From the Good to the Ugly
March 2006 - Feb 2007
Adlington,
L.J. - The Diary of Pelly D. Aidan,
Pamela - These Three Remain Alegria,
Malin - Estrella's Quinceanera Baccalario,
Pierdomenico - The Long Lost Map Baker,
E.D. - No Place for Magic Bardoe,
Cheryl - Gregor Mendel: The Friar who Grew
Peas Barham,
Lisa - A Girl Like Moi: The fashion-forward adventures of
Imogene Barth-Grozinger,
Inge - Something Remains Barretta,
Gene - Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin
Franklin Barron,
T.A. - The Eternal Flame Barry,
Dave and Ridley Pearson - Peter and the Shadow
Thieves Barry,
Dave and Ridley Pearson - Escape from the
Carnivale Baskin,
Nora Raleigh - In the Company of Crazies Batson,
Wayne Thomas - The Door Within Baum,
Loius - The Mouse Who Braved Bedtime Beck,
Ian - The Secret History of Tom Trueheart Beddor,
Frank - The Looking Glass Wars Beddor,
Frank - Looking Glass Wars Bell,
Hilari - Forging the Sword Belton,
Sandra - Store-bought Baby Bennett,
Veronica - AngelMonster Blake,
Emily - Little Secrets: Playing with Fire Bondoux,
Anne-Laure - The Killer's Tears Bondoux,
Anne-Laure - The Princetta Boniface,
William - The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary
Boy Boyce,
Frank Cottrell - Framed Brennan,
Herbie - Ruler of the Realm Bruchac,
Joseph - Jim Thorpe: original All-American Buckley-Archer,
Linda - Gideon the Cutpurse Buffie,
Margaret - Out of Focus Bulion,
Leslie - Uncharted Waters Burnham,
Niki - Scary Beautiful Butler,
Dori Hillestad - Do You Know the Monkey Man? Carbone,
Elisa - Blood on the River: Jamestown 1607 Carlson,
Melody - Dark Blue: Color Me Lonely Carlson,
Melody - Deep Green: Color Me Jealous Carlson,
Melody - Burnt Orange: Color Me Wasted Carlson,
Melody - Blade Silver: Color Me Scarred Carman,
Patrick - The Tenth City Carroll,
Lewis - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Carter.
Ally - I'd Tell you I Love you, But Then I'd have to Kill
You Chapman,
Linda - The Magic Spell Charles,
Veronika - The Birdman Cheripko,
Jan - sun moon stars rain Chima,
Cinda Williams - The Warrior Heir Cirrone,
Dorian Dancing in Red Shoes will Kill you Clarke,
Judith - Kalpana's Dream Clements,
Bruce - What Erika Wants Clements,
Andrew - Things Hoped For Cohn,
Rachel - Two Steps Forward Collins,
Suzanne Gregor and the Marks of Secret Colasanti,
Susane - When It Happens Coombs,
Kate - The Secret-keeper Cooney,
Caroline B. - Enter Three Witches: A Story of
Macbeth Copeland,
Mark - The Bundle at Blackthorpe Heath Cornish,
D.M. - Monster Blood Tattoo Cote,
Genevieve - What Elephant? Cross,
Gillian - The Black Room Crutcher,
Chris - The Sledding Hill Cullen,
Lynn - Moi and Marie Antoinette Cunnane,
Kelly - For You are a Kenyan Child Davidson,
Ellen Dee - Stolen Voices DeFelice,
Cynthia - Bringing Ezra Back De
La Cruz, Melissa - Blue Bloods Delaney,
Joseph - The Last Apprentice: Curse of the Bane
Desnoettes,
Caroline - Look Closer: Art Masterpieces through the
Ages Dines,
Carol - The Queen's Soprano Dokey,
Cameron - Sunlight and Shadow Douglas,
Lola - More Confessions of a Hollywood
Starlet Downer,
Ann - The Dragon of Never-Was DuPrau,
Jeanne - Prophet of Yonwood Durrant,
Lynda - My Last Skirt: The Story of Jennie Hodgers
Duval,
Alex - Vampire Beach: Bloodlust and
Initiation Ehrenhaft,
Daniel - The After Life Enthoven,
Sam - The Black Tattoo Ernst,
Kathleen - Hearts of Stone Feinstein,
John - Vanishing Act Ferguson,
Alane - The Christopher Killer Fiedler,
Lisa - Romeo's Ex: Rosaline's Story Fisher,
Catherine - Day of the Scarab Flanagan,
John - Ruins of Gorlan Fleischman,
Sid - The White Elephant Fletcher,
Susan - Alphabet of Dreams Fredricks,
Mariah - Crunch Time Freymann-Wyer,
Garret - Stay With Me Friedman,
D. Dina - Escaping into the Night Gantos,
Jack - The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs Giblin,
James Cross - The Boy who Saved Cleveland Gilman,
Laura Ann - The Camelot Spell Glass,
Linzi - The Year the Gypsies Came Glatshteyn,
Yankev - Emil and Karl Golds,
Cassandra - Clair de Lune Goschke,
Julia - Langley Longears Gray,
Dianne - Tomorrow, The River Greene,
Michele Dominguez - Chasing the Jaguar Gregory,
Nan - I'll Sing You One-O Greif,
Jean-Jacques - The Fighter Grimes,
Nikki - The Road to Paris Haarsma,
P.J. - Virus on Orbis 1 Haddix,
Margaret - Among the Free Hale,
Marian - Dark Water Rising Harrison,
Mette Ivie - The Princess and the Hound Haworth-Attard,
Barbara - Theories of Relativity Helgerson,
Joseph - Horns & Wrinkles Hirsch,
Odo - Have Courage, Hazel Green Hokenson,
Terry - The Winter Road Hughes,
Monica - The Isis Trilogy
Johnson,
Kathleen Jeffrie - Dumb Love Johnson,
Maureen - Girl At Sea Johnston,
Julie - A Very Fine Line Jones,
Patrick - Things Change Jones,
Traci L. - Standing Against the Wind Kaaberbol,
Lene - The Serpent's Gift Kaaberbol,
Lene - The Shamer's War Karasyov,
Carrie and Jill Kargman - Bittersweet Sixteen Katz,
Karen - Can You Say PEACE? Keene,
Carolyn - Once Upon A Crime Kerr,
P.B. - Cobra King of Kathmandu Kidd,
Rob - Jack Sparrow: The Coming Storm Kimmel,
Elizabeth Cody - Lily B. on the Brink of Cool Kladstrup.
Kristin - The Book of Story Beginnings Klages,
Ellen - The Green Glass Sea Korman,
Gordon - The Abduction Koss,
Amy Goldman - Poison Ivy Koss,
Amy Goldman - Side Effects Krensky,
Stephen - Hanukkah at Valley Forge Kurlansky,
Mark - The Story of Salt Kurti,
Jeff and Bruce Gordon - The Art of Disneyland L'Homme,
Erik - Mystery of Lord Sha and Face of the
Shadow
Lackey,
Mercedes - One Good Knight Laird,
Elizabeth with Sonia Nimr - A Little Piece of
Ground Lake,
A.J. - Coming of Dragons Lake,
A.J. - Coming of Dragons Langrish,
Katherine - Troll Mill Lauber,
Patricia - What You Never Knew About Beds, Bedrooms and
Pajamas Lavender,
William - Aftershocks Lee,
Janet - The Beast of Noor Lenhard,
Elizabeth - Chicks with Sticks: Knit Two
Together Les
Becquets, Diane - Love, Cajun Style Lisle,
Janet Taylor - Black Duck Lorbiecki,
Marybeth - Jackie's Bat Lubar,
David - Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie Lupica,
Mike Miracle on 49th Street Lyga,
Barry - The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth
Girl MacCready,
Robin Merrow - Buried Mackall,
Dandi - Eva Underground Mackall,
Dandi Daley - Larger-Than-Life Lara Manning,
Sarra - Diary of a Crush: French Kiss Manning,
Sarra - Diary of a Crush: Sealed With a Kiss Manning,
Sarra - Diary of a Crush: Kiss and Make Up Manning,
Sarra - Let's Get Lost Manushkin,
Fran - The Shivers in the Fridge Mason,
Adrienne - Change it! Solids, liquids, gases and
you Mason,
Adrienne - Build it! Structures, systems and
you Masson,
Sophie - Snow Fire Sword McAllister,
M.I. - Urchin and the Heartstone McClymer,
Kelly - The Salem Witch Tryouts McCully,
Emily Arnold - Marvelous Mattie McCutcheon
John - Christmas in the Trenches McKay,
Hilary - Caddy Ever After McKinty,
Adrian - The Lighthouse Land McKissack,
Patricia - A Friendship for Today Meehling,
Laura and Laura Moser - All Q, No A; More Tales of a
10th-Grade Social Climber Michelson,
Richard - Across the Alley Miller,
Kirsten - Kiki Strike Inside the Shadow City Miller,
Mary Beth - On the Head of a Pin Minor,
Wendall - Yankee Doodle America: The Spirit of 1776 from A
to Z Mitchell,
Todd - The Traitor King Moesta,
Rebecca - Crystal Doors Molloy,
Michael Peter - Raven Under Fire Mooney,
Bel - You Never Did Learn To Knock Moore,
Lilian - Beware, Take Care Moranville,
Sharelle Byars - A Higher Geometry Morris,
Gerald - The Quest of the Fair Unknown Morton-Shaw,
Christine - The Riddles of Epsilon Muchamore,
Robert - Maximum Security Murphy,
Claire Rudolf - Children of Alcatraz: Growing up on the Rock
Murphy,
Jim - Desperate Journey Murphy,
Rita - Looking for Lucy Buick Myracle,
Lauren - Rhymes with Witches Nilsson,
Per - You and You and You Nimmo,
Jenny - The Snow Spider Nimmo,
Jenny - Chestnut Soldier Owen,
James A. - Here, There Be Dragons Page,
Katherine Hall - Club Meds Papademetriou,
Lisa - The Wizard, the Witch and Two Girls from
Jersey Papineau,
Lucie - Christmas Eve Magic Paratore,
Coleen - The Wedding Planner's Daughter Pearson,
Ridley - Kingdom Keepers Perkins,
Lynne Rae - Criss Cross Pfeffer,
Wendy - We Gather Together Pierce,
Tamora - Beka Cooper: Terrier Plum-Ucci,
Carol - The Night My Sister Went Missing Pratchett,
Terry - Johnny and the Dead Price,
Charlie - Dead Connection Rallison,
Janette - It's a Mall World After All Ransom,
Candice - Finding Day's Bottom Rappaport,
Doreen - Freedom Ship Raven,
Margot Theis - Night Boat to Freedom Ray,
Deborah Kogan - To Go Singing Through the World
Rayban,
Chloe - My Life Starring Mum Captain
Redbeard - Fundorado Island Resau,
Laura - What the Moon Saw Reeve,
Philip - Infernal Devices Reinhardt,
Dana - A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life Reisfelf,
Randi and H.B. Gilmour - Oh Baby! Richards,
Justin - The Death Collector Richardson,
E.E. - The Intruders Richardson,
V.A. The Moneylender's Daughter Riordan,
Rick - The Sea of Monsters Ritter,
John H. - Under the Baseball Moon Roberts,
Judson - Viking Warrior Roberts,
Willo Davis - The One Left Behind Robinson,
Sharon - Safe at Home Rodowsky,
Colby - That Fernhill Summer Romano,
Christy Carlson - Grace's Turn Rosenthal,
Amy Krouse - One of Those Days Rushton,
Rosie - The Dashwood Sisters' Secrets of Love Sage,
Angie - My Haunted House and The Sword in the Grotto
Schreiber,
Ellen - Vampireville Schumacher,
Julie - The Book of One Hundred Truths Seeger,
Pete and Paul Dubois Jacobs - The Deaf
Musicians Selznick,
Brian - The Invention of Hugo Cabret Shaw,
Tucker - The Hookup Artist Shepard,
Sara - Pretty Little Liars Sheth,
Kashmira - Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet Shreve,
Susan - Kiss Me Tomorrow Shusterman,
Neal - Duckling Ugly Singleton,
Linda Joy - Last Dance Smith,
Lane - John, Paul, George and Ben Smith,
Cynthia Leitich - Tantalize Sniegoski,
Tom - Sleeper Code, 278 p. AND Sleeper Agenda Sorrells,
Walter - The Silent Room Spradlin,
Michael P. - To Hawaii, With Love Stahler,
Davis Jr. - A Gathering of Shades Stahler,
David Jr. - Doppelganger Standiford,
Natalie - Elle Woods: Blonde and Heart Stanley,
Diane - Bella at Midnight Stenhouse,
Ted - Murder on the Ridge Strasser,
Todd - Sidewayz Glory Sutherland,
Tui - Avatars: So this is How it Ends Timberlake,
Amy - That Girl Lucy Moon Truss,
Lynne - Eats, Shoots, and Leaves: Why commas are
important Turner,
Megan Whalen - The King of Attolia Umansky,
Kaye - The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow Updale,
Eleanor - Montmorency's Revenge Ursu,
Anne - The Shadow Thieves Valdes-Rodriguez,
Alisa - Haters Vande
Velde, Vivian - Now You See It… Van
Draanen, Wendelin - Runaway Van
Maarsen, Jacqueline A Friend Called Anne Voake,
Steve - The Dream Walkers Child Waldorf,
Heather - Fighting the Current Wallace,
Rich - Dunk Under Pressure Walton,
Rick - Suddenly Alligator: an adverbial tale Warner,
Sally - Twilight Child Watson,
Jude - Star Wars: Legacy of the Jedi/Secrets of the
Jedi Watts,
Leander - Beautiful City of the Dead Werlin,
Nancy - The Rules of Survival Westerfeld,
Scott - The Last Days Why
Did the Chicken Cross the Road? Wiess,
Laura - Such a Pretty Girl Wilce,
Ysabeau - Flora Segunda Winterson,
Jeanette - Tanglewreck Winthrop,
Elizabeth - Counting on Grace Wolfson,
Jill - Home and Other Big, Fat Lies Wong,
Joyce Lee - Seeing Emily Wong
Li Keng - Good Fortune: My Journey to Gold
Mountain Wooderson,
Philip - The Plague Woods,
Brenda - My Name is Sally Little Song Woolfe,
Angela - Avril Crump and Her Amazing Clones Yolen
Jane and Adam Stemple - TrollBridge: A Rock and Roll Fairy
Tale 10 February
2007 Ryan,
Darlene Saving Grace 97 p. Orca - Originally Evie
gave her baby up for adoption, but now she has stolen
Brianna because she doesn't think the adoptive couple are
doing good enough of a job. On the run, the baby's father
abandons them at a gas station after she gets him to drive
them to Toronto to hide. Personally, I don't blame him for
dumping her, because Evie is not the brightest, nor most
stable bulb in town. An unsatisfying ending leaves Brianna
in danger. A large amount of swearing just makes it that
much easier to abandon this poorly crafted title.
NO Stolarz,
Laurie Faria Bleed 225 p. Hyperion - I suffered
through 108 pages of this book before throwing in the towel
on a confusing and nauseating haphazard tale of perversion
and deceit. NO Jones,
Traci L. Standing Against the Wind, 184 p.
FSG - Patrice is unwillingly living with her aunt and
cousins in downtown Chicago after her mother brings her to
town and then gets sent off to jail. She doesn't have the
street smarts or attitude to stand against the hardened
souls populating her school hallways. Then Monty, a
wisecracking popular boy takes notice and the two form a
fast friendship and he protects her as she inspires him to
actually do his best. A smoothly written tale that could be
an inspiration in the right hands. Even though it does talk
about dicey situations, the author does so without resorting
to vulgar language or sensationalism. MS -
ADVISABLE Greif,
Jean-Jacques The Fighter 288 p. Bloomsbury
- In the 1930's Moshe and his brothers made new lives for
themselves in beautiful Paris, far from the squalor of
Warsaw. With the arrival of WWII, however, Moshe is carted
off to Auschwitz, where he finds the strength to not only
survive, but to also do a small bit of good. Based on the
true life memoir of a family friend, Greif writes a novel
that will do well within a larger Holocaust collection, but
is not a best purchase for smaller libraries. MS, HS -
OPTIONAL Rallison,
Janette It's a Mall World After All, 230
p. Walker (Bloomsbury) - One day Charlotte's world will
perfect, the next she sees her best friend's boyfriend
flirting with another girl. Everyone around her accuses her
of trying to sabotage the couple, while Char does her best
to convince someone she is telling the truth and also do
some good deeds along the way. An uncomplicated novel that
will be enjoyed by the girly crowd. MS - OPTIONAL MacCready,
Robin Merrow Buried 198 p. Penguin -
Claudine wakes up one morning and finds that her mother is
gone - again. As Claudine tries to hold everything together,
it all just falls apart more rapidly, and the world's
largest arrangement of Post-it notes can't stop the truth
from being exposed - in the midst of a hurricane. Claudine's
descent is heart-wrenching poignant and you need to know
about the small amount of swear words (11), with three of
the being the dreaded "f". So read it for yourself and think
hard, because this novel is just not to be passed up. HS -
ESSENTIAL, MS - Your call. Woods,
Brenda My Name is Sally Little Song 182 p.
Penguin - Sally and her family escape into the night when
their father learns that the two children are to be sent
south to another plantation. They will face many dangers
before they might find safety with the Seminoles of Florida.
And even then they may not truly be out of harm's way.
Another well-written historical fiction novel about the many
ways slaves searched for freedom. EL, MS -
ADVISABLE Ernst,
Kathleen Hearts of Stone 248 p. Penguin - First
Hannah's father dies as he fights with the Yankees during
the Civil War. Now, her mother is dead after being
brutalized by bushwhackers. Hannah decides to take her
brother and young twin sisters on a perilous journey to
Nashville, hoping to find their aunt. But nothing seems to
go right in their young lives, especially after Hannah's
best friend Ben, does something that seems to break their
friendship forever. Another look at a different dimension of
the Civil War that is well-written and will fit well into
most collections. El, MS - ADVISABLE Barham,
Lisa A Girl Like Moi: The fashion-forward adventures of
Imogene, 265 p. Simon Schuster - After maxing out
her AmEx and failing to make payments, Imogene finds herself
having to take on an internship in New York, in order to pay
off her bills, instead of flying off to Paris with her best
friend. A fabulous boy and a catty co-worker turn Imogene's
summer upside down as she tries to remain tres chic with
absolutely no cash. A fun, fluffy Devil Wears Prada rip-off
for the teen set that is perfect for reading while tanning
this summer. Does not resort to the crassness of so many
other teen novels and yet is full of fashion buzzwords.
Already on paperback! MS, HS - ESSENTIAL McClymer,
Kelly The Salem Witch Tryouts, 261 p.
Simon Schuster - Even though she was born a witch, Prudence
has not been allowed to use her powers to their full extent,
because her mother is married to a mortal and they live in
the mortal world. Now, though, her bratty brother needs
special schooling and the family moves to the heart of
witchdom - Salem Massachusetts - where honors students
Prudence is suddenly stuck in remedial witch classes. And
unless she can acquire some skills, she may not even make it
onto another cheer squad. Another campy, fun book that is
full of harmless fun. And, BONUS, it's already in paperback
and it's the start of a series. MS - ESSENTIAL Weyn,
Suzanne Water Song 189 p. Simon Schuster - Emma
and her mother made the terrible mistake of seeking refuge
at their Belgian estate in the early days of WWI. Now she is
caught between the opposing forces. She rescues an American
who has fallen in to her well after he was caught in one of
the first poisonous gas attacks - the same evening that the
Germans capture her family home. More historical fiction
than retold fairytale - the bones of the The Frog Prince are
there, but take back seat to the highly engaging history.
You need the entire Once Upon a Time Series. MS, HS -
ESSENTIAL Vaught,
Susan Trigger 290 p. - Language: PG;
Sexual Content: G, Violence: G - This book is about a kid
who shot himself but did not suceed in his attempted
suicide. He has major brain damage, and most of the kids at
school see him as the new "freak." The book is about his
struggle and journey to go back to school for his senior
year and trying to figure out why he did it. I enjoyed
reading this book. It was really well written considering it
is in first person. It might be a little harder for seventh
grade students and below, but I think it is well worth the
time for older students. I would recommend this for school
libraries. MS, HS, ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: JH Extremely
well-written, tense and realistic, as the protagonist
discovers that his major life problems, the ones that drove
to his desperate act, were trivial and insubstantial. MS, HS
- ESSENTIAL - Cindy Cornish,
D.M. Monster Blood Tattoo 404 p. Penguin -
Rating: PG - Rossamund has been an orphan all his life, and
the day has finally come for him to take a job in a far away
country! Follow Rossamund in his journeys with women who
kill monsters, magic, and a lot of action! I personally,
HATED this book. I'm sorry. The book alone is only 312 pages
long. Yet the glossary in the book is over 100 pages long.
There was far to much information in this book. It was VERY
confusing. MS - NO. Student Reviewer: LH Cabot,
Megan Pants On Fire 272 p. Harper -
Rating: PG - This Chick Flick style of book was a joy for me
to read! Katie Ellison has a big secret. And the only person
able to find out has come back to town! Can Katie keep her
secret swept under the rug, or will this person yank it out
for the whole town to see? Don't be fooled by the title,
this book is not all that sexual. It has to do with lying.
Just wanted you to know. MS, HS - ESSENTIAL (Put it in your
libraries as soon as you can get your hands on it!) Student
Reviewer: LH Enthoven,
Sam The Black Tattoo - Rating: PG-13 - Jack and
Charlie are best friends. But when Charlie's dad leaves him
and his mom, Charlie makes some stupid decisions. Being
possessed by a powerful demon, Charlie is capable of the
impossible. Will Jack be able to convince Charlie in time
that he's being stupid? I was captivated by this book! I
couldn't put it down! I recommend this book to all
librarians! MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer:
LH Barth-Grozinger,
Inge Something Remains - Rating: PG Erich Levi
and his family are some of the most respected people in
their little town of Ellwagen Germany. But when Hitler and
The National Socialist Party come to power, everything
changes for the Levi's. Because they are Jewish, Erich, his
cousin and brother Max are being harassed every day at
school. Plus, Erich's father's business is suffering. What
will come of this family under Hitler's power? I thought
this book really reflected on how hard it was for the Jews
in World War Two. I recommend it to everyone. MS, HS -
ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: LH Meehling,
Laura and Laura Moser All Q, No A; More Tales of a
10th-Grade Social Climber, 272pgs - Language: R 15
pgs worth; Sexual Content: PG13; Violence: PG - Mimi
Schulman is a 10th-grader attending Baldwin , an expensive
private school. She is assigned a simple story for the
school newspaper which soon turns into a giant exclusive
that leaves her scared for her life when she's not already
worried about her more average high school social needs. It
was an okay book, though it seemed kind of rushed near the
end. It was a little far fetched, but it also had its
down-to-earth moments that were easier to connect with. MS -
NO. It's not that the book was particularly bad, but there
are just better books to spend money on and put in a school
library. Student Reviewer: JN Vail,
Rachel You, Maybe 199pgs - Language: PG 13;
Sexual Content: PG 13; Violence: PG - Josie is just an
average girl, who is suddenly pulled into a relationship
with the hottest senior at school, Carson Gold. Things spin
out of control as her love for him grows, and soon she finds
herself lost in the relationship that never should have
begun. I never really connected with Josie and didn't really
care that much about what happened to her. It was a good
story, and I liked that it didn't end all goody-good the
ways a lot of books do, but I wish that the main character
could have been a little more like-able. MS - OPTIONAL
Student Reviewer: JN Cadnum,
Michael Nightsong 133 p. - Language-G;
Sexual Content-G; Violence-PG - This book is about the
legend of Orepheus, a prince and bard, and Eurydice, his
wife. After Eurydice dies on their wedding day Orpheus must
travel across the river Styx and convince the god of the
underworld to let him have his wife back. This book was
okay. It stuck really close to the original myth. It was a
little boring though. It was to long for the plot. If they
had more detail it would be much better. EL - OPTIONAL
Student Reviewer: JB Miller,
Kirsten Kiki Strike Inside the Shadow City 380 p.
- Language-PG; Sexual Content-G; Violence- a high PG or Low
Pg-13 - Through out the world there are many hidden cities.
They are mostly under ancient civilizations. But did you
know that there is one under New York. In this book you will
get to explore the shadow city with six interesting girls,
who have some amazing talents. I really liked this book. It
has a lot of information that you could actually use. It
isn't really realistic though. It was an amusing and fun
book. MS - ADVISBLE. Student Reviewer: JB Lee,
Janet The Beast of Noor 497 pages -
Language G; Sexual Content G; Violence PG - Hanna and Miles
are descendants of Rory Sheen; he who betrayed his loyal dog
in the face of death and in turn, the dog became the Shriker
and haunted Rory for the rest of his life. Fifty years ago
the Shriker came back, and now kills the people of Noor in
huge amounts. Now it has killed Polly Downs and the
villagers blame the descendants of Rory. Hanna and Miles are
the only ones who can destroy the Shriker. Will they do it
in time? This book was so suspenseful I couldn't put it
down. It is unlike any fantasy book I have ever read. MS -
ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: NM Snow,
Alan Here Be Monsters Pages: 529 (Don't be
intimidated. The print is huge and there are illustrations
on almost every page); Language: PG (3 words, each used
once--rather mild) - Arthur, while on an expedition to
"gather" food from the world above the ground, gets caught
by a kind gentleman; however, he gets mixed up in a plot
that will decide the fate of RatBridge! When new secrets are
brought out, the fate of the undergroundlings may also be in
danger. I hated the book. Yes, I flat out hated it. The plot
was boring and it dragged on without anything interesting
happening. Younger kids may find it humorous, or at least
enjoyable. But for a teenage library, the answer is a
definite no. EL-OPTIONAL Student Reviewer: KH Klise,
Kate Far From Normal 255 p. - When Charles
writes a paper on his family from Normal, Illinois it gets
published in a newspaper. It tells of his sisters, and
brother, his parents and what they did on a normal basis.
When Bargain Bonanza, a discount store, gets upset at
Charles because he wrote on how he hated their stuff, they
sued. His parents end up signing a contract to be the
spokesfamily for Bargain Bonanza. He then changes from
normal to famous. He and his family must find a way to
escape. This was a good book for elementary students. It had
some very strange parts in it, it was far from normal. EL -
NO Student Reviewer: KC McKinty,
Adrian The Lighthouse Land 387 Pages - Jamie
O'Neill's mother inherits a small island in Ireland. They
move from their home town of Harlem and go to Ireland. On
this island there is a lighthouse that takes him to another
place and time: the light house land. The people on this
land have been waiting for him to come so that his can save
them from their enemies with his "magic tricks". I really
liked this book. It took me a while to get into it, but once
I did I really liked it. MS-ADVISABLE Student Reviewer:
LW Klages,
Ellen The Green Glass Sea 318 pages -
Language- PG-13 (Time Period) - Dewy's grandma has been
taking care of her since her dad is always off doing things
for the government. But when grandma dies, Dewy moves with
her dad to New Mexico. She moves into this camp where a
whole bunch of professors and smart people are working on
some kind of secret "gadget" for the war. (WWII). I really
enjoyed this book. It has a really good plot. My only
concern is the swearing - about a dozen, no "f".
MS-ADVISABLE Student Reviewer: LW Shepard,
Sara Pretty Little Liars 304 p. - Language: R
(uses "f" several times); Sexual Content: PG-13 - After one
of the four friends goes missing the other girls start
getting strange messages from someone anonymous. This story
is about their trials and how they cope with these bizarre
messages. This book was easy to get into but a little
confusing because of all the character switches. It shows
high school life and that even the most perfect looking
people have things to cope with. HS-NO-not appropriate for
this age level Student Reviewer: KD Alegria,
Malin Estrella's Quinceanera, 272 pages -
Language-PG; Sexual Content-PG; Violence-G - Estrella's mom
is deep in Spanish tradition, which means having an unwanted
quinceanera (like a coming out party). After falling for a
boy that her father has forbade her from seeing, her life
seems to get worse because of her nosy family and critical
friends. Malin Alegria puts a new twist on the classic:
mother making daughter do things that she doesn't want to,
dad not letting daughter go out with a guy so daughter dates
him secretly. I think that it would be a good choice for our
library. MS-ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: KD Gregory,
Nan I'll Sing You One-O 224 pages - Gemma is a
girl that has been raised by foster parents all her life
when out of the blue, social workers come and take her away
to her aunt and uncle's house to live with her twin brother
she didn't even know about. She tries to get the attention
of an angel to help her get back to the foster home where
all of the people she knows and love live. The author makes
your heart ache because of all the things she does to get
the attention of an angle. She ends cutting off her hair,
stealing money and selling antique soldiers just to get
help. In the end she learns to love her new home and accept
why her mom gave her up. EL, MS - ESSENTIAL Student
Reviewer: KD Kimmel,
Elizabeth Cody Lily B. on the Brink of Cool, 239
pages HarperCollins - This book was published in 2003, so it
is already out. Lily thinks that her life is a drab until
she meets the "Cool People". They show her life as a
vegetarian and as an environmentalist. She puts all of her
trust in them and has it broken. She is a typical girl that
just wants to be the cool one. She reminds me of my younger
self. I have already read this book and I loved it again.
EL, MS - ADVISABLE Student Reviewer: KD Romano,
Christy Carlson Grace's Turn, 264 p. - Grace
wants her popularity to sky rocket. As she and Emily, her
best friend, try to fit in Grace meets a popular guy named
Hunter Wells. A school play comes around the corner and
Grace tries out. Hunter and Grace start going out. When
Grace becomes the lead role in the play, Grease, her
popularity goes higher than she expected. When Grace starts
getting busy with everything in her life she starts ignoring
Emily. Her life changes over and over. When the play ends
her life goes back to normal. This book is so good. It's
interesting to find out what happens to normal people like
you and I. MS, HS - ADVISABLE Student Reviewer:
KC 1 February
2007 Nix,
Garth Lady Friday 320 p. Scholastic - Release:
March 2007 - Arthur and Leaf must work separately in order
to find the fifth Key to the Kingdom, the fifth part of the
Will and defeat Lady Friday, before time runs out. This
long-awaited installment in the Keys to the Kingdom series
will not disappoint fans of Nix. Though the beginning is a
little rough, once Arthur and Leaf head off on their
adventures through the Middle House the action flows quickly
and smoothly to a climatic finish. Nix is able to find new,
exciting parts of the house, such as the river that runs
uphill and paper wings that anyone can easily don and use.
EL, MS - ESSENTIAL Mitchell,
Todd The Traitor King 368 p. Scholastic - Release
Date: April 2007 - Darren's family always meets for the
summer at the old family home, now owned by their eccentric
Uncle Will. This year, however, he has only left behind a
mysterious message and odd clues that only the children
might be able to answer. Little do they know that the
answers will lead them right out of this world and right
into a very dangerous situation. A delightful addition to
the body of fantasy literature. I can tell that Mr. Mitchell
has more adventures ready for Darren and his family. EL, MS
- ADVISABLE Yolen
Jane and Adam Stemple TrollBridge: A Rock and Roll Fairy
Tale 240 p. TOR/Forge - Eleven dairy princesses have
disappeared off an old bridge along with their photographer,
leaving Moira behind to solve the mystery. She finds an
unlikely source of aide from three brothers who happen to be
famous pop stars - and the quartet is transported into a
realm of vicious trolls, where their lives are repeatedly in
danger. A rompy read, a little gruesome, but a happy ending
that is not necessarily predictable. MS, HS -
ADVISABLE Kehret,
Peg Trapped 177 p. Penguin - First the pig
falls off the truck and then Pete the cat is stolen. Alex,
his family and his friends are right in the middle of
another mystery that Pete will attempt to help them solve,
but since he's a cat, his clues usually go unnoticed. Action
and suspense, maybe, but the soliloquies by Pete are not my
cup of tea. I am sure that younger students will find this
cute. EL - OPTIONAL McCormick
Patricia Sold 263 p. Hyperion - Thinking that she
will help her family by taking a job as a maid in the big
city, thirteen-year-old Lakshmi finds herself instead in a
brothel, saddle with a huge debt that she might never be
able to pay off. She refuses to submit to the attentions of
men, but is tricked and broken down and defeated. How can a
destitute, used up little girl find the strength to walk
out? The story is beautifully written prose that is quickly
read and reread. Though Ms. McCormick skillfully writes the
scenes in the brothel, they are too graphic for middle
school, but I think that high schools will find this book
powerful enough that they should carry the title. If you
have concerns, email me and I will tell you specifically
about the passages you should know about before you
purchase. HS - ADVISABLE Kladstrup.
Kristin The Book of Story Beginnings 360 p.
Candlewick - Lucy and her family are forced to move from the
exciting city and out to the ancestral homestead - a
farmhouse in Iowa. In the house, Lucy finds a book titled
The Book of Story Beginnings, not knowing that she has now
started a tale that must be played out to its end -
including the appearance of her long-lost great uncle Oscar,
who doesn't look a day older than when he disappeared. A
cute fantasy book that will be enjoyed by younger readers.
EL, MS - OPTIONAL 31 January
2007 Klein,
Lisa Ophelia 328 p. Bloomsbury - Everyone
thinks that they know the story of Ophelia, from
Shakespeare's Hamlet, but this beautifully written book
takes everything you think you know and turns it on its
head. Klein has written an engaging book that adds depth and
dimension to the recent trend of rewriting Shakespeare. Even
if you haven't read Hamlet, you will enjoy this book. A must
read for anyone. MS, HS - ESSENTIAL Werlin,
Nancy The Rules of Survival 259 p. Penguin
- Since he was little, Matthew has tried to shield his
sister's from their mother's eccentricities and abuse.
Though their aunt lives downstairs and there is close by,
neither of those adults seem to take any interest in what
truly is happening to the children. Only persistence from
Matthew and the intervention of a stranger start major
changes for everyone. Without resorting to shock and awe,
Werlin has written a brilliant book that teenagers will
devour and then tell their friends about. MS, HS -
ESSENTIAL Richards,
Justin The Death Collector 320 p. Bloomsbury -
Albert Wilkes dies two weeks ago and today he showed up for
tea. And there begin the adventures of George, Liz, Eddie
and Sir William as they try to decipher who someone is
willing to kill for a small, burnt scrap of paper.
MS-OPTIONAL Mackall,
Dandi Daley Larger-Than-Life Lara 151 p. Penguin
- Laney's fourth grade class is stunned the day that Lara,
the fattest girl they have ever seen, walks into their
classroom. This girl is so fat, that she needs a special
desk. Lara's parents have instilled her with a healthy sense
of self-esteem, but she is hard pressed to keep her chin up
against the unreasonable prejudice of her fellow students.
This book will make you cry and it should be read to every
child every single year. EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL Grimes,
Nikki The Road to Paris 153 p. Penguin -
Eight-year old Paris has been separated from her brother and
is on her own in a new foster home. The last one was a
disaster and she is not holding out hopes for anything
better here. Very slowly, she has to learn to trust again.
Usually when you read a book about foster homes and foster
children, you only hear about the bad places, the bad
families and the bad children. In this book, however, Paris
is trying very hard to be good and her family is trying very
hard to make her feel welcome. It is so different from the
norm that it at first feels like an oddball or a non
sequitur, but maybe, instead, it gives a view to the
experience that we hope all foster children have. EL, MS -
ADVISABLE Hirsch,
Odo Have Courage, Hazel Green 256 p.
Bloomsbury - Hazel Green heard an important man say terrible
things to a poor Jewish man. She tries in her own way to
right the wrong, but instead she just get into a lot of
trouble. I haven't read the first two books in the series,
so was a bit confused. But Hazel tackles huge questions
about our behavior towards others, almost making the book
too deep for young people to actually understand the point.
The parent characters are extremely weak-willed and
virtually void of personality. EL - OPTIONAL Glatshteyn,
Yankev Emil and Karl 194 p. Roaring Brook
(Holtzbrinck) - Emil and Karl are best friends in the city
of Vienna at the start of World War II. Through horrible
circumstances, both young boys are left orphaned and without
family to take them in. Their little eyes see many of the
cruel atrocities carried out in the name of Christianity
upon the bodies of Austria's Jews. This amazing thing about
this book is that it was written in 1940, in Yiddish, so
that the Jewish children of America could know what was
really going on in Europe. I am amazed that it hadn't
surfaced in English before now. MS, HS -
ESSENTIAL Shreve,
Susan Kiss Me Tomorrow 160 p. Scholastic - Alyssa
"Blister" Reed is starting 7th grade and everything has
changed around her. Her mother has a new boyfriend and they
are moving to a new house together. Her best friend, Jonah,
is following the popular boys around trying to break into
the crowd. Then, Jonah gets arrested for stealing. Blister
is sure that the older boys are using him and that the cool,
cute boy across the street knows more than he is telling. A
cute book for younger girls. EL, MS -OPTIONAL 30 January
2007 Nimmo,
Jenny The Chestnut Soldier 203 p. Scholastic -
When a mysterious "relative" shows up on the Lloyds'
doorstep, the family and all of Gwyn Griffiths' quiet little
town becomes a hotbed of contention. Gwyn suspects that a
cursed wooden horse he lost recently is at the heart of the
matter, but with every one of his friends reluctant to
believe him, what can he do? This was the best book of the
trilogy, in my opinion. The characters are believable and
interesting, some new plot twists are introduced, and the
storyline pulls you right into the book. One of the best
books I have read for a while. MS - ESSENTIAL Student
Reviewer: CG Boniface,
William The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary
Boy 294 p. HarperCollins - Ordinary Boy is the only
one in Superopolis that isn't super. However, when a new
trading card series comes out featuring everyone's favorite
hero (the Amazing Indestructo) Ordinary Boy and his friends
are pulled into a complex plot involving money, insecure
heroes, and enough trading cards to drown in. Literally.
This book is imaginative, funny easy to read. The plot is
interesting and fast, and reading each new hero's special
power is simply hilarious. A most excellent read. EL, MS -
ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: CG Glass,
Linzi The Year the Gypsies Came 256 pages Henry
Holt - This book is about a girl by the name of Emily Iris
who has parents who fight a lot. However, when they have
guests they don't fight. When they have guests come over
things start to change. I did not like this book it was
boring and I could not get into it. HS - NO Student
Reviewer: RV Harrison,
Mette Ivie The Princess and the Hound Pages: 410
HarperCollins - This is a very cute fantasy story. It
started out fairly stereotypical, and I wasn't impressed at
the beginning, but it got better. I wouldn't recommend it
for being a brilliant, unique novel, but it was good in a
cute sort of way. EL - ADVISABLE. MS - OPTIONAL Student
Reviewer: JH Schumacher,
Julie The Book of One Hundred Truths
Pages: 182 RandomHouse This book bored me to tears. I
kid you not, I was asleep. Maybe it's because it was about a
twelve-year old, but I would leave it in an elementary
school library, if that. It might catch the attention of a
fourth or fifth grader. NO Student Reviewer Johnson,
Maureen Girl At Sea 323 p. HarperCollins;
Language: PG13, Sexuality: PG13, Violence: PG - Clio has to
spend her summer on a yacht with her father and his crew
instead of at home working at her new job. She has no idea
what is really going on, and has to deal with Aidan, not
knowing what he is really thinking. Girl at Sea was a great
book. I enjoyed reading it; it captured my attention with
its twists and the hidden romance. MS, HS - ADVISABLE
Student Reviewer: JN Almond,
David Clay 250 pgs RandomHouse - Language:
R- too many pgs to count, Sexuality: PG, Violence: PG13 -
Clay is about Davie, a Catholic boy, who meets the dark
Stephen. Stephen recruits Davie to help him create a monster
made of clay. This was an awful book. I would not recommend
it to anyone; it wasn't written well at all and I soon lost
interest in reading it, I couldn't even force myself to
finish reading all of it! NO! Student Reviewer Valdes-Rodriguez,
Alisa Haters 352 pgs Little, Brown - Language: R-
over 50 pgs, Sexuality: R- 318-320, Violence: pg13 - Paski
moves from New Mexico with her dad to his new job in
California. She soon learns that life in the OC is very
different; she meets hot Chris, trains for her mountain
biking, and most importantly, she is introduced to the
"Haters". I absolutely loved this book. Although it is not
appropriate for a school library, because of the language
and sexuality, I would recommend reading it because it was
so easy to relate to. NO, unfortunately Student Reviewer:
JN Warner,
Sally Twilight Child Pages: 211 pgs. Penguin -
Eleni is a girl from Finland who was born at twilight, and
given a special gift to see and talk to creatures normal
humans can't. Leaving Finland Eleni makes knew friends, goes
through many hardships, and learns more about her gift. I
had a lot of fun reading Twilight Child, and would gladly
recommend it to anyone who asks for a good book to read. It
educates the reader- including me- with some finnish words
slipped in here and there, as well as provides non-stop
entertainment. I really enjoyed it! MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
Student Reviewer: JH Morrison,
P.R. Wind Tamer 336 pages Bloomsbury - Archie is
a young boy who has just turned ten. Suddenly, his Uncle
Rufus shows up and give Archie a strange present before
telling Archie a great family secret. The eldest male child
in the Stringweed family is affected when they turn ten by a
tornado named Huigor that causes them to lose their courage.
Archie's overprotective parents don't want him to know about
this curse, and have been in denial, but now that Archie
knows, he wants to break the curse to recover his father's
courage and save his own. I found this book to be poorly
written with a weak storyline that could have been done much
better. Also, there are certain details that seriously take
away from the book. Particularly was Archie's age and
naïveté. His goal in life is to learn how to
whistle well, and when he goes missing, the first thing his
mother worries about is not who or where he could possibly
be, but if he is wearing his seat belt. Other such incidents
occur throughout the book, causing me to consider within a
lower tier of books. EL - OPTIONAL Student Reviewer:
KR Ha,
Thu- Huong Hail Caesar Pages: 292 Language: R
(there were only a few pages without swear words, F-bomb
over three times.) Sexual Content: R, Violence: PG-13
(fights) - John's nickname is Caesar because everyone at
school worships him, even though he doesn't care about any
of them. Well, all except for one new girl who shows up and
makes Caesar realize that it's not always about him. This
book is the dirtiest book I have ever read! I put it down on
page fifty, and there had already been over three F-bombs,
and too much sexual content. I had read enough to write a
report on it, and I would not read anymore, I had folded
about every corner of each page because of swearing.
Interest Level: I don't know why anyone would like this
book; Buying Recommendation: NO Student Reviewer:
JH Westerfeld,
Scott The Last Days 286 p. Penguin -
language- R; sexual content- PG 13 ; violence- PG - This
book is a sequel to Peeps. This book is about a group of
teens who want to start a band. They have trouble finding
people for the band and when they finally get everyone their
band is great. But Manhattan is not. Things are going weird
with people all around town and in the band. I liked this
book except for the sexual content where the characters are
horny. I thought that this book was a lot better in content
than the first book but it still had a lot of swearing.
MS,HS OPTIONAL Student Reviewer: AN Westerfeld ,
Scott Peeps 312 P. Penguin - language- R; sexual
content- PG- 13; Violence- PG 13 - The book Peeps is about a
guy named Cal Thompson. His life is going like a normal
teenagers life would. Until he gets infested with a disease.
And he has to find all of his former girlfriends that he
infected. When they get this disease they become sort of
vampires. Cal is only a carrier which is someone with out
all of the symptoms but it makes his horny all the time.
This book was a good book except for the horny and sicking
parts. There was a lot of bad language in this book. I was
almost disappointed with scott westerfeld with this book
because I am a big fan of him. this book was okay except for
the bad parts. MS, HS - OPTIONAL Student Reviewer:
AN Haarsma,
P.J. Virus on Orbis 1 262 p. - Candlewick
- When the perfect computer that is the planet Orbis 1 makes
a series of dangerous mistakes, many associate it with the
arrival of Johnny Turnbull-a softwire who can use computers
without any physical contact. However, Turnbull knows it
isn't him, so is the computer dying, or are more sinister
forces at work? This was a good book, with some interesting
ideas behind it. It is a little difficult to understand at
the beginning, but it soon immerses you into a
scientifically advanced, interesting world. Like I said, an
interesting and good book. Student Reviewer: CG Watson,
Jude Star Wars: Legacy of the Jedi/Secrets of the
Jedi Pages: 204 (Legacy)/ 227 (Secrets) -
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Qui Gon Jin and other Jedi
are placed in some of the most dangerous situations ever
devised as they strive to bring justice back to the galaxy.
However, their inner emotions may be the cause of their
downfall as they struggle with love, hate, and many others
forbidden by the Jedi code. Written as a two-books-in-one
book, it's hard to write a definite plot for it, but rest
assured, it's full of Jedi goodness. Just like any Star Wars
book, this book has its fair share of assassination plots,
lightsaber battles, spaceships shot down, etc. This would
make the violence page longer then the review itself if I
listed them all, but I did not believe it to be excessive or
gory, so it is a G rating. Those who walk the path of the
Jedi lead dangerous lives; may the Force be with them. MS -
ADVISABLE Student Reviewer: CG Nimmo,
Jenny The Snow Spider 128 p. Scholastic -
When Gwyn's sister Bethan goes missing in the middle of a
ferocious storm, it is up to Gwyn to discover his special
talent for magic and bring his sister back to them. But in
his desperation, will he end up destroying everything that
he loves by using a forbidden magic? This book was more
simply written and shorter than some other books, and that
is why I have rated it Elementary level interest. It was a
good book, and anyone who has read Charlie Bone will enjoy
the similarities in storyline and writing. A short, quick
and enjoyable read. EL- ADVISABLE Student Reviewer:
CG Nimmo,
Jenny Emlyn's Moon 152 p. Scholastic - Emlyn is a
mysterious boy whose mother left with only two words to tell
him where she went-the moon. However, a prolonged battle
between the Griffiths' and Emlyn's family, an inquisitive
girl, some extraterrestrial visitors, and some of Gwyn
Griffiths' magic may help Emlyn to set his life back on
track, mother and all. This was a very enjoyable book with a
different hero than the last book, which gave it some fresh
material. As book two of a trilogy, it did a good job of
retaining its old characters while adding in new elements to
the story. A very good book. EL - ADVISBLE Student Reviewer:
CG Laird,
Elizabeth with Sonia Nimr A Little Piece of
Ground 221 Pages - Language G Sexual Content G
Violance PG - Karim lives in Pakistan, and has to live under
curfew. When he gets trapped in a curfew will he escape or
will the Jews find him first? I personally liked this book
because it brought to life the conflict that I thought was
so far away that I did not care about it. All in all it was
a good book. I would totally buy this book with my own
money. MS ADVISABLE Student Reviewer: AB 28 January
2007 Ray,
Deborah Kogan To Go Singing Through the World
PICTURE BOOK FSG - Subtitle: The Childhood of Pablo
Neruda. Pablo Neruda, called the "people's poet" of Latin
America grew up in a tiny village in the shadow of a volcano
in central Chile. Extraordinarily shy, his talent for words
went undiscovered until Gabriela Mistral, also a gifted
poet, came to town. This book will need help finding it's
audience. I could see a high school Language Arts class or
an advanced Spanish class using this book as supplemental
material, but I doubt the teachers will find it on their
own. The writing on each page is extensive enough that I
wouldn't recommend it for young children. HS - ADVISABLE.
Murphy,
Claire Rudolf Children of Alcatraz: Growing up on the
Rock 60 p. Walker and Company (Bloomsbury) - Through
interviews and a whole lot of research, Ms. Murphy pieces
together a history of the children who lived on Alcatraz
Island. Each piece of history is a short vignette into this
world, accompanied by photographs and documents, from its
earliest history up through the present day. I could see
children reading Al Capone Does My Shirts also reading this
book to learn more about the island. EL, MS -
ADVISABLE Cullen,
Lynn Moi and Marie Antoinette PICTURE BOOK
Bloomsbury - Through the eyes of her pug dog, we see young
Maria Antoinette grow from a carefree child into the Queen
of France, just before the French Revolution. The storybook
illustrations give the subject kind of a Cinderella feel.
The events of the French Revolution are mentioned in an
afterword, but not dwelt upon. I don't know if this is a
subject that elementary schools study, but the pretty
pictures and the beautiful dresses will delight young girls.
EL-ADVISABLE Baum,
Loius The Mouse Who Braved Bedtime PICTURE BOOK
Bloomsbury - A little Mouse hears terrible noises at
bedtime, but neither his mother or father nor even his big
brother can help his conquer his fears. This extremely cute
book would be a great addition to the elementary library,
but also a welcome character education book for middle
school. EL, MS - ADVISABLE Desnoettes,
Caroline Look Closer: Art Masterpieces through the
Ages PICTURE BOOK Walker (Bloomsbury) - The
author looks at 19 masterpieces, enlarging certain details,
asking questions and short looks at each painting's subject,
history and palette. This book would be useful at any age
for a short or involved discussion about art, especially if
you have a document camera hooked up to a projector. EL, MS,
HS - ESSENTIAL McCutcheon
John Christmas in the Trenches PICTURE BOOK
Peachtree - Christmas Day 1914, the two armies of World War
I exit their trenches and meet in the middle to celebrate
the day during a spontaneous truce. Although these actions
did not stop the war, it left a feeling of hope in the
hearts of each soldier who participated. Also included is a
CD of the original song that McCutcheon also wrote. Having
been to Flanders Fields myself, I call tell you that this is
an important part of the WWI story. This subject should be
fit into the curriculum anywhere it can - English,
Geography, Music, Art - wherever. EL, MS, HS -
ESSENTIAL 25 January
2007 Pierce,
Tamora Beka Cooper: Terrier 563 p.
RandomHouse - Beka Cooper has always wanted to be a Dog - a
peacekeeper in the realm or Tortall. Now she is a Puppy,
assigned to the two greatest Dogs in town, learning her
trade in the mean streets that she grew up in. Only her
persistence, ingenuity and ability to make unlikely friends
will save the town from two terrible threats. Another
exciting tale from Pierce's well-crafted world. The page
count is high, but it is misleading, as the words are really
big. When printed in paperback, I would be surprised if it
topped 200 pages. MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 15 January
2007 Lauber,
Patricia What You Never Knew About Beds, Bedrooms and
Pajamas PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster - A new
addition to the Around the House series. Bright and fun
illustrations compliment a quirky fact-filled picture book
about sleeping and its accessories through the ages and
around the globe. Teachers of any age of student could use
this book in their classroom. EL, MS, HS -
ESSENTIAL Kurti,
Jeff Disney Dossiers 159 p. Disney Editions - An
awesome full-color soft cover book with details and gossip
and behind scene information on the entire cast of Disney
animated characters up through 2004's Home on the Range. I
revisited original friends that I hadn't thought about in
years and met new characters from movies I haven't seen. The
author's honesty is fresh and fun. I am a little worried
about putting this book on the shelves, because I am sure it
will be loved to death. EL. MS. HS - ADVISABLE. Nelson,
Blake Paranoid Park 180 p. Penguin - I was
hoping I had found another great skater book that I could
proudly hand to my boy readers as a great read. Instead, I
got a vicious, descriptive attack and death within the first
25 pages and then another 155 pages of coverup and
justification without any type of regret, confession or
redemption. And not a single great skateboard scene on any
page. NO Bell,
Hilari Forging the Sword 494 p. Simon and
Schuster - The Hrum have only four months left to completely
conquer the country of Farsala and the resistance fighters
are well organized and getting even smarter. Soraya, Jiaan
and Kavi all lead important groups that work together and
apart to sabotage the Hrum and the Hrum leaders resort to
breaking their own laws in a desperate attempt to defeat the
country and its mysterious leader "Sorahb". The fitting
finale of the Farsala trilogy that students will love and
enjoy. Bell's original thinking is welcome after watching
poorly written copy-cat novels become topsellers and
blockbuster movies. Point your students towards this
excellent series as an antidote! MS, HS
-ESSENTIAL Lackey,
Mercedes One Good Knight 393 p. Luna - Princess
Andromeda. "Andie", Is starting to earn a little respect
from her mother, until Andie finds some disturbing
information while she follows a line of research. All of
those concerns are pushed to the back of her mind when a
dragon appears to ravage the small country - and no one
seems to be exempt from the virgin sacrifice lottery - even
the heir to the throne. Dragons, a champion, a ragged
resistance band and Godmother Elena round out the cast of
characters. Though this is the second in the series, it is
the first one that is appropriate for Utah schools. I am a
huge Mercedes Lackey fan and try to bring in as much as
possible. MS, HS - OPTIONAL Timberlake,
Amy That Girl Lucy Moon 294 p. Hyperion - As Lucy
starts her sixth grade year at the local middle school, her
photographer mother takes off on an extended trip in search
of clouds. Her friends start growing and changing and Lucy
feels left behind and out of the loop - especially when she
receives unwarranted discipline after organizing a protest
against the fencing of the town's favorite sledding spot.
Winter causes Lucy's light to dim and she ceases to care
whether her mother ever returns. A beautiful book in the
tradition of Stargirl, with a new heroine who doesn't seem
to think she needs to lie down and take it. And after
reading snippets of Lucy's antics in elementary school, I
kind of wish the author would also write a prequel. EL,
MS-ESSENTIAL Rayban,
Chloe My Life Starring Mum 279 p. Bloomsbury -
Holly's mum is the famous British singer Khandi. When a
threat against Holly shows up, she is whisked away from her
school and her friends to a high-security hotel where her
mother alternately ignores her or tries to turn Holly into a
younger version of herself. The story moves very quickly,
keeping the reader's interest, until the very end, where it
abruptly sputters and dies mid-stream. This has happened in
so many books that I have read that I wonder if authors have
lost the art of the denouement. There is absolutely no
resolution, only a short, unsatisfying reunion scene, with a
flippant end. Despite that, I think younger readers will
enjoy Holly's life and adventure and are probably not
knowledgeable enough to be frustrated by the ending. There
are five clunky, unnecessary uses of swear words, though.
EL, MS - OPTIONAL Key,
Watt Alabama Moon 294 p. FSG - Ten-year
old Moon Blake has promised his Pa that he will stay away
from civilization and head off to Alaska to find other
people who live off the land and "off the grid" (my words,
not the author's). But a young boy on his own will attract
the attention of well-meaning adults and of the authorities,
including a constable who takes an instant, intense dislike
to the boy. Moon finds his own way to battle the system and
a few allies in his struggle to find his place in the world.
I don't have the swear word count on this book any more, but
the police constable is mean and foul-mouthed, using many
swear words whenever he addresses Moon, though not venturing
over to "f". For that reason, many schools, and the young
audience who would have enjoyed this book, will not be
reading it. MS-OPTIONAL Bondoux,
Anne-Laure The Princetta 430 p. Bloomsbury
- Malva, are ready discontented with her life as a princess,
now finds that she is to wed a man many years older. With
the help of her tutor and her maid, she escapes - only that
her tutor has set her up to die. Thus begins a high seas
adventure of self-discovery, taking the Princetta into
danger many times over, but also helping her discover
several loyal friends, and to discover where her heart and
her duty lie. I especially liked that the ending was
completely unexpected. The old-fashioned looking cover may
not draw in many students on it's own, but a little
marketing should help this book find its audience. Readers
of Tamora Pierce will also enjoy this. MS-
ADVISABLE DeFelice,
Cynthia Bringing Ezra Back 148 p. FSG - The
Fowler family has recovered from the vicious attacks by
"Weasel", though their mother passed away from a fever
later. Now, a traveling peddler brings along a flyer that
proclaims "See the White Injun, A man with no name and no
tongue! Deaf and Dumb," and Nathan is sure that this "injun"
is their old friend Ezra, who helped rescue them from
Weasel. Nathan is determined to seek out this traveling show
and rescue his friend, even if he has to learn to trust the
world again. After the tense danger of "Weasel", this sequel
comes off as a milder entry. Though it does answer questions
about Ezra, it only raises more at the end. I would prefer
to have "Weasel" in hardcover and this one in paperback. EL,
MS - OPTIONAL 6 January
2007 Cooney,
Caroline B. Enter Three Witches: A Story of
Macbeth 288 p. Scholastic - Lady Mary is the
daughter of the Thane of Cawdor and the ward of Lord and
Lady Macbeth. As Macbeth and Babquo return from the battle
against Macdowald, she overhears the prophecies of the three
witches and even the telling of her father's betrayal. Now,
instead of being a wealthy heiress, she is now the daughter
of a traitor and at the mercy of forces around her. Her
story unfolds along with a different perspective on the
events of Shakespeare's play. Though the writing is fairly
simple, the author adds richness and depth to the events of
the play that have been lacking. Students not ready for
Shakespeare will this novelization. MS-ADVISABLE Koss,
Amy Goldman Side Effects 144 p. Roaring
Book Press - The lumps that appeared on Izzy's throat have
refused to disappear since her bout of the flu and now the
doctors tell her she has lymphomic cancer that needs
treatments over six months, will make her bald and puking up
her guts. Izzy's not sure that dying wouldn't be the better
option. A short, stark look at the life of a cancer patient
without sugary sweetness or overwrought tragedy. Izzy is
abrasive and sometimes naïve; she tends to swear and
only listen to you when she wants to. In other words, she
acts like an angry, normal teenager. Even though there is
swearing in the book (18 times), I prefer this author's look
at the ordeal of cancer treatment much more than something
like Brian's Song or other books that have covered the
subject. MS-ADVISABLE Resau,
Laura What the Moon Saw 272 p. Random - Just when
Clara is starting to fell restless and unconnected to her
friends and family, she receives an invitation from her
paternal grandparents to come visit them for the summer in
Mexico. Instead of the resort like living she expects, she
finds herself in a remote mountain village, in a shack of a
home that uses hardly any electricity. At first she wonders
"who am I without all these thongs that fill up my life",
missing her electronic gadgets, but then as she connects
with her grandparents and a boy from the village, she finds
great depths within her. A very sweet book that may have
trouble finding an audience, but is well worth reading. MS -
ADVISABLE Ehrenhaft,
Daniel The After Life p. Penguin - After 18
years, Will finally meets his father and his twin step
brother and sister at a drunken, drug-using party. And the
next day Will finds out that his father is dead - OD'd. Will
scraps together the money to fly to the funeral in Florida
and then finds out that he can inheroit two million dollars
if he will just drive his father's car back to New York. One
problem - Will can't drive. For reasons of their own, Will
siblings decide to help him make the trip and I have spent
way too much time summarizing a book that I didn't even
like. Well, I like a few pages, but the rest of it is just a
screen of drugs, alcohol and swearing and I have no idea why
Will is such a messed up rebel in the first place. Run far
and fast away from this title. NO 28 December 2006
Clements,
Andrew Things Hoped For 167 p. Penguin - Gwen
lives with her grandfather in New York so that she can
pursue her violin dreams. The same day that she meets a
interesting boy, her grandfather disappears. The two try to
keep everything going normally, but Gwen is sure that
something really bad has happened. A continuation of Things
Not Seen, but you can understand this one okay without
having read the previous novel. I especially loved how
Robert dealt with another "vanished" person. EL, MS -
ADVISABLE Barry,
Dave and Ridley Pearson Escape from the
Carnivale, 134 p Hyperion - Little Scallop is
the most bored Mollusk maiden in Neverland. Together with
her two mermaid friends, she sets out on adventure and
immediately gets into hot water instead. Life-threatening
danger. A perfect book for younger kids who enjoyed the
Neverland Fairy books or who aren't quite ready for Peter
and the StarCatchers. EL - ESSENTIAL McKissack,
Patricia A Friendship for Today 176 p. Scholastic
- Rosemary and her friends are about to start a desegregated
school, but this puts her in the same class as her most
hated enemy, Grace - a white girl also from the
neighborhood. After a rocky start, the girls slowly become
allies and then good friends. A beautiful book about the
roots of prejudice of all sorts. EL, MS -
ADVISABLE Manning,
Sarra Let's Get Lost 308 p. Penguin - Isabel has
decided that being mean is the best way to be in control of
her teenage years, and her so-called best friends and her
school mates fall for it. Things get even uglier after her
mother dies in a horrible car crash and Isabel sets herself
on a path towards self-implosion, not caring who she
immolates in the journey. Another angry teenaged girl who
has what she believes in the secret to end all secrets. Doen
in the British style with a plethora of swear words
including a hearty dose of "f". I don't; know if authors
think they are being brave or cool or what using swear words
so liberally, but I thinkit is stupid. And I think it is
much more challenging to write a book that makes the point
without devolving into the swear word crutch NO, NO,
NO Van
Draanen, Wendelin Runaway 250 p. 250 p.
Random House - Several years in the foster system has landed
a withdrawn Holly into an abusive foster home where she is
locked into the laundry every day - all day long, except for
when she is at school. This time when she runs away, she is
determined to stay out of the hands of the authorities. Only
12, she records her thoughts in a journal that she was given
by her latest English teacher. The ending is almost too good
to be true, but that doesn't stop this from being a
fascinating book to read. The flow is excellent and there
isn't a single swear word to be found. Since Holly is so
young, I am also recommending this for upper elementary. EL,
MS - ESSENTIAL Kidd,
Rob Jack Sparrow: The Coming Storm 135 p.
Hyperion - A teen Jack Sparrow takes command of his first
ship and his first crew when he joins a bar maid from
Tortuga and a runaway Brit in the search of the Sword of
Cortes - a sword with legendary powers. A perfect book for
younger or lower readers who loved the Pirates movies. The
cover is cartoony, unfortunately, but that won't stop a
determined fan. There are 6 books in the series now and they
are in paper, so well worth buying. EL -
ADVISABLE Richardson,
V.A. The Moneylender's Daughter 300 p. Bloomsbury
- Sequel to The House of Windjammer - Adam Windjammer is on
the high seas on a dangerous mission to discover the fate of
his uncle's ruined shipping fleet. Jade van Helsen is
determined to either get her father's attention or runaway
from him for good. Both teens are unsure how they feel about
each other. This title is much more interesting than the
first, but still not of much interest. I liked it, but
that's because I lived in the Netherlands for a while. I am
reserving final judgment for the final book. Ms, HS -
OPTIONAL Beddor,
Frank Looking Glass Wars 358 p. Penguin -
In order to survive in the English world, Alyss Hart, must
loose her identity as the heir of Wonderland and lose all of
her memories of family and home. In the middle of her
wedding of her wedding to an English prince, Queen Redd's
minions come to finish the job from years before of killing
the true heir, catapulting Alyss back into the world she
thought was a dream. Excellent version of the Wonderland
mythos that takes the world from Disney silly into a
beautiful, wonderful world. It will be best understood if
you have at least seen the animated movie, if not read the
original book. MS, HS - EESNTIAL Lenhard,
Elizabeth Chicks with Sticks: Knit Two Together
244 p. - Scottie is desperate to have a boyfriend, just like
two of her best friends. And when she discovers that the
quiet one in the group has had a boy filled summer, she is
even more determined. Then a cute biy moves into her
apartment building and even right onto her floor - and
Scottie thinks that he is the one to take the plunge. Filled
with knitty bits and terminology that knitters will love and
non-knitters will find distracting, the meat is actually a
very astute story about Scottie and her relationships. The
knitty bits, unfortunately ARE distracting and a bit
surreal. MS-OPTIONAL Manushkin,
Fran The Shivers in the Fridge PICTURE BOOK
Penguin - A family of five finds itself in a cold, dark
place. As each family goes off in search of a warm, brighter
home, each disappears, snatched by a bright light and huge,
ominous hand. A delightful look at perspective and young
children and older children can enjoy. EL -
ESSENTIAL Kurti,
Jeff and Bruce Gordon The Art of Disneyland 128
p. Hyperion - A history of Disneyland told through the
concept art through the years of the different theme areas
inside the park. It also includes biographies of a few of
the principal artists whose talents shaped the face of
Disney. Disney Park fans will pour over its pages , but
older art students can learn much from its pages. MS, HS -
ADVISABLE Aidan,
Pamela These Three Remain 437 p. Simon Schuster -
Final novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy trilogy. Darcy and his
cousin attend to their Great Aunt Catherine and there Darcy
comes face to face with Elizabeth Bennet, whom he has just
vowed to put from his mind and his heart. When Elizabeth
rejects his marriage proposal, Darcy returns to London and
does some soul-searching. I loved these novels, which add
depth to the original Pride and Prejudice, showing the
faults and cracks and humanity behind Fitzwilliam Darcy. Not
so much for the school set, but lovers of Austen will not be
disappointed with these. Rappaport,
Doreen Freedom Ship PICTURE BOOK Hyperion - Every
day, Robert and his family can see beyond the harbor at
Charleston and out to the Union ships, which beckon them to
freedom. Then one night he and his family join the crew of
the Planter in a desperate bid to live free. Based on a true
story of the Civil War. A good, short book to illustrate the
many ways that American slaves made bids for freedom; could
easily be read out loud in part of an American history
class. EL, MS - ADVISABLE Raven,
Margot Theis Night Boat to Freedom PICTURE BOOK
FSG - At his grandmother's urging, young John rows desperate
slaves across the river to Ohio. On the night it is finally
his turn to go, his insists that he will not leave without
her too. Another good book about slaves and the Underground
Railroad. Add this one and the one above to your stash and
convince one of your history teachers to do a lesson based
around them. EL, MS - ADVISABLE Bardoe,
Cheryl Gregor Mendel: The Friar who Grew Peas
PICTURE BOOK Abrams - A simple, well-written picture book
that explains a little about Mendel's background and the
protocol behind his early experiments with pea plants and
genetics. This is a slightly long pisture book that would be
good supplemental or pictorial material for a beginning
heredity unit. EL, MS - ESSENTIAL Greene,
Michele Dominguez, Chasing the Jaguar 240 p.
Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G - When Martika
Galvez, a normal teenager, has her 13th birthday, she sees
Tia Tellin. When she begins to have strange dreams, her
mother takes her to her only close relative, Tia Tellin, the
witch. Her dreams tell her of a girl who was kidnapped and
needs help and Martika's mother worked for the girl's father
as a maid. Martika must help find the girl and learn about
her new powers. This was an interesting book. I'm not really
into mystery books but this was a good one. MS - OPTIONAL
Student Reviewer: KC Manning,
Sarra Diary of a Crush: Kiss and Make Up 264 p. -
Language: R (many F's and a LOT of others in between),
Sexual Content: R (four + sex scenes, not too graphic),
Violence: G *There is also a scene where a girl is drugged
that might be considered offensive to some. - In this sequel
to French Kiss, Edie breaks up with Dylan and gets together
with Carter. About halfway through the book, this changes. I
liked this book a little more than the first, but the sex
scenes and use of the F word made it inappropriate for
younger grades and even older grades might find it
offensive. The characters were more developed in this one
and were easy to connect with. I would recommend it to
people who don't mind the content and who are looking for a
very real novel. HS, MS, NO Student Reviewer: JH Manning,
Sarra Diary of a Crush: Sealed With a Kiss 278 p.
Language: R (many F's and a LOT of others in between),
Sexual Content: PG-13 (a few sex scenes, not graphic),
Violence: G - In the last book of this trilogy, the author
did a very good job. Her characters were (finally)
completely fleshed out, and the story line was pretty good
too. Edie and Dylan save up and take a road trip through the
States over a few months. There is some sex and even more
language than the last one, but I would recommend it to
people who don't mind and are looking for a perfect example
of some of the complications of life. HS, NO. Student
Reviewer: JH Mooney, Bel
You Never Did Learn To Knock 253 p. Language-PG,
Sexual Content-G, Violence-G - This book is about 14 girls
and their relationships with their moms. I thought t was
kind of boring. Some of the stories were good. I picked it
because I want to have a better relationship with my mom.
The pats I thought were good are the parts that my mom and I
can get a better relationship. MS - NO Student Reviewer:
JR Thompson,
Kate Only Human 320 p. Language: PG, Sexual
Content: G, Violence: PG - Only Human is a story of Christie
and his family's search for the Missing Link. Bernard, the
leader of this family returns from a long voyage with a
mysterious picture of a pictograph which seems to depict
aliens and Bigfoot. Christie and a few others accompany
Bernard on a trip to the Himalayas, hoping to find a yeti of
sorts. While I believe this story had a lot of potential, it
was completely blown. Apart from some interesting views of
mythical creatures there was no point of reading the book.
Most of the characters were flat and the twists of the plot
were completely unoriginal. Overall Only Human is on the
borderline between Optional and No. I know others that would
enjoy it, but definitely not something that should be rushed
to the shelves anytime soon. EL - OPTIONAL Student Reviewer:
KH Reisfelf,
Randi and H.B. Gilmour Oh Baby! 323 p. Language
PG13, Sexual Content PG13, Violence G - Jamie and Abby are
best friends. They need money to go to college so they
decide to be nannies. They sign up and must move. Abby moves
to New York and works for a famous writer. Jamie moves to
Hollywood and works for a famous movie star. They both meet
two boys who they fall in love with but have a ton of
problems with. As they change they begin to grow apart,
until they realize what they were missing. HS - NO Student
Reviewer: KC Keene,
Carolyn Once Upon A Crime 184 p. Language- G,
Sexual Content-G, Violence-G - Nancy Drew volunteers to do
some service work for a good cause and to meet one of her
favorite mystery novel writer. But, is someone planning to
steal the charity money? Can Nancy stop them before the
ball? I really liked this book, it was short and sweet. It
didn't drag on at all. EL, MS - ADVISABLE Student Reviewer:
LW Baskin,
Nora Raleigh In the Company of Crazies 176
p. Language-PG, Sexual Content-G, Violence-G - In 5th and
6th grade Mia was a perfect student. Then her 7th grade year
went way downhill. The death of a fellow student had a major
affect on her and she took it a little too far. Her mother
places her in an all boy boarding school to hopefully make
her a better student. Even though this book is a younger
level, I liked it a lot. It shows a wide variety of
personalities and situations. I feel that I could relate to
Mia easily because of the author's excellent descriptions.
EL, MS - ADVISABLE Student Reviewer: KD Ranulfo
Joker 194 p. - Language-R (Lots of "f" and a
dozen others), Sexual Content-PG-13, Violence-PG - This book
is supposed to be a modernized version of Hamlet. Matt
started out as the perfect guy. Then his best friend Ray
dies and his mother leaves his father. After that Matt
develops another personality he calls Joker. I really did
not like this book. It's confusing and jumps around a lot.
It is also poorly written. The author often gets himself
into a rut where he has to use the same word over and over
again. The one good thing I can say about this book is that
it shows you that every decision you make could end up
changing your life. HS - NO Student Reviewer: JB Voake,
Steve The Dream Walkers Child 300 p. -
Language-PG, Sexual Content-G, Violence-PG - One day when
Sam was riding his bike when he got hit by a car. He passed
out and when he woke up he was in a different world. A world
of half human half dog guards. A world where people fly
inside wasps, flies, mosquitoes, and dragonflies. In this
world there is a group of people who want to kill everyone
on earth. And Sam is supposedly the only one who can stop
them. This was an okay book. It had an interesting plot. It
was well written but not all that entertaining. I would not
recommend it. It would only be good if you had nothing else.
EL - OPTIONAL Student Reviewer: JB Chambers,
Aidan This is all: The pillow book of Cordelia Kenn
816 pages in all, I only read 200 pages before I had to
stop- Language-PG, Violence-G, Sexual Content-R - Cordelia
is sure that William is the boy for her. She tries to
convince him of that. I couldn't read very far in this book
because it was way inappropriate. I didn't feel comfortable.
None of it is acceptable for middle school. HS- NO Student
Reviewer: K 6 December
2006 In case anyone out
there is wondering - the reason I haven't updated very
quickly and with many titles, is becasue I am rereading an
incredibly long and complicated fantasy series. If you love
incredibly long and complicated fantasy books, you might be
interested in these - Michelle West's Sun Sword sereis.
There are six books and each book is about 850 pages long. I
am half way through book five and then I will read two other
books by Michelle that are kind of a rpequel to this series
and THEN I will be back to YA stuff. SO give me another
week, please! --Cindy 24 November
2006 Stahler,
David Jr. The Seer, 248 p. HarperCollins -
RELEASE: April 2007. Jacob has left the colony of the
Blinded only makes his way safely through Sighted society
with the help of a gruff older man. The discover that
Delaney is being held in a gilded cage by an unscrupulous
man who wants to make money off her beautiful playing send
the pair into danger. Jacob thought that leaving his home
would be difficult, but his life as a Seer is just beginning
to complicate matters. The novel has the feeling of a middle
book that needs to set up the action for the third. Having
waited this long for this sequel, I was a little
disappointed and I can only hope that number three is worth
the wait. MS - ADVSIABLE Beck,
Ian The Secret History of Tom Trueheart, 352 p.
HarperCollins - The youngest of the adventuring Trueheart
brothers, Tom sometimes feels weak and left behind. Then
each of his brothers is caught in a trap when they set out
to write new adventures, and only Tom is left to step up to
the plate and save the fairy tale writing kingdom from
disaster. Very cute and perfect for young children. It took
me about an hour to read. EL - ESSENTIAL. MS -
OPTIONAL 22 November
2006 Cross,
Gillian The Black Room, 247 p. Penguin -
Robert has returned to full size, but he still worries about
the others who were left behind in the tiny cave. Then one
day he finds a link to Lorn and finds that she is in a worse
position than he ever was and he decides that he must rescue
her at any cost. You can not pass up this series! MS -
ESSENTIAL Reinhardt,
Dana A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life, 228
p. Random House - Simone has always know she was adopted,
but now her parents are telling her that her birth mother
wants to contact her. Events start atheist Simone rethinking
everything she ever knew about her life. A quiet,
well-written book about dealing with tough issues at a
tumultuous time of life. MS- OPTIONAL Fletcher,
Susan Alphabet of Dreams, 283 p. Simon
Schuster - Mitra and her little brother Babak live in
poverty in the caves outside a desert city. When a learned
man discovers that Babak is able to read people's dreams,
the two try to escape, but are found and taken on a journey
to find a newborn King. Susan Fletcher writes beautiful
books and I personally enjoyed this unique look at the
nativity story; my only worry is that the subject will not
excite many readers. I am confused as to the intended
audience; I think it would be best marketed to adults or as
a Christmas book. MS, HS _ OPTIONAL Douglas,
Lola More Confessions of a Hollywood
Starlet, 217 p. Penguin - Morgan Carter,
hollywod starlet. has been exposed to the tabloids and is
now trying to keep her quiet life in Indiana under control.
Her new boyfriend, Eli, doesn't know how to handle the
pressure though and sends Morgan on an emotional roller
coaster. Unfortunately, Morgan, while pretty funny, also has
a potty mouth and uses 3 dozen swear words, including "f",
which should keep this out of most Utah schools.
NO 14 November
2006 Smith,
Cynthia Leitich Tantalize 311 p. - Language: R
(about 22 pgs have swearing); Sexuality: PG13; Violence:
PG13 - Tantalize is about a girl who lives with her uncle
and is helping to run her family restaurant. Of course there
are problems when their old chef is murdered just before
their re-opening, and have to find a new chef to take over
the vampire-themed cuisine. Usually I'm not interested in
restaurant themed books, but this one kept my attention. It
was unique and I had fun reading it.; I just wish didn't
didn't have so much swearing MS, HS - NO Student Reviewer:
JN Lake,
A.J. Coming of Dragons (Darkest Age Book One),
240 p. - Language - G; Sexual Content - G; Violence - G -
Edmund and Elspeth are two unlikely youth who are given a
blessing and a curse-gifts powerful enough to drive back the
dragons, the very epitome of evil. However, will they
survive long enough to do away with the heart of the
problem, or will their gifts (and arrogance) finish them
off? This was an extremely fascinating and delightful book.
There was a good deal of violence, but none of it was
excessive or gory and it was all very much in context with
the storyline. A definite winner, I can't wait for the next
one! MS, ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: CG Woolfe,
Angela Avril Crump and Her Amazing Clones, 209 p.
- Language G; Sexual Content G; Violence PG - Avril Crump is
a lonely and belittled scientist at Leviticus Laboratories,
who has never known what its like to have a friend. But when
she discovers the leftover equipment of the expelled
scientist Gideon Blut, she suddenly finds herself in charge
of the well being of three clones-clones Blut doesn't want
around. I found this to be an interesting and likable book,
with some very endearing characters. However, the plot
seemed a little dark at times, and it was almost difficult
to get into. However, still a very good book: long live Mr.
Dog! MS - ADVISABLE Student Reviewer: CG Karasyov,
Carrie and Jill Kargman Bittersweet Sixteen, 208
p. - Language PG13 (They only swore when they were mad or
upset, because this book is about a big cat fight); Sexual
Content PG; Violence G - This book was one of my favorites.
I can totally relate to Laura. Well I need to back up and
slow down. This story is about a teen named Laura whose best
friend Whitney is the school's queen bee. On their first day
of school there's a new girl from LA named Sophie. Whitney
and Sophie are total enemies until Laura brings them
together, but what Laura doesn't know is that it will cause
big drama. Whitney and Sophie become best friends and plan
the biggest sweet sixteen birthday party, ever! While the
planning the girls get into a big fight over; Jake, Laura,
and who's the queen bee. Both the girls go against Laura and
Laura has the worst time getting over it, but Jake talks to
her and tells her that she still has a friend. Well I can't
spoil the ending. You'll just have to read it to find out.
Because of the swearing, this book belongs in the public
library. NO Student Reviewer: KC Turner,
Megan Whalen The King of Attolia, 390 p. -
Language- PG-13; Sexual Content- G; Violence- G - The thief
of Eddis has won the heart of the queen of Attolia. As the
new king, he has to earn the respect of his people, and most
of all his guards and attendants, before they kill him! I
didn't like this book that much. The beginning was really
slow but through the end and the middle it picked up a
little bit. MS- OPTIONAL Student Reviewer: LW Captain
Redbeard Fundorado Island, 224 p. - Language G;
Sexual Content G; Violence G - Redbeard, a mighty pirate who
sails the seven seas, gets himself into a new adventure.
When his crew leaves him alone on his ship, Picaroon, with
the blasted jelly beans he must find a way to get to land. A
mermaid appears and tells him of a land of wonder and
mystery he wants to find it himself. He runs off into the
wild jungle and finds out there's more to life than sailing.
This book is really funny and really gets you sucked into
it. It is also a book for seven year olds. EL - OPTIONAL
Student Reviewer: KC Buffie,
Margaret Out of Focus, 239 pages Language- PG-13,
Too many pages to put, its all over the book; Sexual
Content- G; Violence- G - Can Bernie get over her drunken
mother, take care of her brother and sister and deal with
her moms crazy boyfriends. I liked it, except it had a
little too much swearing for my taste. It would be best in a
public library. MS-NO Student Reviewer: LW 2 November
2006 Cassidy,
Cathy Scarlett, 261 p. Penguin - Scarlett's mum
has sent her off to live with her father in the far reaches
of Ireland, because twelve-year old Scarlett has been kicked
out of her 7th school since her parent's divorce. Scarlett
doesn't want to see her father and the evil woman who stole
his affections, but with fewer distractions, Scarlett finds
what she really wants from her life AND a secretive, but
lovely young man. For all of her toughness, Scarlett is also
very naïve and young (what 12 year old isn't). Like
Cassidy's other titles, the heroine is very likable and
relatable. EL, MS - ADVISABLE Lupica,
Mike Miracle on 49th Street, 246 p.
Penguin - 12 years ago, Molly's mother walked out on Molly's
father. Now Molly's mom is dead and Molly wants to meet the
man who doesn't even know she exists - Josh Cameron, the
Boston Celtic's leading player and the nicest guy in all of
basketball. The meeting doesn't go so well and as time goes
on, Molly is not sure that Josh has any time in his life for
anything but basketball. For boys who pick this up for some
basketball action, the book may initially be a
disappointment, because the ball action is almost
non-existent. But, the title is so well written and so
interesting that almost everyone who reads it will love it.
I wouldn't recommend it for elementary, because it does talk
about unwed parents. MS - ESSENTIAL Levine,
Gail Carson Fairest 326 p. HarperCollins - Aza
has the most beautiful singing voice in the entire kingdom,
but she is also the ugliest person around. When she visits
the castle for the King's second wedding, she comes to the
attention to the new queen, who blackmails Aza into becoming
the Queen's singing voice (of which the Queen has none),
with Aza's unique talent of "illusing", or throwing her
voice where she pleases and mimicking anyone. Aza discovers
that Queen Ivi has a magic mirror, in order to make her
beautiful and that constantly gives her bad advice. Based
loosely on the story of Snow White, many details of that
fairy tale are woven into this unique and compelling
narrative. Not recommended for elementary. MS - ESSENTIAL,
HS - ADVSIABLE Waldorf,
Heather Fighting the Current, 224 p. Lobster -
Ever since Theresa's father was badly injured in a
drunk-driving accident, she has lived with her famous,
mystery-writing aunt, trying to keep going with school and
still visit her father in the rehabilitation home on the
weekends. The new boy in school, Ethan, catches her
attention and also helps her struggle through the many
curves the life throws Theresa's way. There is enough
material in this book for an entire series. In fact, it is
divided into 5 part and each part could have been its own
book with a bit more writing. Fast-paced action keeps coming
at you and Theresa is a very sympathetic main character.
There are a half dozen swear words, mostly in the scene
where Theresa's dad has a bad reaction to his medication and
swears at her (two f's) and one reference to sex.
MS-ADVISABLE (but think about it), HS - ADVISABLE Carroll,
Lewis Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,
illustrated by Alison Joy, 203 p. Penguin - A beautifully
illustrated version of the classic tale. This particular
illustrator specializes in crackle-varnished paintings that
bring an antique feeling to the novel. If your library needs
a new copy of the book, or if you are looking for a
giftbook, this version is a great choice, especially for
elementary schools. EL, MS - ADVISABLE Updale,
Eleanor Montmorency's Revenge 304 p.
Scholastic - Montmorency is on the hunt for the men who
conspired to kill his best friend, George Fox-Selwyn. Doctor
Farcett is sliding into insanity and needs help, and young
Francis Fox-Selwyn takes on the most dangerous job of all.
With the introduction of a larger cast of character in book
number three, the series has become unwieldy and not as
interesting. I quickly tired of Montemorency's and Francis's
one-track minds. But, if you do manage to stay with it to
the end, you'll discover on the very last page there is at
least one more book to come. I hope it is the last. Don't
buy this title unless the others in the series circulate
well. MS-OPTIONAL Charles,
Veronika The Birdman PICTURE BOOK Tundra - A
hard-working tailor in the dusty streets of Calcutta, India,
Noor Nobi finds a small bit of relief from his grief by
buying and releasing songbirds which have been captured and
caged. Beuatiful illustrations with an Indian feel and a
postscript about the author's journey make this book. Young
children especially will like the idea of releasing caged
birds. (And I like that he does it legally instead of
through sabotage). EL - ADVISABLE Brennan,
Herbie Ruler of the Realm, 423 p. , Language G PG
PG13 R (On several pages it said hell or hael but they were
mostly talking about the place, because of demons that were
causing problems) Sexual Content PG13 (They didn't do it but
they talked about it, because Henry and Blue were falling in
love with each other. It's confusing) Violence PG (It's a
book about a war that is starting so some people get stabbed
and stuff. That's really all) - Blue the new Queen of the
Light Faeries must cope with the death of her father and
rule the Realm of Faerie. Henry the human gets stuck in
between it all. Henry and Blue fall in love. Lord
Hairstreak, Blue's uncle wants to take over the Realm for
himself, but the demons from Hael come into the picture and
ruin it all. This is a really good book but you must read
the first two before you start this book like I did. MS, HS
- ADVISABLE Student Reviewer: KC Moesta,
Rebecca and Kevin J. Anderson Crystal Doors, 292
p. - Language-G, Sexual Content-G, Violence-PG - After
Gwen's parents die she goes to live with her cousin Vic and
his dad Cap. Everything seems to be going well, but after a
killer whale almost kills Gwen Cap decides they should lie
low for a while, except Vic and Gwen accidentally go through
the crystal door without Cap. Now in Elantya they have to
learn all they can about the crystal doors, look for Vic's
mom, and try to find a way home. I really like this book. It
is interesting from beginning to end. There is a lot of
action. I can't wait for the next one to come out. MS -
ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: JB Richardson,
E.E. The Intruders, 278 p. - Rating: PG-13,
Language: page 239, Sexual Content: G, Violence: 271, 235,
236, 237, 238, 275, 276, 277, 80, 81, (wow) - Joel and
Cassie are resistant enough about moving in with their
mother's boyfriend and his two sons, but now in their new
house, they want to get away as far as possible! With
supernatural things happening, and weird hallucinations,
Joel wants to run! This novel is a great book to read around
a campfire to creep people out. It will hold you from the
first page to the last with action, horror, and suspense.
MS, HS - OPTIONAL Student Reviewer: LH 31 October
2006 Carlson,
Melody Blade Silver: Color Me Scarred -
Ruth's life is dominated by an emotionally and verbally
abusive father and a completely cowed mother. The only way
she is able to feel in control is when she cuts; the bright
red blood gives her a sense of peace. Her false peace is
shattered when her friends discover her addiction, and a
kind school counselor takes major steps to get Ruth help.
Another excellent True Colors addition. I especially liked
the more realistic portrayal of school authority (tired of
teachers always being the bad guys or inept). MS, HS -
ESSENTIAL Hill,
Stuart Blade of Fire, 640 p. Scholastic - Twenty
years have passed since Icemark was invaded and now Scipio
Bellorum is back to grind Icemark under his heel once and
for all. Thirrin and Oskan and their allies are all older
(expect the vampires), but still willing to risk it all for
their beloved country. Unfortunately, while three of
Thirrin's children are heroes and one is the country's
savior, one of the brood may prove to be Icemark's greatest
traitor. Fascinating, well-paced and sure to keep every
reader's attention. The length will not daunt any lover of
the first in the series. Release: Feb 2007 MS, HS -
ESSENTIAL Johnston,
Julie - A Very Fine Line, 198 p. Tundra Books - Rosalind
has always been the odd one of the girls in her family and
an startling revelation causes her to try to disguise
herself as a boy, attempting to change her destiny. Instead,
she has to come to temrs with her gender and her gift of
second sight. I was surprised, reading the reviews, because
for me this reads as one of those books that adults may
like, but honestly, kids are just going to go, huh? Rosalind
comes across as stuck up and rather boring and when she
dresses like a boy it's just weird. NO Wiseman,
Eva Kanada, 241 p. Tundra Books - Jutka, a Hungarian
Jew, dreams of Kanada, which she learned about in a book
from relatives who fled to that country, as she and her
family transported to Auschwitz during WWII. Barely
surviving the war, Jutka learns that surviving life can be
even harder. She is months in a resettlement camp before she
finally makes the choice of where to be. A good addition for
libraries that need large Holocaust fiction collections. MS
- ADVISABLE Carlson,
Melody Burnt Orange: Color Me Wasted - Amber has
always been the good little preacher's daughter. Now a new
friend has introduced Amber to alcohol and she has a new
mission in life - to get wasted as often as possible. She
knows that she shouldn't, but she kind of likes who she is
when she drinks. Unfortunately, even with the love of good
friends, it takes a near tragedy - the death of a best
friend - to finally wake Amber up to the fact that she
really does have a problem. Just buy the entire series -
your students will eat them up. MS, HS -
ESSENTIAL Lake,
A.J. Coming of Dragons 250 p. Bloomsbury -
Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence PG. An evil guy
summons a dragon to fetch a special sword mad out of
crystal. Elspeth gets the sword stuck on her arm and can't
get it off. Edmund and Cluaran go along on a quest to escape
Orgrim , an evil sorcerer. . I loved it! It was fun to have
an easy read. It was comfortable and I didn't have to worry
about any bad parts. The plot was very clever. Its
suspenseful yet fun and easy. ES, MS, ADVISABLE Student
Reviewer: AB Bruchac,
Joseph Jim Thorpe: Original All-American, 276 p.
Penguin - Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G. Jim
Thorpe was a an book to read. Jim never gave up on any of
his goals. He accomplished all of his dreams in a peaceful
way, and without pushing to hard. I enjoyed every moment of
this great book. ES, MS, ADVISABLE Student Reviewer:
AB Gilman,
Laura Ann The Camelot Spell 292 p. HarperCollins
- Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence PG. Gerald, a 14
year old squire; Newt, a simple stable boy; and Ailis, a
young maid servant for the Queen, take on a terrifying
quest. With the aid of only an enchanted map, a dagger , and
one sword, they start their journey. A great tale of saving
a king and all of his knights, of battling dragons, and even
hand to hand combat with the king's evil half sister
Morgain. This book was not some confusing fantasy book with
weird lingo, but an easy to read tale of a classic. I loved
reading this book. It was fun and easy. ES, MS, ADVISABLE
Student Reviewer: AB Morris,
Gerald The Quest of the Fair Unknown, 262 p.
Houghton - Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence PG.
Imagine being in a forest all alone with only your mother to
keep you company, not even have seen another human before.
Well that's what happened to Beufil. He lived in a forest
sheltered form the rest of the world for 17 years of his
life. On her death bed his mother sent him on a Quest to
find his father, a Knight of Camelot. With not even the name
of his father he sets of on this Quest. He helped others on
their Quests but forgot about his own Quest. It was a fun
book, and yet again a fun, easy book. ES, MS, ESSENTIAL.
Student Reviewer: AB 20 October
2006 Pfeffer,
Wendy We Gather Together, PICTURE BOOK, Penguin -
People from all over the world celebrate the harvest and
planting seasons in their own ways. The book includes facts
about causes of the seasons, activities for children and
harvest related recipes. The bright, simple illustrations
make this a shoo-in as read-aloud for younger children and
savvy teachers of older students could use this to kick off
more in-depth research. A medium length narrative. EL, MS -
ADVISABLE Kurlansky,
Mark The Story of Salt , 48 p. PICTURE BOOK
Penguin - A well-ordered, detailed look at the history and
importance of salt. Reading the entire book to a class would
take most, if not all of a class period, but could be read
in parts or facts could be extracted to show what the
teacher needs of the book and the discussion of the
importance of salt. Teachers at all levels, including
geography, history and foods teachers, can find value in
this book. EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE Seeger,
Pete and Paul Dubois Jacobs The Deaf Musicians,
PICTURE BOOK Penguin - A musician loses his hearing and his
job, but rediscovers his love of music as he learns sign
language and finds other musicians to share his new style.
The bright, edgy drawings mimic the jazzy style of the music
in this book. Younger students may enjoy discussing and
practicing what deaf jazz musicians might look like. Short,
quick read; would be very useful in older classes as an
example of onomatopoeia. EL, MS - OPTIONAL Michelson,
Richard Across the Alley PICTURE BOOK Penguin -
Abe and Willy live across the alley from each other, but
miles apart, with Willy having to take violin lessons to
learn songs for the Jewish temple and Abe practicing
pitching for his father's Negro baseball team. Each boy
learns the other's skill and when their elders discover
their secret, they also find a way to bridge the gap. An
excellent companion to Woodson's The Other Side. A medium
length narrative. EL, MS - ADVISABLE Krensky,
Stephen Hanukkah at Valley Forge PICTURE
BOOK Penguin - General learns the meaning of Hanukkah from a
cold, but valiant soldier at Valley Forge and draws in his
mind parallels to his own struggle for independence.
Includes are very simple, but good explanation of the
origins of Hanukkah. Short, simple wording. EL, MS -
ADVISABLE Why
Did the Chicken Cross the Road? PICTURE BOOK Penguin
- Fourteen popular children's illustrators come together,
each with their own answers to that infamous questions. A
delightful contrast of opinions and artistic styles that can
be very amusing to students, besides being useful for
English teachers and Art instructors. Very short, simple
wording, but the pictures need time for exploration. EL, MS,
HS - ADVISABLE Yin
Brothers PICTURE BOOK Penguin - Ming has come to
San Francisco to help his brothers earn money to send home
to their parents in China. While one brother is off working
on the railroad, Ming watches the family's general store,
while his oldest brother grows and harvest the fresh foods
for the store. The store, in the city's new Chinatown
district, does poorly, as the Chinese immigrants have very
little money to spend. Then Ming makes a new friend who
teaches him English, and his new skills help the store to
grow. A sequel to Coolies. A simplistic, but good look at
the slow path to acceptance that Chinese immigrants had to
walk; it will be especially useful in the Northern
California area. EL, MS - ADVISABLE Mason,
Adrienne Change it! Solids, liquids, gases and
you PICTURE BOOK Kids Can Press - A very
basic look at the nature and process of changing states of
matter. Very simple activities will be easy to do with
children in the earliest grades. EL - OPTIONAL Mason, Adrienne
Build it! Structures, systems and you PICTURE
BOOK Kids Can Press - An early elementary teacher will have
a couple of days of science lessons planned quickly if she
uses this simply written and illustrated book with her
students. The basic activities described in the book are
easy to do with few materials, and will help little students
understand the subject. EL - OPTIONAL Papineau,
Lucie Christmas Eve Magic PICTURE BOOK Kids Can
Press - Having lost his parents, Barton has also lost the
magic of Christmas. A little mouse shows him his past,
present and possible future in order to help Barton
understand that he can still find love and happiness. Animal
characters occupy the pages of this richly illustrated
Christmas adaptation. The book will best fit into
collections that have large holiday selections. EL -
OPTIONAL Cote,
Genevieve What Elephant? PICTURE BOOK Kids Can
Press - George's neighbors refused to acknowledge the
elephant that has moved into George's house, even when the
elephant starts to take over the neighborhood. Then the
elephant's owner comes to town and wonders why no one was
willing to notice the huge creature in their midst. I guess
the author was inspirder by the phrase "an elephant in the
room", but the book doesn't really seem to do much to
further discussion of the phrase. While the drawings are
pretty cute, I can't find a use for the title in the
secondary collection. Any ideas? EL-OPTIONAL Winthrop,
Elizabeth Counting on Grace, 221 p. RandomHouse -
Grace is excited to go work with her mother and sister in
the local textile mill, even though her teacher hates what
the mill does to people. When she actually goes to work,
however, she finds that the lure of extra money for the
family may not be enough to make up for the hardships of
mill life. Then her friend Arthur decides to write a letter
to people who might care about children working in those
dangerous conditions, which brings a photographer out to the
mill. Inspired by Lewis Hines' photographs of children for
the National Child Labor Board, the book is good, but
doesn't live up to the original, Lyddie. If you need to
expand your historical fiction collection, it will be a good
addition. MS- OPTIONAL Fisher,
Catherine Corbenic, 281 p. Harper - Language PG13
-R (14-h, 1-d, 1-b all were used not in a bad way except B),
Sexual Content G, Violence PG. When Cal got off at the wrong
stop and lands in a waste town named Corbenic, mysterious
things start to happen to a point where he can't tell fact
from fiction. Now he has to solve the mystery of the
bleeding spear and the cup that only he saw. This book was
really good. It grabbed my attention and you can almost feel
what he is feeling. This is one book that I could not put
down, because of the mystery and the great cliffhangers. I
loved it but it had tons of swear words. Even with all of
the swearing, it was such a good book that if you are mature
enough you will be fine reading it. plus the writer only
used them as a way to describe how Cal felt when something
bad happened like getting off the wrong train station. MS-
ADVISABLE Student Reviewer CJ Masson,
Sophie Snow Fire Sword 354 p. Random
House - Language-G, Sexual Content-G, Violence-PG. Dewi and
Adi always thought they were ordinary kids. That is, until
both of their guardians were kidnapped. Now they must run
all over Jayangan running into gods, jinns, and sorcerers,
all the time trying to find Snow Fire Sword. The problem is
they have no idea what Snow Fire Sword is, but they do know
that without it their world is doomed. I would not say this
book is one of my favorites, but I did like it. It was very
interesting learning about Indonesian myths, culture, and
religion. At times it can be a little borin,g but it always
keeps you guessing. MS - Optional Student Reviewer:
JB Helgerson,
Joseph Horns & Wrinkles 357 p. Houghton -
Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G - This book, Horns
& Wrinkles, was a good book, but it is also for little
kids. There are river trolls, rock trolls, and Blue Wing
Faries. Claire and her cousin, Duke, meet a little old lady
and Duke grows a horn. He runs away and his parents end up
turned to stone. Claire meets three river trolls that are
trying to find their fathers. They go and find stars and
takes them to Bodasious Deepthinker, a rock troll who has
crickets that know where their fathers are. Duke was taken
by Bo and he turned into a rino. The three water trolls and
Claire must save Duke before he becomes dinner. I liked this
book but I would rather read it to my younger siblings. It's
good but not really for Middle School. EL, MS - OPTIONAL
Student Reviewer: KC Lyga,
Barry The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth
Girl, 315 p. Houghton - Language: R (excessive
swearing, no F; so many that I gave up counting), Sexual
content: PG-13 (There wasn't any sex, just mention of it,
talking about breasts, and Kyra flashes two people),
Violence: G - This story is about a graphic novel fanatic
who views himself as a nerd. Kyra comes along and helps him
realize his potential and that "you are only a nerd if you
think you are". I really liked this book because I could
connect with the characters and the experiences they had. It
was a very well written story of things that face teens
today, and I would definitely advise a public library to
have this book. MS, HS - NO Student Reviewer: JH Manning,
Sarra Diary of a Crush: French Kiss, 214 p.
Penguin - Language: R (said F three times and other swears),
Sexual content: PG-13, Violence: G - This book was about a
girl, Edie, who lives in Europe, and is read through her
diary. Her photography class is given the chance to go to
France for five days, and over those five days she falls in
love with Dylan, another art student. Although it was a good
book, there are others I would recommend first. There were
times I connected with Edie, but there were times when I
didn't. I read it pretty quickly, but it didn't exactly
capture my interest like other books have. I would suggest
it for an easy read at a public library. MS- NO Student
Reviewer: JH 5 October
2006 Owen,
James A. Here, There Be Dragons, 324 p. -
Language: G; Sexual
Content G; Violence: PG (war) -
This book, Here, There
Be Dragons, is a very good book. There is a man named John
that finds out that he is the Caretaker for the Imaginarium
Geographica. He must save our world and the other. It is
kind of hard to get into but once you get into it you can't
stop.. MS - ADVISABLE Student Reviewer: KC Bennett,
Veronica AngelMonster Candlewick, 234 p. - When
Mary meets Percy Shelley in her father's bookshop, she is
instantly attracted; even when she learns he is married, her
passion is undeterred. Together with her stepsister, the 16
year old runs away to Europe with Shelley and the trio
struggles to find any kind of life. Placing Mary's writing
of Frankenstein years after its actual publication, the
author adds depth to the reasons such a young girl may have
been able to imagine such a dark character. Though there are
no particular words that are wrong in this book, the sheer
number of adulteries and infidelities makes this book too
salacious for the middle school. HS-ADVISABLE Wolfson,
Jill Home and Other Big, Fat Lies Henry Holt, 281
p. - Whitney finds herself packed off to another foster
home, this time in the timber country of Northern
California. This time she is not alone; because of an
economic downturn, several town families have taken in
fosters also. Whitney's ADHD makes it hard for her connect,
usually, but something about the woods and the kids calls to
her - and her passion for the Mother Tree leads her to take
a great risk when the permission to cut the forest again
comes through. A cute mix of foster kid story and
environmentalism. EL, MS - OPTIONAL Hale,
Marian Dark Water Rising Henry Holt, 221 p. -
Seth and his family move to Galveston Texas just in time to
get caught by the biggest storm disaster in Texas history.
While Seth struggles to prove his worth as a carpenter to
his father, he is also struggling to just stay alive.
Heart-wrenching moments and slightly grisly descriptions of
true events in Texas history. I am sure that every school in
the state of Texas should own this book; other schools
should buy this if their students are fans of Willo Roberts
or Patricia Giff. It does start a little slow, but the
disaster and its aftermath are well worth reading. MS-
ADVISABLE Colasanti,
Susane When It Happens Penguin, 310 p. - Sara is
convinced that she will never find true love, until jock
Dave pursues her. Just as she starts realizing that maybe
Dave is a little shallow, she sees love in the eyes of Tobey
- the guitar player with the killer blue eyes. Full of a
large variety of swear words, including a hefty dose of "f",
rendering this unusable for school libraries. Even if all of
the swear words were removed (which could be done without
any harm to the story), this would still only be an optional
purchase. NO Selznick,
Brian The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Scholastic, 525 p. - Hugo Cabret has lived above the
train station and cared for it's many clocks for some months
now - since his uncle disappeared. He steals from the
station food stand in order to survive, but from the toy
maker to supply him with parts to fix the magnificent
automaton that is his father's only remaining gift to him.
Then on e day he is caught by the toy man, which leads to
many startling revelations and the reinvention of Hugo. I
was a little skeptical, because I am not a fan of graphic
novels, but my 7th grade daughter assures me that this is
fantastic. It reads like a novel and a movie, with its large
pages of illustrations (over 200 of them). EL, MS -
ADVISABLE 4 October
2006 Wilce,
Ysabeau Flora Segunda Harcourt, 448 p. - RELEASE:
JAN 2007 Flora's ancestral home has fallen into disrepair,
ever since her mother banished the family's magickal Butler.
While taking an ill-advised shortcut, Flora discovers the
missing Butler and gets way too involved in matters way
beyond her strength, bust she also discovers a few allies.
The story also involves a dead sister, a crazy father, a
mother with too many responsibilities, and infidelity of the
heart. If the book hadn't touched on the parents'
infidelities, I would have an easier time recommending this
book. Flora is pretty likable, and I enjoyed her and her
friends, but not so much her parents and their problems. EL,
MS - OPTIONAL McAllister,
M.I. Urchin and the Heartstone Hyperion, 304 p. -
The baddies have been banished and Mistmantle is preparing
for the crowning of King Crispin. A mysterious ship arrives
and spirits Urchin away to an island ruled by a mad king and
populated by Mistmantle exiles who have plans to conquer
Mistmantle. I like how this author uses the characteristics
of the animals to make a difference how they act and think;
I always thought that was missing from Jacques' books. A
cute addition to the series. EL, MS - ADVISABLE LeGuin,
Ursula Voices Harcourt, 352 p. - Years earlier,
Ansul was conquered by the Alds, a desert people who fear
writing. Only a small, hidden library was protected and
Memer and the Waylord are the only people who can enter.
Then Orrec and Gry (from Gifts) come to town and startling
events are set in motion, in which young Memer figures
prominently. I found this title much more accessible than
Gifts; the story flowed more smoothly and the plotting
seemed more logical. Libraries with Le Guin's other titles
will want to add this. MS, HS - ADVISABLE Kaaberbol,
Lene The Shamer's War Henry Holt, 356 p. - Dina,
Nico,and Davin all have important parts to play in the final
confrontation with the Dragonlord. They are the only one's
who may finally have the strengths and talents to free the
conquered Highlands. Dina must use her Shamer gifts and her
Serpent powers before the battle is through. The beginning
of this title was complicated enough that I got a little
confused, but when I rediscovered my path nearer the end,
the finish was well done. I thin that fans of the series
will have plenty to talk about as the series draws to a
close. MS - ADVISABLE Pearson,
Ridley Kingdom Keepers Hyperion, 325 p. - Finn
Whitman and four other teens were honored as the first
holographic guides for Disney's Magic Kingdom, but now the
kids find themselves waking up in the middle of the night at
the park itself. Wayne, one of Walt's original crew, tells
them of a mysterious mission that the teens must undertake,
otherwise, evil forces within the park may get out of
control and escape into the real world. I can only hope that
there is a sequel to this incredibly awesome book, because
Malificent, the main evil in this title, has some mysterious
words about a greater evil than she. WHO COULD IT BE?!?!?
Any Disney fan will enjoy the ride! EL, MS, HS -
ESSENTIAL Love,
D. Anne Semiprecious Simon and Schuster,
293 p. - While their father is away working on an oil rig,
Opal and Garnet's mother decides to drop the girls at her
sister's home and take off for Nashville, trying to break in
to the country singing biz. Now the girls are stuck in a
tiny town, in a house without a phone or a car. With an aunt
they hardly know. Its hard to realize that your own mother
doesn't want you and to rebuild your life. This title feels
like several books I have read before, but will be a great
purchase in paperback. MS - OPTIONAL Hautman,
Pete Rash Simon Schuster, 249 p. - Bo has lost
his temper one too many times and has been sentenced to work
camp in the high arctic at a McDonald's Rehabilitation and
Manufacturing plant. There, in a society that prides itself
on orderliness and manners, he finds himself on an illegal
football team. There Bo learns about himself and about his
society, and his high school computer programming assignment
which has become self aware and is trying to spring him from
jail. Two swear words and a wickedly funny look at future
society. Best at the High School, unless your middle school
is fairly sophisticated. HS - ADVISABLE Fiedler,
Lisa Romeo's Ex: Rosaline's Story Henry Holt, 246
p. - Rosaline is too smart for Romeo and she recognizes that
he is just a distraction. However, she has to standby and
watch as her cousin Juliet falls head over heels in lust for
the young man, and Rosaline herself finds that she actually
has feelings for Benvolio. Both of them are powerless to
stop the madness as two Verona families are headed towards
tragedy. An awesome look at Romeo and Juliet from the
outside! I especially love it when she calls the two lovers
"…two beautiful, impetuous idiots..." MS -
ESSENTIAL 2 October
2006 Hostetter,
Joyce Blue, 195 p. - Quality of read- A;
Language- G; Sexual content-G; Violence- G - This book was
set in the year of 1944 the year North Carolina got infected
with Polio and Hitler was on a war. A girl named Ann Fay
Honeycutt tells all about that year and the Hickory, North
Carolina miracle. - This book was amazing I could hardly put
it down with polio, the war, and racism this book was full
of tear jerking surprises. This book was one that will make
you cry but it is a stunning book. I loved it! EL, MS -
ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer, AN Cirrone,
Dorian Dancing in Red Shoes will Kill you, 213 p.
- Quality of read- B-; Language- PG; Sexual content- R (it
was really graphic about body parts); Violence- G - This
book was about a girl named Kayla Callaway. She has danced
in Ballet ever since she was small and when she auditions
for the school production Cinderella she does not get a good
part because she has big boobs. her sister likes to paint
pictures of naked people and this hot new kid and her best
friend tries to help her with her ballet problem. This book
was really graphic I thought it was a good book besides the
graphic parts. NO HS Student Reviewer, AN Hughes,
Carol Dirty Magic, 418 p. - Language-PG ; Sexual
Content-G; Violence-PG13 - This is a story about a boy named
Joe Brooks. He goes to the dimension between life and death
thinking that his little sister Hannah is there. But there
is a war going on. He has to get a guide, pass giant
machines designed to kill, and meet with the man who is
responsible for the entire war. I really liked this book.
The first two chapters are a little slow. It gave me a lot
of things to think about. I would recommend this book. EL -
ADVISABLE Student Reviewer, JB Beddor,
Frank The Looking Glass Wars, 358 p. ;
Language-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-PG - Every one knows
the story of Alice in Wonderland, but that story is a
complete lie. Alice Liddel is really Alyss Heart, the heir
to the Wonderland queendom. On Alyss' seventh birthday her
Aunt Redd attacks, kills her parents, and trys to kill her.
To survive Alyss must go through the lake of tears and into
London. But over time she is told that Wonderland was just a
figment of her imagination. Will she start to believe it? I
absolutely hate the book Alice in Wonderland, but The
Looking Glass Wars is now one of my favorite books. It has
action and romance and is never boring. It is also a little
more realistic. Everything is explained. It shows you just
how everything works. I think any one would like this book.
MS - ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer, JB Boyce,
Frank Cottrell Framed, 311 p. - Language- PG;
Sexual Content- G; Violence- G - Dylan's Dad has to go away
to get money for his family. Get Dylan and his sisters find
a different way to make money and bring home his dad? I
thought the book was boring until the end, then it got good.
EL. MS - OPTIONAL Student Reviewer, LW 22 Aug
2006 Garden,
Nancy Endgame, 304 p. Harcourt - Gray Walton is
being interviewed by a lawyer who is trying to prepare a
defense for the young man who was captured after a shooting
spree at his school. Probably the best of the post-Columbine
fiction that I have read. Minimal swear words, but 1 "f".
MS-OPTIONAL, HS-ADVSIABLE Sutherland,
Tui Avatars: So this is How it Ends , 368 p.
HarperCollins - Five teens from different backgrounds are
brought together by mysterious forces in what seems to be a
future world - and they are the only people under 70
anywhere. The book becomes more interesting the closer the
teens draw together. Teens will enjoy it more if they have a
rudimentary knowledge of the major religions of the world
and their accompanying gods structures. This first book was
all setup for what will probably be a very violent and
rousing sequel. HS, MS - OPTIONAL Moranville,
Sharelle Byars A Higher Geometry, 212 p. Henry
Holt - Anna Conway, a young lady of the 1950s is having a
hard time convincing her parents that an advance education
might be worthwhile for a girl. Her love and genius with
goes a long way to helping her cause. She also has to deal
with the possible stigma if she were to be discovered having
sex with her boyfriend in age that birth control waw
basically unknown. Though I kind of enjoyed the math bits
(and the scenes at math competitions may be useful for a
math class), I realized at the end that I had pretty much
been bored and that the book felt incomplete. Does involve
undescribed teen sex. HS, MS-OPTIONAL Sleator,
William Hell Phone, 256 p. Abrams - Nick scraps
together the money to buy a cheap cell phone, but it is
directly wired to someone who is in hell. He tries not to
listen to the voices on the other end, but ends up doing
their bidding, the consequence being his girlfriend turns
him in for murder and he is executed. But that's not the
end. Besides the word "hell", there are no other swear words
in this book. It will probably be a favorite for reluctant
readers, just for the title, but I didn't think it was one
of Sleator's better works. MS-OPTIONAL Downer,
Ann The Dragon of Never-Was, 320 p. Simon
Schuster - Theodora would prefer to forget the events of
last summer, but her burgeoning magic doesn't give her a
chance. This time she and her father are summoned to England
to examine something that looks like a dragon scale. She
must solve a mystery from the past and from another
dimension in order to save herself and her friends. Fans of
Hatching Magic will enjoy this. If you have a large fantasy
collection then feel free to add the series. EL,
MS-OPTIONAL Hughes,
Monica The Isis Trilogy, 560 p. Tundra - Olwen
Pendennis had lived her entire life as the Keeper of the
Isis Light, a beacon to space-faring vessels. Now colonists
have come to her planet and she learns in the cruelest
manner that she was altered as a child so that she could
survive the harsh environment. Two other books follow the
fate of Olwen, The Guardian and her settlers of Isis. I have
always enjoyed the first in the trilogy, but never even knew
there were sequels. The only flaw I found was that the
events follow each other too closely for the huge changes
that happen in the community. Otherwise I enjoyed reading
this look at the manipulation of an entire community.
HS-ADVISABLE Friend,
Natasha Lush, 178 p. Scholastic - Samantha "Sam",
is trying to figure out life in high school with a newly
"lush" body and life with an alcoholic father, or "lush", so
she sends an anonymous note to someone who she thinks would
be able to mentor her. Someone else finds the note, but that
person still has words that Sam needs to take control of her
life. Two swear words and an excellent message.
MS-ESSENTIAL Duval,
Alex Vampire Beach: Bloodlust AND
Initiation, @185 p. Simon and Schuster - Jason
and his family move the swankiest part of Malibu, the gated
community of DeVere Heights. What he doesn't know is that
his aunt had to pull some strings, because they are the only
family behind the gates who aren't also vampires. With his
friend Adam, he discovers the secret and then has to decide
what to do with the information. Good, clean vampire fun. MS
- ADVISABLE Schreiber,
Ellen Vampireville, 176 p. HarperCollins -
Goth-girl Raven and her vampire boyfriend Alexander have
managed to fool Jagger into thinking Alexander has turned
Raven into a vampire, but they must still stop Jagger and
his sister Luna from turning Travis, Raven's historic
nemesis, into a vampire also. This series was published
before Twilight, but may be overshadowed by the new series.
I like that the Vampire Kisses point are short and sweet and
to the point. I hope Ms. Schreiber keeps it going.
MS-ESSENTIAL Wooding,
Chris Storm Thief, 320 p. Scholastic - Rail and
Moa live in an enclosed city where unpredictable Probability
storms sweep through sporadically and change life randomly.
One day they meet a cyborg construct as the pair are fleeing
a thief boss who wants an artifact that only Moa can use.
The three have the unknowing power to upset the entire
system. At interesting look at one version of a dystopian
society, setup with humanity's best interests at heart
(supposedly). There are so many good novles out there now
dealing with these types of societies. A sampling of them
would be an interesting area of study for a political
science class. HS, MS-OPTIONAL August
2006 Ransom,
Candice Finding Day's Bottom, 171 p. Carolrhoda -
Jane-Ery's father has died in a mine accident and her
grandfather has come to live with her and her mother, to
help them on their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of
Virginia. Both mother and daughter are having a hard time
making ends meet and finding a way to live on after the
death. Finding Day's Bottom is one of those quiet, eloquent
books - along the lines of Missing May or A Hole in the
World. It will need help finding its audience. EL,
MS-OPTIONAL Plum-Ucci,
Carol The Night My Sister Went Missing, 224 p.
Harcourt - Kurt and his friends are hanging out in their
usual place at the burnt out pier. Then a gun goes off and
Kurt's younger sister disappears over the side. At the
police station, Kurt finds a way to listen in as people are
brought in and questioned. Everyone has their own agenda and
everyone is hiding something. Though its uses more than a
dozen swear words (2 "f"), the words actually feel as though
they belong where they are. The plot is well paced and will
keep a reader's attention. This book will be passed around.
MS-OPTIONAL, HS-ADVISABLE Sniegoski,
Tom Sleeper Code, 278 p. AND Sleeper
Agenda, 300 p. Penguin - Tom Lovett has a severe
form of narcolepsy - a disease that makes him fall asleep
with no notice. Then he stops taking his medicine and sets
forces in motion that reveal that his disease also covers up
an implanted personality that commits murder for hire. His
"creator" has become an enemy of the federal government
which funded the original research. Only together can Tom
and his alter ego prevail, but "Tyler Garrett" has plans of
his own. Excellent spy novel stuff. Two books only, already
out in paperback. Get them today! MS-ESSENTIAL Buckley-Archer,
Linda Gideon the Cutpurse, 400 p. Simon Schuster
- The last time Peter saw his father he told him that he
hated him. Now Peter has been flung back to England of 1763,
along with Kate, whose father helped create the technology.
Their rescuer, Gideon, was until recently a thief - and
there is someone who would like to silence Gideon for good
and also capture the teens from the future. The historical
action is interspersed with small bits about the happenings
in the present day. The teens have the ability to "blur"
into their reality, but find themselves always back in 1763.
Their blurring attracts the attention of those who can help
them come home. First in the trilogy; I am looking forward
to the second. EL, MS-ADVISABLE Ferguson,
Alane The Christopher Killer, 274 p. Penguin -
Cameryn is determined to follow in her coroner father's
footsteps. After he takes her on as his assistant, however,
their second assignment leads her straight into a murder,
and the victim is one of her best friends. A TV psychic
claims to have predicted the murder and brings swarms of
publicity into the little town of Silverton, CO. Cameryn may
find herself to be the murderer's next victim. The forensic
scenes (two bodies and an autopsy) are graphic without
crossing into voyeuristic. I wouldn't put this in a 6,7,8
school, but it will probably fly in a 8,9 school.
MS-ADVSIABLE, HS-ESSENTIAL Paratore,
Coleen The Wedding Planner's Daughter, 193 p.
Simon Schuster - Willa and her mother move further east
fairly regularly, but now they are on Cape Cod - and there
isn't much further to go. Willa would love to have her
wedding planner mother fall in love and get married herself,
but Willa herself is the one who almost crushes all of her
dreams. A cute book about the perfect wedding and running
from your problems. Out in paperback already. EL,
MS-ADVISABLE Augarde,
Steve Celandine, 496 p. Random House - When
Celandine was young, she is sure that she saw little people
living in a overgrown forested area near her home. Now she
older, and has great need to escape the terrible situation
she is in at her boarding school, so she runs to find those
small creatures. The "Various" as they call themselves take
the girl in, but none of them know that danger from others
like them is on its way. It has been 2 ½ years since I
read The Various, but I think that this novel is actually a
prequel to it. At least it feels like a prequel (I could be
wrong). The sequence is not chronological, which may mess up
some readers, but nothing is too complicated to impede
enjoyment of the novel. The clear writing and young
protagonist make this appropriate for lower grades, but the
length means it can also be appreciated by older readers.
The barebones cover style, unfortunately does not help sell
the book. EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE McKay,
Hilary Caddy Ever After, 218 p. Simon Schuster -
In a very convoluated manner, Rose, Saffy, Indigo and Caddy
each tell part of the circumstances of Caddy standing at the
altar to marry someone who is not Darling Michael. As much
as I enjoyed reading the first three books (I just found
them for the first time this spring), this particular entry
was too convoluted for me to enjoy. I kept losing the thread
of who was talking and every tidbit to further the storyline
had to be pried from the narrative. Not so charming. EL,
MS-OPTIONAL (i.e., wait for the paperback) Brian,
Kate Private, 227 p. Simon Schuster - Reed
Brennan has wons a scholarship to an exclusive prep school,
but is completely unprepared for the social scene and cut
throst competition for grades. In order to prove a point,
Reed sets her sights on joining the most exclusive clique on
campus, no matter how she has to debase herself. I did not
ever want to belong to a sorority (Billings is not actually
a sorority, as this is a prep school, but it illustrates the
point), so I can not be sympathetic with the mindset of
someone who would do anything required to belong to this
kind of elitist group. I am sick and tired of these
brainless homages to the rich and powerful that seem to be
so prevalent since Mean Girls came out! On the other hand,
maybe just by reading it, a teen may also see the wrongness
of it all and avoid the popularity trap. MS,
HS-OPTIONAL Gray,
Dianne Tomorrow, The River, 256 p. Houghton
Mifflin - Desperate to escape the drudgery of working for
her pregnant sisters this summer, Megan wrangles an
invitation to live with her older sister on a houseboat
along the Mississippi River. Only fourteen, she takes on a
woman's share of the work as the small family meets a cast
of characters along the river, especially after Isaac
re-injures his leg coming to Megan's rescue. Megan doesn't
know it, but her travels are being chronicled in the small
town papers along the route, leaving just enough clues for
the handsome young man she met at the beginning of her
journey to follow her. A charming look at life along the
Mississippi at the end of the 19th century. If you have a
teacher who does a historical fiction project, this would be
a good addition. MS - ADVISABLE Wiess,
Laura Such a Pretty Girl, 224 p. Simon Schuster -
Meredith has been safe for three years, but now her rapist -
her own father - is getting out of jail early for good
behavior and her mother insists that Meredith welcome him
back with open arms. In the few dramatic days following his
release, Meredith discovers some unexpected supporters and
the strength within her self to survive. Very engrossing and
a speedy read that will generate lots of word of mouth among
students. The book does mention, of course, the rape,
without describing it. Meredith also is pretty cozy with her
older boyfriend, but again the descriptions are fairly
limited. The "F' word is used once, and other swear words
less than half a dozen times. MS, HS-ESSENTIAL Page,
Katherine Hall Club Meds, 166 p. Simon Schuster -
Jack, Mary and Sam call themselves and other kids who troop
to the nurse's office each day "Club Med", as they get the
medication they need to survive another day of school. Now
they are in high school and Jack's old tormentor has decided
to use Jack as his personal supplier for his drug deals
around campus - forcing Jack to turn over half of his
medication for each day. Since Jack needs that medication to
make it through each school day, he and his friends hit upon
a plan to thwart Chuck and assert themselves against the
school bullies. I have to wonder if someone told the author
that the book would never sell unless she included some
swearing, so she went back and add a swear word about every
other page. I kid you not - that's just about how often they
are. They add absolutely nothing to the narrative and
instead feel like great big clunker sin the middle of the
story flow. It's too bad - the story is very goos, but the
sheer amount and variety of swear words, with no purpose,
make this off limits for public schools. NO Dowswell,
Paul Prison Ship, 300 p. Bloomsbury - Sam
Witchall survived the epic battle in Powder Monkey and has a
new berth on a new ship. Unfortunately, He raises the ire
and suspicion of the ship's purser and the purser's son, who
frame him and his best friend Richard for cowardice in the
midst of battle. The two are sent to Australia for
punishment and continue to get themselves into trouble time
after time, even though they have good people trying to help
them. I really enjoyed the descriptions of ship life and
colony life, but I got tired of watching the boys
continually make horrible mistakes and be saved from their
own follies in a deux ex machina fashion. I haven't read the
first title, but if it is the same then I have a hard time
being enthusiastic. MS-ADVISABLE Lopez,
Jack In The Break, 192 p. Little, Brown - Juan
and his best friend Jamie spend the best part of their days
catching waves at their favorite breaks up and down the
shore. When Jamie's stepfather forces a confrontation, Jamie
beats him until he is close to death. With Amber, Jamie's
sister, the pair head to Mexico to find a place for Jamie to
hide out. With the help of an old Mexican man, the friends
head out to a sheltered island with gorgeous waves and pods
of dolphins playing in the surf. Danger lurks right around
the corner. Part of the blurb on the back of the book calls
the author's writing "lyrical", and it might be, but its
hard to tell through all of the swearing. Clunky and
jarring, the large amount of swear words - totally without
purpose - interrupt the reading and spoil the novel.
NO Umansky,
Kaye The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow, 304 p.
Candlewick - One fateful day, Solomon Snow discovers that he
truly is a foundling, left in the snow with only a napkin
and a silver spoon as the keys to his origins. Along with
Prudence, a girl too smart for the village, he ventures to
Town in search of spoon, which his stepfather pawned more
than a year earlier. Along the way they acquire a little
girl, a rabbit and chimney sweep - all of whom are key to
solving the mystery. Written after the author was inspired
by Dickens, the parody of old Victorian novels. I know
adults would appreciate the book, but I am not so sure about
children. EL-OPTIONAL DuPrau,
Jeanne Prophet of Yonwood, 304 p. Random House -
11 year old Nickie has come to Yonwood with her Aunt
Christine to sell her great-grandfather's house. The pair
find the town under the grip of a woman in a coma, Althea
Tower, who is being called The Prophet. Old Ms. Beeson has
taken the role of interpreting the Prophet's mumblings into
directives for the townfolk. Christine is torn between her
desire to help forward the Prophet's vision and her feelings
of loyalty to people who don't really believe in Ms.
Beeson's orders. This book has almost nothing to do with the
previous Ember books, except for a contrived relationship
that means nothing. If you feel that your readers will be
disappointed by that, then don't by this book. If you think
your students will be interested in a tale of town in the
grip of a cult-like experience, then you might buy this, but
there are better books out there addressing the topic. Email
me if you want some titles. EL, MS-OPTIONAL Baker,
E.D. No Place for Magic, 250 p. Bloombury - Emma
and Eadric are ready to marry, but Emma insists that they
receive his parents' blessing. In Eadric's country, however,
witches and magic are not respected. When the pair arrive,
they are immediately set with the task of rescuing Eadric's
little brother from evil trolls - and Emma is going to try
to accomplish this without depending on her magic. A nicely
done addition to the Frog Princess series. EL,
MS-ADVISABLE Moore,
Lilian Beware, Take Care PICTURE BOOK Henry Holt
- A rambunctious ghost, a smiling monster, a misunderstood
dragon are part of the poems and adorable illustrations in
this short picture book. My favorite poem is The Teeny, Tiny
Ghost. If you have a large Halloween collection, this would
be a good addition. EL - OPTIONAL Murphy,
Jim Desperate Journey, 272 p. Scholastic - Maggie
and her family live and work on the Erie Canal. If they
don't get their current load to the city on time, they will
probably loose their boat and their livelihood. Along their
way, however, their father and uncle are arrested on trumped
up charges. Maggie, her mother and her brother must somehow
get the boat there on time. While the writing and pacing are
excellent, the subject matter will probably not draw
students to the novel. If you have a teacher who requires an
American Historical fiction read, then add this to your
collection. Otherwise, you will need to sell this title. EL,
MS-OPTIONAL Truss,
Lynne Eats, Shoots, and Leaves: Why commas really do make
a difference, PICTURE BOOK Penguin - A panda walks
into a diner, eats a bit, shoots a couple of arrows and then
leaves. So begins several pages of misplaced and replaced
commas and great illustrations for each convention. The
importance of the lowly comma becomes very evident. This
title was originally published as a non-fiction title that
expounds at great length (yes, I have read it). This much
shorter, and to the point adaptation, would be an excellent
tool at every level of education. You will need a opaque
projector or its modern equivalent in order to make the most
of this title. EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL Cooper,
Susan Victory, 208 p. Simon Schuster - Sam has
been pressganged onto Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson's flag
ship before the battle of Trafalgar. Molly has moved with
her mother and step family from her beloved London to
Connecticut, bringing along a severe case of homesickness.
The two young people's stories come together when Molly
finds a piece of Admiral Nelson's history preserved by Sam
between the pages of a book. Books about sailing ships and
sea battles seem to be doing well in many libraries. If this
is the case in your library, then this will be a good
addition. EL, MS-ADVISABLE Reeve,
Philip Infernal Devices, 368 p. HarperCollins -
20 years after Hester and Tom took refuge on the tiny city
of Anchorage, they must set out among the Hungry Cities
again. This time they must rescue their daughter, Wren, who
has been kidnapped and is in a situation more dangerous than
she knows. Pennyroyal, Anita Fang, and Stalker Grike are
back, each with an important part in this small family's
destiny. Definitely exciting, but for a more mature
audience. This title will work best in school's which
already own the first two. I would not buy the series based
on the strength of this title. MS, HS - ADVISABLE Mackall,
Dandi Eva Underground, 256 p. Harcourt - Eva's
mother has died and her father has dragged her from her
comfortable American life and into the extremely poor and
anti-democracy environs of Communist Poland of the 1970's.
While father tries to nurture a revolution, Eva tries to
just survive the harsh, unfamiliar life that she has been
thrust into. The events of this title are far removed from
the students of today. This title might find a home in a
large high school library, especially one where a faculty
member actually discusses the events. It will need help
finding its audience. MS, HS - OPTIONAL Smith,
Lane John, Paul, George and Ben PICTURE BOOK
Hyperion - A fun, humorous look at the early lives of five
(Tom, too) important men in American history. A great
true/false section at the end of the narrative elevates this
from mere entertainment, to a way to introduce these men to
middle or high school students. EL, MS, HS -
ADVISABLE Sis,
Peter Tree of Life PICTURE BOOK Farrar, Straus,
Giroux - Peter Sis applies his unique illustration style to
short, but in-depth look at the life of Charles Darwin.
Tiny, detailed drawing, along with (tiny, detailed) writing
make this book only appropriate for middle school or high
school. If a teacher used an opaque projector, their class
could be enjoy this look at Darwin. MS, HS -
OPTIONAL Walton,
Rick Suddenly Alligator: an adverbial tale
PICTURE BOOK Gibbs Smith - A young boy walks through the
swamp in quest of a new pair of socks. Along with other
discoveries, he encounters an alligator intent on making the
boy his next meal. The author places each adverb at the end
of the sentence add emphasis, helping younger readers enjoy
the lesson. Middle or high school grammar and writing
teachers could use this book to show how using a wide
variety of adverbs enhances writing MIGHTILY. EL, MS, HS -
ADVISABLE Kerr,
P.B. Cobra King of Kathmandu 384 p. Scholastic -
John, Philippa and their best friend Dybbuk travel to India
on the hunt for a murderer - not knowing that they must also
save their Uncle Nimrod and breakup the resurrection of an
old snake cult, whose leader is bent on capturing djinn for
his own nefarious purpose. A likable, well-written addition
to the series. EL, MS - ADVISABLE LeGuin,
Ursula Voices, 352 p. Harcourt - Memer has lived
in her city, under the rule of print-phobic usurpers, the
Alds, for most of her life. Only she and the Waylord have
access to, or even know about, the secret library that was
saved from destruction. Now Gry and Orrec, who is a Maker,
have arrives in search of this repository. Orrec is destined
to stir things up. This title is much more accessible than
its predecessor, but will be better enjoyed if read second.
If you already carry LeGuin, your upper level students will
enjoy her new series. MS, HS - ADVSIABLE Abbott,
Tony Firegirl 145 p. Little, Brown - Tom is
normal sixth grader, with a best friend, a bit car crazy and
a secret crush on the prettiest girl in his grade. Then
Jennifer, the victim of a horrible fire, comes to his class
while she is receiving burn treatments and skin grafts,
changing everything Tom thought he knew about himself and
his best friend. This is a short and powerful novel that
should be read aloud to every elementary and middle school
student across the nation, followed up by an intense
discussion about how to treat people with differences. The
unembellished writing drives home the author's intentions
and shows how it is as easy to befriend someone as it is to
ridicule them. EL, MS-ESSENTIAL Wooderson,
Philip The Plague: My side of the story, 192 p.
Houghton - Rachel and Robert's lives intersect in her
father's shop, where Robert is the apprentice, just as the
plague takes hold in 1665 London. Even as the plague
devastates London and moves into the villages, someone is
trying to ruins Rachel's father's cloth business. This book
is written back to back, with the reader having to flip the
book in order to finish. The hype on the inside would have
you believe that both sides give different, and possibly
conflicting, views of the same action. Instead, one is
really only a continuation of the other - and I started
reading the wrong one first and knew the end before I had
even begun! It really is necessary to read Rachel's story
first. Other than that quirk, the novel is a middle quality
read that adds little to the drama around the Black Death.
EL, MS-OPTIONAL Feinstein,
John Vanishing Act: Mystery at the U.S. Open, 256
p. Knopf - Stevie and Susan Carol are covering another major
sports event as they pursue their dreams of becoming major
sports reporters. This time they are at the U.S. Open of
tennis, where a major star disappears as she is approaching
the court for her first game. Never kids to turn down a
great mystery, the two do their best to expose the truth
behind the kidnapping. This novel is as engaging as the
author's first, with loads of information about sports
reporting, tennis professionals and the seedy world of
athlete agents. The action is engaging enough that even if
people recognize that there are major flaws in the
background logic, they will be willing to forgive because
the read was so much fun. MS-ADVISABLE Coombs,
Kate The Secret-keeper, PICTURE BOOK Simon
Schuster - Kalli has been hearing and keeping the villagers'
secrets for years, but is made sick by the burden during one
long winter. The villagers find a way to ease her heart and
help her recover her spirit. Don't make the mistake of
dismissing this picture book as a rip off of Sharon Shinn's
Safe-keeper's Secret, though at the beginning the
similarities are a bit irksome. Instead, enjoy this sweet
little book that is so full of hope. Can anyone think of a
way this would be useful in a secondary classroom? EL -
ADVSIABLE Steele,
J.M. The Taker, 350 p. Hyperion - Carly must get
into Princeton, but she tanks the SAT and only has eight
weeks to study for the final retake. Then she receives a
text message from "The Taker", who promises to raise her
score at least three hundred points, but she must study and
act as if she is working hard on her own. For her tutor she
enlists Ronald Gross - the nerdy guy who has lived across
the street, and whom she has ignored, forever. Along the way
Carly learns about lies and love, test-taking skills and
life-skills. This is the second SAT fiction book I have read
in the last six months and I enjoyed this one the best. A
fun, quirky look at the too serious world of the SAT's that
many high school seniors will relate to. MS, HS -
ADVSIABLE Bulion,
Leslie Uncharted Waters, 185 p. Peachtree - Jonah
and his little sister Jaye are spending the summer with
their beloved uncle in a cabin on a lake. Jonah, however, is
hiding two secrets - that he will have to repeat seventh
grade English if he doesn't finish his final writing project
and that his encounter with a jellyfish has left him afraid
to go in the water. Jaye has taken his place in the local
summer swim program and Jonah has found a job working for a
local dock owner, but his fear of the water will come back
to haunt him when he takes a job helping a young marine
biologist. EL-OPTIONAL Strasser,
Todd Sidewayz Glory, 197 p. Simon Schuster -
Kennin wakes from his horrific crash and finds himself with
a badly broken leg and in the hospital, having lost five
days in unconsciousness. Even with his cast on, he finds
himself pressured on all sides - from Tito, who wants to
make up for causing the crash; from Derek, who wants him to
race at Mr. Mercado's new drift track; from Jack, who wants
sole control of Kennin's sister; from Mariel, who still
trying to make her boyfriend jealous. On the track and in
his life, Kennin is never sure if he will ever regain
control of anything. Excellent end to the Drift X trilogy.
Buy at least two copies of each title, because at least one
will be stolen! MS, HS-ESSENTIAL Muchamore,
Robert Maximum Security, 287 p. Simon and
Schuster - 13 year old James Adams is tapped for a highly
dangerous mission - entering a maximum security prison for
juvenile offenders as an inmate and cuddling up to the only
son of a major weapons dealer. CHERUB can not protect James
once he is inside - not from the factions within the inmate
groups, and not from guards who might be out for revenge. A
much grittier CHERUB novel than the previous two. References
to make body parts, a very graphic body cavity search scene,
and violent fights elevate the maturity of this novel. Think
hard before you put it in the middle school. MS-OPTIONAL,
HS-ADVISABLE Sorrells,
Walter The Silent Room, 233 p. Oz' new stepfather
pushes him and goads him into fighting until Oz' mother
finally agrees to send him to a detention facility. Life on
the facility's tiny island is harsh and unbearable and the
other boys whisper about 'The Silent Room". Oz' and the
other boys in his dorm have discovered an old boat abandoned
in the swamp and work desperately to get it in working order
so that they can escape. Oz, befriending the daughter of the
camp director, learns that the director's wife and one of
the benefactors are actually dangerous con artists, who have
plans for the boys under their care. When I started reading
this novel, I first thought I was experiencing dejavu, but
then realized that I was mixing it up with Willo Davis
Robert's "Blood on his Hands," because both novels use the
evil stepfather setting up the stepson in order to get rid
of him as the major step up for the action. This sin one of
those books that will make you queasy with tension as you
read, a feeling that middle school students love.
MS-ESSENTIAL Davidson,
Ellen Dee Stolen Voices 188 p. Lobster
Press - At 15, Miri is supposed to be looking forward to
being Masked and Bonded to her age mates. Unfortunately, she
has no Talent and feels like a failure. Unable to join her
friends, she sneaks in and witnesses the ritual - and is
caught by the Masker - who has other plans for Miri. With
the help of a rebel servant, Miri escapes to the Secret
Valley and finds her destiny. An excellent piece of science
fiction from a small press out of Quebec. I hope you can get
your hands on a copy. MS, HS-ESSENTIAL L'Homme,
Erik Mystery of Lord Sha AND Face of the
Shadow, Scholastic - Second and final in the
Quadehar trilogy. Robin and his friends have returned safely
from the Uncertain Lands and are working on their chosen
career paths. One evening Robin's mentor Quadehar returns to
the Unknown Lands on a secret quests, leaving Robin once
again in the monastery of Gifdu for protection,. Instead, a
mysterious figure cloaked in black breaches the security and
hunts Robin down. Since these books are already in
paperback, they would be worth adding to a large fantasy
collection. EL, MS-OPTIONAL Freymann-Wyer,
Garret Stay With Me, 238 p. Houghton - 16 year
old Leila is trying to cope with the suicide death of her
much older half sister and her guilty feelings for not
knowing her other family better. While trying to track down
a mystery man she saw with her sister at a coffee house,
Leila takes a waitressing job and ends up involved with 31
year old man. As I sit writing this review, I feel like the
whole premise of the book is pretty weak. I actually enjoyed
watching Leila and her extended family deal with their
grief, but I could never get over my revulsion to the
May-December romance which was so acceptable to Leila's
entire family - including the sex. NO Lasky,
Kathryn Born to Rule, 160 p HarperCollins -
Alicia, a princess of B----- is away for her first summer at
princess camp. She has formed a bond of friendship with her
roommates, but she is struggling with the challenge every
princess must face - finding and training a songbird. To
further complicate things, rumors of a ghost haunting
Alicia's tower seem to have some truth, distracting Alicia
with an enticing mystery. Fluffy and cute, prefect for
middle elementary. EL-ADVSIABLE Price,
Charlie Dead Connection, 240 p. Roaring Book
Press - Murray has been communing with the youngest
residents of the local cemetery for some time now - to
escape his home situation, to escape his school situation.
After a very rough beginning, Murray forms a friendship with
Pearl, the daughter of the cemetery's caretaker. She
supports him when he hears a new voice - one that he thinks
belongs to a girl who disappeared months earlier. While I
enjoyed the unfolding of the mystery, a wide variety of
swear words and a plot point involving a violent alcoholic
left me cold. A book for the older crowd.
HS-OPTIONAL Winterson,
Jeanette Tanglewreck 416 p. Bloomsbury - When
Silver was 7, her parents and sister died in a car accident.
Now, four years later, she is still living in her home, but
under the care of an evil guardian who makes her life
miserable. Events have been set in motion that will send
Silver across the world, across time, across space,
introducing her to friends to help her and villains who want
to possess her - with everyone in pursuit of the Timekeeper.
Books written about time and space have to be carefully
plotted and/or written brilliantly so that even if you are
confused occasionally, you love it so much you are willing
to go back and figure out how you got lost. Michael
Lawrence's Small Eternities is a good example of these two
qualities. This particular title, however falls a bit below
the mark in either of these traits. With an 11-year old
protagonist, I don't see how it will appeal to someone who
can actually follow the action. MS-OPTIONAL Durrant,
Lynda My Last Skirt: The Story of Jennie Hodgers, Union
Soldier, 208 p. Clarion - As a girl in the hills of
Scotland, Jennie masqueraded as a boy in order to help her
family earn much needed coins. When she and her brother
immigrate to America, she keeps up the charade, going as far
as to join a Union regiment during the Civil War. Even after
the war she maintains the fiction, until one day her
lifelong secret is discovered. Full of fascinating details
of battles as life as a soldier, but the human parts are
rather stiff and sketchy. If you need a new Civil War novel
to round out a collection, then buy in hardcover, otherwise
wait for the paperback. EL, MS-OPTIONAL Sage,
Angie My Haunted House AND The Sword in the
Grotto 144 p. each HarperCollins - Araminta Spookie
lives contentedly with her Aunt Tabitha and Uncle Drac in a
fantastically creepy house where she can't find a single
ghost. One day Aunt Tabby announces that she is sick and
tired of the broken down house and is determined to find a
buyer. Mint knows that she must do something drastic in
order to keep her home. In the second title, as Minty
searches for the perfect birthday present for a 500-year
old, she and her new best friend Wanda are in desperate
danger in an undersea grotto which is quickly filling with
water. Cute. creepy fiction for the younger crowd.
EL-ADVISABLE Dines,
Carol The Queen's Soprano, 336 p. Harcourt -
Angelica lives in Rome during the time of Pope Inocente IX,
who is determined to bring the entire city under papal rule,
while keeping a firm grip on the lives of the women, too.
Angelica's beautiful voice attracts negative attention and
in order to escape the pope's influence and her domineering
mother, she takes a position as soprano to the only
remaining queen of one of Rome's last free quarters.
Angelica is not ready for court life and intrigue and danger
to her reputation is always close at hand. A beautifully
written book that will probably have a hard time finding an
audience without some help. A good addition to a larger
library with an active historical fiction collection. MS, HS
- OPTIONAL Fisher,
Catherine Day of the Scarab, 400 p. HarperCollins
- Final in the Oracle Prophecies. Mirany, Seth, Oblek, the
Jackal and Alexos must fight not only against Argelin, but
also against Argelin's mercenaries, Mantos the sorceress,
the Emperor and factions within the Nine in this fast moving
end to the Oracle trilogy. This is a much better book that
the slow moving middle book, with all of the disparate plots
and characters coming together for a nail-biting finish. MS,
HS - ADVISABLE Stanley,
Diane Bella at Midnight 278 p. HarperCollins - At
birth Bella's knight father gives her to a foster family to
raise, far from his sight. In the small village, Bella also
meets and becomes fast friends with one of the sons of her
country's king. At 16, Bella is summarily called "home",
where she meets a new stepmother and sisters, who find Bella
well beneath them. Then she hears news that forces her to
take bold steps that will change her future. This book is
unfortunately terribly derivative (a step mother and two
stepsisters!?), drawing together familiar elements of
several familiar fairy tales, without creating something so
new and fresh that you feel you are reading something brand
new. Younger students, who are maybe not as familiar with
their fairytales won't mind, but older students and adults
will. EL-ADVISABLE, MS-OPTIONAL Haddix,
Margaret Among the Free, 194 p. Simon and
Schuster - Luke had been working in the stables at the
Population Police headquarters for some time when he is
taken on a patrol designed to issue new ID cards to the
entire population simultaneously. When an old lady refuses
to comply, Luke is ordered to shoot her; instead he makes a
bold decision, leading to more decision which may change the
course of his country's history forever. This is an
excellent end to the Shadow Children series. Plain,
unembellished language brings the series to a swiftly
moving, engrossing end. EL, MS - ESSENTIAL Westerfeld,
Scott Specials, 372 p. Simon and Schuster - Tally
has been turned into a Cutter - ceramic bones, super healing
and extra icy. Along with her friend Shay and the other
Cutters, Tally sets in motion world-changing events
involving every important figure Tally has ever come in
contact with. The end of Tally's story is filled with
excitement, action, adventure and plenty of twists and
turns. I did struggle with the feeling that Tally was just
constantly being used by everyone around her, but with all
of the excitement, plot sometimes takes a back burner.
Tally's final decision, while I think it was inevitable, was
made incredibly quickly, but I still enjoyed the ride. MS,
HS - ESSENTIAL Zahn,
Timothy Dragon and Herdsman, 299 p. Tom Doherty
Associates - 4th in the Dragonback series. When one of Jack
Morgan's schemes to get information about the K'da enemies
fails, he is joined in flight by Alice Kayna from his
mercenary days. The group flees to a planet where they
discover primitive K'da, Phooka, which they must protect
also they also try to escape their enemies. Ambushes, sneak
attacks, stealthy moves and quick thinking help this book
move along. As this is the fourth book in the series, I hope
we are nearing the end, as only one major plot point was
revealed and that one was a surprise for the last couple of
pages of the book. Jack is resourceful enough and Dracos is
smart enough that I could wish for a little more. Not the
best of the series. In fact, the author has yet to top
number one! MS, HS - ADVISABLE (but only if you already own
the series) Meyer,
Stephanie New Moon, p. - Return to Forks and the
romance between human Bella and vampire Edward. Stir in a
few werewolves and some really ancient vampires from Italy
to spice things up. I am going to give away absolutely zero
plot points in this review. The novel is excellently
written. Even though you know it is setting things up for
further books (one book?), you will still keep reading
straight through until the end. MS, HS-ESSENTIAL Delaney,
Joseph The Last Apprentice: Curse of the Bane,
462 p. HarperCollins - Tom Ward and his master, the Spook,
must confront the Bane with the help of Alice, Tom's witchy
friend, who is turning further to the dark side. Very dark
and full of creepy ways to conquer evil. If you district
tried to ban Harry Potter, you don't want to add these
books. On the other hand, if you students can tell the
difference between make believe and reality and like spooky
stuff, then by all means get this. I do not recommend this
series for elementary students at all.
MS-ADVISABLE Barron,
T.A. The Eternal Flame, 293 p. (and an extensive
appendix) Penguin - Tamwyn, Elli, Brionna and Scree each
have separate and essential parts to play during the final
battle over the fate of Avalon. With the help of their many
friends they may just find a way to defeat Rhita Gawr and
his minions forever. I have been read several books with a
lot of action lately and this one does not disappoint. I was
worried that the author was handling too many points of
view, but I should have had more faith. Elementary and
middle school fantasy readers will enjoy this series. EL, MS
- ADVISABLE Barry,
Dave and Ridley Pearson Peter and the Shadow
Thieves, 541 p. Hyperion - Peter is settling happily
onto the island and especially enjoys tormenting Captain
Hook, as he now calls Black Stache. Then another enemy
returns to the island, bringing greater danger as one of the
Others comes seeking the chest of starstuff. In order to
protect Molly and her family, Peter must make the long
voyage to England. From the cover of the book, you may
expect a retelling of Peter and Wendy's adventure. Instead,
you getting a rollicking tale that sets you up for more
adventures to come - adventures you will look for with
impatience. EL, MS - ESSENTIAL Spradlin,
Michael P. To Hawaii, With Love, 198 p.
HarperCollins - Book Two of the Spy Goddess series. Rachel
is still not convinced that she is the goddess Etherea come
to life, but Simon Blankenship, Etherea's immortal enemy
reborn, is still trying to capture and use her. Rachel and
her group discover another of Mithra's artifacts is hiding
in Hawaii. When the kids are left behind, Rachel engineers
the kids' means to follow - landing herself in a whole lot
of trouble (many times) and endangering her friends' lives.
Spradlin hits the spoiled rich girl tone of voice in Rachel
dead on and creates a not-too-campy romp that very nicely
mixes spy novels with fantasy. MS-ESSENTIAL Gideon,
Melanie Pucker, 273 p. Penguin Putnam - Thomas
and his mother fled their world nine years earlier - after
Thomas was badly burnt in a fire. Even without her Seerskin,
Michael's mother has visions which help pay their way on
Earth. Now, though, she will die without the skin - the
visions are driving her insane. So Thomas undertakes the
journey back to Isaura, knowing that he will be healed, but
also that he must give up everything to return to save his
mother. I was faked out by the title and the cover, but
still enjoyed the reading. The book has a few swear words
(but one of them is "F") and a couple of breast mentions
(which TOTALLY could have been left out), which leaves this
out of the middle school definitely - you high school people
will have to choose for yourselves. Should be a big hit in
the public library, though. MS-NO, MS-OPTIONAL Copeland,
Mark The Bundle at Blackthorpe Heath, 167 p.
Houghton Mifflin - Art is the grandson of the ringmaster in
the insect circus. Spying (by accident) with his shiny new
telescope, he sees the fly who acts as their advanced agent
embroiled in nefarious activities. Art and his friends try
their best to uncover the plot, but even a stick beetle and
friendly woodlice can't help until its almost too late. Kind
of cute, though I wouldn't go so far as to call this book
charming. Art and his friends really do nothing of
importance to solve the mystery or stem the coming crisis,
though they do have bug-related excitement and intrigue
aplenty. My favorite part is actually the addendum which is
a booklet from Art's grandfather, explaining the strengths
and weaknesses of the various bugs in the circus.
EL-PAPERBACK Watts,
Leander Beautiful City of the Dead, 254 p.
Houghton Mifflin - On her first day at a new school, Zee is
befriended by Relly - a young man with a rock band that
needs a bass player and holds a very large secret. Zee
happens to play the bass quite wickedly, plus she has a head
for lyrics and is the catalyst the boys need to propel them
towards actual gigs. Unfortunately, evil is willing to use
Relly to get their hands on Zee - because they need her
also. A great title and a catchy front cover will draw teens
in, and they will not be disappointed by the contents. MS,
HS-ADVISABLE Hokenson,
Terry The Winter Road, 175 p. - The morning Uncle
Jordy is supposed to fly Willa's mother onto the next remote
settlement in the far northern reaches of the Hudson Bay
area, Willa finds him sleeping off a drunk instead. So WIlla
takes matters into her own hands and flies the plane herself
- an unplanned first solo flight. A severe storm wrecks the
plane and leaves Willa with a little food and a large store
of homegrown survival knowledge. After she fails to grab the
attention of the rescue planes overhead, she makes the
life-changing decision to find her own way to safety. At
first I was a little skeptical that this was just a blatant
"Hatchet" ripoff. But the longer I read, the more I liked,
and then fell in love with this excellent first effort.
Descriptive, exciting writing, excellent survival skills (as
if I would know! - city girl that I am!) and by the end I
had tears in my eyes, because I couldn't stand the suspense
any more!!! I can't wait for the author's next book. EL, MS,
HS - ESSENTIAL 4 June
2006 Flinn,
Alex Diva, 261 p. - RELEASE: OCTOBER.
Caitlin has no desire to try out for the cheerleading squad
like her friends want her to and she really wants to get
away from her ex-boyfriend who beat her, so she secretly
applies for the local Performing Arts High School with her
beautiful voice tailored made for opera. Once she blackmails
her mother into letting her attend, she has to find a new
friends and a new path as she tries to fit in a place where
everyone wants to stand out. SOOOO well done! I read so many
books about subjects that I know nothing about - and
sometimes I just don't get them. This time, though, even
though I am not an opera fan, Ms. Flinn's writing helped me
enjoy the subject despite my personal lack of interest in
opera. Readers will be drawn to the title and they will not
be disappointed by the experience! MS-ESSENTIAL Wong
Li Keng Good Fortune: My Journey to Gold
Mountain, 127 p. - Li Keng has only met her father
twice since she was born. Now, at the age of seven, her
father decides that it is time to bring the entire family to
America. Because of the Chinese Exclusion Act, the girls all
have to pretend that their mother is their aunt in ordet to
pass the tests and leave Angel Island. Once they make it to
shore, life is not easy for the Gee's, but they persist and
make a place for themselves in "Gold Mountain". Mrs. Wong
memoir adds to the body of immigration literature. In
communities where this particular immigrant experience is
studied, this would be a good addition to the collection.
EL, MS-OPTIONAL Wallace,
Rich Dunk Under Pressure, 119 p. - Cornell "Dunk"
Duncan is not the greatest sixth grade basketball player,
but he has practiced his freethrows enough to make it on a
traveling team. He fells he has ruined his team's playoff
chances when he chokes under pressure, but understanding
coaches and friends help him to bounce back. Wallace's
Winning Season for younger and reluctant readers has another
strong addition. I personally appreciate the up beat tone of
the writing, compared against the many cut throat sports
novels for teens I usually read. EL-ESSENTIAL,
MS-ADVISABLE 3 June
2006 Goschke,
Julia Langley Longears, PICTURE BOOK - Langley
has much longer ears than any of his sibling dogs. So long,
in fact, that he is often mistaken for a rabbit. When
trouble strikes, however, it is Langley and his long ears
that save the day. A cute picture book to talk about the
differences that make us all unique and valuable.
EL-ADVISABLE Minor,
Wendall Yankee Doodle America: The Spirit of 1776 from A
to Z, PICTURE BOOK - A abecedarian of important
persons, places, things and events from the years
surrounding 1776. Illustrations are photos of paintings done
in the style of old American tavern signs. Great for a quick
overview of important parts of American history. In a middle
school or high school each item could be assigned out to
individuals or partners for more in depth research. EL, MS,
HS-ADVISABLE Katz,
Karen Can You Say PEACE?, PICTURE BOOK - Brightly
colored, lively illustrations for a book that has little
children from around the world saying "peace" in their
language. A nice change from the traditional "hello" or the
"happy Holidays" that I have used in my class. 11 countries
are illustrated and 11 others are included in the back of
the book. Possible uses - research the word for peace in
other languages; have students compile a glossary of
important words from other countries; have the students map
the country locations. EL-ADVISABLE Rosenthal,
Amy Krouse One of Those Days, PICTURE BOOK - A
look at all of those different kinds of "bad days" with a
hopeful note that each day ends with the coming of might and
the start of a new day and a new chance. The childlike
illustrations work well with this book, which is so apt in
its account of the many little (and some bigger) things that
can go wrong and make your whole day miserable. I would
advise middle schools with Teacher Advisory programs to add
this book to their stash of classroom read-alouds. EL MS -
ADVISABLE Barretta,
Gene Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin
Franklin, PICTURE BOOK - A good look at the role
that Benjamin Franklin's inventions and ideas have played in
the formation of our modern society. Bright illustrations
are a little childish seeming for older students, but I
think they will actually catch the eye of the middle school
student. A class on American history, a science class or a
Technology, Life Careers class could all use this book as a
jumping off point to further studies. EL, MS -
ESSENTIAL Giblin,
James Cross The Boy who Saved Cleveland, 64 p. -
When Cleveland was just a small settlement of three
families, a malaria epidemic struck every settler and it was
up to Seth, a young boy, to keep the families alive long
enough to recover, until he too succumbed to the illness.
Though this book will probably be well received in the state
of Ohio, it will fare better in other states as a read-aloud
by the teacher as another illustration of the hardships
faced by early settlers of the "west".
EL-OPTIONAL Fleischman,
Sid The White Elephant, 95 p. - As retribution
for spraying him with water, a local prince gifts a poor boy
with a sacred white elephant - a beast which was never
trained to do work and never expected to work - in order to
break the boy's spirit. Instead, the boy and his faithful
old elephant teach the young elephant some new tricks. The
beginning of the book seemed a little stilted in style to
me, but the cadence improved as the story went along. All I
can figure is that the author was mimicking in writing, the
storyteller's convention of getting his audience to picture
things in their minds. Based on the origins of the phrase
"white elephant gift", but tailored to appeal to a young
audience. EL-ADVISABLE Lisle,
Janet Taylor Black Duck, 252 p. - Ruben was a
teenager during Prohibition and no one in his small port
town was immune to the influence and lure of the large
amounts of money that mafia bosses had to offer for their
silence and their cooperation. Now a young man has come
around searching for a big story to prove his worth as a
newspaper reporter and Ruben is finally ready to share his
story and the town's history - the good and the ugly. The
set up to the deadly excitement is slow and may discourage
casual readers. It has more value as a historical novel for
larger libraries which have a group of teacher requiring
their reading. MS-OPTIONAL 24 May
2006 Cave,
Patrick Sharp North, 512 p. - When Mira sees a
woman murdered, it sets her off on a long journey of
discovery - that she was created as a spare for someone
else. A long, boring look at the effects of human cloning on
society. Read The House of Scorpions instead. NO Ritter,
John H. Under the Baseball Moon, 282 p. - Andy
skates and he plays trumpet - most of the time
simultaneously. In his early childhood he was the minder of
a wild girl next door who all of the kids in the
neighborhood and all of the teachers at school lumped him
with. Now she is back and his life is again entangled with
hers - this time through baseball. Though I liked Mr.
Ritter's first two novels, these last two (The Boy Who Saved
Baseball, also) have left me and my students uninterested. I
wish the author would just stick to great baseball books.
MS-OPTIONAL Dessen,
Sarah Just Listen, 371 p. - Annabel is starting
her sophomore year without a friend in the world. A dramatic
fight with her best friend left her alone all summer and
everyone has taken sides against Annabel. Except Owen - a
young man with anger management issues and a very odd Sunday
morning radio show. Annabel's problem is wrapped up in her
sister Whitney's eating disorder and her mother's breakdown
over her grandmother's death. Though this book feels like a
direct rip off of Speak, its depth and crafting allows the
reader to forgive the obvious parallels and enjoy it on its
own. There are less than a dozen swear words, but two of
those are "f". There is also a tense sexual scene that stops
just at the edge of going too far in to the unnecessary
description cliff. If you have ninth graders in your school,
I say go for it. It will have a huge circulation like Speak.
HS-ESSENTIAL, MS-ADVISABLE Collins,
Suzanne Gregor and the Marks of Secret, 341 p. -
Gregor's mother is finally getting healthier and is almost
ready to come back above ground. Bane, the cute little
furball, is now a gigantic, paranoid monster. Then Luxa
discovers that something sinister is happening to the
'nibblers', problems caused by the rats of Underland. The
duo's reconnaissance and rescue mission ends up endangering
many lives and only uncovers a larger threat. Book Four in
the Underland Chronicles. A worthy successor to the series.
EL-ESSENTIAL, MS-ADVISABLE Robinson,
Sharon Safe at Home, 150 p. - When Jumper's
father died, his mother brought him from the Connecticut
suburbs to his grandmother's home in Harlem. The summer
basketball program was full, so instead Jumper is enrolled
into the baseball program, along with a neighborhood rival,
Marcus, who doesn't really even know him. There Jumper makes
a few friends and, with the help of his coaches, works out
his problems with Marcus. The author's first novel for young
people and it shows in the jerkiness of the action. In some
places the narrative doesn't flow logically, but the author
(daughter of Jackie Robinson) does know her baseball. EL -
OPTIONAL Papademetriou,
Lisa The Wizard, the Witch and Two Girls from
Jersey, 273 p. - While Heather and Veronica argue
over who is going to purchase the last available copy of the
assigned class novel, the quarreling twosome is propelled
into the land of the story. There they quickly manage to
botch things up and kill off the tale's heroine, and
Heather, the blond, shallow one, is forced to take on the
Princess' role, while Veronica, the smart one, forges a new
role for herself as a servant. The two encounter all of the
main characters and situations of the book, but change many
things during their adventures, managing to save the world
in their own unique way. A campy, funny and totally
derivative work that fantasy lovers will thoroughly enjoy.
MS-ESSENTIAL Carbone,
Elisa Blood on the River: Jamestown 1607, 218 p.
- Sam Collier is taken from an orphanage to be the servant
of Captain John Smith during his voyage to the New World as
part of the first Virginia Company. There he meets intrigue
and danger - not just from the savages on shore, but from
within the ranks of the very English gentlemen. The author
has completed very through research into the facts behind
the tale and includes extensive afterwords and source
materials to back up her narrative. An excellent addition to
an historical fiction collection - especially if you can
talk a history teacher into reading to the class or adopting
it as a classroom novel. A great way to dispel Disney-fied
misconceptions of American history. MS-ESSENTIAL Roberts,
Judson Viking Warrior, 348 p. - Both of Halfdon's
parents are royal, but his mother is his father's body
slave, so Halfdon has also been raised as a slave. Then his
father is mortally wounded and on his death bed acknowledges
Halfdon as his son. Halfdon, with the help of his older
half-brother and half-sister starts learning his role as a
prince of the Danes, but betrayal by his father's step-son
sets him on the path of a hero. There is nothing of fantasy
in this book, but I find that fantasy readers are usually
attracted to also to Viking sagas. If Michael Cadnum's
novels do well in your library, then by all means add this
to your collection. MS-ADVISABLE 18 May
2006 Kaaberbol,
Lene The Serpent's Gift, 377 p. - At a local
market one day Dina sees a strange man who she quickly
discovers is actually her father, Sezuan - the man that her
mother has been running away from since before Dina was
born. In their frantic flight from Sezuan, the family
unthinkingly takes refuge in a Draconis Foundation house,
where they end up deeper in debt. When Nico and Davin are
taken prisoner by the Prince's men, only Dina can save them
by making a deal with her father. Only one more book to go
in this quartet and it just gets better with more telling!
MS-ESSENTIAL 16 May 2006
Korman,
Gordan Born to Rock, 262 p. - Just before high
school graduation, Leo Caraway loses his scholarship to
Harvard, is kicked out of the school's Young Republican club
and discovers that his father is the front man for the most
notorious punk band in history. Leo decides to hit up "dad"
for the money for college, but first agrees to follow
"Purge" on their cross-country reunion tour. Very funny,
very good. Add this to your collection right away! MS, HS -
ESSENTIAL Chima,
Cinda Williams The Warrior Heir, 426 p. - Jack
has taken medication all of his life because of a heart
condition when he was a baby. Now 16, he forgets one day and
weird things start to happen - like being pursued by the
criminal element, helping his aunt dig up an antique sword,
and being able to do magic. Eventually Jack discovers that
he is the central figure in an ancient power struggle, which
includes a fight to the death. Excellent addition to the
realm of fantasy. I hope that your students will latch onto
it as much as they have the Pendragon series. I think its
more along the lines of Tamora Pierce or Jane Yolen in
quality! MS, HS - ESSENTIAL Clements,
Bruce What Erika Wants, 215p. - The judge in the
family court has appointed Erika her own lawyer as her
mother tries to wrest custody of her from her father, whom
she has lived with for the past five years - ever since her
mother took her older sister and left for Arizona. Erika is
sure that she wants to live with her mother full time, but
as the story unfolds, the real picture is much more
complicated. An excellent look at the lies we tell ourselves
in order to cope and the dynamics of a family in turmoil.
Though the narrative seems disjointed and incomplete, it
only adds to the piecemeal approach of Erika's own thoughts
and feelings. MS-ESSENTIAL Elliott,
Patricia Murkmere, 344 p. - Aggie has accepted a
position of companion to the ward of the local Lord. Raised
in a world ruled by the Ministration and the Lord Protector,
Aggie is shocked to learn the revolutionary leanings of her
master and his ward. But Leah's secret and the other secrets
run much deeper than a mere revolution. A little dark, a
little weird, unfortunately not as enchanting as, say,
Mercedes Lackey's Black Swan. MS- OPTIONAL 12 May
2006 Fisher,
Catherine Darkhenge, 340 p. - Three months
earlier Rob's younger sister was knocked off her horse and
she fell into a coma. Now Rob sees a mysterious man be
"born" straight from ground during the chanting of a bunch
of New Age druids. The stranger, Vetch, promises Rob that he
can rescue Chloe, who is being held prisoner in Annwyn.
Together they must climb down the sacred tree and solve the
riddles to find her. I really enjoyed this book a lot UNTIL
I realized that Chloe is just a spoiled little girl who is
pitching a fit about not getting enough attention - even
though her brother has come to hell to save her. For that I
am reducing my recommendation. EL, MS-PAPERBACK Jaffe,
Michele Bad Kitty, 268 p. - Jasmine is an
accident prone amateur sleuth who must hid her activities
from her loving, but status conscious father. While on
vacation at the fabulous Venetian resort in Las Vegas,
Jasmine is attacked by a cat and hurled headlong into a
deadly mystery involving one of Hollywood's hottest stars.
Her best friends leave LA to come to her rescue - from a
murder and fashion disaster. I was ready to roll my eyes,
but it turned out to really cute - and a really good mystery
to boot. The true bad guy is not obvious and the forensics
work is well done, while being very fashion forward.
MS-ADVISABLE 8 May
2006 Stenhouse,
Ted Murder on the Ridge, 240 p. - An anonymous
letter arrives in Will and Arthur's hometown claiming that
Wolfleg, a local Indian hero, was actually murdered during
World War II, by someone from his own town. The boys turn to
Will's grandfather, a traditional Blackfoot, to help them
find a way to discover the truth. I have not read the first
two books about Will and Arthur, so I can't say whether they
also rely upon supernatural means to solve the mystery; I
will have to go back and find out. The title will catch a
student's eye and the book will not disappoint. EL,
MS-ADVISABLE Koss,
Amy Goldman Poison Ivy, 166 p. - The American
Government teacher's bright idea is to have a civil trial of
a bullying victim against the three girls who have tortured
her for years. Using the students from the class as lawyers,
judge and jury members, the teacher hopes to prove a point.
Told from the point of view of the many different class
members involved, the book also points out a fatal flaw of
the judicial system and the power of the lure of popularity
in fixing the trial. The worst flaw in the book is the
author's use of a crippling shy student as the lawyer for
the prosecution. I think the point could have been made
without such inept representation. Otherwise, the book is
another compelling book about popularity and bullying. I was
personally disappointed by the end, but not surprised that
the author would choose that direction. Middle school girls
will probably eat it up. MS-ESSENTIAL Miller,
Mary Beth On the Head of a Pin, 250 p. - In a
freak accident, Helen is killed. When the boys involved try
to cover it up, the situation just gets direr, until one of
them takes desperate measures in order to silence the
others. Everyone has other secrets and problems that add
layers and dimensions to the crisis. Some swearing, sexual
innuendo, push this book into the high school crowd.
Well-constructed on many levels. HS-ADVISABLE Pollack,
Jenny Klepto, 271 p. - When Julie Prodsky meets
Julie Braverman, she learns the art of shoplifting and the
two hone it to a fine skill. It's all a game until they get
banned from Bloomingdale's for life. Then Julie P. begins to
have a crisis on conscience and seeks help. Unfortunately
for me, Julie's moment of truth comes after watching the
friends steal and steal and steal for two thirds of the
book. With the swearing and the description of the almost
sexual encounter, the shallowness of the book doesn't even
need to figure in when you say NO! Stahler,
David Jr. Doppelganger, 258 p. - After living in
a remote mountain cabin for his sixteen years, his mother
kicks him out into the world to find his own destiny. As a
doppelganger, he is compelled to kill and take on the form
of a human being. When he is attacked by a brutal teenage
boy, the choice is easy. But now he must take up the boy's
life, including the intricacies of high school and a
girlfriend. Along the way he discovers love, or the
possibility of love and tries hard to make a change for the
better. Though the idea of doppelgangers is creepy, Stahler
approaches the thought from a more introspective point of
view, which raises this book above a horror novel. It does
mention, but does not describe a sexual encounter. I want to
try this book out on a middle school boy, because I wonder
if they will be disappointed by the turn the narrative takes
- thoughtful rather than slasher. We'll have to see.
MS-PAPERBACK Perkins,
Lynne Rae Criss Cross, 337 p. - Debbie, Hector
and Lenny's lives intersect and diverge and cross and
recross in mostly simple ways of the lives of the young.
YAWN. This seems to e one of those books that adults think
kids will like. It kind of reads like an episode of
Seinfeld, but it has no wit nor passion to involve a
student's attention. MS-PAPERBACK Riordan,
Rick The Sea of Monsters, 279 p. - Percy has made
it safely through another school year - until the near fatal
dodge ball game against a team of giants. When he and his
friends flee to Camp Half-Blood, they find that camp is in
deep trouble and that Chiron has been replaced by a
constantly sarcastic Tantalus. Percy and Annabeth take
themselves off on a voyage to discover an antidote for the
concoction used to poison the camp guardian, facing down
many monsters and their former friend Luke along the way. A
worthy successor to the first in the series. EL, MS -
ESSENTIAL Antieau,
Kim Mercy, Unbound, 164 p. - Because she is
becoming an angel, Mercy has stopped eating - angels don't
need to eat. In desperation, Mercy's parents admit her to a
eating disorder facility, where she is adopted by a group of
girls determined to buck the system and keep to their
starving ways. Mercy, because she is an angel, not a human
girl starving herself, feels somewhat disconnected from the
girls, but still watches and listens as the girls plot. Then
a major shock causes Mercy to run and blackout. When she
comes to she has no idea who or where she is, but is taken
in by kind strangers and starts on her road to healing. A
large amount of swear words (majority of them the "F" word)
will keep this out of most, if not all schools; which is too
bad, because teenaged girls need honest books about eating
disorders and treatment. Write this one down and give it to
the school counselor, keep it on file file for that girl who
may be reaching out for help. NO Singleton,
Linda Joy Last Dance, 242 p. - Sabine is
searching for a cure for her grandmother's illness. In order
to save her, she must try to reunite four branches of the
family that were separated four generations earlier. Off
chasing a lead, Sabine finds herself drawn to the death of a
woman, Chloe, 30 years earlier, who comes back each year to
haunt the small town she grew up in. Because Sabine has the
power to see the future, she may be able to help this ghost
with the mysterious past. Second in the Seer series. A good
addition to a fantasy collection that includes titles set in
modern days. MS - ADVISABLE Jones,
Patrick Nailed, 216 p. - Bret doesn't fit
in at his high school and he doesn't fit in at home. He has
his band with his two best friends and he has a girlfriend
who sticks out as much as he does, but they can't protect
him from a bully at school. Then the band and the girl
disappear and Bret tries to find his own way through the
landmined zone of life. And does something desperate to give
the situation the attention it needs. Mr. Jones again
portrays high school life with accuracy. The large amount of
swear words and the quantity of sexual innuendo will keep it
out of most schools. Let the public libraries carry this
one. NO Golds,
Cassandra Clair de Lune, 197 p. - Clair dances
beautifully and can not talk. With the help of a dancing,
talking mouse, she finds a mysterious monastery within her
own building with a dark man who might have the keys to
Clair's voice. And maybe Clair can dance the dance of a
lifetime without giving up her life as her mother did. I
have to say that the cutest part of this whole book is the
mouse and his dreams of a mouse ballet corps. Had he been
the focus, I might recommend this book more whole-heartedly.
EL-PAPERBACK Lavender,
William Aftershocks, 344 p. - The front cover of
this book says "Scandal and romance amid the 1906 San
Francisco earthquake", so you would expect it to be about
the earthquake. Instead, there is a very long lead up, a
short bit about the earthquake and then a long denouement.
The aftershocks in the title are in the life of the main
character as she yearns to be a doctor in a time when young
women of good families were kept underwraps, away from the
vagaries of life. And the shock is in the reality of her
father's betrayal of her mother. The earthquake is just a
plot device that spends very little time in the story. Those
looking for a rousing historical fiction piece about the
earthquake will find a very different book indeed. Not a bad
one, just a different one. MS, HS - ADVISABLE Sorrells,
Walter Club Dread, 266 p. - Chass and her mother
have fled to San Francisco and established new identities.
Then one day Chass is witness to a murder and then gets
sucked into a glittery underworld with a twisted plot. As
Chass gets sucked in , she doesn't know that Kyle Van Epps
is about to reappear in her life in a very big way. Far
fetched and fantastic in many ways. Whereas the first book
in the series was pretty believable, this one is full of
unbelievable characters and situations. Fans of the first
will read it, but be aware that it is just a big set-up for
book number three, doing absolutely nothing to further the
bigger plot. MS-PAPERBACK Sheth,
Kashmira Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet, 243 p. - Jeeta
is a member of a traditional Indian family, working to
arrange marriages for the two oldest daughters in modern
India. Jeeta's new friend Sarina belongs to a
less-traditional family, and Jeeta begins to see that there
may be more choices available in her life than she
previously thought and that everything traditional is not
bad. A good new look at Indian culture. Will be a great
addition to a cultural fiction collection.
MS-ESSENTIAL De
La Cruz, Melissa Blue Bloods, 302 p. - Out
at a night club, a girl is murdered - some say that all of
the blood was drained from her body. Then Schuyler Van Allen
discovers that she is a "Blue Blood" - an ancient race of
vampires. The murdered girl was also a vampire - but only a
"Silver Blood" can kill a Blue Blood and no one will even
acknowledge the Silvers' existence. With lots of suspects
and plenty of detail and intrigue, the series has lots of
promise to intrigue teens fascinated with vampires.
Unfortunately, two overly descriptive sex scenes will
relegate this book to at least high school shelves, if not
only public libraries or book stores. I can't carry it here
in my middle school - SIGH! NO 28 April
2006 Lee,
Milly Earthquake!, 32 p. - PICTURE BOOK The true
story of Ms. Lee's own mother and her family as they fled to
safety during the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. While
the drawings are very simple, the text brings up some
interesting cultural questions that children could explore
further. EL, MS-ADVISABLE FSG Lee,
Milly Landed, 36 p. - PICTURE BOOK Based on the
true story of Ms. Lee's father-in-law as he joined his
family in America. Sun is held at Angel Island until he can
prove that he truly is the son of the man he says he is.
There he meets "paper sons" - boys who have paid for answers
to memorize in order to be allowed into the US. Simple, but
effective pictures and a well-written narrative. EL,
MS-ADVISABLE FSG McCully,
Emily Arnold Marvelous Mattie, 30 p. - PICTURE
BOOK Mattie has invented things since she was old enough to
pick up a pencil. When she creates an award-winning design
for a paperbag folder (still used today), an unscrupulous
gentleman tries to steal her idea by claiming that a woman
is not smart enough to invent such a complicated machine.
Based on the true story of Margaret E. Knight. A good book
about the changing roles of women during the Industrial
Revolution. Could be used in many different classrooms. EL,
MS-ADVISABLE Van
Maarsen, Jacqueline A Friend Called Anne, 158 p.
- Jacque became friends with Anne Frank in the fall of 1941,
when they both started attending the Jewish Lyceum. The
girls saw each other and played together almost every day
until the fateful morning that the Frank's disappeared.
Throughout the rest of the war Jacqueline held out hope that
the Frank's were safely in Switzerland, and only learned the
truth after the war, when Otto Frank himself gave Jacque the
news. This is a very plainly told tale of the girls' lives
and friendship. You can tell that Jacqueline tried to avoid
the limelight as long as possible. A good addition to a
collection that needs a large body of work about Anne and
her family. EL, MS-OPTIONAL 27 April
2006 Shull,
Megan Amazing Grace, 247 p. - The night before
the start of the U.S. Open, "Ace" calls her mother and says,
"I want out." With those three words, Grace Kincaid
disappears from public view - whisked off to a small Alaskan
town to live with Ava Grady and to try to live, if just for
a short time, as a normal human being, finding friends and
love along the way. Ms. Shull pulls off a very well written
book that does not resort to sappiness or snippiness. Though
the potential existed to hate Grace for her looks, talent,
and riches, instead she is a very sympathetic character, who
grows up very nicely. MS-ESSENTIAL Shusterman,
Neal Duckling Ugly, 211 p. - Cara DeFideo is
uglier than a human being should ever be. Ostracized at her
high school, she one day receives a mysterious message
telling her to "Find the Answers." Cara resists, until she
is humiliated at her prom. She runs away and discovers a
community where she may find a place to belong. But when she
goes back to her hometown to say goodbye, she sets in motion
a chain reaction that may leave her with no place in the
world. Nicely done! I am really enjoying this entire series
(Dark Fusion). Well written, Mr. Shusterman!
MS-ESSENTIAL Standiford,
Natalie Elle Woods: Blonde and Heart, 233 p. -
Elle Woods has been a mousy, unfashionable wallflower for 16
years. Then she falls in love with the captain of the
Beverly Hills High basketball team and changes come into her
life as she makes over the cheerleaders, the basketball
team, the band and eventually the entire school. If you can
just swallow the sheer unbelievability of the whole thing,
the book is pretty dang cute. Girls who love the Legally
Blonde movies will also enjoy this straight to paperback
novel. EL, MS-ADVISABLE Carter.
Ally I'd Tell you I Love you, But Then I'd have to Kill
You, 284 p. - Cammie has lived at the Gallagher
Academy for Girls with her mother ever since her father
died. The locals think that Gallagher is for rich girls, but
really it is a super secret spy academy. The girls may know
everything about anything and in seven different languages,
but when Cammie catches the eye of a town boy, she realizes
that she knows nothing about being a girl in love. Okay -
since these girls do see the "real" world every year during
spring break, I did have a hard time believing their
naivete. BUT, the book is so adorable and fun, that I really
tried not to care. This is by no means Alex Ryder for girls,
but many girls will enjoy the ride. EL,
MS-ADVISABLE 24 April
2006 Strasser,
Todd Slide or Die, 198 p. - Angelina creates
street racing cars from scratch and is interested in the
quiet and handsome new boy in school, Kennin. Then one night
at an illegal drift race, Kennin proves that he has the
skills and attracts more attention than he wanted.
Battle
Drift, 201 p. - In book 2, Kennin is committed to
play a part in the drift racing race-off, but he has caught
the eye of not only the hottest girl in town, but also a
sleazy recruiter for night clubs who is dating Kennin's
sister and his own boss, who is the owner of a Vegas casino.
Everyone seems to want a piece of Kennin - even his
incarcerated father. Gearheads will enjoy
these fast-paced, easy to read novels full of tension, glory
and racing. An easy pick for reluctant readers, with the
added bonus of being free of swearing and sex.
MS-ESSENTIAL Rodowsky,
Colby That Fernhill Summer, 170 p. - One day
Kiara picks up the phone and discovers that there are actual
people on her mother's side of the family - a whole set of
people she has never known. Her mother is being called back
to the family homestead because the matriarch is lying near
death in the hospital. When the cantankerous Zenobia
recovers enough to come home, Kiara and the two other girls
cousins her age volunteer to entertain their grandmother for
the summer. The girls quickly find out that there may be no
pleasing their constantly criticizing grandmother, but there
may be a small way to connect with her and they can build an
important relationship with each other. The cover shows a
family divided by race, which really has nothing to do with
Zenobia's ire. Extremely well done and a delight to read.
MS-ESSENTIAL Naidoo,
Beverly Web of Lies, 242 p. - Femi and his sister
are waiting for England's refugee services to process their
father's request for asylum. Meanwhile the children are
going to school and trying to keep things together
throughout the long ordeal. Then one day Femi attracts the
attention of a gang leader and slowly he gets drawn in to
that world, telling his family more and more lies,
endangering their lives and endangering their chances of
staying in the UK. Ms. Naidoo does a great job of building
the tension in this sequel to The Other Side of Truth. A
worthy, if not superior, successor. MS-ESSENTIAL D'Lacey,
Chris Icefire, 421 p. - David has always been
amused by the adorable dragon statues that his landlord,
Liz, creates. Then one day he makes a wish on a dragon
crafted by Lucy, Liz's daughter and strange things start
happening. As David tries to prove the existence of dragons
as the topic of his paper for one of his professors, he also
finds himself involved with the class' goth-girl and
dreaming about polar bears. When Liz's Aunt Gwyneth arrives,
the whole situation just gets more twisted. Gwyneth takes
control of the house and control of the people in it,
creating the conditions for her to ultimately claim the
frozen dragon's tear and enhance her powers for her own
ends. Not a first tier purchase of fantasy, but a good
runner up. Just the thought of dragons will catch many kids'
attention. EL, MS-ADVISABLE Belton,
Sandra Store-bought Baby, 245. Leah's adopted
older brother has died in a terrible car crash which he
caused. Now Leah, her parents and her grandmother are trying
to pick up the pieces of their lives. Leah become obsessed
with searching for Luce's birthmother. Luce's girlfriend and
Leah's best friend agree to help her, if only to help her
keep perspective. A poignant story of a family after the
death of an essential member. Their grief is well portrayed
without being melodramatic. MS, HS-ADVISABLE Gantos,
Jack The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs, 185 p. -
Ivy is the daughter of a single mother in a small town.
After school she is watched by a set of identical twins -
old men who quietly go about running their pharmacy, while
indulging Ivy. Then one day Ivy sees something in the
store's basement which spooks her. Okay, why am I trying to
explain the plot of this book in a nice way. It really is a
freaky story about two sons with a talent for taxidermy, who
have an Oedipal complex and then preserve their mother's
body after she dies. Ivy is the daughter of one of the men,
but not even her mother knows which one. Ivy seems to have
inherited the Oedipal curse and hones her own taxidermy
skills against the day that her mother passes away. A
perfunctory sex scene just adds to the fact that I can
wholeheartedly tell you to stay far away from this title.
Analyzing my feelings for this book, I predict that it will
be a strong contender for next year's Printz Award.
NO! Chapman,
Linda The Magic Spell, 112 p. - When Lauren goes
with her mother to buy a pony, she finds a quiet, scraggly,
and sweet gray one named Twilight. During a trip to a local
bookstore, Lauren happens upon a book which leads her to
believe that her pony might actually be a unicorn in
disguise - if only she can find the magic words. A very
quaint beginning to series meant for only the very young. I
don't think anyone older than third grade would read this.
El-OPTIONAL 13 April
2006 Kidd,
Ronald Monkey Town, 259 p. - A young high school
teacher agrees to go on trial for teaching the theory of
evolution. Even though it started out as a way to get
publicity for the dying town, it instead turns into a media
circus that almost tears __________ and her family apart.
Before this book, I only knew the little snippet that most
other educated students know about the Scope's Monkey Trial.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and think it would be
a good additional to a historical fiction library, and could
be promoted for use in an American History class or a Civics
class. MS, HS-ESSENTIAL Korman,
Gordon The Abduction, p. - (First in the
Kidnapped series)Meg and Aidan Falconer are trying and
failing to get their lives back together after finally
proving their parents' innocence just a few months earlier
(see Chasing the Falconers series). Then one day Meg is
kidnapped right in front of her brother as they arrive home
from school. The Falconers have to let the dreaded FBI Agent
Harris back into their lives. A great beginning to another
action-packed series by Korman. Lynn,
Tracy Rx, 262 p. - Even though Thyme is on the
edge of the "smart kids" group, she doesn't really feel that
she belongs. Then she starts a complicated pill dealing
system for the many different cliques in her high school and
finds that suddenly everyone is her friend. From the sound
of the book, every student in every high school uses pills
to help them in one way or another. Though the exaggeration
is meant to catch your attention, Vrettos,
Adrienne Skin, 227 p. - Between his parents
arguments, his sister's eating disorder and the snubbing by
his former best friends, Donnie just wants to disappear,
fade, become invisible. But he also keeps trying to fix
things, even when there is absolutely no way things will
ever get better. Yes, the author uses the "f" word more than
a dozen times, but all of them seem to fit exactly where
they are. It is painful to watch the progression of the
family's breakup, Karen's disease and Donnie's extremely
painful adolescence. As powerful as Speak, Cut or even
Emily's Secret. I don't think many middle school's will
carry it because of the large number of "f"'s, but high
schools should give it careful consideration.
HS-ESSENTIAL Blake,
Emily Little Secrets: Playing with Fire, 149 p. -
Zoey's "perfect" life is destroyed when her famous homemaker
mother is arrested for tax evasion and multiple other
monetary infractions. At the same time, Zoey finally
realizes that her best friend, her cousin Kelly, is just
looking for new ways to manipulate and hurt Zoey - like
stealing her boyfriend Chad and turning everyone at school
against her. I kept waiting to be turned off by the
cattiness and sheer evilness of the characters and
storylines, but the author actually did a good job of
keeping my attention without overly disgusting me. The book
is pretty short, though, being the first book in a series,
and I just hope that the author can keep walking that fine
line and doesn't make the series too long.
MS-PAPERBACK 12 April
2006 Fredricks,
Mariah Crunch Time, 317 p. - Four unlikely high
school juniors get together to form a study group for the
SATs. After the test, word gets out that someone cheated on
the test. Now all anyone talks about is the cheater's
identity. The closer you are to the age of taking the SATs,
the more you can relate to this book. It does have a nicely
done love triangle included and the voice is very realistic
when it comes to the thoughts, feelings and actions of
middle and upper class high school students. One swear word
and a single thought of wanting to touch a girl's "chest",
but the rest is good and clean and well-worth reading.
MS-ADVISABLE, HS-ESSENTIAL 7 April
2006 Russon,
Penni Undine, 326 p. - Undine wakes up one
morning with an odd feeling - almost as if where she is now
is not where she belongs. As much as she loves her mother,
the two of them begin to fight. As much as she adores her
best friend Trout, he is not the boy who sets her blood on
fire. And in the back of her mind she keeps hearing It's
time to come home… The magic is probably the weakest
story line in this book. Undine's relationship struggles
with her mother and with Trout are crafted well and make up
for the weaknesses in the mystical plot line.
MS-ADVISABLE Cheripko,
Jan sun moon stars rain, 160 p. - Danny's father
died years earlier after saving a dog caught in a roaring
river. Now, Danny is back in his home town after quitting
his prestigious music school. His friendships with the
local, eccentric, real estate baron and the town drunk stir
up old issues that will not only hurt feelings, but could
also be very dangerous. A dozen swear words (one "f" and a
half dozen "sob") may cause you to pause when considering
this as a purchase, but the book is an excellent read that
many students will enjoy. MS, HS - ADVISABLE Rushton,
Rosie The Dashwood Sisters' Secrets of Love, 325
p. - When a tragedy occurs, the Dashwood sisters and their
mother find themselves kicked out of their ancestral home
and moved to a small village, far away from friends and all
things known. Over the course of the next year, the three
sisters learn many things about love and true friendship.
From the sound of what I just wrote, you might think that
this is a period novel, but actually it is set in modern
Britain. Its definitely a feel-good book that many teenaged
girls will enjoy. MS - ADVISABLE Dokey,
Cameron Golden, 179 p. - When Rapunzel is
born without hair, her mother rejects her and the local
sorceress takes her into her home and heart. When Rapunzel
turns 16, she and the sorceress Melisande must flee their
home as people in the countryside become suspicious of magic
users. And the pair flees with the help of friends to the
sorceress' old home, which is now a magical tower where the
Melisande's daughter has been imprisoned for many years.
Rapunzel is their only hope for breaking the spell and
freeing the maiden. Another well done retold fairy tale. I
just love this entire series! MS-ESSENTIAL 31 March
2006 Myracle,
Lauren Rhymes with Witches, 209 p. - Any book
that contains a group of high school girls who calls
themselves "The Bitches" and presume that they "rule the
school", should be avoided at all costs. Besides the use of
the "club name" over and over again in the book, I have yet
to find a book that is any better than Mean Girls, or, to
back a little further, Heathers. NO Dokey,
Cameron Sunlight and Shadow, 184 p. - Mina, the
daughter of the Queen of the Night and Lord Sarastro, Lord
of the Day has been raised by her mother. The night before
she is supposed to go to live with her father, he arrives by
surprise and takes her away by force in order to bend her
will to his and compel her to marry the man of his choice.
Mina has a mind of her own, however, and takes matters into
her own hands, with a little help from a man with a magic
flute. Based, of course, on the opera and extremely well
done. MS, HS - ADVISABLE Simon Brian,
Kate Sweet 16, 258 p. - Fashion and image
obsessed Teagan is about to throw her sweet 16 bash - the
biggest and best bash of the social season. Fixated on
making every detail perfect, she doesn't care who she walks
on to get what she wants. Teagan ends up being knocked out
cold and taken on a "Christmas Carol"-like journey to show
her what she is like, what her so-called friends really
think of her and what her life may be like in the future.
Filled with references to the current fashion trends in
everything, this book will probably fell dated pretty
quickly. Teagan does have a bit of a potty mouth (MANY uses
of G--) and she is thinking about having sex with her
boyfriend for the first time after the party. It will
probably be really popular, but it is so fluffy. Can you
hold out until it is out in paper? MS-OPTIONAL Bondoux,
Anne-Laure The Killer's Tears, 162 p. - Angel
makes his way to the farthest most point at the tip of Chile
and kills the farmer and his wife, but spares their young
son. Living as father and son, they are relatively peaceful
until a rich man fleeing his family shows up and forces the
man and the boy onto a path that will expose them to the
world. A sophisticated book that has a great title to catch
a student's eye. I don't think it really works for middle
school, though. HS-OPTIONAL Nilsson,
Per You and You and You, 301 p. - I will say
right off that I did not read all of this book. In fact I
read less than 100 pages and then started skipping around to
see if I could make any sense of why I should even finish
this book. Nope, no sense, nothing that compels me to try
again. Instead I found more swearing (three"f" on one page
and a whole lot more of a wide variety) and a whole lot of
blatant sexual crudeness that I couldn't connect to a need
for the narrative. NO Morton-Shaw,
Christine The Riddles of Epsilon, 375 p. - Jess'
family has moved to a new house and she is caught up in
communication with a mysteriously being that has a puzzle
that he needs Jess to solve. I don't mind a book that is
built around a riddle. What I do mind is a book that has a
purposeless riddle, a book that spends all of its time just
being mysterious. And when the answer to the riddle is
finally revealed, it just doesn't seem that important or
interesting. It's just another good vs evil thing that isn't
very compelling. I don't like the protagonist either. NO,
not even optional. Save your money. Langrish,
Katherine Troll Mill, 276 p. - Peer has lived
happily with his friend Hilde's family for a while now,
until one night when his neighbor's wife thrusts her baby
into his arms and throws herself into the sea. Rumors abound
that the wife was a silkie, held captive by her husband.
Besides that, though, Peer decides to clean up his uncles'
old mill to make a living for himself and impress Hilde. But
the trolls are on the move and Granny Green-teeth has her
own plans for the silkie baby. More complicated than Troll
Fell and not quite as satisfying, though the uncles do meet
a fitting end. EL, MS-ADVISABLE Harpercollins Carman,
Patrick The Tenth City, 186 p.- RELEASE: May 2006
Alexa and her friends have set off in an attempt to reach
the Tenth City, in order to find a way to save their friend
Yipes and keep the last Jocasta out of the hands of Victor
Grindall, the servant of Abaddon. I know many of you will
have to buy this book because it is the third and (I hope)
final book in the series. For me, though, the book is a poor
attempt at creating a religious allegory. I enjoyed the
first book so much, the second book almost as much, but this
one not at all. I could not let me self go to enjoy it.
Instead, I could only see its shortcomings. OPTIONAL
Scholastic Shaw,
Tucker The Hookup Artist, 197 p. - Lucas is
excellent at hooking up couples all over his school. Then he
finds the perfect guy for his best friend Cate, but starts
wondering if Mr. Perfect isn't maybe the right guy for Lucas
himself instead. Fluffy beach time reading best bought in
paperback and left on the public library shelves.
NO McKay,
Hilary Indigo's Star, 266 p. - Indigo has been
home recovering from a serious bout of mononucleosis,
sprouting up several inches and getting a reprieve from the
incessant bullying at school. Back at school, Indigo isn't
unhappy when the gang finds a new target - the new boy, but
later finds himself becoming friends with him. Meanwhile at
home, Rose is desperate to make her father return to the
family fold from his more permanent base of London. She
tries all the gimmicks she can to get his attention, but it
seems to be an impossible task. I have not read either
Saffy's Angel nor Permanent Rose, which proceed this book,
but I enjoyed this title anyway. My favorite part is the
author's convention of not using the gang members names
until they start acting and thinking for themselves. EL,
MS-ADVISABLE Crutcher,
Chris The Sledding Hill, 230 p. - Eddie's
father has died and then less than a month later his best
friend Billy is killed in a freak drywall accident. Billy is
still around though, trying to get Eddie to listen to him;
Eddie has stopped talking all together. It isn't until the
local preacher/English teacher works behind the scenes to
ban the required reading in the Really Modern Literature
class Eddie is taking that Eddie starts listening carefully
- to Billy, to the people around him - and starts hearing
what his father had always tried to teach him. Though I have
to say that I wasn't too thrilled with Chris Crutcher
writing a book about a Chris Crutcher book, I still liked
what the real novel had to say. I am trying to get my 9th
grade English teachers to adopt it as a novel, because it
covers all of those hot button censorship issues without
actually giving anyone something that they could point at
and say "This is BAD". MS, HS-ESSENTIAL Harper Baccalario,
Pierdomenico The Long Lost Map, 261 p. - RELEASE:
July 2006 When Julia, Rick and Jason run from a dangerous
situation, Julia finds herself back in Argo Manor, leaving
the boys behind in Ancient Egypt. While the boys befriend an
Egyptian girl and follow Ulysses Moore's clues, Julia and
Nestor try to fend off Oblivia's henchman, who is trying to
break into the mansion. Very exciting and elementary
students will love it. I however, still feel like I am being
cheated and that there should be more of a feeling of
completion at the end of the story. Instead you know that
you are going to have to buy another book, because the
action is really left hanging. Don't get me wrong - I like
series fiction - I read LOTS of series, but these books just
don't deliver a good single read -I feel trapped into
reading the next book. Enough ranting. Buy the book. EL,
MS-ADVISABLE Scholastic Wong,
Joyce Lee Seeing Emily, 268 p. - Emily Wu has
always tried to be a good student and a good daughter, but
gorgeous Nick, a new student, catcher her eye and her
feelings and she starts rebelling against her good girl
status. After the couple share their first intimate night,
however, Emily feels dissatisfied and goes off to visit her
relatives in China for summer like her parents want her to.
I don't care that this book was written s pseudo poetry,
even though it would be just as well in regular novel form.
In fact, there are only a couple brilliant places where the
poetic form really means something. I really just dislike
this book because it really has nothing to say. Try Finding
My Voice by Marie Lee instead. NO Moloney,
James Black Taxi, 264 p. - When her
grandfather lets Rosie take charge of his black taxi while
his behind bars, she finds herself in the middle of a
dangerous jewelry heist, complete with threatening phone
calls. Boring! NO Carlson,
Melody Torch Red, 207 p. - Zoe is tired of being
the only virgin left in her group of friends, so she makes
up a conquest from the summer to make them stop talking.
Then she meets ultra-jock Justin, who gets her involved in
some sticky situations and Zoe isn't sure that losing her
virginity to him is what she really wants to do. Meanwhile,
during rehearsals for the school musical, Zoe catches the
new girl Shawna first making out with and then having sex
with her best friend's boyfriend. Nothing is described, but
many things are hinted at. This book definitely belongs in
high school. HS-ADVISABLE NavPress
(www.th!nkbooks.com) Horowitz,
Anthony Evil Star, 317 p. - RELEASE: June 2006.
Matt just really wants a normal life. The boys at his
exclusive school won't accept him and the powerful people of
the Nexus won't leave him alone. When he goes to meet a
secretive man with a dangerous book, Matt is almost killed
and then is sucked back into the gate mystery - this time
headed off to Peru, where he meets the second gatekeeper and
a larger group also trying to save the world. Even better
than the first. Lots of great folklore and better action.
MS, HS-ESSENTIAL Batson,
Wayne Thomas The Door Within, 310 p. - Aidan
finds the text of an ancient book that draws him into a
parallel universe where kingdoms are in peril from an evil
Lord who wants to control an entire world. Though the
premise itself is a well-worn theme, Batson a does a great
job of breathing life into it and giving it a fresh look.
Schools that love MacHale's work and Nimmo's will also like
this. I almost gave up on it, but my 14 year old took it
from me and told me he really liked it. EL, MS-ESSENTIAL
(www.tommynelson.com) Knox,
Elizabeth Dreamhunter, 365 p. - Laura and her
cousin Rose are almost old enough to make their Try at
crossing the border into the Place, where dreams are caught
that can be shared with others. Laura succeeds, but Rose
does not and the two of them find themselves working against
a nefarious plot by the Secretary of the Interior, a man who
is not content with a secondary role in their world's
governance. An extremely rich book that reads beautifully. I
am going to read it again so that I can find those other
dimensions that I don't always appreciate in a first
reading. Perfect for fans of Tamora Pierce and Patricia
Wrede. MS, HS-ESSENTIAL 17 March
2006 Lorbiecki,
Marybeth Jackie's Bat PICTURE BOOK- -
Through the eyes and initial prejudice of the new bat boy
for the Brooklyn Dodgers, we see Jackie Robinson's first
season in professional baseball during a time of extreme
racism in the US. A great picture book to introduce
baseball, racism and the Civil Rights Movement. The
illustrations are perfect for the time period and tone of
the book. The afterword adds just a touch of history that
would then let older readers explore other books about
Jackie. EL,MS-ADVISABLE Simon and Schuster Cunnane,
Kelly For You are a Kenyan Child,
PICTURE BOOK- A Kenyan boy is supposed to be watching
his grandfather's cattle, but gets caught up in visiting
friends and seeing sites all over his small village. A good
book for a quick introduction to life in Kenya in a small
village. By the end of the reading, your students will know
at least two words in the language. I really like the
quality of the illustrations. EL, MS-ADVISABLE Simon and
Schuster Adlington,
L.J. The Diary of Pelly D., 282 p. - Toni V is
part of a crew digging up a wrecked plaza when he discovers
an battered water can filled with the pages of a diary. The
diary is from a girl named Pelly, who lived the life of a
rich girl until her city was divided by aggressive racism,
ending in the removal of an entire genetic family, including
Pelly. Its hard to gauge the time difference between the end
of Pelly's world and Toni's discovering her diary. It just
doesn't seem long enough that Toni wouldn't know and
understand the circumstances Pelly went through. And enough
background details are missing from Pelly's diary that I
spent too much of my time feeling puzzled and out of the
loop. HS-OPTIONAL HarperCollins Roberts,
Willo Davis The One Left Behind, 139 p. - Mandy's
parents and all of her brothers have left for the weekend -
leaving her home alone. No one meant to do it; she let them
all think that she was going with someone else. It's been a
year since her twin sister died in a sad accident and Mandy
wants some alone time. Instead she gets mysterious
happenings at night and she discovers a boy not much older
than she, who has kidnapped his own little brother to keep
him out of the hands of real kidnappers. Published
posthumously, the book feels unfinished to me - as if Ms.
Roberts hopefully had at least another 50 pages to write to
flesh the story out. The end comes to a very dramatic put
very rushed flurry of action. But, younger readers will
still enjoy this as another of the authors thrillers.
EL-ADVISABLE, MS-OPTIONAL Simon Johnson,
Kathleen Jeffrie Dumb Love, 163 p. - Carlotta is
obsessed with local hunk Pete and is sure that he is
destined to be hers. Walter, on the other hand is Carlotta's
sworn enemy. Carlotta wants to get Walter out of her life
and Pete into it, but life has other ideas. The fly leaf of
this book bills it as a lighthearted teen romance. I,
however, think that the title makes a more apt statement. I
have no need to read anything more about Carlotta and her
crew - including the local self-proclaimed slut - and will
not recommend this to anyone to read. Carlotta does nothing
for me. NO Roaring Book Friedman,
D. Dina Escaping into the Night, 195 p. - Halina
survived in Polish ghetto, but now has to make a desperate
escape through a sewer tunnel. Accompanied by her best
friend Batya, the two try to make a place for themselves in
the bands of refugees hiding in the forest. While much has
been written about people in concentration camps, this is a
look into the grim forest life during WWII. An excellent
addition to a collection of Holocaust fiction. Especially
pair it with Run Boy Run by Orlev. MS-ADVISABLE
Simon Jones,
Patrick Things Change, 216 p.- Perfect student
Johanna is swept away when her major crush, Paul, starts
paying attention to her. A they become intimate, she finds
out that it is very important to keep Paul happy, because
otherwise he will hurt her. She tries once to break up with
him, but he sweet talks his way back into her life, where
she opens herself up for more physical pain. It isn't until
she talks to one of Paul's ex-girlfriends that she finally
has the guts to cut it off for good. A small amount of swear
words and the mention of sex a couple of times without
descriptions. This is a very valuable book for a high school
library - ready to put in the hands of those girls who
suddenly have that wary look in their eyes and take to
wearing long sleeve shirts even in the lovely spring days.
Well done. HS-ESSENTIAL Walker and Company Ly,
Many Home is East, 294 p. - Amy's mother has left
her and her father behind as she goes to find something more
exciting for her life. Amy's dad decides to relocate the two
of them to San Diego, leaving behind their thigh-knit
Cambodian community. Even though her dad is slipping into
depression, Amy seems to being to doing well, finding a few
new friends. Then comes the awful day when Amy sees her
mother with her new family - and realizes that her mother
never wants her again. While all of that sounds like it
could be really good, unfortunately it only comes off as
boring. My 15 year old son tried to read it too, but gave up
for the same reason I did. NO Random
House Lubar,
David Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie, 270 p. - In
pursuit of the love of his life (the girl next door who
morphed into a hottie over the summer), freshman Scott finds
himself joining the newspaper, running for student council
and joining the stage crew of the school's spring play - and
Julia doesn't even end up on any of these activities. As he
tries to keep up with his homework and still get up the
nerve to even say "hi', Scott also meets Lee, the local
eccentric goth girl and has to deal with his mom having a
new baby. Filled with Scott's personal lists, advice for his
unborn sibling and snippets of his of his articles for the
paper. Lubar does an excellent job and I really can't say
enough in its praises. Two thumbs up from my kids, too. MS,
HS-ESSENTIAL 14 March
2006 Vande
Velde, Vivian Now You See It…, 275 p. - When
Wendy puts on a cool new pair of shades, see suddenly starts
seeing things that no one else can see. She finds herself
caught up in a struggle to save an elven prince, who used to
be the nerdy guy in the back row. And her unlikely ally is
the head cheerleader, who in reality is an ancient looking
crone. Light fantasy that the younger crowd will love. EL,
MS-ADVISABLE Carlson,
Melody Dark Blue: Color Me Lonely, 204 p. - When
her best friend since kindergarten makes the cheerleading
squad, Kara finds herself cast adrift. Her whole life was
wraped up in making Jordan shine and now she is afraid she
has no identity. When she is ready to pull herself out of
her depression, she finds a loose-knit group of lunch
buddies and one of them introduces her to the one being who
is always there to fill your life with love. I thought I
might be put off by a evangelical toned book, but I actually
loved it. I even have given the first two books to my own
daughter to read. I think any religious person would be
interested in these. And someone who is not religious can
still find a lot of truth in the pages. MS,
HS-ADVISABLE Carlson,
Melody Deep Green: Color Me Jealous, 199 p. -
Jordan has alienated the other members of the cheer squad by
latching onto one of their former boyfriends - right after
the breakup. Now the jealous ex is doing her best to make
Jordan look like an idiot and manipulator. She tires to get
her old friend Kara to be her fall back friend, but Kara has
someone else she would like Jordan to meet. Just as good as
the first. The author portrays the essential problem without
devolving the coarseness or vulgarity. MS,
HS-ADVISABLE Cabot,
Meg Avalon High, - When Elaine's family moves to
a new town, she is intrigued by a hot-looking senior, who
also is very kind and helpful. As she gets to know him
better, she finds herself playing a part in what seems to be
a modern King Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot love triangle. But
Ellie refuses to play her part - that of the tragic Lady of
Shallot - and changes the course of destiny. Teen girls will
love the romance. I am not sure whether they will care about
the Arthurian parallels. But there is nothing wrong with a
good romance. MS-ADVISABLE 13 March
2006 Butler,
Dori Hillestad Do You Know the Monkey Man? 193 p.
- When Samantha was three, her twin sister drown in a
boating accident. Ten years later, a psychic tells her that
her sister is very much alive. Now Samantha wants to track
down the father she hasn't heard from for so long and clear
up this mystery. The only things this book is lacking is a
better title and cover. Help students see past those and
they will pass it around amongst themselves. Feels like
Cooney's Whatever Happened to Janie - and you know that
students are always looking for a new Cooney. I hope that
Ms. Butler has more novels like this one in her!
MS-ESSENTIAL Haworth-Attard,
Barbara Theories of Relativity, 230 p. - Dylan's
mother kicked him out onto the streets so that she could
make a better impression with her new boyfriend. Now he is
trying to survive life on the streets without succumbing to
drugs or prostitution. He is wary of the few adults that
cross his path and try to help, and he also knows that no
one on the street is really your friend. This book is such
an excellent look at a kid on the streets; it shows pimps
and prostitutes and strong arms and the mentally disturbed.
Unfortunately, one of the characters can't open her mouth
without using the "f-word". And that character isn't even
the one the author calls Swear Lady. Because of the sheer
volume of this word (A LOT), I can't recommend this for
school libraries. But pick it up from the public library and
read it!! NO Cohn,
Rachel Two Steps Forward, 227 p. - Its been 18
months since Annabel has seen her Australian crush Ben. Now,
Annabel is going to LA with her Mom to see all of the steps
who have moved there from Australia. Even stepbro Wheaties
will visiting - and Ben will be coming for a visit too! As
much as Annabel loves all of the new steps in her life,
misunderstandings will happen, tempers will flare and the
kids will need to kiss and makeup. An extremely cute sequel.
EL, MS-ESSENTIAL Wait,
Lea Wintering Well, 181 p. - Will loses a leg in
a farming accident and must find a new place for himself in
the world. Set in the 1820's, Will's father makes him feel
like a burden to be suffered. It is only when he moves to
town with to live with his older sister's family that Will
finds that his options are only as limited as he lets them
be. Paperback imprint of the 2004 novel. Buy it in paper.
EL, MS-ADVISABLE Ursu,
Anne The Shadow Thieves, 420 p. - When
Charlotte's cousin Zee comes from England to live with her
family, more than Charlotte's unpopularity is about to
change. When Charlotte's few friends and a large number of
other schoolmates starts falling gravely ill, Zee and
Charlotte discover that they are the ones who must save the
world. Another excellent novel loosely based on Greek
Mythology. Its billed as the 1st in a series. EL,
MS-ESSENTIAL 6 March
2006 Czech,
Jan M. Grace Happens, 153 p - Grace has spent her
life traveling from set to set with her movie star mother.
She hasn't minded, except for the fact that she has always
been curious about her father. Then one summer, Grace's
mother takes the pair to her home town of Martha's Vineyard
and all of her mother's secrets are revealed. Cute book -
the secret is not dire - in fact its pretty fun and
fantastical. Girls will love it. EL, MS-ADVISBLE Flanagan,
John Ruins of Gorlan, 249 p. - An orphan of the
keep, Will is taken by the local ranger as his apprentice,
even though his heart is set on being a warrior. As he
learns the ranger skills, Will discovers that brut strength
is not the only way to save a country. Great stuff! A
perfect boy book. Much more intrigue and excitement than
magic, so it strikes a happy medium. I am definitely looking
forward to the next installment. EL, MS-ESSENTIAL Molloy,
Michael Peter Raven Under Fire, 480 p. - Peter
Raven has always wanted to go to sea. On his first voyage he
meets a mysterious commodore and benevolent captain. Then
his ship is hijacked by a mad man who kills almost everyone
on board; Peter barely escapes. Meeting up with Commodore
Beaumont, they make plans to get revenge and foil Napoleon's
plans for America. An exciting nautical adventure. A great
stepping stone into the Hornblower series and a good
companion for the many other sea-going adventures that have
come out in recent months. I think it is too bloody for
elementary schools, though. MS, HS-ESSENTIAL Les
Becquets, Diane Love, Cajun Style, 293 p. -
Lucy's summer is pretty hot and lazy until a big city artist
and his teenaged son roll into town. The artist paints
beautiful pictures of naked women, using ladies from the
town and Lucy is afraid that her mother is looking somewhere
besides at her father. I wasn't really impressed. The first
scene n the book is of the girls skinny-dipping in the
middle of the day at the local levee. It describes their
bodies and then how the have to bicycle home naked when
someone steals their clothes. Beyond the problems I have
with language, the book itself doesn't interest me.
NO Clarke,
Judith Kalpana's Dream, 164 p. - Neema's
great-grandmother has come from India to visit her American
family. The two have a hard time communicating, as her Nani
only speaks Hindi and Neema refused to take lessons. I am
not going to waste any more of my time describing this book,
as I really didn't like it. If it had left out references to
Dracula and not ended with a car driving up into the sky, it
might have had a fighting chance. But, even a great
portrayal of the students struggling with their latest essay
and new boy at school who seems so familiar don't bring this
novel back around for me. I loved Starry Night so much, but
I will give this novel a pass. MS-OPTIONAL Frank,
Lucy Lucky Stars, 295 p. - When Kira goes to live
with her father, she finds herself singing in the subways
with him and her two young half-brothers. When Kira puts her
foot down about the subway, she goes to a regular school and
meets Jake, whose severe stutter makes it difficult to
communicate, and his wisecracking friend Eugene. The three
join the magnet's school chorus and Kira tries to hold
things together as life with her father becomes a struggle.
Perfectly safe to read and younger girls may find it
interesting. I did love the descriptions of the chorus
class, but that alone wasn't enough to make me love it.
MS-OPTIONAL Murphy,
Rita Looking for Lucy Buick, 164 p. - Ever since
she was discovered in the backseat of a Buick won in a card
game, Lucy has been raised by the maiden aunts of the
Sandoni clan. After her last "aunt" passes away, Lucy takes
a chance and runs away. She finds herself in a small Midwest
town, where she starts her search for her "real" people, the
"Buicks". A mid-quality story about the well-known fact that
family isn't always the people who birthed you or the people
who raised you, but the people who hold your heart.
MS-OPTIONAL Stahler,
Davis Jr. A Gathering of Shades, 289 p. - After
his father dies, Aidan and his mother come to live on his
grandmother's farm. When Aidan discovers that she has the
power to see and talk with ghosts, Aidan sets off in pursuit
of his father. Though the depiction of Aidan's and his
mother's grief is powerful, you have to wade through dozens
of swear words to get there. I just don't know people who
talk like this. NO Pratchett,
Terry Johnny and the Dead, 213 p. - Johnny
Maxwell has already saved an alien race. Now he finds that
he can see and hear the dead and must find a way to save a
cemetery. A reprint of the original 1993 novel, which is
still well worth reading. I love watching the ghosts as they
find new powers and Johnny's part of the story is equally
enjoyable. MS-ADVISABLE Burnham,
Niki Scary Beautiful, 26 p. - When Chloe's
long-time boyfriend dumps her just before he moves far away,
she finds herself cast adrift, in competition with her best
friends, and smack dab in the middle of a huge
misunderstanding created by someone out for revenge. Latest
in the line of "teeny-trashy" romance novels. It does use
the word ass quite often. HS-OPTIONAL Hughes,
Pat Open Ice, 271 p. - When Nick receives his
second major concussion in less than a year, his parents
decide to take him off the ice for good. Nick's anger
threatens to overwhelm any good judgment, especially as
hockey is his life. But he has to deal with the changes in
his health and the changes in his friends. As much as I
would love to recommend this novel, I was totally put off by
the descriptions of Nick's hands constantly up his
girlfriend's shirt and his open desire to have her in his
bed, but if she won't do that, he'll settle for something
else. Spare me. Without all of that, the novel would still
have been compelling and well-worth reading. I don';t
understand why authors feel this is so necessary.
NO
