learns about the people and the town during the years of 1917-1918. Abilene is searching for information about her dad as a boy and Miss Sadie is sharing what has been lying on her heart for years.

The book reminds me of Jelicoe Road by Melina Marchetta, a YA book. Puzzle pieces and clues are being delved out whether you are aware of them or not. The narrative flips back and forth between the two time frames and is occassionaly confusing. Chapter headings and the dates on the letters and newspaper clippings helps to keep things straight. The 1936 history describe dust and dryness and the Great Depression. The 1917-1918 part deals with bootlegging, conmen, immigrants and World World One.

If you enjoy historical fiction and want to read about America in 1936 and 1917-1918 and enjoy a long, leisurely paced book, this one is for you. Moon Over Manifest is not an easy read but as Miss Sadie tells her story and history unwinds and Abilene pieces the puzzle together you will be glad you stuck with it until the end.

2011 Newbery and Caldecott Medal winners announced

2011-01-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Clare Vanderpool for winning the 2011 Newbery Medal for Moon Over Manifest.

I have ordered the book and will write a blurb as soon as I read it. The honors went to the following books: DARK EMPEROR, HEART OF A SAMURAI, ONE CRAZY SUMMER AND TURTLE IN

PARADISE.

The Caldecott Medal was awarded to Erin Stead illustrator of A Sick Day for Amos McGee.

Ballet for Martha : Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan

2011-01-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

Brian Floca has illustrated this book about the collaboration between Martha Graham, choreographer/dancer, Aaron Copland, composer and Isamu Noguchi, artist. Together they created the ballet Appalachian Spring which debuted in 1944.

As I read this book and neared the end I could have sworn I heard music in my head. When I finished all was quiet. There is so much information, so much beauty, so much dance, so much story. The illustrations are gorgeous and I feel like I have learned about American music, ballet and art, Graham, Copland and Noguchi while thoroughly enjoying this book. The story and illustrations flowed smoothly and as the music in my head slowly faded I was happy there was a "curtain call" and to continue reading. Highly recommended for fans of dance, music, art and Americana

Midway Monkey Madness by Sarah Hines Stephens

2010-12-30T18:40:00.000-08:00

In this installment of a new series, DC Super Pets, Beppo is a Super-Monkey from the same planet as Superman. He is at a carnvial enjoying a Ferris wheel ride when he hears screams from below and spots the evil ape Gorilla Grodd freeing the wild animals from their cages. Beppo flies into action to get the animals back in their cages to protect all the people at the carnival. His friends the Wonder Twins and their monkey help in the fight. Reluctant readers will be drawn to the story with it's colorful illustrations, chapter headings and occassional font colors. Beppo's expressions capture his feelings throughout the book. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Netgalley. Midway Monkey Madness will be published by Capstone on January 1,
2011 in hardcover and paperback.
.

Kylie Jean : Hoop Queen by Marci Peschke

2010-12-30T14:24:00.000-08:00

In Hoop Queen, Kylie Jean joins a basketball team and struggles with learning to dribble and shoot free throws. Her grandfather, the coach of the team is patient and encouraging. Kylie Jean is determined to win a free throw contest and the title Little Dribbler Queen. In order to win she needs to not only have a lot of free throws go in the basket but she also needs to get donation pledeges. She goes after pledges and practices shot after shot.

As stated in my review of Kylie Jean : Drama Queen (for review click here) Kylie Jean is a welcome addition to easy chapter books for girls. Once again the pictures add a cute dimension to the story. Kylie Jean is a likeable character as are her friends and family. Recommended for fans of Junie. B., Judy Moody, and girls looking for a sports story. These two titles in addition to more are being published January 1, 2011 by Capstone. Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Netgalley. Available in hardcover and paperback.

Kylie Jean : Drama Queen by Marci Peschke

2010-12-27T10:06:00.000-08:00

In "Drama Queen," Kylie Jean introduces us to her family, her dog Ugly Brother and friends and tells us she wants to be a beauty queen. When she learns that her class is going to be putting on the play Alice in Wonderland, Kylie Jean is determined to be the Queen of Hearts so she can wear a crown. However, the mean new girl, Paula, also wants the same part. Kylie Jean is a very funny girl and you can't help but like her. The writing is so inviting and the illustrations add just enough pizazz and sparkle to help move the story along. Kylie Jean's relationships with her family, bus driver and friends are realistic but her relationship with Ugly Brother is priceless. When Kylie Jean dons a wig to rehearse her part in Alice in Wonderland, Ugly Brother is scared of her. When she asks him a question and he barks twice, that means "yes." The author infuses the story with lots of theatre terminology including stagehand, understudy, and break-a-leg and readers will learn about putting a play on as well as enjoy a lovely story.

Kylie Jean is a new series and will become poplular among young girls right away. Three other titles are being published simultaneously and all four will be in hardcover and paperback. I read "Drama Queen" as an ebook arc courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher Capstone and it will be available January 4, 2011.

What Happened on Fox Street by Tricia Springstubb

2010-12-21T09:23:00.000-08:00

Living on Fox Street reminds me of living in an apartment building growing up in New York City. Everyone knows everyone else and watches out for them too.
There are 10 houses on Fox Street and Mo, her sister the "wild child" Dottie and her dad live in one. Mo is responsible for watching Dottie most of the time while dad is working. Mo's best friend Mercedes spends summers across the street with her grandma, Da although with Da's diabetes and Mercedes' new stepdad this could be the last summer.

Much happens this summer on Fox Street. Mo is always searching for signs of a fox in the ravine behind the house. The old lady across the street starts paying attention to the girls and dad receives an offer to sell his house. Halfway through the book I thought of "Because of Winn-Dixie," one of my favorite books. "What Happened on Fox Street" has many similarities, widowed dad, wonderful neighbors, a rainstorm and a lot of love. It is an emotional roller coaster ride inside a child's mind but an exhilarating one and a wonderful one. Though Mo and Dottie fight a lot, though the dad seems drowning in missing his wife, while Fox Street seems to be heading in a different direction in the future Tricia Springstubb works magic in making us root for Mo and her family and friends and trust in her that there will be happy (endings) beginnings for all. A great piece of contemporary literature.

Matched by Ally Condie

2010-12-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

Katniss in THE HUNGER GAMES. Katna in GRACELING. Katarina (Kat) in THE HEIST SOCIETY. Claudia in INCARCERON. And now, Cassia joins the ranks of strong, intelligent and brave young women.

Cassia lives in a dystopian society. Couples are "matched," told how many children they will have, where they will work, what they eat, and when they die. In a very rare situation Cassia is matched with a childhood friend, Xander and all seems perfect until she begins to develop feelings for another boy she has grown up with, Ky. Cassia and Ky slowly fall in love and together they share Ky's family story, poetry, and writing (Ky teaches Cassia as writing has been replaced with computerized scribes.) The story moves slow as the relationship blossoms and pieces of a puzzle begin to be laid out and as you near the end of the book you know it will have to continue in a sequel. While I do wish it was a stand alone book, I will wait a year for CROSSED, the sequel and look forward to reuniting with Xander, Ky and Cassia.

MATCHED has been compared to THE GIVER and is recommended for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES trilogy. I concur. I recommend it for tweens and teens (no underage drinking or promiscuity.)

While some books don't always live up to the hype, MATCHED is one that did.

Ruby Valentine Saves the Day by Laurie Friedman

2010-12-11T19:48:00.000-08:00

Publisher's description : "It's Valentine's Day and Ruby won't let anything spoil the celebration! In this follow-up to the popular Love, Ruby Valentine, Ruby's favorite day of the year rolls around again, and she and Lovebird work feverishly to plan the perfect party for everyone in Heartland. But when Valentine's Day arrives, an unexpected snowstorm threatens to ruin all of Ruby's plans. Will Ruby find a way to save the day, or will everyone in Heartland have to wait until next year to celebrate?"

With charming colorful pictures and a great read aloud rhythm this book is destined to become a favorite Valentine's Day read. I can just hear the kids in my library cracking up as Ruby and Lovebird head down the hill losing their goodies along the way. A lot of times Valentine's books are too pink and mushy for boys but this one will please them too! Read as an ebook arc courtesy of netgalley. Published by Lerner Publisher Group.

I'm Not Santa by Jonathan Allen

2010-12-10T07:41:00.001-08:00

This is one of those Christmas books I like to read aloud annually in my school library. Recently I read it to a class of 2nd and 3rd graders and they absolutely adored it. The story is fun to read, the illustrations wonderful and the faces of the kids listening priceless. Recommended for babes through 3rd grade.

Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes

2010-12-05T22:16:00.000-08:00

"Ninth Ward" is a hauntingly beautiful book. Lanesha is a 12 year-old girl raised by the mid-wife who helped birth her as her mom died shortly after she was born. The first part of the book describes the love and affection between Mama Ya-Ya and and lets us know that between Mama Ya-Ya's educating Lanesha and school Lanesha is a very smart girl. Lanesha sees ghosts (including her mother) and Mama Ya-Ya sees and feels things gives the book a sort of mystical quality. The rest of the book deals with getting prepared for Hurricane Katrina and how Lanesha manages to survive the horrific storm.

If I was in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina I would have liked to be with Lanesha. She draws on everything she has learned from math to physics to cooking. Her love for Mama Ya-Ya and her feelings for her friend TaShon and their dog Spot would make anyone want to be on her team. The images of the New Orleans destruction are vivid and heart wrenching but still this book is a wonderful book for youngsters. Lanesha is a strong female character and I for one would love to hear more of her story.
Recommended for strong 3rd grade readers and above.

The Dead Boys by Royce Buckingham

2010-11-29T08:45:00.000-08:00

Teddy has moved into a new house in a new town and since school doesn't start for a month his mother sends him out to make new friends. As he meets boys his age he realizes something creepy is going on. The boys are not actually alive or living in the present day. A tree, suffering from the effects of nuclear waste is using the boys for energy and it wants Teddy as it's next victim. This is an adventure, fantasy and mystery all rolled into one scary book perfect for boys and reluctant readers. Fans of DEMONKEEPER and GOBLINS! will devour this one up.

The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan illustrated by Peter Sis

2010-11-28T11:34:00.000-08:00

From a young age Neftali Reyes loved to read and write and would see and hear words everywhere. He was a collector of objects of nature and a daydreamer and when caught by his father would be ridiculed and verbally abused. After his father burned Neftali's entire spectrum of written words he relized in order to be a writer he'd need to change his name and so gave birth to Pablo Neruda. This is a fictionalized biography of one of the world's best known poets and it is a beautiful book with lovely illustrations.

The Kneebone Boy by Ellen Potter

2010-11-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

Set in England this book is about the three Hardscrabble children who lost their mother 5 years ago when she disappeared. One sibling narrates the story although he/she never admits to which one it is. The dad sends the kids to visit with a cousin in London but she is not there. And so begins an adventure in which they travel to a seaside town, stay in a castle, face a dragon and try to solve a mystery as it unwinds right before them. While I did enjoy it I did not love THE KNEEBONE BOY. However, it will appeal to fans of Lemony Snicket and other eclectic fantasy or adventure books.

Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

2010-11-21T20:39:00.000-08:00

Reading BINK & GOLLIE made me smile. When I sat down to read it I didn't know what to expect. The book is a graphic novel and easy chapter book rolled into one and yet so much more. Bink & Gollie show that with compromise true friendship survives. I loved the b & w illustrations with splashes of color and the humorous text filled with luscious vocabulary. Children will want to use their gray matter for adventures of their own.

Bless This Mouse by Lois Lowry

2010-11-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

I am afraid of mice. Reading books about mice is not my favorite thing. So when I started reading BLESS THIS MOUSE by Lois Lowry I had one eye closed. However, while reading this book I actually found myself smiling and laughing. Hildegarde, the mistress mouse is an intelligent leader of the 200+ mice that live in the church. When the Great X is planned (extermination) she works out a plan to save every last mouse. At moments it is possible to forget these are mice in the story as their vocabulary is exemplary, their bravery is commendable and their story is charming. Lois Lowry never ceases to amaze me. Eric Rohmann's illustrations bring Lowry's words to life. Read as an e-book arc courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via Netgalley so artwork was not final. Book will be published March 21, 2011.

A Long Walk to Water : Based on a True Story by Linda Sue Park

2010-11-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

A LONG WALK TO WATER by Linda Sue Park is based on a true story and what an incredible story it is. In 1985, Salva, an 11 year-old boy in Sudan fleas his home village when it is attacked and walks through desert and lion country, crosses a crocodile filled river and spends years in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. Laced between Salva's travels is Nya's story set in Sudan in 2008. Just as riveting we see Nya walk each day for 8 hours to bring water back to her home. Both stories are haunting and beautiful and I could not put this (e)book down. Both Salva and Nya are strong and resilient. It is amazing to me how much I can learn from a children's historical fiction book. Read as an advanced readers copy from netgalley I have ordered 2 copies for my school library.

View video with author and Salva.

The Year Money Grew on Trees by Aaron Hawkins

2010-11-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

In THE YEAR MONEY GREW ON TREES by Aaron Hawkins Jackson accomplishes more than most teens could ever imagine possible. Jackson is challenged by his next door neighbor to monetize the apple orchard which has been ignored since her husband passed away and prove he is the true heir. Although she has swindled him before Jackson is determined to make the $8000 she wants plus a profit to share with his sisters and cousins for helping him. With a little help from a library book, a Sunday school teacher, a charge card at the local supply store, his dad and uncle, Jackson and his work crew spend a year pruning, fertilizing, spraying, picking and selling. Will Jackson succeed and inherit the orchard? You'll have to read this book to find out. Hawkins has written a wonderful book where kids really shine while adults take a back seat. Read as an e-book arc through netgalley.com (without illustrations).

Mary Mae and the Gospel Truth by Sandra Dutton

2010-11-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

It's 1988 in Ohio and Mary Mae is an elementary school student who is curious about everything. She enjoys studying the fossils she and her classmates dig up around town. She loves playing the guitar with her great-grandmother and she enjoys asking questions about the Bible. However, her Christian mom believes the Bible is all a good Christian girl needs to learn and so pulls Mary Mae out of school to homeschool, throws away the fossil collection and takes the guitar away. In MARY MAE AND THE GOSPEL TRUTH two worlds collide but with the help of granny and the clergy there just may be a blending of the two. A thought provoking read.

Just Grace and the Terrible Tutu by Charise Mericle Harper

2010-11-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

Just Grace is back in JUST GRACE AND THE TERRIBLE TUTU and I hope she never goes away. Charise Mericle Harper knows young girls and it shows beautifully. Mimi, Grace's best friend is going to be getting a sister. Lily, a 4 year-old moves in next door and immediately takes to Grace but is shy around Mimi. Grace comes up with a plan to get Lily to like Mimi. Grace is a strong personality and I would have liked her as my friend growing up. This is a wonderful read for young girls and it will be made part of my library collection in January, 2011. Read as an e-book courtesy of Netgalley and it will be published by Houghton Mifflin.

Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman

2010-11-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

Karen Cushman has written another fantastic book in ALCHEMY AND MEGGY SWANN Meggy is summoned to London by her father who abandoned her before she was even born. She grew up with an unloving mother but loving and caring grandmother. He is an alchemist searching for the elixir of life and barely pays attention to Meggy disappointed that she is crippled and not a boy. Cushman makes London sound like a horrible place to be as trash and chamber pots are dumped in the streets. People yell at Meggy assuming she is cursed by the devil because she needs walking sticks. However, Meggy is a strong and resourceful girl and manages to earn pennies to feed herself and makes new friends. Another gem from Cushman. I read this as an ebook courtesy of netgalley and have purchased it for my library. It will be highly recommended.

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

2010-11-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

THE LYING GAME introduces Emma, an almost 18 year old who was abandoned by her mother and grew up in many different foster homes. Emma finds out she has an identical twin named Sutton and sets out to meet her in hopes that she can become part of her adopted family. However Sutton's family thinks she's Sutton and doesn't believe Emma when she claims differently. Meanwhile, Emma decides to try to figure out what happened to Sutton. Sutton and her friends are not nice people and are involved in lying games which include pranks to humiliate others. Possibly my all time favorite line comes from this book. At Sutton's 18th birthday party "Three laptops sat on a table near the door: each had USB cords to upload photos to Facebook and Twitter. I still smile when I read that. But please note this is not a funny book and the author requests readers to not try any of the pranks in the book. I like Emma (and Sutton's spirit who occasionally appears and Ethan the cute boy next store) and will cheer her on. Teens will gobble this book up and will anxiously await the sequel. I read it as an e-book arc from netgalley.

Contest--Win a copy of 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass

2010-10-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wish you had the chance to do a day over? You can read the book REWIND or
11 BIRTHDAYS to see what that is like. Here is a chance to win 11 BIRTHDAYS. Name the author of REWIND and 1 other title that we have in our library by that author. Do not repeat a title.
If all the titles have been used you can say what other books by Wendy Mass we have in our library. Please remember to include your first name, last initial and teacher in your comment.
Contest ends 11:59 PM on Friday, November 5.

The Genius Files : Mission Unstoppable by Dan Gutman

2010-10-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

In THE GENIUS FILES : MISSION UNSTOPPABLE by Dan Gutman Coke and Pepsi are almost 13 year-old twins. They have scored extremely high on standardized tests and have been recruited into a secret organization of genius children whose mission is to save the world. Their family is traveling across the U.S.A. from California to Washington D.C. with plans on visiting tourist attractions along the way. Coke and Pepsi receive and solve codes and ciphers and save themselves from getting hurt by people who apparently are against The Genius Files. This book is filled with excitement and adventure and reminds me of STORMBREAKER by Anthony Horowitz. What makes it even better is Dan Gutman's sense of humor and the fact that he made this book interactive. Readers are encouraged to follow the trip with mapquest, google maps or an atlas. Gutman is willing to wait for the reader to look up trivia facts if they don't believe him. As a parent it is hard to believe that their parents can be so naive. However it is easy to believe that Coke and Pepsi can handle themselves in no matter what situation they fall in due in part to Gutman's convincing writing. This is a fun read and kids will gobble it up and clamor for Part 2. I read it as an e-book arc from netgalley and it will be published in early 2011.

Contest--Win LUNCH MONEY by Andrew Clements

2010-10-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Do to poplular demand contests are back! The winner of the first contest of the year will win a copy of Andrew Clements LUNCH MONEY. For one chance to win LUNCH MONEY name another book by Andrew Clements. Do not repeat a title once someone has written it. IMPORTANT-you must include your first name, last initial and teacher's name to be in the contest. Contest ends at 11:59 Friday, October 29.

Countdown by Deborah Wiles

2010-10-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

It's 1962 in this documentary novel entitled COUNTDOWN by Deborah Wiles. John F. Kennedy is the president. Martin Luther King Jr. is just starting to speak his message. Pete Seeger is writing folk songs. And Franny is a girl who loves her family and Nancy Drew books. In school Franny and her classmates are taught to "duck and cover" when air raid sirens go off. She's fighting with her best friend, has a crush on the boy next store and is afraid that Cuba and/or Russia will drop an atom bomb on America. Franny's story is told interspersed with news articles, lyrics to songs, maps and illustrations in quite an amazing book. For a different kind of historical fiction book check out COUNTDOWN.

The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz

2010-10-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

by Laura Amy Schlitz. Flory is a night fairy who loses her wings in a run in with a bat. She winds up in a garden and is determined to survive in a world of giants (humans). A squirrel becomes her mode of transportation but Flory wants to fly again and tries to get a hummingbird to carry her on its back to fly. What will happen to the hummingbird when it's caught in a spiderweb? Will Flory ever fly again? The author Laura Amy Schlitz wrote this book for all the girls in her library asking for books about fairies.
A fun read.

The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest

2010-10-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

Do you want to participate in THE GREAT SCAVENGER HUNT CONTEST? You can view the list of books on line and print the challenge.

Go to www.kaycassidy.com/hunt. Click on middle grades/tweens for the the books. Click on a title to print the challenge. When you turn it in to me please put your name and age on it.

Thanks and good luck.

SHOOTING KABUL by N.H. Senzai

2010-10-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

In SHOOTING KABUL by N.H. Senzai Fadi and his family leave Afghanistan weeks before September 11, 2001. His father has been asked to join the Taliban and instead he chooses to leave the country. On the evening of their escape, Mariam the youngest child accidently is left behind. Each member of the family feels responsible for what happened but Fadi most of all and this is his story. Filled with Afghani history, religion, family and food this is a wonderful story. When I finished the book I wanted more. More of Fadi and life in the US. And perhaps Mariam's story too.

KEEPER by Kathi Appelt

2010-10-04T18:08:00.000-07:00

When I finished reading KEEPER by Kathy Appelt was relieved. Sometimes 400 page books take me so long to read that I just want to be done already. Then I was confused about my feelings on the book. Did I like it? Did I not like it? So I reread the editorial reviews and some amazon reader reviews and saw I was not alone. While the critics love it other readers are like me. It is a wonderful poetic book with strong characters and a charming story. Mermaids, a loving (non-traditional) family, life by the sea, surfboards. However, it is not an easy book to read and many children will not stick with it long enough to really enjoy. However, strong readers who love mermaids and long stories will love it and that's who I recommend it to.

Battle of the Books

2010-10-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

The Yorba Linda Public Library is hosting the 3rd annual Battle of the Books. This fun reading competition is open to all students in grades 4-12. There are three battles.

4th-6th grades

6th-8th grades

9th-12th grades.

Go to www.yorbalindalibrary.com for titles of books, important dates and more information.

Design a T-Shirt Contest

2010-10-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

Have you read the Gallagher Girls books by Ally Carter? The first one is I'D TELL YOU I LOVE YOU BUT I'D THEN I'D HAVE TO KILL YOU. Or THE HEIST SOCIETY? Do you like to draw or design clothes?
If yes to any of the above check out this contest. You can win $200 to your favorite book store and your shirt will be printed and sold on line. You get a free one. Interested? Check the link below. Hurry, the deadline for entries is October 24.
http://www.allycarter.com/blog/its-t-shirt-contest-time

The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest

2010-10-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Attention attention: Fifth and Sixth graders. You are invited to participate in
THE GREAT SCAVENGER HUNT contest. Stay tuned for all the details.

WORD AFTER WORD AFTER WORD by Patricia MacLachlan

2010-09-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

Patricia Maclachlan's newest book WORD AFTER WORD AFTER WORD could make anyone a writer. A famous writer visits a classroom for 6 weeks and answers questions, shares her writing, share others writing and turns the class of 4th graders into writers. The students learn to share experiences and live with a dog that died, parents separation, new baby brother and a parent with cancer. A quick easy read that could become a favorite read-a-loud for teachers.

THE MYSTERIOUS HOWLING by Maryrose Wood

2010-09-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

THE INCORRIBLE CHILDREN OF ASHTON PLACE :BOOK 1 THE MYSTERIOUS HOWLING Penelope grew up in an orphanage and upon graduation she takes a job as a governess. Hired at Ashton Place she will care for three young children. These children were found in the woods, almost shot by Lord Ashton while hunting. They have been raised by wolves and lucky for them and Penelope she knows how to communicate with animals. The story takes place in older times however the author compares sitations to contemporary ones. Penelope teaches the children to speak English and begins educating them on being human as well as academic subjects. But who abandoned them? Who is trying to sabatage their well being? Who/what is howling in the attic? In Lemony Snicket styling this is a very haunting and fun read.

TOUCH BLUE by Cynthia Lord

2010-09-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Imagine living on an island just off of the mainland of Maine. You know everyone. Everyone knows you. There are year round residents and summer tourists. One school. When one family moves away the state of Maine threatens to close the school and the year round residents will have to move to the mainland for school. However some of the families take on foster children to provide loving homes to children in need and to keep the school open. TOUCH BLUE is based on a true story. Aaron is one of the foster children and he comes to live with Tess and her family. He is a talented musician and misses his alcoholic mother immensely. Tess shares her love of lobster fishing with him and hopes to make him love the island as much as she does. A truly beautiful book.

The Magnificent 12 : THE CALL by Michael Grant.

2010-09-05T18:02:00.001-07:00

I haven't read this book yet but the reviews are awesome and amazon has a great trailer. Take a look.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/mD5EFY450FQV1

ART & MAX by David Wiesner

2010-09-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a trailer for David Wiesner's newest book ART & MAX.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m1NQV7ET4B10J2