Shooting the Moon
by Frances O'Roark Dowell
12-year-old Jamie and her brother TJ have been brought up by their father "The Colonel" to love America. TJ has enlisted to fight in Vietnam as soon as he is out of high school. Jamie would if she could, and makes TJ promise to send letters to let her know everything. But the Colonel is not happy and would have preferred his son go to college than fight. This confuses Jamie, who knows of no one more gung-ho for the Army than the Colonel. Furthermore, TJ only sends her photos from Vietnam, mostly of the moon, which she prints at the Army rec. center she volunteers at for the summer. As the days pass playing cards with Private Hollister and teaching other enlisted soldiers to develop their own film, the negatives she prints from her brother's film begin to change to grim images from Vietnam. It turns out that war is nothing like she imagined and she suddenly becomes frightened for her brother. Perhaps her father's concern is justified afterall? The book will appeal to readers in grades 5 and up, and would be a good choice for reluctant readers. It has an anti-war message, but is not preachy.
by Frances O'Roark Dowell
12-year-old Jamie and her brother TJ have been brought up by their father "The Colonel" to love America. TJ has enlisted to fight in Vietnam as soon as he is out of high school. Jamie would if she could, and makes TJ promise to send letters to let her know everything. But the Colonel is not happy and would have preferred his son go to college than fight. This confuses Jamie, who knows of no one more gung-ho for the Army than the Colonel. Furthermore, TJ only sends her photos from Vietnam, mostly of the moon, which she prints at the Army rec. center she volunteers at for the summer. As the days pass playing cards with Private Hollister and teaching other enlisted soldiers to develop their own film, the negatives she prints from her brother's film begin to change to grim images from Vietnam. It turns out that war is nothing like she imagined and she suddenly becomes frightened for her brother. Perhaps her father's concern is justified afterall? The book will appeal to readers in grades 5 and up, and would be a good choice for reluctant readers. It has an anti-war message, but is not preachy.
The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West
by Sid Fleischman
This is a fun biography of Mark Twain that is both entertaining and informative. The print is large and the illustrations and photos are numerous, but this is not a book for early elementary students. The humor is advanced and the writing style similar to how Twain might have done himself, with jokes and jabs that requires the knowledge of an older reader. The title refers to Twain's publicity used to promote his lectures, indicating the time the curtain should rise. The book covers the life of Samuel Clemens from his frail beginnings through his get-rich-quick schemes and legitimate jobs, to his tranformation into "Mark Twain", the author. Readers will recognize many famous quotes such as, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer day in San Francisco." A time line is included as well as a bibliography and index. Recommended for adults as well as students looking for a well-written biography that will keep their attention.
by Sid Fleischman
This is a fun biography of Mark Twain that is both entertaining and informative. The print is large and the illustrations and photos are numerous, but this is not a book for early elementary students. The humor is advanced and the writing style similar to how Twain might have done himself, with jokes and jabs that requires the knowledge of an older reader. The title refers to Twain's publicity used to promote his lectures, indicating the time the curtain should rise. The book covers the life of Samuel Clemens from his frail beginnings through his get-rich-quick schemes and legitimate jobs, to his tranformation into "Mark Twain", the author. Readers will recognize many famous quotes such as, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer day in San Francisco." A time line is included as well as a bibliography and index. Recommended for adults as well as students looking for a well-written biography that will keep their attention.
Masterpiece
by Elise Broach
This is an excellent companion book for readers who have enjoyed recent art mystery books like Chasing Vermeer. Marvin is a beetle that lives behind the kitchen cupboard in the Pompadays' kitchen. 11-year-old James Pompaday and Marvin become unlikely friends after James receives a pen and ink drawing set for his birthday, in which Marvin, the beetle, one night draws the scene outside James' bedroom window in miniature. Because the drawing is so small and the lines so delicate, it is compared to the drawings of the artist Albrecht Durer. Naturally, it is thought that James has made the drawing and his work is called to attention. James and Marvin become involved in a planned art robbery in which the FBI hope to catch the art thieves who stole other Durer miniatures, using a counterfeit that James (but really Marvin) has drawn. This is a clever mystery where human and beetle find a way to communicate and become caring friends. Despite the farfetched characters, the plot is believable and yes, even realistic. Recommended for mystery lovers in grades 4-6.
by Elise Broach
This is an excellent companion book for readers who have enjoyed recent art mystery books like Chasing Vermeer. Marvin is a beetle that lives behind the kitchen cupboard in the Pompadays' kitchen. 11-year-old James Pompaday and Marvin become unlikely friends after James receives a pen and ink drawing set for his birthday, in which Marvin, the beetle, one night draws the scene outside James' bedroom window in miniature. Because the drawing is so small and the lines so delicate, it is compared to the drawings of the artist Albrecht Durer. Naturally, it is thought that James has made the drawing and his work is called to attention. James and Marvin become involved in a planned art robbery in which the FBI hope to catch the art thieves who stole other Durer miniatures, using a counterfeit that James (but really Marvin) has drawn. This is a clever mystery where human and beetle find a way to communicate and become caring friends. Despite the farfetched characters, the plot is believable and yes, even realistic. Recommended for mystery lovers in grades 4-6.
Skulduggery Pleasant
by Derek Landy
Stephanie is a 12-year-old girl from Ireland who has just inherited her beloved uncle's grand house and instantly becomes involved with a strange-looking man who attends the funeral. He's a skeleton named Skulduggery Pleasant who happens to also be a detective and her uncle's ex-partner. But Stephanie soon learns that they were involved in another world entirely - one that involves magic and an evil adversary named Serpine who intends to find a legendary Sceptor that will allow him to overpower the Ancients and take over the world. Replacing her uncle as Skulduggery's partner they battle the evil forces as she discovers some truths about her family's history. It's a thick book with a sequel "Playing with Fire", which refers to one of Skulduggery's powers. The dialogue between Stephanie and Skulduggery is quite amusing and the ineptitude of the characters is humorous throughout the book. I highly recommend this one to middle grade fantasy lovers. My middle grade book group loved when I read this one aloud to them, and they followed the series all the way through.
by Derek Landy
Stephanie is a 12-year-old girl from Ireland who has just inherited her beloved uncle's grand house and instantly becomes involved with a strange-looking man who attends the funeral. He's a skeleton named Skulduggery Pleasant who happens to also be a detective and her uncle's ex-partner. But Stephanie soon learns that they were involved in another world entirely - one that involves magic and an evil adversary named Serpine who intends to find a legendary Sceptor that will allow him to overpower the Ancients and take over the world. Replacing her uncle as Skulduggery's partner they battle the evil forces as she discovers some truths about her family's history. It's a thick book with a sequel "Playing with Fire", which refers to one of Skulduggery's powers. The dialogue between Stephanie and Skulduggery is quite amusing and the ineptitude of the characters is humorous throughout the book. I highly recommend this one to middle grade fantasy lovers. My middle grade book group loved when I read this one aloud to them, and they followed the series all the way through.
Well Witched
by Frances Hardinge
Needing some change for the bus ride home, Josh, Ryan, and Chelle remove some coins from an old well, unaware that they have binded themselves to the Well Witch who must grant the wishes to those throwing the coins. Quickly they discover that each has a new and strange power...Ryan grows eyes between his knuckles from which he sees, Chelle is able to read the minds of the well wishers, and Josh has an ability to effect anything electronic. The three begin to grant the wishes... a motorcycle to a teenage geek, matchmaking for a lonely young girl...but soon find that what they think is a good deed actually has underlying evil. The trouble is, the Well Witch will not let them just stop granting wishes and shows how deadly her powers can be. This is a well-developed story that will captivate middle school readers. I highly recommend this one.
by Frances Hardinge
Needing some change for the bus ride home, Josh, Ryan, and Chelle remove some coins from an old well, unaware that they have binded themselves to the Well Witch who must grant the wishes to those throwing the coins. Quickly they discover that each has a new and strange power...Ryan grows eyes between his knuckles from which he sees, Chelle is able to read the minds of the well wishers, and Josh has an ability to effect anything electronic. The three begin to grant the wishes... a motorcycle to a teenage geek, matchmaking for a lonely young girl...but soon find that what they think is a good deed actually has underlying evil. The trouble is, the Well Witch will not let them just stop granting wishes and shows how deadly her powers can be. This is a well-developed story that will captivate middle school readers. I highly recommend this one.
Lulu Atlantis and the Quest for True Blue Love by Patricia Martin
This would be classified as a fantasy due to the talking animals that play a large part of this story. Lulu Atlantis is very unhappy when her mother comes home with a new baby brother, Sam. Her mother has no time for her and Lulu decides to run away from home with her friend Harry, a Daddy long-legged spider who wears a green vest, red bow-tie and tophat. Harry adores her and is her constant companion, giving advise whenever asked. Lulu is in search of "true blue love" and wonders what it is and how to find it. She's sure her father would know the answer, but he is away on a trip to save some endangered animal or plant, as he often is. There are four stories where the reader meets Yogurt Skunk, the baking gangsters, Princess Fancy Cat, and the Eggman. Through an unfortunate accident during a picnic, Lulu finally understands the meaning of true blue love. I have to admit that I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, and I did cry at the end. It is beautifully written and will entertain young children in grade 3-5. I highly recommend it.
This would be classified as a fantasy due to the talking animals that play a large part of this story. Lulu Atlantis is very unhappy when her mother comes home with a new baby brother, Sam. Her mother has no time for her and Lulu decides to run away from home with her friend Harry, a Daddy long-legged spider who wears a green vest, red bow-tie and tophat. Harry adores her and is her constant companion, giving advise whenever asked. Lulu is in search of "true blue love" and wonders what it is and how to find it. She's sure her father would know the answer, but he is away on a trip to save some endangered animal or plant, as he often is. There are four stories where the reader meets Yogurt Skunk, the baking gangsters, Princess Fancy Cat, and the Eggman. Through an unfortunate accident during a picnic, Lulu finally understands the meaning of true blue love. I have to admit that I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, and I did cry at the end. It is beautifully written and will entertain young children in grade 3-5. I highly recommend it.
Frankenstein Takes the Cake
by Adam Rex
I was first to go headless. I started the trend. I remember a time when a person could shout, "Hey! That guy has no head! It's a pumpkin instead!" and you'd know it was me he was talking about.
For me, this was a laugh-out-loud rhyming book geared toward Halloween. What starts with the soon-to-be bride of Frankenstein introducing him to her unenthusiastic parents and ending with the wedding, which includes all their monster friends and Dracula as the best man, kids of all ages will get a kick out of this poetry collection. The author uses comic book illustrations, parodies from Edgar Allen Poe poems, and blogs from the Headless Horseman to make this a varied compilation of poetry. Some of the humor will be more suitable for older readers who know the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe, and adults who are bombarded with e-mail offers to transfer millions of dollars into their bank account. Still, middle grade readers will find this fun. The illustrations and artwork are a huge part of what makes this book so entertaining. One of my favorite poems is "The Best Man of Frankenstein Makes a Trip to the Buffet" where Dracula has an allergic reaction to the garlic bread he tastes at the wedding reception. I recommend this one to all ages.
by Adam Rex
I was first to go headless. I started the trend. I remember a time when a person could shout, "Hey! That guy has no head! It's a pumpkin instead!" and you'd know it was me he was talking about.
For me, this was a laugh-out-loud rhyming book geared toward Halloween. What starts with the soon-to-be bride of Frankenstein introducing him to her unenthusiastic parents and ending with the wedding, which includes all their monster friends and Dracula as the best man, kids of all ages will get a kick out of this poetry collection. The author uses comic book illustrations, parodies from Edgar Allen Poe poems, and blogs from the Headless Horseman to make this a varied compilation of poetry. Some of the humor will be more suitable for older readers who know the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe, and adults who are bombarded with e-mail offers to transfer millions of dollars into their bank account. Still, middle grade readers will find this fun. The illustrations and artwork are a huge part of what makes this book so entertaining. One of my favorite poems is "The Best Man of Frankenstein Makes a Trip to the Buffet" where Dracula has an allergic reaction to the garlic bread he tastes at the wedding reception. I recommend this one to all ages.
The Willoughbys
by Lois Lowry
Written by the same author who wrote The Giver, this book is an exaggerated example of an old-fashioned story and is quite humorous. The author uses familiar plot-lines from the orphan stories that have become classics including, Mary Poppins, Heidi, Pollyanna, and The Secret Garden, to tell the story of how the four Willoughby children, Tim, Barnaby A, Barnaby B, and Jane become orphans and who, along with their Nanny, come to live with an extremely wealthy gentleman whose wife and son were caught in an avalanche while riding a train in Switzerland, never to be heard from again. The beginning is similar to The Series of Unfortunate Events in its perpetual unhappiness and lack of sensitivity by the parents, but the ending is pleasing as all old-fashioned stories should be. This is an easy-to-read book that will appeal to both boys and girls in grades 3-6. It would also make a good read-aloud to younger children. The author uses many large and old-fashioned words that are defined in the back of the book also in a humorous fashion. Brief summaries of some of the old-fashioned stories referenced in the book are also included in the back of the book. I heard the author read the first chapters of this book prior to its publication and her dry manner of reading had the audience laughing and anxious to read the rest of it. I highly recommend it!
by Lois Lowry
Written by the same author who wrote The Giver, this book is an exaggerated example of an old-fashioned story and is quite humorous. The author uses familiar plot-lines from the orphan stories that have become classics including, Mary Poppins, Heidi, Pollyanna, and The Secret Garden, to tell the story of how the four Willoughby children, Tim, Barnaby A, Barnaby B, and Jane become orphans and who, along with their Nanny, come to live with an extremely wealthy gentleman whose wife and son were caught in an avalanche while riding a train in Switzerland, never to be heard from again. The beginning is similar to The Series of Unfortunate Events in its perpetual unhappiness and lack of sensitivity by the parents, but the ending is pleasing as all old-fashioned stories should be. This is an easy-to-read book that will appeal to both boys and girls in grades 3-6. It would also make a good read-aloud to younger children. The author uses many large and old-fashioned words that are defined in the back of the book also in a humorous fashion. Brief summaries of some of the old-fashioned stories referenced in the book are also included in the back of the book. I heard the author read the first chapters of this book prior to its publication and her dry manner of reading had the audience laughing and anxious to read the rest of it. I highly recommend it!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff Kinney
Told using spare text and lots of cartoons, similar to the Captain Underpants series, Greg Heffley keeps a journal to please his mother, even though she bought a book with "Diary" written right on the cover. He makes it clear that this is not a diary. It is a journal. Greg writes about how misunderstood he is at home and at school. He has to deal with his parents grounding him all the time and his friend Rowley's over-protective father, not to mention his mean older brother Rodrick and the trouble-making teenagers in the neighborhood. From running for class treasurer, to listening to CD's and reading magazines he's not allowed to, to his unfortunate experience in the lightweight class in wrestling, Greg's journal is going to keep kids laughing. This book will appeal to middle school boys and younger who enjoyed Captain Underpants. Also good for reluctant readers.
by Jeff Kinney
Told using spare text and lots of cartoons, similar to the Captain Underpants series, Greg Heffley keeps a journal to please his mother, even though she bought a book with "Diary" written right on the cover. He makes it clear that this is not a diary. It is a journal. Greg writes about how misunderstood he is at home and at school. He has to deal with his parents grounding him all the time and his friend Rowley's over-protective father, not to mention his mean older brother Rodrick and the trouble-making teenagers in the neighborhood. From running for class treasurer, to listening to CD's and reading magazines he's not allowed to, to his unfortunate experience in the lightweight class in wrestling, Greg's journal is going to keep kids laughing. This book will appeal to middle school boys and younger who enjoyed Captain Underpants. Also good for reluctant readers.
The London Eye Mystery
by Siobhan Dowd
Salim's disappearance takes place on the London Eye, a large bicycle wheel with pods attached in which riders slowly rotate around to get a bird's eye view of London. Cousins Kat and Ted track his pod from the moment he gets on the ride until it completes its circle. But Salim never gets off. It's as if he's been transported off the ride, according to Ted, who develops eight additional theories as to what may have happened to Salim. He and Kat go through the theories one at a time in an attempt to eliminate all but one because, as Sherlock Holmes said, the one remaining is the answer, no matter how improbable. While adults cry and worry and the police unsuccessfully collect clues, Kat and Ted methodically take action. Despite the slow beginning, the twists and turns in this mystery make it a believable and interesting read. The character development is very good and Ted is given a slight disorder in which his brain processes things differently from most people. He has trouble reading body language and understands words only in a literal way, making it necessary to define numerous idioms such as "raining cats and dogs." Suitable for readers grades 4-6 who enjoy mysteries.
by Siobhan Dowd
Salim's disappearance takes place on the London Eye, a large bicycle wheel with pods attached in which riders slowly rotate around to get a bird's eye view of London. Cousins Kat and Ted track his pod from the moment he gets on the ride until it completes its circle. But Salim never gets off. It's as if he's been transported off the ride, according to Ted, who develops eight additional theories as to what may have happened to Salim. He and Kat go through the theories one at a time in an attempt to eliminate all but one because, as Sherlock Holmes said, the one remaining is the answer, no matter how improbable. While adults cry and worry and the police unsuccessfully collect clues, Kat and Ted methodically take action. Despite the slow beginning, the twists and turns in this mystery make it a believable and interesting read. The character development is very good and Ted is given a slight disorder in which his brain processes things differently from most people. He has trouble reading body language and understands words only in a literal way, making it necessary to define numerous idioms such as "raining cats and dogs." Suitable for readers grades 4-6 who enjoy mysteries.
Waiting for Normal
by Leslie Connor
12-year-old Addie lives in a trailor on a chunk of concrete in Schenectady, New York with her bi-polar mother. She used to have a fairly normal life with her stepfather and 2 sisters but that changed when her mother asked for a divorce and used up all the money needed to pay mortgage on the house. That's when they moved to the trailor and Dwight took her sisters to live with him. He wanted Addie too, but had no rights as a step-parent. Addie is upbeat though, and is able to take care of herself on those numerous occasions when her mother disappears for days at a time. She practices her flute and makes Stage Orchestra. She does her homework, cooks, cleans, and cares for her hamster Piccolo. Occasionally her mother allows her to visit Dwight and her sisters up at Lake George where they have begun a new family with Hannah, the owner of a bed-and-breakfast that Dwight is renovating. Mostly, Addie spends her time with Soula and Elliot who run the minimart across the street from the trailor. They offer the security Addie craves while she waits for a normal life with her mother. But can her mother offer her that? This is a beautifully written realistic story that will appeal to middle school girls. It touches on topics of cancer, dyslexia, bi-polarism and negligence. It also shows the extreme to which children go to protect their parents even if they aren't happy in their circumstance.
by Leslie Connor
12-year-old Addie lives in a trailor on a chunk of concrete in Schenectady, New York with her bi-polar mother. She used to have a fairly normal life with her stepfather and 2 sisters but that changed when her mother asked for a divorce and used up all the money needed to pay mortgage on the house. That's when they moved to the trailor and Dwight took her sisters to live with him. He wanted Addie too, but had no rights as a step-parent. Addie is upbeat though, and is able to take care of herself on those numerous occasions when her mother disappears for days at a time. She practices her flute and makes Stage Orchestra. She does her homework, cooks, cleans, and cares for her hamster Piccolo. Occasionally her mother allows her to visit Dwight and her sisters up at Lake George where they have begun a new family with Hannah, the owner of a bed-and-breakfast that Dwight is renovating. Mostly, Addie spends her time with Soula and Elliot who run the minimart across the street from the trailor. They offer the security Addie craves while she waits for a normal life with her mother. But can her mother offer her that? This is a beautifully written realistic story that will appeal to middle school girls. It touches on topics of cancer, dyslexia, bi-polarism and negligence. It also shows the extreme to which children go to protect their parents even if they aren't happy in their circumstance.
We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
by Kadir Nelson
This is a fantastic book and anyone, child or adult, interested in baseball needs to get their hands on it. Reading it is like listening to an old-time baseball player sitting in a big armchair telling you a story; it's that folksy. It covers the history of negro baseball from the 1880's to the 1900's when the negro league was formed, to 1947 when Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors. The author is telling you the story like he was one of the players himself. Plus, every other page is a large, beautiful oil painting of a player or a team or some other aspect of a baseball player's life. The Dayton Marcos are mentioned giving the book a local connection as well. It has a 5.9 A.R. level but could easily be read aloud to younger children. It is an exceptional detailed history of a side of baseball that is seldom told. I highly recommend it and fully expect it to receive some awards in the coming year.
by Kadir Nelson
This is a fantastic book and anyone, child or adult, interested in baseball needs to get their hands on it. Reading it is like listening to an old-time baseball player sitting in a big armchair telling you a story; it's that folksy. It covers the history of negro baseball from the 1880's to the 1900's when the negro league was formed, to 1947 when Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors. The author is telling you the story like he was one of the players himself. Plus, every other page is a large, beautiful oil painting of a player or a team or some other aspect of a baseball player's life. The Dayton Marcos are mentioned giving the book a local connection as well. It has a 5.9 A.R. level but could easily be read aloud to younger children. It is an exceptional detailed history of a side of baseball that is seldom told. I highly recommend it and fully expect it to receive some awards in the coming year.
This is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness
by Joyce Sidman
Roses are red, violets are blue. I'm still really pissed off at you.
This touching book began as a 6th grade class assignment where students were required to write a poem of apology. The poems are beautiful and will make you weep, but what makes this especially interesting is that poems were written in response by the people who were being asked for forgiveness. Most of the apologies are sincere, some are not. Some apologies are accepted and others are not. In addition, illustrations were added by a member of the 6th grade class making this class assignment one that is documented for all time. This will appeal to elementary aged students and might inspire teachers to experiment with their own poetry assignment.
by Joyce Sidman
Roses are red, violets are blue. I'm still really pissed off at you.
This touching book began as a 6th grade class assignment where students were required to write a poem of apology. The poems are beautiful and will make you weep, but what makes this especially interesting is that poems were written in response by the people who were being asked for forgiveness. Most of the apologies are sincere, some are not. Some apologies are accepted and others are not. In addition, illustrations were added by a member of the 6th grade class making this class assignment one that is documented for all time. This will appeal to elementary aged students and might inspire teachers to experiment with their own poetry assignment.
Jazz
by Walter Dean Myers
This energetic and colorful book is illustrated by Myers' son Christopher who won a 2007 Coretta Scott King Illustrator's Honor for his success. Included are 15 poems dedicated to the children of New Orleans with the varying sounds of jazz depicted throughout. You can't help but get caught up in the rhythm.
'Cause the jazz that we're laying, And the licks that we're laying, And the dues that we're paying, And the blues that we're slaying Go screa----min', go screamin', go screa---screa---screamin' to the moon!
A brief introduction to the history of jazz is included in the front of the book with a time line at the back. The book is in picture book format making it appealing to younger children, but the text is better suited for older children with a higher vocabulary. Would make a great read-aloud for starting music discussions.
by Walter Dean Myers
This energetic and colorful book is illustrated by Myers' son Christopher who won a 2007 Coretta Scott King Illustrator's Honor for his success. Included are 15 poems dedicated to the children of New Orleans with the varying sounds of jazz depicted throughout. You can't help but get caught up in the rhythm.
'Cause the jazz that we're laying, And the licks that we're laying, And the dues that we're paying, And the blues that we're slaying Go screa----min', go screamin', go screa---screa---screamin' to the moon!
A brief introduction to the history of jazz is included in the front of the book with a time line at the back. The book is in picture book format making it appealing to younger children, but the text is better suited for older children with a higher vocabulary. Would make a great read-aloud for starting music discussions.
Spiders
by Nic Bishop
This beautiful book won an honor for the Sibert Award naming it one of the best informational books of 2007. Geared for younger elementary children, it provides basic information on a variety of spiders, including the black widow, jumping spider, wolf spider and the Goliath birdeater tarantula. Spectacular close-up views of the spiders is one of the biggest attractions of this book, providing the gross factor that kids will love. The reading level is slightly higher at 4.8 but this won't keep 1st and 2nd graders from wanting a look, and parents can read the interesting spider facts aloud. This author has done other similar books including The Red-Eyed Tree Frog, Frogsand Cameleon, Cameleon.
by Nic Bishop
This beautiful book won an honor for the Sibert Award naming it one of the best informational books of 2007. Geared for younger elementary children, it provides basic information on a variety of spiders, including the black widow, jumping spider, wolf spider and the Goliath birdeater tarantula. Spectacular close-up views of the spiders is one of the biggest attractions of this book, providing the gross factor that kids will love. The reading level is slightly higher at 4.8 but this won't keep 1st and 2nd graders from wanting a look, and parents can read the interesting spider facts aloud. This author has done other similar books including The Red-Eyed Tree Frog, Frogsand Cameleon, Cameleon.
Candyfloss
by Jacqueline Wilson
This British author's books are wildly popular in England but so far have not hit bookstores in America. This enjoyable book with the eye-catching cover should change that. Floss is a pre-teen with divorced parents, living with her mother, step-dad, and toddler step-brother in a nice house. She visits her father in his shabby cafe where he is known for making the best "chip-butties" (french fries on a buttered roll) around. Her go-getter step-dad soon gets a job opportunity in Australia where the family heads for six-months. To everyone's surprise, Floss decides to stay in England with her lovable but inept dad. She moves into the cramped apartment above the cafe where things immediately begin to change. Her schoolmates make fun of her smell from the chip-butty oil and her best friend Rhiannon drops her as soon as she is able -- a bit of a challenge due to her well-intentioned mother who worries about Floss since the "abandonment" by her mother. Floss quickly makes friends with a new girl at school, Susan ("Swotty Potty" to Rhiannon and her new more popular and superficial friends) who Floss discovers is the perfect best friend for her. When her father falls behind on his debts to the point of losing both the cafe and their apartment, he wants to send Floss to be with her mother in Australia, but Floss is resolute in her decision to remain with him even though she misses her mother horribly. They find shelter from "Billy the Chip", who has a bit of luck at the races and allows them to live in his house while he visits his son. Floss' dad even runs Billy's chip van to make a little money, but botches that when the van catches fire and cannot be operated. The ending is hopeful for Floss' dad when he is finally able to put the divorce behind him and move toward a new future, which includes candyfloss, the British term for "cotton candy". The book is filled with British language which is defined in a glossary in the back. This will be popular with young girls in grades 5-8 who will be cheering for Floss from beginning to end.
by Jacqueline Wilson
This British author's books are wildly popular in England but so far have not hit bookstores in America. This enjoyable book with the eye-catching cover should change that. Floss is a pre-teen with divorced parents, living with her mother, step-dad, and toddler step-brother in a nice house. She visits her father in his shabby cafe where he is known for making the best "chip-butties" (french fries on a buttered roll) around. Her go-getter step-dad soon gets a job opportunity in Australia where the family heads for six-months. To everyone's surprise, Floss decides to stay in England with her lovable but inept dad. She moves into the cramped apartment above the cafe where things immediately begin to change. Her schoolmates make fun of her smell from the chip-butty oil and her best friend Rhiannon drops her as soon as she is able -- a bit of a challenge due to her well-intentioned mother who worries about Floss since the "abandonment" by her mother. Floss quickly makes friends with a new girl at school, Susan ("Swotty Potty" to Rhiannon and her new more popular and superficial friends) who Floss discovers is the perfect best friend for her. When her father falls behind on his debts to the point of losing both the cafe and their apartment, he wants to send Floss to be with her mother in Australia, but Floss is resolute in her decision to remain with him even though she misses her mother horribly. They find shelter from "Billy the Chip", who has a bit of luck at the races and allows them to live in his house while he visits his son. Floss' dad even runs Billy's chip van to make a little money, but botches that when the van catches fire and cannot be operated. The ending is hopeful for Floss' dad when he is finally able to put the divorce behind him and move toward a new future, which includes candyfloss, the British term for "cotton candy". The book is filled with British language which is defined in a glossary in the back. This will be popular with young girls in grades 5-8 who will be cheering for Floss from beginning to end.
When Fish Got Feet, Sharks Got Teeth, and Bugs Began to Swarm
by Hannah Bonner
Covering life on Earth during the Silurian and Devonian eras of evolution, nearly 430 million years ago, National Geographic publishes this entertaining book with a cartoon flair. The topics of changing plants, fish, and bugs during these periods are covered using humorous illustrations and text. One chapter, for instance, is named "The Great Devonian Fish Race" and shows the four groups of fish from this period in a race. The acanthodians, placoderms, sharks, and bony fish all existed, but it was the bony fish that won this "race", accounting for 96% o all fish alive today and are the ancestors to all living vertebrates with only a few exceptions. This is a short book at the 6.2 A.R. level and would interest children in grades 4 - 8. For those interested in the next stages of development, the sequel to this book isWhen Bugs Were Big, Plants Were Strange, and Tetrapods Stalked the Earth.
by Hannah Bonner
Covering life on Earth during the Silurian and Devonian eras of evolution, nearly 430 million years ago, National Geographic publishes this entertaining book with a cartoon flair. The topics of changing plants, fish, and bugs during these periods are covered using humorous illustrations and text. One chapter, for instance, is named "The Great Devonian Fish Race" and shows the four groups of fish from this period in a race. The acanthodians, placoderms, sharks, and bony fish all existed, but it was the bony fish that won this "race", accounting for 96% o all fish alive today and are the ancestors to all living vertebrates with only a few exceptions. This is a short book at the 6.2 A.R. level and would interest children in grades 4 - 8. For those interested in the next stages of development, the sequel to this book isWhen Bugs Were Big, Plants Were Strange, and Tetrapods Stalked the Earth.
Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion
by Loree Griffin Burns
From the very well received Scientists in the Field series of books, this title concentrates on scientists who study the movement of the ocean. In particular, three scientists are covered -- Dr. Ebbesmeyer who studies the floating trash that falls or is thrown from ships at sea, scientist Ingraham who perfected a computer program that calculates surface current movement in the North Pacific Ocean, and Captain Moore who studies the amount of plastic floating in what is known as the "Eastern Garbage Patch". Readers will be left amazed at the amount of debris floating in the ocean and what scientists now know about it. This non-fiction title is short but has a high vocabulary (AR level 8.5). Recommended for students in grades 5 and up.
by Loree Griffin Burns
From the very well received Scientists in the Field series of books, this title concentrates on scientists who study the movement of the ocean. In particular, three scientists are covered -- Dr. Ebbesmeyer who studies the floating trash that falls or is thrown from ships at sea, scientist Ingraham who perfected a computer program that calculates surface current movement in the North Pacific Ocean, and Captain Moore who studies the amount of plastic floating in what is known as the "Eastern Garbage Patch". Readers will be left amazed at the amount of debris floating in the ocean and what scientists now know about it. This non-fiction title is short but has a high vocabulary (AR level 8.5). Recommended for students in grades 5 and up.
Chaucer's Canterbury Tales
by Marcia Williams
The Canterbury Tales are short stories from the medieval times told to pass the time by a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. The teller of the best story would have dinner paid for him upon their arrival. The original Canterbury Tales were written in 14th century English and can be difficult to decipher. The library owns several introductions to the Canterbury Tales that are more accessible to children, but none more so than this one, written in comic book style. Nine tales are included with very humorous illustrations, along with some of the original text running along the bottom of the page showing how the original text might have looked. In addition, an interesting group of characters appear along the sidebars making comments about the stories being told. In this picture book format, children will not dread this often required school reading. Recommended for children ages 10 and up or for parents looking for classic tales to read aloud to younger children.
by Marcia Williams
The Canterbury Tales are short stories from the medieval times told to pass the time by a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. The teller of the best story would have dinner paid for him upon their arrival. The original Canterbury Tales were written in 14th century English and can be difficult to decipher. The library owns several introductions to the Canterbury Tales that are more accessible to children, but none more so than this one, written in comic book style. Nine tales are included with very humorous illustrations, along with some of the original text running along the bottom of the page showing how the original text might have looked. In addition, an interesting group of characters appear along the sidebars making comments about the stories being told. In this picture book format, children will not dread this often required school reading. Recommended for children ages 10 and up or for parents looking for classic tales to read aloud to younger children.
Lightship
by Brian Floca
Lightships—floating lighthouses—were retired in 1983, but they live on in Floca’s beautiful picture book, which uses simple words and repeated phrases to emphasize the vessels’ purpose and uniqueness as well as their day-to-day operation. “Here is a ship that holds her place,” begins the text, which takes children on a sensory tour of the Ambrose, complete with the slapping of the waves on the hull, the rocking motion of the ship, the smell of the sea and of fuel, and—in one climactic blast that sends the ship’s cat leaping straight up into the air—the sounding of the foghorn. Meanwhile, the ink-and-watercolor illustrations offer close-ups of the crew at work as well as wide, double-page scenes of passing ships (including the SSArdizzone). Varied in composition and perspective, the art shows the little ship inside and out, in summer and winter, in calm and stormy weather. Some pictures include elements of humor, while other scenes are notable for their quiet beauty. Floca explains in an informative note that before it was possible to build platforms in deep water, lightships served as floating lighthouses, using powerful lights and blaring foghorns to signal other ships. The endpapers show a cutaway view of the ship. This book was just awarded a 2008 Siebert Honor for one of the best informational books written in 2007. Written in picture book format, even the youngest readers will enjoy this one.
by Brian Floca
Lightships—floating lighthouses—were retired in 1983, but they live on in Floca’s beautiful picture book, which uses simple words and repeated phrases to emphasize the vessels’ purpose and uniqueness as well as their day-to-day operation. “Here is a ship that holds her place,” begins the text, which takes children on a sensory tour of the Ambrose, complete with the slapping of the waves on the hull, the rocking motion of the ship, the smell of the sea and of fuel, and—in one climactic blast that sends the ship’s cat leaping straight up into the air—the sounding of the foghorn. Meanwhile, the ink-and-watercolor illustrations offer close-ups of the crew at work as well as wide, double-page scenes of passing ships (including the SSArdizzone). Varied in composition and perspective, the art shows the little ship inside and out, in summer and winter, in calm and stormy weather. Some pictures include elements of humor, while other scenes are notable for their quiet beauty. Floca explains in an informative note that before it was possible to build platforms in deep water, lightships served as floating lighthouses, using powerful lights and blaring foghorns to signal other ships. The endpapers show a cutaway view of the ship. This book was just awarded a 2008 Siebert Honor for one of the best informational books written in 2007. Written in picture book format, even the youngest readers will enjoy this one.
Feathers
by Jacqueline Woodson
Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, And sings the tune - without the words, And never stops at all. - Emily Dickinson
The theme of hope runs throughout the book. Frannie can't quite figure out what the poem means, but she hopes her new baby brother or sister will thrive inside her mother. Not like Baby Lila who had died and the baby after that. Her older brother Sean was born deaf and her mother calls Franny God's Gift. She even has pox marks on her palms to show for it. Her mother thought the poem probably meant she needed to be looking forward instead of backward all the time. At school, the new boy at school looks white but he say's he's not. Both his parents are black. He looks so different with his long curly hair that the kids all call him Jesus Boy. He also knows some sign language, but he doesn't know where he learned it. Frannie's best friend Samantha begins to believe that he really is Jesus, sent down to live with them. The class bully Trevor tells him he needs to go back to the other side of the highway. But Frannie thinks she can be friends with a white boy. The class gets into discussions about race and religion and their individual fears become apparent throughout the book. This book was recently chosen as a Newbery Honor book for 2008, naming it as one of the best books written for children in 2007. Most suitable for kids in grades 4-6.
by Jacqueline Woodson
Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, And sings the tune - without the words, And never stops at all. - Emily Dickinson
The theme of hope runs throughout the book. Frannie can't quite figure out what the poem means, but she hopes her new baby brother or sister will thrive inside her mother. Not like Baby Lila who had died and the baby after that. Her older brother Sean was born deaf and her mother calls Franny God's Gift. She even has pox marks on her palms to show for it. Her mother thought the poem probably meant she needed to be looking forward instead of backward all the time. At school, the new boy at school looks white but he say's he's not. Both his parents are black. He looks so different with his long curly hair that the kids all call him Jesus Boy. He also knows some sign language, but he doesn't know where he learned it. Frannie's best friend Samantha begins to believe that he really is Jesus, sent down to live with them. The class bully Trevor tells him he needs to go back to the other side of the highway. But Frannie thinks she can be friends with a white boy. The class gets into discussions about race and religion and their individual fears become apparent throughout the book. This book was recently chosen as a Newbery Honor book for 2008, naming it as one of the best books written for children in 2007. Most suitable for kids in grades 4-6.
The Secret of Priest's Grotto: A Holocaust Survival Story
by Peter Lane Taylor
This is a both caver's story of discovery and the true story behind several Jewish families who hid in caves for over a year while hiding from the Nazis during WWII. Cavers Chris Nicola and the author Peter Taylor return to Priest's Grotto in the Ukraine in 2003 where traces of human habitation were originally discovered in 1993 including old shoes, buttons, and a hand-made millstone. An internet search for the original occupants leads Taylor to Brighton Beach, New York where the first of 38 survivors is located. Many of the other family members are located in Montreal, Canada. After interviews with them, Taylor is able to write the story of their survival in caves without light, little food, and little support from anyone living outside. It is an amazing story considering it seems there can be few stories left to hear that haven't already been told. This is a short book with numerous photographs, side-bars and quotes from the survivors. Suitable for children and adults in grades 4 and up who are interested in the Holocaust and/or caving. Some sophisticated vocabulary is used that might be a challenge for readers.
by Peter Lane Taylor
This is a both caver's story of discovery and the true story behind several Jewish families who hid in caves for over a year while hiding from the Nazis during WWII. Cavers Chris Nicola and the author Peter Taylor return to Priest's Grotto in the Ukraine in 2003 where traces of human habitation were originally discovered in 1993 including old shoes, buttons, and a hand-made millstone. An internet search for the original occupants leads Taylor to Brighton Beach, New York where the first of 38 survivors is located. Many of the other family members are located in Montreal, Canada. After interviews with them, Taylor is able to write the story of their survival in caves without light, little food, and little support from anyone living outside. It is an amazing story considering it seems there can be few stories left to hear that haven't already been told. This is a short book with numerous photographs, side-bars and quotes from the survivors. Suitable for children and adults in grades 4 and up who are interested in the Holocaust and/or caving. Some sophisticated vocabulary is used that might be a challenge for readers.
The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio
by Lloyd Alexander
After finding a treasure map in a book given him by a strange bookseller, Carlo Chuchio wants nothing other than to seek the treasure he is sure awaits him. He gets his wish after his merchant Uncle throws him out for his constant daydreaming. After a sea-sickening passage to Campania, Carlo is ready to follow the legendary Road of Golden Dreams to find his treasure, but is convinced that he needs to hire a camel-puller by the quick talking Baksheesh. Not that he has a camel. Carlo also quickly picks up another traveler, Shira, who wants to return to her family's caravanserai from which she had been kidnapped and her parents killed. They set out together joining a caravan that is attacked and Carlo mistaken for both a prince and a great warrior. Baksheesh never does pull a camel, although at times he is a camel pusher. Mostly though, he is a complainer. Shira is out for revenge on the man who killed her parents. At one point in the journey, they each receive a dream by a dream merchant. The dream Carlo receives is not the dream of finding the treasure he seeks, but it may be the treasure he his truly searching for. This book is the author's last book written before his death last year. Full of adventure, fighting, quick thinking, and humor, it will appeal to readers ages 10 and up.
by Lloyd Alexander
After finding a treasure map in a book given him by a strange bookseller, Carlo Chuchio wants nothing other than to seek the treasure he is sure awaits him. He gets his wish after his merchant Uncle throws him out for his constant daydreaming. After a sea-sickening passage to Campania, Carlo is ready to follow the legendary Road of Golden Dreams to find his treasure, but is convinced that he needs to hire a camel-puller by the quick talking Baksheesh. Not that he has a camel. Carlo also quickly picks up another traveler, Shira, who wants to return to her family's caravanserai from which she had been kidnapped and her parents killed. They set out together joining a caravan that is attacked and Carlo mistaken for both a prince and a great warrior. Baksheesh never does pull a camel, although at times he is a camel pusher. Mostly though, he is a complainer. Shira is out for revenge on the man who killed her parents. At one point in the journey, they each receive a dream by a dream merchant. The dream Carlo receives is not the dream of finding the treasure he seeks, but it may be the treasure he his truly searching for. This book is the author's last book written before his death last year. Full of adventure, fighting, quick thinking, and humor, it will appeal to readers ages 10 and up.