Look Up! Bird-Watching in Your Own Backyard by Annette LeBlanc Cate
I ran into this book while doing some research on birds and was captivated to the point that I when I returned it to the library, I told the Children's librarian what a great book it was and that she should take a look. Yes, I am a little partial to birds. But this was such an appealing book in every way that I checked it out again. It looks like a picture book, but the amount of information packed inside is incredible. From the inside cover to the back inside cover, every square inch is stuffed with conversational text insuring the reader that he can be a terrific bird-watcher. Along with that are the hundreds of bird captions also talking to the reader. The table of contents gives clues to the many ways to distinguish birds from each other - shapes, colors, sounds - as well as where to find birds and how to observe birds. It includes a bibliography and index at the back. The illustrations are accurate and amusing, and kids will pore over every detail on every page to make sure they have read what every bird has had to say. Lots of bird expressions abound! Not only is it fun, but it's educational, as my husband always says. Highly recommended, even for non bird fanatics, in grades 2-5.
I ran into this book while doing some research on birds and was captivated to the point that I when I returned it to the library, I told the Children's librarian what a great book it was and that she should take a look. Yes, I am a little partial to birds. But this was such an appealing book in every way that I checked it out again. It looks like a picture book, but the amount of information packed inside is incredible. From the inside cover to the back inside cover, every square inch is stuffed with conversational text insuring the reader that he can be a terrific bird-watcher. Along with that are the hundreds of bird captions also talking to the reader. The table of contents gives clues to the many ways to distinguish birds from each other - shapes, colors, sounds - as well as where to find birds and how to observe birds. It includes a bibliography and index at the back. The illustrations are accurate and amusing, and kids will pore over every detail on every page to make sure they have read what every bird has had to say. Lots of bird expressions abound! Not only is it fun, but it's educational, as my husband always says. Highly recommended, even for non bird fanatics, in grades 2-5.
The Real Boy by Anne Ursu
I was easily sucked into this story of a young boy named Oscar working in a shop for the most powerful magician on the small island where they live. Oscar is a boy different from others. It's not that he's stupid. He can remember all the herb names he grinds for the magician and how to use them. It's just that he doesn't know how to interact with people or how to decipher their facial expressions. He much prefers his time unseen in the cellar with his cats and traveling through the magical forest to the gardens where he collects supplies for the magician's potions. The reader feels his discomfort when Master Caleb heads to the continent, leaving the store in Oscar's care after the gruesome death of his apprentice. The "Shining People" from the protected village nearby come down to the Barrow for love potions, charms, and other bits of small magic and luckily a new friend named Callie appears to help Oscar service them. Callie is the apprentice to the Healer, and when the Healer suddenly leaves too, the pair find themselves struggling to fight an awful creature that seems to crave magic. Up to this point, the Shining People have been protected by magic from illness and danger. Now something is causing them to become sick. In the attempt to uncover what is destroying their home and killing the forest, Oscar discovers some truths about himself and his world, and is forced into finding a way to bring about a new reality for the island. Whether he succeeds or not is up to the interpretation of the reader, but I am an optimist. This book is a twist on the Pinocchio tale the same way that Ursu's previous book "Breadcrumbs" is a twist on The Snow Queen. Some elements are similar, but the rest is Ursu's own magical creation. The map at the front showed the various areas on Oscar's island, and I could so easily picture every aspect of this story. This will appeal to readers in grades 4-8. It has an A.R. level of 4.9. There are some illustrations included. I loved this book and have thought of it long after reading it.
I was easily sucked into this story of a young boy named Oscar working in a shop for the most powerful magician on the small island where they live. Oscar is a boy different from others. It's not that he's stupid. He can remember all the herb names he grinds for the magician and how to use them. It's just that he doesn't know how to interact with people or how to decipher their facial expressions. He much prefers his time unseen in the cellar with his cats and traveling through the magical forest to the gardens where he collects supplies for the magician's potions. The reader feels his discomfort when Master Caleb heads to the continent, leaving the store in Oscar's care after the gruesome death of his apprentice. The "Shining People" from the protected village nearby come down to the Barrow for love potions, charms, and other bits of small magic and luckily a new friend named Callie appears to help Oscar service them. Callie is the apprentice to the Healer, and when the Healer suddenly leaves too, the pair find themselves struggling to fight an awful creature that seems to crave magic. Up to this point, the Shining People have been protected by magic from illness and danger. Now something is causing them to become sick. In the attempt to uncover what is destroying their home and killing the forest, Oscar discovers some truths about himself and his world, and is forced into finding a way to bring about a new reality for the island. Whether he succeeds or not is up to the interpretation of the reader, but I am an optimist. This book is a twist on the Pinocchio tale the same way that Ursu's previous book "Breadcrumbs" is a twist on The Snow Queen. Some elements are similar, but the rest is Ursu's own magical creation. The map at the front showed the various areas on Oscar's island, and I could so easily picture every aspect of this story. This will appeal to readers in grades 4-8. It has an A.R. level of 4.9. There are some illustrations included. I loved this book and have thought of it long after reading it.
City Chickens by Christine Heppermann
There are many reasons why a chicken might be left homeless. Some may be rescued from a cock-fighting ring or come from a research facility or from a classroom that hatched chickens from eggs. But most animal shelters don't have room for chickens. This book tells the story of a rescue in Minneapolis that takes in chickens, rehabilitates them, and finds permanent homes where they will be loved. This non-fiction narrative includes photographs of the many chickens whose stories are recounted, and the shelter known as Chicken Run Rescue. It touches on conditions of chicken factories, but does not pause long enough to upset children with stories of abuse, rather focusing on the happy adoptions. Though sometimes a struggle to find homes for all of the birds, Mary Britton Clouse and her husband Bert find it fulfills a life-long dream to run the rescue. The book includes instructions for caring for city chickens and a note to educators suggesting alternatives to hatching chickens. This book has a high A.R. level of 6.5 but only 48 pages long, so it would be a great choice for a reluctant reader. My only gripe about the book is the tiny print chosen for the photograph captions which is difficult for older eyes to read.
There are many reasons why a chicken might be left homeless. Some may be rescued from a cock-fighting ring or come from a research facility or from a classroom that hatched chickens from eggs. But most animal shelters don't have room for chickens. This book tells the story of a rescue in Minneapolis that takes in chickens, rehabilitates them, and finds permanent homes where they will be loved. This non-fiction narrative includes photographs of the many chickens whose stories are recounted, and the shelter known as Chicken Run Rescue. It touches on conditions of chicken factories, but does not pause long enough to upset children with stories of abuse, rather focusing on the happy adoptions. Though sometimes a struggle to find homes for all of the birds, Mary Britton Clouse and her husband Bert find it fulfills a life-long dream to run the rescue. The book includes instructions for caring for city chickens and a note to educators suggesting alternatives to hatching chickens. This book has a high A.R. level of 6.5 but only 48 pages long, so it would be a great choice for a reluctant reader. My only gripe about the book is the tiny print chosen for the photograph captions which is difficult for older eyes to read.
I Funny : A MIddle School Story
by James Patterson
Jamie Grimm is new in town, moving in with his aunt, uncle, and cousin Steve for a reason that is not readily disclosed at the onset. However, Jamie is in a wheelchair and there are hints that his parents were killed. Jamie is not ready to let the reader know the specifics. But we know that cousin Steve is a bully who locks Jamie out of house and dumps him in a sand dune without his chair. Jamie takes it all in stride, using humor to mask his pain, and at some point decides he wants to be a stand-up comedian. While helping out his Uncle Frankie at his diner, Jamie constantly tells jokes as he cashes out the customers. It's a customer with a Russian accent that says, "You Funny", which is when Jamie starts to say "I Funny". Uncle Frankie tells him about the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic competition and suggests Jamie enter. The problem is, Jamie is petrified in front of crowds. He doesn't think he can possibly do it. Still, he decides to show up for the competition without telling anyone, so that if he freezes on stage no one will know. Jamie ends up winning and a video is circulating online causing him to become a sort of local celebrity around school. Stevie tells him the judges just felt sorry for him, that Jamie only won due to pity, and Jamie really doesn't know if that might not be true. Still, he practices jokes on schoolmates, customers, and his family he refers to as "the Smileys" because they never smile and have no sense of humor. Then it's on to the state competition in New York City. This time, though, he has the support of his friends, school, and community. There is a happy ending and Jamie even ends up with a girlfriend he calls "cool girl". Readers will be routing for Jamie from beginning to end. This is by the author of Middle School Get Me Out of Hereand Middle School: The Worst Years of My LIfe. Although it is humorous, it also deals with grief and Jamie's injury and rehab. The A.R. level 3.9. Filled with black and white illustrations, this is a great choice for reluctant readers, or those looking for something after Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Kids may not recognize older comedians' names or caricatures in illustrations, but they will still understand the context. Highly recommended.
by James Patterson
Jamie Grimm is new in town, moving in with his aunt, uncle, and cousin Steve for a reason that is not readily disclosed at the onset. However, Jamie is in a wheelchair and there are hints that his parents were killed. Jamie is not ready to let the reader know the specifics. But we know that cousin Steve is a bully who locks Jamie out of house and dumps him in a sand dune without his chair. Jamie takes it all in stride, using humor to mask his pain, and at some point decides he wants to be a stand-up comedian. While helping out his Uncle Frankie at his diner, Jamie constantly tells jokes as he cashes out the customers. It's a customer with a Russian accent that says, "You Funny", which is when Jamie starts to say "I Funny". Uncle Frankie tells him about the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic competition and suggests Jamie enter. The problem is, Jamie is petrified in front of crowds. He doesn't think he can possibly do it. Still, he decides to show up for the competition without telling anyone, so that if he freezes on stage no one will know. Jamie ends up winning and a video is circulating online causing him to become a sort of local celebrity around school. Stevie tells him the judges just felt sorry for him, that Jamie only won due to pity, and Jamie really doesn't know if that might not be true. Still, he practices jokes on schoolmates, customers, and his family he refers to as "the Smileys" because they never smile and have no sense of humor. Then it's on to the state competition in New York City. This time, though, he has the support of his friends, school, and community. There is a happy ending and Jamie even ends up with a girlfriend he calls "cool girl". Readers will be routing for Jamie from beginning to end. This is by the author of Middle School Get Me Out of Hereand Middle School: The Worst Years of My LIfe. Although it is humorous, it also deals with grief and Jamie's injury and rehab. The A.R. level 3.9. Filled with black and white illustrations, this is a great choice for reluctant readers, or those looking for something after Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Kids may not recognize older comedians' names or caricatures in illustrations, but they will still understand the context. Highly recommended.
The Knights' Tales Collection
by Gerald Morris
Comprised of four books, The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great, the Adventures of Sir Givret the Short, The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True, and The Adventures of Sir Balin the Ill-Fated, the audiobook compilation is among the best narrations I have heard in a long time. These retellings of the King Arthur legends are perfect for the younger audience, and narrator Steve West had me laughing throughout. The clever stories are full of notable characters like Sir Lancelot and King Arthur, which kids will recognize, as well as damsels in distress, dragons, sorcerers, and dwarfs. West makes the most of every word, providing wonderful accents, sarcasm, and humor. (The weeping Queens in the first book had me weeping with laughter). The short stories are excellent, with good morals and lessons to live by, like giving your word and not going back on it, manners, and how to treat friends. Full of very individual characters, West depicted each with varying accents (English, Scottish, French) and depicted the voices of the knights, damsels, and dwarfs so that no two sounded alike. The books are also available as individual stories and include black and white illustrations providing much detail that children will enjoy pouring over. The A.R. level ranges from 4.5 to 5.0 between the books, and would be great for reluctant readers since they are small and thin (and include illustrations) and are not intimidating in the least. The stories are so fun, kids and adults alike will enjoy this collection. Highly recommended.
by Gerald Morris
Comprised of four books, The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great, the Adventures of Sir Givret the Short, The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True, and The Adventures of Sir Balin the Ill-Fated, the audiobook compilation is among the best narrations I have heard in a long time. These retellings of the King Arthur legends are perfect for the younger audience, and narrator Steve West had me laughing throughout. The clever stories are full of notable characters like Sir Lancelot and King Arthur, which kids will recognize, as well as damsels in distress, dragons, sorcerers, and dwarfs. West makes the most of every word, providing wonderful accents, sarcasm, and humor. (The weeping Queens in the first book had me weeping with laughter). The short stories are excellent, with good morals and lessons to live by, like giving your word and not going back on it, manners, and how to treat friends. Full of very individual characters, West depicted each with varying accents (English, Scottish, French) and depicted the voices of the knights, damsels, and dwarfs so that no two sounded alike. The books are also available as individual stories and include black and white illustrations providing much detail that children will enjoy pouring over. The A.R. level ranges from 4.5 to 5.0 between the books, and would be great for reluctant readers since they are small and thin (and include illustrations) and are not intimidating in the least. The stories are so fun, kids and adults alike will enjoy this collection. Highly recommended.
Navigating Early
by Clare Vanderpool
In 1945, Jack Baker moves from Kansas to Maine following the death of his mother to be closer to the port out of which his father captains a ship. He attends a boarding school where he meets Early Auden, "the strangest of boys". In math class, Jack hears of a new theory about Pi not being an infinite number. In particular, the theory states that the number 1 will stop appearing, and the other numbers will eventually also stop appearing. Early, who can see colors and shapes in numbers, relates a story to Jack about Pi and his adament belief that Pi (who is the number 1 in the 3.14) is only lost. During a week's break when Jack is disappointed by his father's inability to visit due to bad weather, Jack joins Early on a quest to find the black bear about which Early has been collecting newspaper articles. As the boys travel, by water and land, encountering some dangerous people and situations, it seems that their adventure parallels the story of Pi. This book, currently available in e-book and audiobook formats at Wright Library, is cleverly written and will appeal to those readers in grades 4-8 who enjoy adventure stories. The A.R level is 5.2, but more unskilled readers will enjoy listening to the captivating narration of this exciting tale. Performed by dual narrators, the story of the boys is narrated by a younger voice than the one who tells Pi's story, differentiating between the two tales. An authors' note at the end explains that Early most likely would be called autistic today, but that back in 1945 this was not a term used to describe someone with his unique skills. Consequently, the narrator successfully differentiates between Early and Jack by providing an altered cadence to Early's speech. Ending on a happy and hopeful ending, this book is highly recommended.
by Clare Vanderpool
In 1945, Jack Baker moves from Kansas to Maine following the death of his mother to be closer to the port out of which his father captains a ship. He attends a boarding school where he meets Early Auden, "the strangest of boys". In math class, Jack hears of a new theory about Pi not being an infinite number. In particular, the theory states that the number 1 will stop appearing, and the other numbers will eventually also stop appearing. Early, who can see colors and shapes in numbers, relates a story to Jack about Pi and his adament belief that Pi (who is the number 1 in the 3.14) is only lost. During a week's break when Jack is disappointed by his father's inability to visit due to bad weather, Jack joins Early on a quest to find the black bear about which Early has been collecting newspaper articles. As the boys travel, by water and land, encountering some dangerous people and situations, it seems that their adventure parallels the story of Pi. This book, currently available in e-book and audiobook formats at Wright Library, is cleverly written and will appeal to those readers in grades 4-8 who enjoy adventure stories. The A.R level is 5.2, but more unskilled readers will enjoy listening to the captivating narration of this exciting tale. Performed by dual narrators, the story of the boys is narrated by a younger voice than the one who tells Pi's story, differentiating between the two tales. An authors' note at the end explains that Early most likely would be called autistic today, but that back in 1945 this was not a term used to describe someone with his unique skills. Consequently, the narrator successfully differentiates between Early and Jack by providing an altered cadence to Early's speech. Ending on a happy and hopeful ending, this book is highly recommended.
Ghost Knight
by Cornelia Funke
Jon Whitcroft is an 11-year-old boy who is unwillingly sent to the boarding school his father attended, after a new man known as "The Beard" comes into his mother's life. Soon after arriving at the school, he is confronted by a ghost who threatens to kill him because his mother's maiden name is the same as the man who murdered him. No one believes that he has seen a ghost, of course, except for a girl named Ella who thinks she might be able to get him help. The help, it turns out, is a centuries old knight named Longspee who is trying to atone for the wrongs he committed during his life. He offers Jon protection from his ghost, but he also asks Jon to find his heart that was stolen from him, and to bury it by his wife's grave so they may reunite in death. This task turns out to be complicated, and leads to Jon and Ella working with both the "Beard" and Ella's grandmother (who turns out to be mother of the "Beard"). This is a entertaining and only slightly scary story that will appeal to both girls and boys in grades 4-6.
The audiobook received an Odyssey Honor Award in 2013.
by Cornelia Funke
Jon Whitcroft is an 11-year-old boy who is unwillingly sent to the boarding school his father attended, after a new man known as "The Beard" comes into his mother's life. Soon after arriving at the school, he is confronted by a ghost who threatens to kill him because his mother's maiden name is the same as the man who murdered him. No one believes that he has seen a ghost, of course, except for a girl named Ella who thinks she might be able to get him help. The help, it turns out, is a centuries old knight named Longspee who is trying to atone for the wrongs he committed during his life. He offers Jon protection from his ghost, but he also asks Jon to find his heart that was stolen from him, and to bury it by his wife's grave so they may reunite in death. This task turns out to be complicated, and leads to Jon and Ella working with both the "Beard" and Ella's grandmother (who turns out to be mother of the "Beard"). This is a entertaining and only slightly scary story that will appeal to both girls and boys in grades 4-6.
The audiobook received an Odyssey Honor Award in 2013.
The Tanglewood Terror
by Kurtis Scaletta
This fun mystery takes place in Tanglewood, Maine where strange mushrooms begin to appear all over town. 13-year-old Eric Parrish, who plays football and occasionally bullies his younger brother Brian, decides to research the mushrooms at the library and local museum. Meanwhile, while taking care of his neighbor's pig, Cassie, he discovers a girl hiding out who has run away from the girl's school where his mother works. Mandy's disappearance keeps Eric's mother away from home as she becomes preoccupied in trying to locate the missing girl. His father, meanwhile, is trying to "live the dream" by reorganizing his old band in Boston, and temporarily moves there, causing much family tension. An adult surrogate arrives in the form of an old woman who used to be the witch at the town's haunted house (and who was the one who scared Eric to pieces when he was a young child). She lives on the outskirts of town and rides around in a funky 4-wheeler. She ends up being a really cool character who helps the kids out in their quest to figure out why these mushrooms are growing out-of-control in Tanglewood. Even her father, though now deceased, plays an important role as a writer of those old science fiction thrillers. This is an original story with good characters. Brian has got a lot more happening behind the scenes than the reader knows about and my interpretation is that he has a better understanding in how to rid the town of mushrooms than Eric, but the ending allows the reader to decide for himself. The cool springy fungus landscape popping up everywhere and the mushrooms that scream makes this story too much fun. Readers may come for the football but they'll stay for the creepy science. The AR level is 4.6 and will be of interest to 4-6 grades.
by Kurtis Scaletta
This fun mystery takes place in Tanglewood, Maine where strange mushrooms begin to appear all over town. 13-year-old Eric Parrish, who plays football and occasionally bullies his younger brother Brian, decides to research the mushrooms at the library and local museum. Meanwhile, while taking care of his neighbor's pig, Cassie, he discovers a girl hiding out who has run away from the girl's school where his mother works. Mandy's disappearance keeps Eric's mother away from home as she becomes preoccupied in trying to locate the missing girl. His father, meanwhile, is trying to "live the dream" by reorganizing his old band in Boston, and temporarily moves there, causing much family tension. An adult surrogate arrives in the form of an old woman who used to be the witch at the town's haunted house (and who was the one who scared Eric to pieces when he was a young child). She lives on the outskirts of town and rides around in a funky 4-wheeler. She ends up being a really cool character who helps the kids out in their quest to figure out why these mushrooms are growing out-of-control in Tanglewood. Even her father, though now deceased, plays an important role as a writer of those old science fiction thrillers. This is an original story with good characters. Brian has got a lot more happening behind the scenes than the reader knows about and my interpretation is that he has a better understanding in how to rid the town of mushrooms than Eric, but the ending allows the reader to decide for himself. The cool springy fungus landscape popping up everywhere and the mushrooms that scream makes this story too much fun. Readers may come for the football but they'll stay for the creepy science. The AR level is 4.6 and will be of interest to 4-6 grades.
Dogs on Duty
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Subtitled Soldiers' Best Friends on the Battlefield and Beyond, this book explains the training and work of dogs who are members of the military. This book is full of photos of dogs from the past and present who have been specially trained to help their handlers in situations that involve detecting explosives, drugs, hidden people, and helping with sentry duty. One dog who was a member of a navy SEAL team even aided in the raid on Osama bin Landen's compound. The selection process to find and train suitable dogs is covered. An interesting graphic features all the gear that a dog might wear on his protective vest when he is working. Depending on his job, a dog might also wear protective goggles or booties. Profiles of some famous hounds from the past are also included. For those interested, an index, glossary, and further resources are provided at the back. This is a very short book (less than 50 pages) but the vocabulary gives it a high A.R. Level at 7.1 making this a great book for a reluctant reader. Dog lovers will also enjoy the interesting subject.
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Subtitled Soldiers' Best Friends on the Battlefield and Beyond, this book explains the training and work of dogs who are members of the military. This book is full of photos of dogs from the past and present who have been specially trained to help their handlers in situations that involve detecting explosives, drugs, hidden people, and helping with sentry duty. One dog who was a member of a navy SEAL team even aided in the raid on Osama bin Landen's compound. The selection process to find and train suitable dogs is covered. An interesting graphic features all the gear that a dog might wear on his protective vest when he is working. Depending on his job, a dog might also wear protective goggles or booties. Profiles of some famous hounds from the past are also included. For those interested, an index, glossary, and further resources are provided at the back. This is a very short book (less than 50 pages) but the vocabulary gives it a high A.R. Level at 7.1 making this a great book for a reluctant reader. Dog lovers will also enjoy the interesting subject.
Bless This Mouse
by Lois Lowry
A group of mice, led by Mouse Mistress Hildegarde, lives inside the church. They are very careful not to expose themselves, but after a few mice are careless, the congregation comment on the mouse they have seen recently, assuming there is only one. Father Murphy knows better and arranges for the "Great X" to take place. Since the mice have experienced the "Great X" before, they enlist the help of a former University Library mouse named Ignatious, to devise a plan to save the colony. Meanwhile, the annual Blessing of the Animals is scheduled by the church, which is another dangerous time for the mice due to the number of cats brought for blessings. Mouse Mistress Hildegarde must successfully lead her colony through both situations lest her enemy Lucretia usurp her position. Also, Hildegarde places herself in a dangerous position during the Blessing of the Animals, after becoming infuriated that all other animals are being blessed, while the mice are being exterminated. The situation is tense, but the ending will please readers. This is a sweet book for children in grades in grades 3-6 who enjoy animal stories. It has an A.R. level of 4.5, but is not intimidating due to the numerous black-and-white illustrations. This is also very good as an audiobook.
by Lois Lowry
A group of mice, led by Mouse Mistress Hildegarde, lives inside the church. They are very careful not to expose themselves, but after a few mice are careless, the congregation comment on the mouse they have seen recently, assuming there is only one. Father Murphy knows better and arranges for the "Great X" to take place. Since the mice have experienced the "Great X" before, they enlist the help of a former University Library mouse named Ignatious, to devise a plan to save the colony. Meanwhile, the annual Blessing of the Animals is scheduled by the church, which is another dangerous time for the mice due to the number of cats brought for blessings. Mouse Mistress Hildegarde must successfully lead her colony through both situations lest her enemy Lucretia usurp her position. Also, Hildegarde places herself in a dangerous position during the Blessing of the Animals, after becoming infuriated that all other animals are being blessed, while the mice are being exterminated. The situation is tense, but the ending will please readers. This is a sweet book for children in grades in grades 3-6 who enjoy animal stories. It has an A.R. level of 4.5, but is not intimidating due to the numerous black-and-white illustrations. This is also very good as an audiobook.