Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney

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

     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 )

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
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Kylie Jean : Hoop Queen by Marci Peschke

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.