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Acer, David - Mystery Hunters: Gotcha!: 18 Amazing Ways to Freak Out Your Friends Alcorn, Stephen - A Gifts of Days: The greatest words to live by Alender, Katie - Bad Girls Don't Die Amateau, Gigi - Chancey of the Maury River Amateau, Gigi - A Certain Strain of Peculiar Anderson, Lauire Halse - The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School Anderson, Laurie Halse - Wintergirls Anderson, Laurie Halse - Wintergirls Anderson, M.T. - The Kingdom on the Waves Arnold, Tedd - Green Wilma: Frog in Space Ashby, Amanda - Zombie Queen of Newbury High Ashman, Linda - Come to the Castle Baccalario, P.D. - Ring of Fire Bailey, Linda - Stanley's Beauty Contest Baker, Keith - Just How Long Can A Long String Be?! Bang, Molly - All of Me! A Book of Thanks Barber, Alison - The Little Green Pea Barnes, Jennifer Lynn - Perfect Cover: The Squad Barnholdt, Lauren - Four Truths and a Lie Barry, Dave and Ridley Pearson - Peter and the Sword of Mercy Barry, Brunonia - The Lace Reader Bass, Hester - The Secret World of Walter Anderson Bauer, Marion - My Mother Is Mine Bauer, Patricia - B Is for Battle Cry: A Civil War Alphabet Bearn, Emily - Tumtum and Nutmeg: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall Beccia, Carlyn - The Raucous Royals Beil, Michael D. - Red Blazer Girls Bell, Hilari - Sword of Waters Berger, Joe - Bridget Fidget and the Most Perfect Pet Berger, Samantha - Martha Doesn't Say Sorry! Berry, Julie - The Amaranth Enchantment Bial, Raymond - Ellis Island: Coming to the Land of Plenty Block, Francesca Lia - The Waters & the Wild Blume, Judy - Friend or Fiend? Blundell, Judy - What I Saw and How I Lied Bootman, Colin - The Steel Pan Man of Harlem Bowe, Julie - My New Best Friend Bowler, Tim - Blade: Playing Dead Boynton, Sandra - Night-Night, Little Pookie Bradford, Chris - Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior Braeuner, Shellie - The Great Dog Wash Breathed, Berkely - Flawed Dogs Breznak, Irene - Sneezy Louise Briggs, Andy - Rise of the Heroes Brown, Calef - Soup For Breakfast: A Collection of Poems and Pictures Brown, Don - All Stations! Distress! Brown, Marc - Arthur's Reading Trick Brown, Margaret Wise - Friendly Tales Brown, Peter - The Curious Garden Bruchac, Joseph - March Toward the Thunder Bryant, Jen - Kaleidoscope Eyes Bunting, Eve - Walking to School: A Story from Northern Ireland Burgess, Mark - Where Teddy Bears Come From Burkhart, Jessica - Take the Reins Busby, Cylin - First Kiss (Then Tell) Butler, Dori Hillestad - Yes, I Know the Monkey Man Caletti, Deb - The Secret Life of Prince Charming Calof, Rachel - Rachel Calof's Story Calonita, Jen - Sleepaway Girls Canavan, Trudi - The Magician's Apprentice Capucilli, Alyssa Satin - Panda Kisses Carman, Patrick - Skeleton Creek Carrick, Paul - Watch out For Wolfgang Carroll, Lewis - Alice in Wonderland Carroll, Michael - The Reckoning Carter, Ally - Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover Catanese, P.W. - Happenstance Found Catusanu, Mircea - The Strange Case of the Missing Sheep Chadda, Sarwat The Devil's Kiss Chaikan, Andrew and Alan Bean - Mission Control, This is Apollo Chamberlain, Margaret - Please Don't Tease Tootsie Chandler, Elizabeth - Kissed by an Angel Childs, Tera Lynn - Goddess Boot Camp Chima, Cinda Williams - The Demon King Church, Caroline Jayne - One More Hug for Madison Clare, Cassandra - City of Glass Cleary, Brian P. - Stroll and Walk, Babble and Talk Clough-Jahn, Lisa - Me, Penelope Collard, Sneed B. III - The Prairie Builders Collard, Sneed III - Double Eagle Collins, Nancy A. - VAMPS: Vampire American Princesses Collins, Suzanne - Catching Fire Connor, Lexi - Spelling B and The Missing Magic Cook, Eileen - What Would Emma Do? Cooney, Caroline B. - If the Witness Lied Corey, Shana - Barack Obama: Out of Many, One Cowley, Joy and Gavin Bishop - Snake and Lizard Crewe, Megan - Give Up the Ghost Crimi, Carolyn - Henry & the Buccaneer Bunnies Crimi, Carolyn - Henry & the Crazed Chicken Pirates Cusick, Richie Tankersley - Walk of the Sprits Cutbill, Andy - The Cow that was the Best Moo-ther Daneshvari, Gitty - School of Fear Dashner, James - The Maze Runner Davies, Jacqueline - Tricking the Tallyman De Alcantara, Pedro - Backtracked Deen, Paula - Paula Deen's Cookbook for the Lunchbox Set Delano, Marfe Ferguson - Helen's Eyes: A Photobiography of Annie Sullivan Helen Keller's Teacher De Monfreid, Dorothee - Dark Night DePalma, Mary Newell - The Perfect Gift Deriso. Christine Hurley - Talia Talk De Seve, Randall and Peter de Seve - The Duchess of Whimsy Dessen, Sarah - Along for the Ride DeVillers, Julia and Jennifer Roy - Trading Faces Diamand, Emily - Raider's Ransom DiCamillo, Kate - Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken Dolamore, Jaclyn - Magic Under Glass Donbavand, Tommy - Blood of the Witch Donbavand, Tommy - Fang of the Vampire Doty, Jean Slaughter - Winter Pony Doughty, Rebecca. - Oh No! Time to Go! A Book of Goodbyes Dowell, Frances O'Roark - The Kind of Friends we Used to be Downing, Erin - Drive Me Crazy Downing, Julie - No Hugs Till Saturday. Doyen, Denise - Once Upon a Twice Doyle. Marissa - Betraying Season Draper, Sharon M. - Just Another Hero Draper, Sharon M. - Sassy: Little Sister is Not My Name Duble, Kathleen Benner - The Story of Samson Dunbar, Polly - Where's Tumpty? Dunkle, Clare - The Walls Have Eyes Dunlap, Susanne - The Musician's Daughter Durrant, Lynda - Imperfections Easton, Kelly - The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty Aimes Eboch, Chris - Knight in the Shadows Eboch, Chris - Haunted: The Riverboat Phantom Eboch, Chris - Haunted: The Ghost on the Stairs Edwards, Pamela Duncan - Princess Pigtoria and the Pea Edwards, Pamela Duncan - The Bus Ride That Changed History Ehrlich, Amy - The Girl Who Wanted to Dance Einhorn, Karma - Sesame Subjects: My First Book About Airplanes and Rockets. Elffers, Joost - Do You Love Me? Elliott, David - Finn Throws a Fit Ellwand, David - Fairie-Ality Style Elwell, Peter - Adios Oscar: A Butterfly Fable Emberley, Rebecca, Adrian and Ed - There Was an Old Monster Evans, Lady - The Mythology Handbook Farley, Steven - The Black Stallion and the Shape-shifter Fenton, Joe - What's Under the Bed Ferguson, Alane - The Dying Breath Ferguson, Sarah, Duchess of York - Little Red's Autumn Adventure Fern, Tracey E. - Pippo the Fool Finchler, Judy - Congratulations, Miss Malarkey! Flanagan, John - The Seige of Macindaw Floca, Brian - Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 Fowles, Shelley - Climbing Rosa Fox, Mem - The Goblin and the Empty Chair Fox, Mem - Where is the Green Sheep? Fox, Mem - Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes Foxlee, Karen - The Anatomy of Wings Franco, Betsy - Zero is the Leaves on the Tree Frederick, Heather Vogel - Dear Pen Pal French, Vivian - The Bag of Bones Friedman, Laurie Thanksgiving Rules Fusilli, Jim - Marley Z and the Bloodstained Violin Gaiman, Neil - The Wolves in the Walls Gaiman, Neil; Russell, P. Craig - Coraline (graphic novel) Gantos, Jack - The Nine Lives of Rotten Ralph Garland, Michael - Miss Smith and the Haunted Library Geisel, Theodor Seuss - Seuss-ism for Success Gerber, Linda - Death by Denim Gibson, Marley - The Awakening Glatt, Lisa and Greenberg, Suzanne - Abigail Iris: The One and Only Godwin, Laura - This is the Firefighter Golds, Cassandra - The Museum of Mary Child Goodman, Alison - Eon: Dragoneye Reborn Gorbachev, Valeri - The Missing Chick Gorbachev, Valeri - Dragon is Coming! Gourley, Robbin - Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make you a Pie Grahame, Kenneth - The Wind in the Willows Grandits, John - The Travel Game Gray, Kes - Nelly the Monster Sitter #1 Greene, Jacqueline Dembar - The Secret Shofar of Barcelona Grettenberger, C.H. - The Heir to Wilkes Manor Griffin, Paul - The Orange Houses Grimes, Nikki - Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope Guberson, Brenda Z. - Life in the Boreal Forest Haarsma, P.J. Wormhole Pirates on Orbis 3 Haddix, Margaret Peterson - Sent Haddon, Mark - Footprints on the Moon Haddon, Mark - Footprints on the Moon Hahn, Mary Downing - Closed for the Season Halpern, Jake and Peter Kujawinski - Dormia Halpern, Julie - Into the Wild Nerd Yonder Hammill, Matt - Sir Reginald's Logboook Hapka, Catherine - Love on Cue Harley, Bill - Night of the Spadefoot Toads Harper, Charise Mericle - Milo's Special Words Harris, Trudy - The Clock Struck One Harrison, David L. - Paul Bunyan: My Story Harvey, Alyxandra - Hearts at Stake Haworth, Danette - Violet Raines Almost Gets Struck by Lightening Headley, Justina Chen - North of Beautiful Hegamin, Tonya Cherie - Most Loved in All the World Hegaman, Tonya Cherie - Most Loved in all the World Hemingway, Edith M. - Road to Tater Hill Henson, Heather - Here's How I see It; Here's How It Is Higgins, F.E. - The Eyeball Collector High, Linda Oatman - Planet Pregnancy Hill, Anne E. - Tyra Banks: From Supermodel to Role Model Hills, Tad - Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin Hoaxed! Fakes & Mistakes in the World of Science Hobbie, Holly - Fanny and Annabelle Hoberman, Mary Ann - Strawberry Hill Hoffman, Mary - Stravaganza: City of Secrets Hoffman, Kerry Cohen - It's Not You, It's Me Holm, Jennifer L. & Matthew Holm - Baby Mouse the Musical Homzie, Hillary - Things Are Gonna Get UGLY Hopkinson, Deborah - Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-Discoverer of the North Pole Horowitz, Dave - Duck Duck Moose Houts, Michelle - The Beef Princess of Practical County Howell, Frank - The Art of Frank Howell Hubbard, Mandy - Prada and Prejudice Huget, Jennifer LaRue - Thanks a LOT, Emily Post Hughes, Langston The Negro Speaks of Rivers Hull, Nancy L. - On Rough Seas Hurley, Tonya - Ghostgirl: Homecoming Ibbotson, Eva - The Reluctant Heiress Ignatius, Adi, editor - President Obama: The Path to the White House Inches, Alison - The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle Jackson, Donna M. - Extreme Scientists Jacques, Brian - Urso Brunov and the White Emperor Janeczko, Paul B - A Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing and Shout Jenkins, Emily - Sugar Would Not Eat It Jenkins, Emily - Toy Dance Party Jenkins, Steve - Down, Down, Down Jinks, Catherine - The Reformed Vampire Support Group Johnson, Stephen T. - My Little Red Fire Truck Jones, Patrick - Things Change Joosse, Barbara - Love Is a Good Thing to Feel Kantor, Melissa - Girlfriend Material Kantor, Melissa - Invisible I (The Amanda Project #1) Katzen, Mollie Honest Pretzels Kaye, Marilyn - Gifted: Out of Sight, Out of Mind Kaye, Marilyn - Better Late Than Never Keane, Dave - Bobby Bramble Loses His Brain Kehm, Michelle - Suzi Clue: The Prom Queen Curse Keller, Bill - Tree Shaker: The Story of Nelson Mandela Kennedy, Robert F. Jr. - Robert Smalls: The Boat Thief Kerley, Barbara - The Extraordinary Mark Twain Kerrin, Jessica Scott - Martin Bridge Onwards and Upwards! Kim Dong Hwa - The Color of Earth Kirby, Pamela F. - What Bluebirds Do Kirsch, Vincent X - Natalie and Naughtily Kitamura, Satoshi - What's Wrong with my Hair? Kleinberg, Naomi - Who are the People in Your Neighborhood? Klimo, Kate - The Dragon in the Driveway Klise, Kate and M. Sarah Klise - Over My Dead Body Klise, Kate - Dying to Meet You Knowles, Jo - Jumping Off Swings Koehler-Pentacoff, Elizabeth - Jackson and Bud's Bumpy Ride Korman, Gordon - The Juvie Three Kress, Adrienne - Timothy and the Dragon's Gate Krull, Kathleen - The Boy Who Invented TV Krull, Kathleen - The Road to Oz: Twists, Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum Krull, Kathleen - Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight Kudlinski, Kathleen V. Boy, Were We Wrong About the Solar System! Labatt, Mary - Dracula Madness LaFevers, R.L. Theodosia - Throckmorton and the Staff of Osiris LaFleur, Suzanne - Love, Aubrey Lagonegro, Melissa - Tink's Treasure Hunt Langan, Paul - Bluford High - The Bully Laroche, Giles - What's Inside Larsen, Andrew - The Imaginary Garden Lasky, Kathryn - One Beetle Too Many: The Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin Lechner, John - The Clever Stick. Lechner, Jack - Mary Had a Little Lamp LeGuin, Ursula K. - Cat Dreams Lester, Helen - Tacky Goes to Camp Lester, Helen - Tacky Goes to Camp Lester, J.D. - Mommy Calls Me Monkeypants Lewis, Richard - Monster's Proof Lincoln, Abraham - The Gettysburg Address Liparulo, Robert - House of Dark Shadows Liparulo, Robert - Watcher in the Woods Lisle, Holly - The Silver Door Liu, Cynthea - Paris Pan Takes the Dare Livingston, Lesley - Wondrous Strange Logsted, Greg - Alibi Junior High Look, Lenore - Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things Lord, Cynthia - Hot Rod Hamster Low, Dene - Petronella Saves Nearly Everyone Lubar, David - The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies Lubar, David - Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies Lucas, David - Something To Do Lucas, David - The Robot and the Bluebird Lund, Deb - Monsters on Machines MacCullough, Carolyn - Once a Witch MacDonald, Suse - Shape by Shape Macdonald, Wendy - Galileo's Leaning Tower Experiment MacHale, D.J. - Pendragon: Before the War: Book One of the Travelers Mack, Tracy and Citrin, Michael - The Mystery of the Conjured Man Manning, Mick and Brita Granstrom - What Mr. Darwin Saw Margolis, Leslie - Girls Acting Catty Marillier, Juliet - Heir to Sevenwaters Marino, Nan - Neil Armstrong is My Uncle: and Other Lies Muscle McGinty Told Me Marr. Melissa - Fragile Eternity Marrin, Albert - Years of Dust Marsh, Katherine - The Twilight Prisoner Mass, Wendy - Heaven Looks A Lot Like the Mall Martin, C.K Kelly - One Lonely Degree Matthews, Andrew - The Way of the Warrior McAllister, Angela - Leon and the Place Between McClements, George - Baron von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident McDaniel, Lurlene - Breathless Mcdonald, Abby - Sophomore Switch McElligott, Matthew - The Lions Share: A Tale of Halving Cake and Eating it, Too McKissack, Patricia C. - The Clone Codes McKissack, Patricia C. - Stitchin' and Pullin' a Gee's Bend Quilt McNab, Andy and Robert Rigby - Meltdown McNamara, Maragret - Earth Day Mebus, Scott - Spirits in the Park Melko, Paul - The Walls of the Universe Meminger, Neesha - Shine, Coconut Moon Meserve, Jessica - Can Anybody Hear Me? Minor, Wendall and Florence - If You Were a Penguin Mitchell, Saundra - Shadowed Summer Mitton, Tony - A Very Curious Bear Moeyaert, Bart - Dani Bennoni: Long May He Live Moore, Julianne - Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully Morris, Jennifer E. - Please Write Back Morris, Paula - Ruined: A Ghost Story Moser, Lisa - Kisses on the Wind Mourlevant, Jean-Claude - Winter's End Mull, Brandon - Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary Muller, Robin - 13 Ghosts of Halloween Murdock, Catherine Gilbert - Front and Center Murnane, Maria - Perfect on Paper Mussi, Sarah - The Door of No Return Nayeri, Daniel and Dina - Another Faust Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds - Faith, Hope and Ivy June Nelson, Blake - Destroy All Cars Nelson, Kadir - We Are The Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball Nelson, Marilyn - Beautiful Ballerina Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux - Who Will I be, Lord? Newgarden, Mark - Bow-Wow: 12 Months Running Newgarden, Mark - Bow-Wow's Colorful Life Niepold, Mil and Jeanyves Verdu - Oooh! Picasso Nivola, Claire A. - Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai Noyes, Deborah - Hana in the Time of the Tulips Noyes, Deborah - Prudence and Moxie O'Brien, Johnny - Day of the Assassins Ockler, Sarah - Twenty Boy Summer O'Connor, Sandra Day - Finding Susie Odanka, Barbara - A Crazy Day at the Critter Café O'Flynn, Catherine - What Was Lost O'Hearn, Kate - Kira (Shadow of the Dragon book 1) Oliver, Lin - Attack of the Growling Eyeballs O'Malley, Kevin - Animals Crackers Fly the Coop Omololu, Cynthia Jaynes - When It's Six O'Clock on San Francisco Oxenbury, Helen - Tickle, Tickle; Clap Hands; All Fall Down; Say Goodnight Palatini, Margie - Gone With the Wand Papademetriou, Lisa - Rosetta's Daring Day Papineau, Lucie - Lulu's Pajamas Paratore, Coleen Murtagh - Kip Campbell's Gift Paratore, Coleen Murtagh - A Pearl Among Princes Paratore, Coleen Murtagh - Forget Me Not Paul, Ann Whitford - Word Builder Pavey, Peter - One Dragon's Dream Peck, Richard - A Season of Gifts Pennac, Daniel - The Rights of the Reader Perez, Marlene - Dead is a State of Mind Perez, Marlene - Dead is So Last Year Perez, Monica - Curious George Plants a Tree Perkins, Mitali - Secret Keeper Perry, John - The Book That Eats People Peters, Andrew; Peters, Polly - The No-No Bird Peters, Julie Ann - How Do You Spell G-e-e-k? Petroff, Shani - Bedeviled: Daddy's Little Angel Pickering, Jimmy - Skelly and Femur Pinkney, Jerry - The Lion and the Mouse Poblocki, Dan - The Stone Child Podwal, Mark - Built By Angels Polacco, Patricia - January's Sparrow Polacco, Patricia - In Our Mothers' House Portis, Antoinette - A Penguin Story Potter, Alicia - Fritz Danced the Fandango Potter, Beatrix - Peter Rabbit: A Winter's Tale Priceman,Marjorie - How to Make a Cherry Pie and see the U.S.A. Puttock, Simon - Yours Truly, Louisa Raczka, Bob - The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America Raczka, Bob - Where in the World?: Around the Globe in 13 Works of Art Ray, Jane - Snow White: A three-dimensional fairy tale theater Reich, Susanna - Painting the Wild Frontier Reinhart, Matthew - A Pop-Up Book of Nursery Rhymes Regan, Dian Curtis - Monster Baby Rex, Michael - The Runaway Mummy Riordan, Rick - The Last Olympian Ritchie, Scot - Follow that Map! A First Book of Mapping Skills. Roach, Mary - Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers Robbins, Ken - Food for Thought Roberson, Chris - Iron Jaw and Hummingbird Roberts, Angela - NASCAR's Greatest Drivers Robinson, Anthony and Annemarie Young - Gervelie's Journey Robinson, Sharon - Testing the Ice Rockliff, Mara - The Busiest Street in Town Rockwell, Anne - Big George : How a Shy Boy Became President Washington Rockwell, Anne - Big George: How a Shy Boy Became President Washington Rockwell, Norman - Deck the Halls. Rodman, Mary Ann - A Tree for Emmy Rodriguez, Rachel - Building on Nature: The Life of Antoni Gaudi Roop, Petter and Connie - River Roads West: America's First Highways Rosen, Michael - Classic Poetry: An Illustrated Collection Rosenthal, Amy Krouse - Bedtime for Mommy Rottman, S.L. - Out of the Blue Roy, Ron - The Secret at Jefferson's Mansion Roy, Ron - The Election-Day Disaster Rueda, Claudia - My Little Polar Bear Rumford, James - Chee-Lin: A Giraffe's Journey Runholt, Susan - Rescuing Seneca Crane Rutskoski, Marie - The Cabinet of Wonders Ryan, Carrie - Forest of Hands and Teeth Salerno, Steven - Harry Hungry Sanderson, Brandon - Alcatraz vs the Scrivener's Bones Sarlin, Janeen A and Noelle Shipley - Princess Tea Schaefer, Laura - Teashop Girls Schlitz, Laura Amy - Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Schwartz, David M. Q is for Quark Scieszka, Jon. - Guys Write for Guys Read Scott, Michael - The Sorceress Selfors, Suzanne - Coffeehouse Angel Seuss, Dr. - Happy Birthday to You! Shakespeare, William - Manga Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing Shaw, Susan - One of the Survivors Shields, Gillian - The Actual Real Reality of Jennifer James Shulevitz, Uri - How I Learned Geography Sidman, Joyce - Red Sings From the Treetops Sill, Cathryn - About Marsupials Singer, Marilyn - I'm Your Bus Singleton, Sarah - Out of the Shadows Singleton, Sarah - Out of the Shadows Small, Charlie - Puppet Master Smith, David J. - If America Were a Village Smith, Miranda - Speed Machines and Other Record-Breaking Vehicles Smith, Roland - I, Q: Book One: Independence Hall Smithson, Ryan - Ghosts of War: My Tour of Duty Snicket, Lemony - The Composer is Dead Snyder, Laurel - Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains Snyder, Maria V. - Magic Study Sonnenblick, Jordan - After Ever After Soto, Gary - Facts of Life Stories Spangler, Brie - The Grumpy Dump Truck Spinelli, Eileen - Princess Pig St. Crow, Lili - Strange Angels Standiford, Natalie - How To Say Goodbye in Robot Stansbie, Stephanie - Dinosaur Stead, Rebecca - When You Reach Me Steer, Dugald - Drake's Comprehensive Compendium of Dragonology Stein, Janet - This Little Bunny Can Bake Stewart, Paul and Riddell, Chris - Barnaby Grimes: Return of the Emerald Skull Stork, Francisco X. - Marcello in the Real World Stuchner, Joan Betty - Honey Cake Swain, Heather - Me, My Elf and I Swanson, Diane - You Are Weird: Your Body's Peculiar Parts and Funny Functions Summers, Courtney - Cracked up to Be Sutherland, Tui T. - Kingdom of Twilight Tafolla, Carmen - What Can You Do with a Paleta? Tahmaseb, Charity - The Geek Girl's Guide To Cheerleading Tan, Shaun - Tales from Outer Suburbia Tanigawa, Nagaru - The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Taylor, Laini - Lips Touch (three times) Taylor, Laini - Dreamdark: Silksinger Tessler, Manya - Yuki's Ride Home Thimmesh, Catherine - Lucy Long Ago: Uncovering the Mystery of Where We Came From Thomas, Jan - Can You Make a Scary Face? Thompson, Lauren - How Many Cats? Thompson, Lauren - The Christmas Magic Thomson, Sarah L. - What Lincoln Said Tierney, Fiona - Lion's Lunch? Timothee, de Fombelle - Toby Alone Tocci, C. Lee - Stone Voice Rising Turner, Pamela S. - The Frog Scientist Uehashi, Nahoko - Moribito II: Guardian of the Darkness Ursu, Anne - The Immortal Fire Valentino, Serena - Fairest Of All Van Draanen, Wendelin - Sammy Keys and the Cold Hard Cash Van Dusen, Chris - The Circus Ship Vaught, Susan - Big FAT Manifesto Verillo, Erica - Elissa'a Quest Vivian, Siobhan - Same Difference Walker, Rob D. - Mama Says: A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons Walker, Sally M. - Druscilla's Halloween Walker, Sally M. - Written in Bone Wallace, Rich - Perpetual Check Walsh, Ellen Stoll - Mouse Count Waring, Geoff - Oscar and the Bird: A Book about Electricity Warwick, J.M. - A Season of Eden Watson, Stephanie - Elvis and Olive Watt, Melanie - Have I got a Book for You! Watt, Melanie - Scaredy Squirrel at Night Weaver, Tess - Frederick Finch Weber, Elka - The Yankee at the Seder Wechsler, Doug - Marvels in the Muck: Life in the Salt Marshes Weissman, Elissa Brent - Standing for Socks Weitzman, David - Pharoah's Boat Werner, Jane - The Giant Golden Book of Elves and Fairies West, M. - Solace: Unsheltered West, Tracy & Katherine Knoll - First Stop New York Westerfeld, Scott - Bogus to Bubbly Weyn, Suzanne - The Diamond Secret Weyn, Suzanne - Distant Waves: A Novel of the Titanic Whitman, Emily - Radiant Darkness Wilkins, Kim - Unclaimed Heart Willey, Margaret - The 3 Bears and Goldilocks Willems, Mo - Big Frog Can't Fit In Willems, Mo - Pigs Make Me Sneeze! Willems, Mo - Watch Me Throw the Ball! Willems, Mo - Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed Williams, Alex - The Deep Freeze of Bartholomew Tullock Williams, Carol - The Chosen One Williams, Carol Ann - Booming Bella Willis, Jeanne and Tony Ross - Flabby Cat and Slobby Dog Winter, Jeanette - Nasreen's Secret School Winter, Jonah - Gerturde is Gertrude is Gertrude is Gertrude Winter, Jonah - The Fabulous Feud of Gilbert and Sullivan Winter, Jonah and Andre Carrilho - You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! Wollman, Jessica - Second Skin Wood, Audrey and Don Wood - The Napping House Wood, Douglas - Miss Little's Gift Woods, Michael and Mary B. Woods - Seven Wonders of the Ancient Middle East Woodson, Jacqueline - After Tupac & D Foster Wrede, Patricia C. - Thirteenth Child Wyatt, Valerie - Who Discovered America? Yang, J.A. - Exclusively Chloe Yang, Gene Luen & Kim, Derek Kirk - Eternal Smile Yates, Louise - A Small Surprise Ye, Ting-Xing - My Name is Number 4: A True Story from the Cultural Revolution Yolen, Jane - How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? Yonezu, Yusuke - A Cup for Everyone Yoon, Salina - Opposnakes: Lift-the-Flap Young, E.L. - The Black Sphere Zink, Michelle Prophecy of Sisters Zinnen, Linda - The Dragons of Spratt, Ohio
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10 November 2009 Rockwell, Anne Big George : How a Shy Boy Became President Washington, illustrated by Matt Phelan. Harcourt, 2009. NONFICTION. RATING - G. This picture book introduces the reader to George Washington, from a shy boy, through his teens and brother's death, to his time as a young officer during the French and Indian War. By the time the American Revolution begins, Washington has the best experience, and is the best prepared to accept the responsibility of leadership. It talks about his innovative battle tactics and touches on the Delaware crossing, Valley Forge, and Yorktown. The author's note includes additional information about the stain on the flag of this new country - slavery. EL - ESSENTIAL. PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian Bauer, Patricia B Is for Battle Cry : A Civil War Alphabet; illustrated by David Geister. Sleeping Bear Press, 2009. NONFICTION. RATING - G. For each letter, Bauer has written a four-line stanza that introduces a topic related to the Civil War and also would work as a verse in Stephen Foster's Civil War-era song "Hard Times Come Again No More." The more significant portion of the text fills the outer third of each page and provides explanatory information about each of the 26 topics. Accompanied with beautiful paintings, this text is a very satisfactory introduction to the Civil War. The actual stanzas, however, are too choppy and forced to work well as poems, and without a copy of Foster's song, it is impossible to see how well they might work as a song. Contains glossary. EL - ESSENTIAL; MS - OPTIONAL. PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian. Swanson, Diane You Are Weird: Your Body's Peculiar Parts and Funny Functions, illustrated by Kathy Boake. 40 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2009. NONFICTION. RATING - G. Single-spread chapters talk about unusual aspects of the human body : skin, canine teeth, appendix, and so on. Space is too limited for in-depth studies, but readers learn interesting and little-known facts about our bodies. Each spread includes a "freaky fact" and a sidebar that often contains a related experiment or observation the reader can try that relates to the topic. The illustrations have the life-like look of computer animation, and include a lot of expression and humor. Includes glossary and index. EL - ADVISABLE; MS - OPTIONAL. PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian. Klimo, Kate The Dragon in the Driveway, 169 pages. $14.99. Random House, 2009. Language- G; Sexual Content - G; Violence - PG (hobgoblins sword fighting). The second book in the Dragon Keepers series, cousins Jesse and Daisy are busy taking care of their dragon Emmy with online help from Professor Andersson. Emmy wants a book that is in the dragon slayer St. George's possession, so the cousins go to his office to find he's left without a forwarding address. After sleuthing they find St. George in the Deep Woods with hobgoblins digging in an old mine. The cousins seek help from their neighbor Miss Alodie and from Professor Andersson to find the Golden Axe and foil St. George's plot. Author Kilmo has created a fun new twist on the legend of Saint George the dragon slayer using modern technological elements and characters. Read the first book in the series before this second one. EL- ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. Yolen, Jane How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? pgs.40 The Blue Sky Press Language~G; Sexual Content~G; Violence~G. In her wonderful series about dinosaurs, Yolen has written another masterpiece. These silly dinosaur 'children' may at times be naughty and not do as they should, but their wise parents are always quick to follow up their rempremand with a hug or a kiss and a "I Love You!" I LOVED this book! I was tickled by Teague's wonderful illustrations and by the fact that Dad was present on almost every page! Not that moms aren't wonderful, but it is always nice to have dads there too. This is a must have!! Like love should, it leaves readers feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. EL -ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian. Van Dusen, Chris The Circus Ship pgs.40 Candlewick Language~G; Sexual Content~G; Violence~G. When the Circus ship runs a-ground off the coast of Maine a delightful adventure begins! The mean spirited cirucs owner saves himself and leaves the animals to fend for themselves. The fifteen animals all swim into harbor and when the towns people wake up in the morning there are quite a few surprises. They grow to love the animals, however, and when the ringmaster returns they work with the animals to trick him into not finding them. The pictures are stunningly beautiful and combined with the rhyming text gives the readers a wonderful charming story experience. ELM -ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library Kerrin, Jessica Scott Martin Bridge Onwards and Upwards! illustrated by Joseph Kelly. 111 pages. $16.95. Kids Can Press, 2009. Content - G. Another installment in Martin Bridge series, this book includes two related stories and instructions on how to make a marshmallow catapult. In the first story, Martin is embarrassed by his mom's haggling at a yard sale. His mom brings home a keyboard and plunks away at it for hours but doesn't get any better. Finally his mom gives up. At first Martin is relieved, but then he begins to miss her enthusiasm. In the second story, Laila (a girl) decides to join the Junior Badgers much to the chagrin of Martin and the other boys. Martin is a believable character who boys can relate to. Expressive illustrations on nearly every page keep the story moving. Purchase this title if the series is popular at your library. EL- OPTIONAL. Samantha, Public Librarian. Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux Who Will I be, Lord? illustrated by Sean Qualls. $16.99. Random House, 2009. To discover her future path a young girl looks at her family's past and present. Starting with her great grandfather the mailman to her parents, a car guy and care giver. Her uncle, the pool shark, tells her that whatever she does she needs to do it well. Her mama explains that each of us has seeds given from God that we can grow. The story has obvious religious overtones; however, the book's ultimate message is that the person we become is up to us. The illustrations are a soothing and playful combination of paint and charcoal sketches. EL-ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. Burgess, Mark Where Teddy Bears Come From, illustrated by Russell Ayto. $16.95. Peach Tree, 2008. A little gray wolf is having problems sleeping and needs a teddy bear. His mom packs him a lunch and he goes out to find where teddy bears come from. He asks three not-so-little pigs and a girl named Red Riding Hood where teddy bears come from, but they mistake him for another wolf that is big and bad. Next he asks an old man in the forest whose truck has a flat tire. The little gray wolf huffs and puffs and blows up the tire. The next morning he receives a teddy bear as a present. This story is a fun addition to the fractured fairytale genre with a holiday twist. The illustrations are angular and appealing. EL- ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. 9 November 2009 Chima, Cinda Williams The Demon King, 506 p. Disney Hyperion, 209. $17.99. Content: G. Han and his friend Dancer confront a group of juvenile wizards, who are burning down the boys' forest home indiscriminately, and Han becomes the owner of a very dangerous wizard's charm. Raisa, the princess heir has lived in freedom for three years among her trader father's people and now she back among court rules and court traditions and is feeling hemmed in and controlled. These two young people have intertwined destinies - destinies that must be fulfilled in order to not only save their lives, but to control the fate of their country. Chima has turned her fantasy skills to more traditional fantasy world-building and created a wonderful realm for us to visit. This is as good as any YA fantasy world I have ever read and will not disappoint fans of the Heir series. MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Hoffman, Alice Green Witch, 144 p. Scholastic, 2010. $17.99. Content: G. Green has survived the initial destruction of her way of life and loss of her family and her possible betrayal by Diamond , but now comes the most difficult task of all - learning to live again. IN turn, Green needs to visit four women, each suspected by others to be a witch, in order to collect their stories. These stories will give Green the clues, the answers and the strength that she needs to complete her journey with unforeseen results. I liked this much more than the first. Share this with your Language Arts teachers - it would be a good novel for reading together. MS< HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Taylor, Laini Lips Touch (three times), 272 p. Arthur A. Levine (Scholastic), 2009. $16.99. Language: PG-13 (33 swears); Sexual Content: PG (implied rape); Violence: PG (animal fights). Three stories; three first kisses. One story of lust and possession. One of deeper love that is almost stillborn by an evil curse. And one a story of a love that abides through the centuries, waiting until the moment is right to unfold. I really could have done without the first two stories in the book. The third story deserved every single page, plus a couple hundred more to make it an even richer experience. If readers can make it past the first two, they will be well rewarded by the third. HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Martinez, A. Lee Monster, 304 p. Orbit, 2009. $19.99. Language: R (150+ swears, 2 'f'), Sexual Content: R; Violence: PG-13 (lots of fighting). It all started when Judy found the yeti eating its way through the ice cream during her shift stocking shelves at the local grocery store. There she met Monster, a member of the Cryptobiological Containment and Rescue Services team and Just decides that she wants to remember, not just oh so conveniently forget, as most humans do when confronted by the unexplainable. But neither Monster nor Judy understand that the fate of our entire existence depends upon Judy - and that only Monster will be able to help her fulfill her destiny. I laughed out loud more times than I cared to count while reading this book. It is an excellent choice for adult readers - just not for schools. NO. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Johnson, Stephen T. My Little Red Fire Truck. Simon and Schuster, 2009. BOARD BOOK. Help get the fire truck ready to fight fires in this interactive board book. Each page has removal tools and spinning parts to simulate the firefighter's job. WAY too much fun! Probably not for schools, but definitely for a gift. PARENTS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Willems, Mo Big Frog Can't Fit In. Hyperion, 2009. $19.99. Content: G. POP-UP BOOK. Big Frog is really just too big. No matter how he squirms and twist, he can't fit within the pages of the book. With sole help from some little friends, however, there may just be a solution. Big Frog is awfully cute and so is her book. There are just so many cute pop-up (Willems call this a "pop-out") books this season - every child you deserves one just for them. PreK - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Boynton, Sandra Night-Night, Little Pookie. Robin Corey (Random House), 2009. $5.99. BOARD BOOK. Little Pookie needs to get ready for bed in that special Little Pookie way. Sure to be a bedtime classic and the start of a nighttime ritual in many households. PARENTS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Kleinberg, Naomi Who are the People in Your Neighborhood? Illustrated by Joe Mathieu. Sesame Street Books (random), 2009. $7.99. BOARD BOOK. Meet the people who help your neighborhood work, lifting flaps along the way. Good for young readers learning about occupations and such. PreK-K - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Lagonegro, Melissa Tink's Treasure Hunt. Random House, 2009. $3.99. EARLY READER (Step into Reading level 3). Follow Tink as she searches for a magic mirror that can help her fix the Autumn Scepter. Tinkerbell is a perfect subject for little girls who are ready to read on their own. EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Corey, Shana Monster Parade, illustrated by Will Terry. Random House, 2009. $3.99. EARLY READER (Step into Reading level 2). Halloween is today. Join the monsters as they celebrate and move from house to house. Simple rhyming text accompanies bright, vivid pictures in this book for kids who are learning new words and trying to read with help. I kind of wish it were a regular picture book. I'd love to add it to my Halloween collection. EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Holub, Joan Shampoodle, illustrated by Tim Bowers. Random House, 2009. $3.99. EARLY READER (Step into Reading level 2). The dog groomers have their hands full as they clean and beautify their charges for picture day at the park. Beginning readers who are big fans of dogs will enjoy the antics on these pages. EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Harrison, David L. Paul Bunyan: My Story, illustrated by John Kunzler. 48 p. Random House, 2009. $3.99. EARLY READER (Step into Reading level 3). Listen to Paul Bunyan as he regales you with the stories lumberjacks made up about him to entertain themselves during the long winter nights. Harrison has remained true to the Paul Bunyan folklore in his retelling for younger readers. EL 9K-3) - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Corey, Shana Barack Obama: Out of Many, One, illustrated by James Bernardin. 48 p. Random House, 2009. $3.99. EARLY READER (Step into Reading level 3). For the young readers who want to read about our president on their own, Corey has written a simple biography on their level. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Brown, Marc Arthur's Reading Trick, 24 p. Random House, 2009. $3.99. EARLY READER (Step into Reading level 3). DJ tires to trick Arthur into believing that she has taught Baby Kate how to read. Arthur is pretty popular with the early reader set. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Dubowski, Mark Ice Mummy: The Discovery of a 5,000-Year-Old Man. 48 p. Random House, 2009. $3.99. EARLY READER (Step into Reading level 4). Step into the world of a mummy discovered encased in ice, on the slopes of the Italian Alps. Easy to read, but still containing scientifically valid information on the discovery of this particular mummy and mummies in general. This is a pretty popular topic for younger readers. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Roberts, Angela NASCAR's Greatest Drivers. 48 p. Random House, 2009. $3.99. EARLY READER (Step into Reading level 5). From its early beginnings to the present day, meet some of the heroes of NASCAR. This book has as more interesting information, on the same amount of pages, as the books that some other companies try to pass off as books for the middle grade and for which they charge more than $20. I am going to add this one to my own school's collection! EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Arnold, Tedd Green Wilma: Frog in Space. Dial (Penguin), 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. A little green frog is mistaken for a little blue alien and manages to wreak havoc in space before being returned to earth. Arnold's booksa re so fun for kids with their bold colors and silly situations. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. De Monfreid, Dorothee Dark Night. Random House, 2009. $14.99. PICTURE BOOK. On a dark night in the woods, a little boy is scared by a succession of monsters, until an encounter with a little rabbit gives him the tools he needs in order to make it home safely. De Monfreid's switch on the typical monster story is fun to read - from beginning to end. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Krull, Kathleen The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth, illustrated by Greg Couch. Alfred A. Knopf (Random), 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Growing up in Utah and Idaho in the early 1900's Philo Farnsworth's imagination was captured by the few electric devices available at the time. He knew of the race to send pictures the way radio sent sound, but unless he found financial backing, his project could never get off the ground. If you grew up in Utah or Idaho, chances are you have already heard of Philo, but dye to the machinations of RCA, Philo didn't his kudos from the world until well after his death in 1971. Couch's illustrations bring in just the right feel to support Krull's text, creating a great biographical sketch of Farnsworth life and his invention. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Huget, Jennifer LaRue Thanks a LOT, Emily Post, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. Schwartz and Wade (Random), 2009. $16.99. Four little children are quite happy with their harem-scarem lives, until their mother discovers the world of Emily Post and tries to teach them their manners. Now the children must come up with something to rid their world of these nasty things called manners - at whatever the cost! While Huget seemed to be on the right track - the muddle at the end of the book just made this a disaster for me. I did not like the end at all! Now children who have no need for manners will probably love this title, but they will also be left with the idea that is you mess things up enough, you will always be able to get your way. And too many children have already taught their parents that lesson already. NO. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 6 November 2009 Barnett, Mac Guess Again! Illustrated by Adam Rex. Simon and Schuster, 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Every child's sense of what is right and orderly in the world will be challenged by this adorable picture book. The funny rhymes will lead everyone reading this right into guessing the exactly wrong answer and laughing at themselves. EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Reinhart, Matthew A Pop-Up Book of Nursery Rhymes. Little Simon, 2009. $26.99. 15 familiar nursey rhymes are recreated in three dimensions on the pages of this delightful book. While not every rhyme is reproduced in full, there is enough of each to familiarize new readers to old tales, making for a great book to read aloud at bedtime or any other time. PARENTS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Potter, Beatrix Peter Rabbit: A Winter's Tale . Frederick Warne (Penguin), 2009. Peter and his cousin Benjamin have been warned about the danger posed by mean Mr. Tod, a red fox, but when the two suspect that Tommy Brock has stolen some baby mice, they make it their job to go to the rescue. The title page says that this story is based on The Tale of Mr. Tod, but the connection is loose at best. This tale actually flows much better than the original and contains more charm. The full-color illustrations are taken from various pages of Potter's entire body of work, with the addition of snow for a wintery scene. A pop-up snow-flocked tree at the end, with snowflakes collected throughout the tale makes for a pretty holiday decoration. The small parts make this less appropriate for a school, but a perfect addition to a holiday book collection at a home. PARENTS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Willems, Mo Pigs Make Me Sneeze!, pgs.64 Hyperion Book CH. Language~G, Sexual Content~G; Violence~G; Elephant and Piggie are back! However, Gerald has a serious case of the sneezes. He seems to sneeze quite a bit when he is around Piggie. Does this mean they can no longer be friends?! Fortunately, with the help of good Doctor Cat, it turns out Elephant has a cold and not allergies to Piggie. However, since Elephant didn't practice good "Dracula" sneeze habits, Piggie got sick too. This is another delightful volume in the Piggie and Elephant adventures/dramas! The Elephant and Piggie early readers should be in every school and public library. ELM K-3 ESSENTIAL. Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library Tocci, C. Lee Stone Voice Rising, 407 pages. $17.00. Houghton Miffin Harcourt, 2009. Sexual Content - G; Language - G; Violence-PG (gun shots, child abuse, surgical experiments on a child with no anesthesia, and attempts to kill children). Lilibit is six years old and lives with her two aunties and talks to her stones. One day a man named Mr. Tree, a stone warrior, comes to take her to a place called Kiva. On the way she is kidnapped by a company with a director called Syxx. She is taken to a facility where they perform surgical experiments on her brain for five years. Brain-damaged, she ends up in a foster home with six other children. The foster children take Lilibit hiking and where she takes a stone from a mountain causing an earthquake. The earthquake kills the foster parents, but Lilibit begins to recover and wants to go to Kiva. All the foster children decide to go. They are pursued by helicopters, media advertisements, and mercenaries hired by Syxx and his company. The stones enhance each child's special talent, but will they be enough to get them to Kiva alive? Once the chase begins the plot picks up speed and though uneven, is exciting. The violence is not explicit, but the novel definitely has darker elements. Expect sequels. EL-OPTIONAL. Samantha, Public Librarian. Wallace, Rich Perpetual Check, 112 pgs. Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. RATING : Language- PG13 (about 45 swear words, no f-). This book covers the action of just one night and the following day, but it is a pivotal day in the relationship of two brothers. Randy, an high school freshman, has recently surpassed his older brother, Zeke, on the chess team as their leading player. When Zeke leaves his hotel key in the room and is out past curfew during a tournament where both brothers have made it to the final 16, he is forced to knock on Randy's door and crash there. Zeke doesn't get Randy's humor and finds his tendency to make up words annoying. He has found it easy to follow his dad's lead and not treat Randy well since he is also secretly intimidated by his brother. But this night, away from their dad, they start reaching out to each other in friendship. By the end of the tournament, they finally are able to connect to each other as brothers instead of as their father's sons. I liked this story. It is a very fast read at only 112 pages, but I was pulled right into this sibling rivalry. I enjoyed watching the scenes at the chess tournament and listening to their dialogue as Zeke tried to relate to Randy honestly, discarding his preconceived notions about his brother and seeing his dad for the bully he was. I also was intrigued by the ins and outs of playing chess competitively. Since I am so unable to do so, it was informative to learn a little about it. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Pamela, Library-Teacher. Cooney, Caroline B. If the Witness Lied, 213 pgs. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2009. RATING : Language - PG. Jack's been the good brother. He's the one who has stayed home with his little brother, Tris, and Aunt Cheryl. Neither of his sisters has been home for more than a couple of days in a year. However, with the passing of the anniversary of their Dad's birthday and death, the sisters both feel prompted to come home, arriving on the same day Jack learns about his aunt's plan to sell Tris's story to TV. With the help of Jack's neighbor Diana and armed with memories of their parents' love and courage, the siblings overcome misunderstandings among themselves and willful deceptions by others to become a family again. This is a touchingly sweet and simple story of courage, family love, and starting over. The children's memories of their parents' love and example resonated with me. I also was moved by their struggles to forgive themselves and each other for their choices since their dad's death, and their tentative overtures toward faith in God despite everything that's happened to them. I can overlook the coincidence of both sisters coming home on the very day Cheryl secures a TV contract because of how much I think Cooney was right on with the rest of the story. MS - ADVISABLE. PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian. Halpern, Jake and Peter Kujawinski Dormia, 506 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009. After learning that he is a descendant of Dormia, a hidden kingdom in the Ural Mountains whose inhabitants possess the ancient power of "wakeful sleeping," Alfonso sets out on a mission to save the kingdom from destruction, discovering secrets that lurk in his own sleep. Traveling with Bilblox, Hill, and a magic-inducing plant, Alfonso has some wonderful adventures fighting off killer plants, competing in a relay race on a pair of decaying ships, sailing across the frozen seas, following a haunted forest path, withstanding winter storms, and entering Dormia. Once there, he must help defeat those who have infultrated this hidden world and are set on killing the founding tree that keeps them alive. Final pages include selected Dormian hieroglyphs and the national anthem of Dormia. I found the adventures creative and well written. However, personally, I just didn't find very exciting the possibility of having great abilities that exhibit themselves only when you're sleeping. Alfonso has to go to sleep before he can perform at the level needed to outwit and defeat his opponents. That just seems wrong, somehow. MS - OPTIONAL. PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian. Gerber, Linda Death by Denim (Death By series, bk. 3), 211 pgs. Sleuth Speak (Penguin Group), 2009. RATING : Language & Violence - PG (couple of swear words; mild brutality). Aphra never has a day when she forgets about The Mole and his minions who would like nothing better than to find her and Seth and take their revenge. She keeps a low profile, has no friends and no contact with Seth, and chants repeatedly the mantras her mom has taught her to help her stay safe. Still, when she realizes a man is trailing her one day, Aphra is sent into an icy panic. She and her mom avoid home, dodge the Marlboro Man, and make a call to the Agency. Thus are they suddenly on the run again, and forced to once more trust the Agency. Though I haven't read the first two books and missed the set-up for Aphra and Seth's relationship and the initial confrontations between them and The Mole, this book gave me enough background information to follow the plot without trouble. The intrigue was fun spy fare. MS - ADVISABLE. HS - OPTIONAL (ninth & tenth graders). PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian. 4 November 2009 Brian, Kate Ex-mas, 216 p. Simon and Schuster, 2009. Language: PG-13 (15 swears). $9.99. Lila, a senior, is looking forward to hosting the hottest holiday party - just as soon as her parents leave for a trip. But, thanks to her bratty little brother, the jig is up and Lila is super grounded. After Lila retaliates, threatening the existence of little bro's hero, Santa Claus, she is now desperately racing after him, as he rushes to Santa's side. The only person willing to help - Lila's ex-boyfriend, whose own little brother has run off to save Santa also. The pair may not be able to out their quarrels aside long enough to rescue the boys. Light, simple and easy on the eyes - is you need of this type of romance, feel free. HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Eboch, Chris Knight in the Shadows (Haunted #3), 182 p. Simon and Schuster, 2009. $5.99. Content: G. Jon, 13, and his sister Tania, 11, are with their parents in New York scouting up new material for their stepfather's ghost-hunting show, when Tanya finds a ghost who is haunting a sword on display in the National Museum. Will it be possible to help the ghost and get rid of the evil Madame Natasha? The Haunted series is a nice little set of books for the younger set. EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Shaw, Susan One of the Survivors, 199 p. McElderry (Simon), 2009. $15.99. Content: G. Joey Campbell and his friend Maureen survived the school fire that killed the rest of the kids in their class. They may not, however, survive the vitriol that everyone in their small town is heaping upon them, accusing the two of setting the fire before the professionals come up with the actual cause. I had such high hopes for this novel, based on how much I loved Shaw's previous novel "Safe". Unfortunately, the narrative does not hang together well - the circumstances are just so improbable, to the point of being unbelievable. I wanted to love this, but just couldn't. MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Mourlevant, Jean-Claude Winter's End, 415 p. Candlewick, 2009. $17.99. Language: PG (4 swears); Violence: PG-13. Helen, Milena, Bartolomeo and Milos meet by chance and start a chain of events that bode for universally sweeping changes in their country. When Milena and Bart run away from their respective boarding schools, Helen and Milos are compelled to follow, and all four of them leap straight into danger - three of them into the hands of the underground resistance and safety and one of them into a a world of gladiator-like fights to the death. The three must race to save the life of the fourth. Winter's End is a translation of the French original, published in 2006 and the translation is one of the best I have read in a long time. While it will remind some of Hunger Games, this is more subtle and may not attract quite as large of an audience. That being said, however, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it would be a good choice for kids after they have read the other. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Frederick, Heather Vogel Dear Pen Pal, 406 p. Simon and Schuster, 2009. $15.99. Content: G. The girls of the Mother-Daughter book club and in for some big changes and surprises along with their new year of reading. This time the book of choice is "Daddy Long-Legs" about an orphan who has a secret benefactor who sends her off to boarding school. The plot of the book echoes the circumstances of the girls, as one of them receive a scholarship to a local boarding school and gets pitted against a snobby roommate. Plus, all of the girls become pen pals with a group of girls from a tiny Wyoming town. Sweet without being saccharine, the girls in the club are hitting their stride, and so is Frederick's writing. The girls' voice are becoming clear and the shift in focus from chapter to chapter is not as distracting. If you are looking for squeaky clean fiction, this one is a best bet. MA - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Deen, Paula Paula Deen's Cookbook for the Lunchbox Set, 187 p. Simon and Schuster, 2009. $21.99. Kids love to cook and Paula Deen loves food. Now the two come together in a good mid-level cookbook for the young set. Deen includes cooking lessons and manners along with the recipes. The recipes are a step up in complexity from Deen's "My First Cookbook", and cover the kinds of recipe planning that a parent and child might encounter during the school year. It's a toos-up between this and Honest Pretzels" for my favorite children's cookbook. Add some basic kitchen tools and an apron and a Christmas gift is born! PARENTS- ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Papineau, Lucie Lulu's Pajamas, illustrated by Stephanie Jorisch. Kids Can Press, 2009. $16.95. PICTURE BOOK. Lulu loves her pretty, silky red pajamas so much that she insists that she be allowed to wear them to school. After a day of school, however, the pretty pajamas are not so pretty any more. Now Lulu has a decision to make. I think everyone wishes they could wear their pajamas to school (or work) and this may be a good way to head off the problem with an adorable main character - reminiscent of, but not a direct copy of Maisie. Pre-K - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Watt, Melanie Have I got a Book for You! Kids Can Press, 2009. $16.95. PICTURE BOOK. Mr. Al FOxword can sell anything and right now he wants to sell you a copy of his book. And he will try every trick in the book to make sure you pay for a copy today - including something very sneaky, clever and unexpected! The author herself calls this a cheesy idea - and it is definitely full of schmaltz. It might actually be a good idea for a read aloud as a jump start to talking to kids about hard sell advertisers. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Horowitz, Dave Duck Duck Moose. G.P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin), 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. The ducks are headed south for the winter and they invite Moose along for the trip - get more than they bargained for. Moose is pretty silly, the gags are funny and the illustrations are a perfect accompaniment. Any parent involved with a road trip will sympathize. Pre K - 3 - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Polacco, Patricia January's Sparrow, 94 p. Philomel (Penguin), 2009. $22.99. Violence: PG (whipping). The Crosswhite family has decided to take a chance and run from their slave masters. They have just witnessed the brutal beating of another slave and hear rumors that their boys are going to be sold at auction. After running and finding safe haven, however, they may not be that safe after all. Polacco has parted from her regular short picture book style to create a deep, detailed picture book telling the story of one family's escape to freedom and the town that stood up for them. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Gravett, Emily Spells. Simon and Schuster, 2009. $16.99. A small green finds finds a ripped up spell book and tries to assemble the right words in order to turn himself into a handsome prince. But tinkering with spells can have unforeseen consequences. Kids will love the split pages in the book where they can create all sorts of mixed up characters. Adorable. EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. De Seve, Randall and Peter de Seve The Duchess of Whimsy: an absolutely delicious fairy tale. Philomel (Penguin), 2009. $17.99. The Duchess of Whimsy finds the Earl of Norm perfectly boring and resists all of his advances, until one day when everything at the castle goes horribly wrong. When given the chance to actually talk to the Earl, she may discover depths within them both that were previously hidden. Beautiful illustrations accompany a worthy new fairy tale. I hope that this wife and husband team up for more books very soon! More than just for children - adults will delight in this story, too. EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Forward, Toby Gladiators, illustrated by Steve Noon. Candlewick, 2009. $27.99. POP-UP BOOK (includes 38 page booklet that has a combination of story and facts about the era). Dive into the world of the Roman Colosseum with a fabulous pop-up book and accompanying materials. It also includes instructions for two different types of games. Little boys who love reading about gladiators will be fascinated. This would be an excellent gift book. Candlewick brought us the pop-up about the Titanic back in 2007, which is another great choice for a gift. PARENTS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Fox, Mem The Goblin and the Empty Chair, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. The goblin knows that he is ugly and goes out of the way to keep himself from the company of others. But a human family needs some help and the Goblin tries to reach out and ease their sorrow. This book is so beautiful that I really had to fit back tears as I was reading. I shared it with my assistant and she loved it too. Add this to your fairy tale collections - and use it to teach inference in your classes. But most of all, enjoy and share with your neighbors. EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Alcorn, Stephen A Gifts of Days: The greatest words to live by. Atheneum (Simon), 2009. $21.99. A famous or inspirational person born on that day - a quote from them to ponder. Alcom has combined the words with beautiful illustrations to create a quote a day book that is by no means disposable. This is the kind of book that you need in your library for when ever anyone needs some words of inspiration. EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Ray, Jane Snow White: A three-dimensional fairy tale theater. Candlewick, 2009. $19.99. POP-UP Book. Three layers of illustration accompany each page of text in this lovely book about Snow White. I don't know how long this book would last in a school, but it would certainly make a fabulous gift for any little girl who loves fairy tales. PARENTS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Oxenbury, Helen Tickle, Tickle; Clap Hands; All Fall Down; Say Goodnight. Little Simon, 1987 (2009). $7.99 each. BOARD BOOKS. Oxenbury's adorable, chubby babies have been reprinted in large-size board books. Enjoy them as they go through their day - I dare you to resist pinching their little cheeks! They haven't lost any of their from after more than 20 years. A must have for any newborn. PARENTS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Winter, Jeanette Nasreen's Secret School: A Ttrue Story from Afghanistan. Beach Lane (Simon), 2009. $16.99. Nasreen hasn't spoken a word since her mother and father disappeared. Her grandmother hopes that be sending her school , despite the Taliban's decree to the contrary, that Nazreen will regain her sense of confidence. The importance of school was never more apparent than in this simple book based upon true circumstances in Afghanistan in the late 1990's. This same scene has been repeated throughout history, as governments (or owners) feared that people under their control become educated about the greater world. EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 3 November 2009 Finn, Mary Anila's Journey, pgs.320 Candlewick Press; Language~G, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG. Anila lives in colonial India. During this time the English were a constant presence. Anila's story is one that is familiar to any who have studied the region during this time. Her mother fell in love with an Englishman who could not marry her. Anila is considered an outcast because she is not truly Indian or English. At the beginning of this story we learn that Anila's mother has just died and Anila is now alone in the world. She will not leave Calcutta incase her father returns one day. Anila's is a budding artist who especially loves to draw wildlife. She is able to gain a position on an expedition to hopefully discover a new species of bird life. This expedition opens up both the beautiful and the ugly to Anila. This is a slightly slow moving, but beautiful coming of age story, placed in an exotic land. If you have fans for more classic writing I would recommend this title, otherwise leave it to the public libraries to pick this one up. The sexual content involves Anila's mother living for a time as a mistress to another wealthy Englishman and the violence stems from Anila stumbling upon a beaten slave. MS -OPTIONAL. Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library 1 November 2009 Clough-Jahn, Lisa Me, Penelope, 200pgs. Language-G (3 swears,0 "f"), Sexual Content-PG13; violence-G. Penelope (Lopi) has a lot of things she wants to accomplish before she graduates, and she has figured away to graduate one year early. Lopi is an only child, who lives with her mom because her little brother died, and her dad left. Unfortunately her and her mom do get into a lot of fights although everyone else thinks her mom is so cool. They end up running into a lot of trouble, and don't know how it is going to end up. I think this book is really good, and is also a little inappropriate (pretty heavy petting). HS- ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: MM Martin, C.K Kelly One Lonely Degree, 371pgs. Random house,2009. Language- R(40 swears, 10 "f" - up to the point I stopped), Sexual Content- PG13; Violence-G. I read about 68 pages of this book and it said the F word a lot and had a swear on almost every page, so here is what happened during my read. Finn is 17 and goes to as Christian high school, and she is not popular at all but she is not one she would call ugly or pretty. When Finn goes to art class and discovers a new boy, she learns that he is a childhood friend who moved away. And she also discovers something else she might be in love with him. Later she discovers that her friend is in love with him to, who will he choose and will they still be friends. NO. Student Reviewer: MM Oaks, J. Adams Why I Fight, 228 pgs. Richard Jackson Book (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), 2009. RATINGS : Language - PG13 (mostly contains innocuous substitutes for swear words, until the very end); Sexual Content & Violence - PG. Set in an unnamed area, this book contains Wyatt's narrative of his life as told to you, the reader, someone he has met on the bus at the very end of the story. The language is full of colloquialisms and grammatical errors, which makes the story very immediate and personal. Wyatt has not had love or acceptance from his parents, and when his uncle Spade offers to take him away, he doesn't hesitate. For a long time, he reveres Spade. However, Spade isn't much of a role model either, moving from girlfriend to girlfriend and using everyone he knows to get what he wants. When Wyatt grows into a very large 14-year-old and punches out a pig at a pig-catching contest, Spade sees a chance to make money and has Wyatt fighting bare-knuckled on a betting circuit. Despite his hard knocks and failure to learn how to get along with others, I am determined to remain hopeful that Wyatt will find his way in the world, that he will be able to follow his naturally tender heart and actually become a gentle, content adult. This story makes me care about him and want him to succeed. Unfortunately, the odds are working against him. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian. Cross, Sarah Dull Boy, 308 pgs. Dutton Books (Penguin Group), 2009. RATING Language - PG13 (over 100 swears, no f- words). We meet Avery Pirzwick as he is trying to counteract all the inadvertent trouble he's been getting into because of his powers - busting his neighbor's car door, breaking his wrestling opponent's arm, lying to his friends to keep his powers hidden. He ends up losing these friends, getting caught in the middle of an apparent attempted robbery, and being sent to an alternative school for troubled youth. Though he feels completely isolated and misunderstood because of his powers, others have taken an interest in him exactly because of them. When another boy with superpowers decides to run away with Cherchette, a suspicious adult luring the kids away from their families, Avery and his new friends finally realize they must work together to save their friend. The story moves at a good clip and may be enjoyed by readers who like X-Men. However, the plot and Avery's internal conflicts are pretty predictable, and the connection between the villain and the main characters is left largely undeveloped. The language will keep this one out of my school collection. MS - OPTIONAL. PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian. Davies, Jacqueline Tricking the Tallyman: The Great Census Shenanigans of 1790, illustrated by S. D. Schindler. Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. When Phineas Bump rides into the small Vermont village of Tunbridge, he encounters residents who have mistaken ideas about the purpose of the first census of the United States and try to skew his count in their favor. After two counts that were first too small and then too big, the townsfolk persuade Mr. Bump to count them one last time when they learn that the census was to determine taxes and soldiers owed to the government as well as their representation in that government. The author includes one page of nonfiction information about the first census and types of questions asked. EL - ADVISABLE. PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian. Fern, Tracey E. Pippo the Fool, illustrated by Pau Estrada. Charlesbridge, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. When Filippo Brunelleschi hears about his town's contest to design a dome for the cathedral, he sees the chance he's been waiting for. His designs for peculiar machines that no one needs and sketches of outlandish structures no one wants to build have earned him the nickname Pippo the Fool, but he knows he can solve this new architectural challenge. Based on the true story of how the cathedral of Florence gained a dome, Pippo meets the challenge and becomes known as Pippo the Genius. This story has beautiful illustrations and could be used for character-development lessons in middle school. EL - ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE. PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian. Platt, Richard Roman Diary: The Journal of Iliona of Mytilini, Who Was Captured by Pirates and Sold as a Slave in Rome, AD 107; illustrated by David Parkins. 64 pgs. Candlewick Press, 2009. With a larger-than-typical page size, two-column text format, and graphic-novel illustrations, this fictional diary of a young Greek girl who works as a slave in Rome gives the reader an educational glimpse into life in ancient Rome. One learns about common practices of the day, such as the slave trade, education, public baths, social classes, military ranks, the senate, indoor plumbing, religion, gladiator fights, theater, and dining. The last six pages contain nonfiction information about all these topics, as well as a timeline of Roman history. Includes glossary and index. There are enough facts and great illustrations to make this of interest to middle-school students. EL - ESSENTIALD; MS - ADVISABLE. PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian. Robbins, Ken Food for Thought: The Stories Behind the Things We Eat, 45 pgs. Roaring Brook Press, 2009. NONFICTION. RATING - G. Robbins relates famous stories, anecdotes, historical highlights, and nutritional tidbits for several common foods : apples, oranges, corn, bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, pomegranates, grapes, and mushrooms. Four pages devoted to each food, this book leaves the reader with some interesting and, most likely, previously unknown trivia. Each chapter is illustrated with photos and paintings. EL - ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE. PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian. 30 October 2009 Hoaxed! Fakes & Mistakes in the World of Science, 45 p. Kids Can Press, 2009. $16.95. Take a look at six major hoaxes (or not hoaxes) and several other minor hoaxes from around the world and learn how not to be taken in by a hoax in this bright, fun and interesting book all about hoaxes. The science is well supported and the accompanying pictures help keep students' attention. Watch out - you may find crop circles popping up around your town! EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Reidy, Jean Too Purpley! Illustrated by Genevieve LeLoup. Bloomsbury, 2010. $11.99. PICTURE BOOK. Before she can go out and play for the day, a little girl tries on many clothes, hoping to find the perfect outfit. Spare of words and rich of colorful illustrations, this picture book will delight young girls who love to try on clothes. Pre-K - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Rosenthal, Amy Krouse Bedtime for Mommy, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Bloomsbury, 2010. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. A little girl takes charge of getting her Mommy ready for bed, from the night time bath to getting her that last drink of water. Absolutely adorable! I love the reversal of roles and so will your children. Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Steer, Dugald Drake's Comprehensive Compendium of Dragonology, 179 p. Candlewick, 2009. What ho lovers of all things dragons! The definitive book on everything dragon-related has arrived. History, biology, geneology, anthroplogy - every ology is well-represented in this quite honestly comprehensive look at the species. While mostly brown and white (that's right), there are some colored illustrations included - in very vivid detail. I can only imagine that the reader for this book will spend many hours reading and rereading the fascinating material. Beautifully done! EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. O'Malley, Kevin Animals Crackers Fly the Coop. Walker and Company, 2010. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. The chicken dreams of being a "comedi-hen" and sets off to find her place. Along the way, she acquires a few comedian friends and use their skills to chase away a house of robbers and create themselves a space to showcase their talents. This funny take on the Bremen Town Musicians will be a delight for silly kids who love silly jokes. They may not get the homage, but they will definitely enjoy the jokes. Teachers who enjoy twisted tales will want this book for their collections also. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Smith, Miranda Speed Machines and Other Record-Breaking Vehicles. 61 p. Kingfisher, 2009. $12.95. A dizzying array of vehicles in every shape, size and speed await the reader in this highly charged book packed with full-color photographs and detailed information. If your child owns more than a dozen Hot Wheels cars, this is the perfect book for them. While not meant for research purposes, the entertainment value is extremely high. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Garland, Michael Miss Smith and the Haunted Library. Dutton (Penguin), 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. The class trip to the library for story time seems to be spooky and dangerous as the characters from each tale come to life and join the students. Zack must jump in and help create order from chaos before the creepy guests scare off the seniors' book club whoa re o their way up the walk. Miss Smith and her class delight again as they join in the fun of Halloween. One more excellent book for your holiday bookshelf. EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Rex, Michael The Runaway Mummy: A Petrifying Parody. G. P. Putnam's, 2009. $15.99. PICTURE BOOK. A little mummy is determined to runaway and tells his big mummy all about the terrible things he will become in his quest - including the scariest shape of them all - a soccer playing little boy. This wacky parody of Runaway Bunny is perfect for Halloween or any other time a kid wants a taste of danger and excitement. EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Marrin, Albert Years of Dust: The Story of the Dust Bowl, 122 p. Dutton (Penguin), 2009. Marrin has written a beautiful, well-researched book on the history of the Dust Bowl. Every page of text is accompanied by about 200 maps, illustrations, paintings, and the period photographs that make this time come alive for the modern reader. Any classroom that studies the period will want this book. My own daughter is reading The Grapes of Wrath and when I showed her teacher, she immediately stole it from my hands to use as background information for her lessons. With a document camera in your classroom, you can't go wrong. MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Ellwand, David Fairie-Ality Style: A Sourcebook of Inspirations from Nature, 136 p. Candlewick, 2009. Using some pictures from his orginal Farie-ality Fashion collection, supplemented by a host of original photographs of nature at her finest, Ellwand creates a sourcebook for any creative type, whether fashion, art, music, sculpture, etc. Though the emphasis is on Ellwand's awe-inspiring fashion, don't place limits on this book. Show it to every artistic person you know. HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 29 October 2009 Hall, Barbara Tempo Change, 247 pages Delacorte Press, 2009 Language-G (5 swears no "f") Sexual Content- G Violence- G. Blanche Kelly, the daughter of famous musician Duncan Kelly, but no one really knows. Blanche has come into contact with her father years after her left, but she is keeping it from her mom. Spur of the moment Blanche decides to form an all girl rock band, The Fringers in hopes of qualifying for Coachella, a perfect time to meet up with her father agian, but can The Fringers make it? Will Blanche's father come? MS-ADVISABLE Sudent Reviewer:EM Griffin, Paul The Orange Houses 147 pages Dial Books, 2009 Language- PG-13 (10 swears no "f") Sexual Content- PG Violence- PG-13. MIK is a 15 year old girl that lives in NYC, her hearing isn't the greatest but she likes it that way. She feels like she can shut out the world, but the reality is she can't shut out danger. JIMMI is a war vet at 18 who everyone thinks is crazy. FATIMA is a immigrant who has arrived all alone in New York, she needs to get a job and try to send her sister here. When all three meet up they start a chain reactions that affect each immensely, can Mik protect her self from danger, and Fatima not get caught by the police for being here illegally? MS/ HS-ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: EM Holder,Nancy Possessions, 295pgs.Penguin Group, 2009. Language-R (A swear on almost every page. No "f") Sexual Content-PG(body language.); Violence- G; New girl Lindsay sees popular Mandy with black eyes behind a hedge. Mandy has a not-so-popular girl Kiyoko, strapped on a plank and in handcuffs. Ever since then Lindsey notices that Mandy may be possessed. Her eye colors always change from blue to black, and there has been a strange spirit in Mandy's window. When Lindsay starts having breakdowns she doesn't want her best friend Julie to be with Mandy. When Kiyoko dies things start getting really strange. The ending of this book has a fun exciting twist, and made me want more. This book was kind of confusing at some times, but if you re-read some sentences it will be more understandable. I think this book is a fun book if you like exciting horror stories. Boys I would not recommend this to you, because it is a girly horror. MS, HS- OPTIONAL. Reviewer: AS Mass, Wendy Finally 12, 296 pages. Scholastic Press, 2010. $16.99. Language-G (0 swears), Sexual Content-G; Violence-G. Whenever Rory asks her parents to do something she always gets the same answer, when you're twelve Rory. When the day finally comes she learns that her life was better when her parents were always at her side. You will be so interested in this book that you will never want to put it down. There is also a good lesson to it, it's to not always be like your friends, make the right decision. EL/MS- ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: MM Warman, Jessica Breathless, 311 pgs. Walker, 2009. Language- PG13 (4 "f"s); Sexual content- PG13; Violence-PG; Katie Kitrell's brother just committed suicide and Katie is lost. She goes to boarding school to get her mind off that, but things are just getting worse. She told her roommate Mazzie about his death, and told her not to tell anyone. Keeping secrets for Mazzie is easy until the phone rings. It is Will, Katie's "dead" brother. Now Mazzie knows what is going on. When Katie still doesn't tell her boyfriend, he gets furious! Katie is torn between her normal life and her love life. Can she keep the secret in? Or will she let it all out and let it ruin her world? This book was very boring at the beginning, but it got much better later on. I suspected it to be scary judging by the cover, but trust me it isn't scary. The ending was very heart-warming , and I read it over again, because i liked it so much. HS- AD. Reviewer: AS Tahmaseb, Charity The Geek Girl's Guide To Cheerleading, 2009. Language- PG (3swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content: PG; Violence: G. Bethany and her best friend Moni, have a always been part of the nerd herd, until one day they decided to join the varsity cheer squad. But then something happens and Bethany becomes popular. This is an okay book that may just make you want to cheer - for me, I was kind of bored. MS/HS-OPTIONAL. Student Reviewer MM 22 October 2009 Ferguson, Alane The Dying Breath, 232 p. Viking (Penguin), 2009. Violence: PG-13 (forensic science), Language: PG (5 swears). Cameryn would like to believe that Kyle O'Neill is dead, but her luck just can't be that good. Three new murders in town and a note for Cameryn prove that Kyle is very much alive and just as obsessed with her as ever. Everyone around Cam wants to protect, including Justin, the hunky deputy sheriff, but Cam is determined to play this her own way, even if it means she may end up dying. This looks like it may be the last book in the series. For kids who love forensic mysteries, this has been a great series. I don't think the mystery as quite as tight in this one, but the deaths are not main focus hear -staying alive when you are stalked by a psychopath is. So, hang on and enjoy the ride! MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Rottman, S.L. Out of the Blue, 297 p. Peachtree, 2009. $16.95. Language: PG-13 (25+ swears, no 'f'), Violence: PG (lightly describe physical and emotional abuse), FYI - some drinking and pot smoking are included. Stuart, 15, is a little bit tired of the military life. His mom is now the commander of an entire base, but his older brother is off to college and his dad is using the ill-health of Stuart's grandmother to take a break from his family. In reaction, Stuart has decided to make some stupid, reckless choices, even if those choices are in defense of a little boy who lives across the street. I learned a lot of things about military life that, as a civilian, I never really understood. Rottman writes really great problem fiction with boys as the main characters and everyone of his books is worth having in your library. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Sorrells, Walter Whiteout (Hunted #3), 312 p. Dutton (Penguin), 2009. $15.99. Violence: PG (spousal and child abuse lightly described), Language: PG-13 (20 + swears, no 'f'). Chass and her mother are at another town with another assumed identity and Chass is really settling in this time. SO when a murder occurs in the middle of a whiteout, Chass knows she better solve the mystery quickly, or else she and Mom will be on the run again. This time the suspects are many and the course is complicated - and unfortunately it also involves Kyle van Epps - the very man who has been after Chass and her mother all of these years. The mystery only gets deeper with this third installment in the series. I just wish I didn't have to wait so long for each one to come out! How long until #4 Mr. Sorrells? MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Beddor, Frank Archenemy, 370 p. Dial (Penguin), 2009. $17.99. Violence: PG (battle scenes). Though Alyss and the Wonderlanders think that Redd and Arch have been sent packing after the defeat of their plan to destroy the Heart Crystal, neither enemy is actually down for the count. Both of Wonderland's enemies have dastardly plans for the country - plans that will send Alyss back to her London home, maybe forever. Dodge, Hatter, Molly and a host of other characters will have to rally all of their courage if they have even the slightest chance of saving Wonderland and Alyss. You can so tell that Beddor has movies in his background, but Archenemy reads like a wonderfully scripted film. The characters, settings and everything else are easy to imagine and the action works well from scene to scene. Make sure you have enough copies of this one on hand. MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Hemmingway, Edith M. Road to Tater Hill, 213 p. Delacorte (Random), 2009. $16.99. Content: G. Every summer Annie, 10, looks forward to summers at her grandparents' mountain farm. This summer, however, while Dad is off serving his country in the Air Force, Annie's baby sister is born early and dies - leaving Mom almost comatose and everyone else treating Annie like a baby. She must find her own solace in the mountains, the river, and an unlikely friendship with Eliza, a woman who is now living alone in an old, abandoned cabin. Together, the two may be able to work through their feelings of loss and grief. Ms. Hemingway paints a beautiful portrait of the stages of grief and healing and combines it with a love of her own mountain home that shines clearly through. How I wish the protagonist were five years older - I envy the elementary level teachers who should all read this with their students. EL - ESSENTIAL, MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher 18 October 2009 Rockliff, Mara The Busiest Street in Town, illustrated by Sarah McMenemy. Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. $16.99. Agatha May Walker lives on the busiest street in town, Rushmore Boulevard. One day she tries to cross the street to visit a friend, but can't because of the traffic. So she goes home and makes gingersnaps. She puts on her best hat, brings her cookies, and places her chair in the middle of the street. When the drivers complain she offers them a cookie. Soon everyone in the neighborhood is enjoying the street; playing games, planting flowers, playing Parcheesi, and dancing to a mariachi band. The style of the watercolor illustrations and the characters hark back to the sixties, but luckily every page is filled with bright colors. The premise is fun, but I could not get over the safety issue of playing in the street. EL-ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. Low, Dene Petronella Saves Nearly Everyone (The Entomological Tales of Augustus T. Percival), illustrated by Jen Corace, 196 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009. $16.99. Language-G ; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G . Petronella's guardian Uncle Augustus accidently swallows a beetle the day of her coming out party and suddenly has a voracious appetite for bugs. While trying to catch a moth, Uncle Augustus brings down the party tent on all of guests. When the mess is cleared two important people are missing. A ransom note comes on a butterfly's wing. Petronella decides to solve this entomological mystery despite several bugging problems; namely, interfering aunts, a bug-devouring uncle, and turn of the century restrictions on women. Luckily, she has the help of her best friend Jane Sinclair and her handsome older brother Lord James Sinclair. Recommend this book to fans of the Enola Holmes series. MS /HS - ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. Blume, Judy Friend or Fiend? with the Pain & the Great One, illustrations by James Stevenson. 111 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2009. $12.99. Content - G. The Pain (Jake) and the Great One (his older sister Abigail) are back again. Jake's in first grade and he misreads a word in class and everyone teases him. He says "fiend" instead of "friend." Jake decides that his friends are now fiends, especially when Justin dresses up as a fiend for Halloween. Friend or fiend is the theme that loosely ties this book of vignettes together. The story is alternately narrated by the Pain, the Great One, and their cat Fluzzy. The ink drawings perfectly illustrate the siblings' squabbles and adventures. Recommend this series to fans of Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park. EL - ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian Elliott, David Finn Throws a Fit, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering. Candlewick Press, 2009. $16.99. Finn usually likes peaches, but not today. Finn is throwing a fit. Finn's fit is like thunder, lightning, floods of tears, avalanche, and even an earthquake. And then it ends and he would like some peaches, please. Finn Throws a Fit is a perfect book to read aloud and the whimsical illustrations that will draw in readers of all ages. EL- ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. 12 October 2009 McKissack, Patricia C. The Clone Codes, 192 pgs. Scholastic Press, 2010. $16.99. Language-G ; Sexual Content-G; Violence-PG . It's 2071 and the production of clones for servants is a big business. Clones have no gender, no names, and no rights. Leanna is a smart teen who attends a virtual school. Instead of learning about Harriet Tubman, Leanna virtually relives the experience as a member of an underground railroad. Just a few hours later, Leanna's mom is arrested and Leanna barely escapes. Leanna learns that her mother is a member of the Liberty Bell movement whose purpose is equal rights for all-including clones and cyborgs. Leanna also discovers a family secret and an alien prophecy that will change her world as she knows it. Clones' status and lack of rights is compared to African-American slavery and the Black codes; the parallels are thought provoking. A fast paced and fascinating science fiction read, perfect for reluctant readers. Story ends abruptly, expect a sequel. MS /HS - ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. Noyes, Deborah Hana in the Time of the Tulips, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Candlewick Press, 2009. $7.99. In Holland during the 1630s, tulips were like gold. Hana's father is a merchant who trades tulips. He is always tired and unhappy. Hana is determined to find a cure for her father's unhappiness and gives him a rosary, fireflies, and a finally a painting of a tulip. Meanwhile, the tulip market crashes and Hana's father fears he will lose everything. The 1630s Dutch tulip speculation and subsequent economic collapse can be compared to the current economic downturn, making this a reprint timely one. The author's note at the end gives the history behind the story. The gorgeous illustrations are reminiscent in style of the Dutch painter Rembrandt-who makes a brief appearance in the story. EL- ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. Meserve, Jessica Can Anybody Hear Me? 28 pgs. Clarion Books, 2008. $16.00. Jack's family is very loud and they don't listen very well. So when Jack tells them he's going up the mountain, no one hears. Jack takes his best friend Chester (stuffed animal) and climbs the mountain. Jack sees a wolf cub alone and howls to let the mama wolf know where to find him. Then Jack meets a bear and Chester tells him to growl and scare the bear away. A fun story about the importance of listening, kids will love to howl and growl with Jack. The western illustrations are charming. EL- ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. McAllister, Angela Leon and the Place Between, illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith. Templar Books (Candlewick Press), 2008. $16.99. Leon believes in magic, but his brothers are skeptical and his little sister unsure. They attend a magic show at the circus and Leon volunteers to disappear in a box. The magician sends him to the place between here and there-a place of magic. There he rides a magic carpet, meets another boy, and saves a bunny. The illustrations are truly magical, resembling digitally animated movies like Coraline and James and the Giant Peach. Foldout pages and die cuts add to the fun. The varying typography adds to the circus feel of the book. EL-ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. Paul, Ann Whitford Word Builder, illustrated by Kurt Cyrus. Simon & Schuster, 2009. $16.99. The construction of words and sentences has never so literal. A child construction worker, complete with yellow hard hat, hammers and drills letters together to form words. Once words are formed, the construction worker uses mortar to punctuate and paragraphs to frame. This clever concept is perfectly rendered with the colorful construction illustrations. EL-ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. Spangler, Brie The Grumpy Dump Truck. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House), 2009. $15.99. Bertrand was a grumpy dump truck. He honked, yelled, and grumbled. One day Bertrand runs into a porcupine named Tilly who accidently pokes him with one of her quills. She tries to explain, but grouchy Bertrand won't listen. Tilly pulls out the quill and removes several other items that had been stuck in the dump truck, like a wrench and a screwdriver. Bertrand feels better and behaves nicer. The illustrations are bright and simple and the word bubbles give it a cartoon-like feel. EL-OPTIONAL. Samantha, Public Librarian. Yonezu, Yusuke A Cup for Everyone, adapted by Kate Westerlund. Penguin, 2008. $15.99. Pucca was a penguin and his father made special cups for a living, but business wasn't very good. So he packed up his cups and went to sell them in other villages. Pucca played with his father's clay and made figurines that looked like his friends. Then he made a figurine cup that looked like Ms. Parrot. Soon everyone in town wanted a cup that looked like them. When his father returned there was plenty of business and no need to leave again. The illustrations are colorful and appealing. Children will enjoy choosing their own special cup. EL-ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. Doughty, Rebecca. Oh No! Time to Go! A Book of Goodbyes. Schwartz & Wade, 2009. $15.99. A boy explains the different ways to say "hello" and "goodbye" from Grandma's "Later, gator" to a dog's growl. When it's time to leave his friends and come home for dinner, he yells that he won't go. Then he explains that the worst goodbye is when a friend moves; however, the boy realizes that although it is hard to say goodbye, there is always a new person to meet. The illustrations have a Shel Silverstein-like feel, but with color. On the moving day illustration, you can see a very small "plumber's crack" on the moving man. EL-ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian Braeuner, Shellie. The Great Dog Wash, illustrated by Robert Neubecker. Simon & Schuster, 2009. $15.99. Dogs of all sizes and breeds are all in need of a wash. Each dog must get in the tub for a bubbly scrub. Everything is going well; the dog washers are getting rid of the smell, when someone brings a cat. After the cat each dog goes, so the dog washers follow and finish the job with a hose. The Dr. Seuss-like meter and rime propel the story, making this book a great read-aloud. The illustrations are a perfect match filled with color and energy. EL-ESSENTIAL. Samantha, Public Librarian. Finchler, Judy Congratulations, Miss Malarkey! illustrated by Kevin O'Malley. Walker & Company, 2009. $16.99. A young boy worries that his teacher Miss Malarkey is quitting her job when she starts acting oddly. She sings in the halls and giggles with the school staff. Miss Malarkey teaches her students about different marriage customs around the world. Finally, he can't take it anymore, he asks Miss Malarkey if she is quitting. She assures him that she isn't quitting and that she'll share her secret with him tomorrow. The next day Miss Malarkey has a wedding invitation for each student. Another fun installment in the Miss Malarkey series that will help students adapt to changes in their teacher's personal lives. The illustrations are expressive and comedic. EL-ESSENTIAL. Samantha, Public Librarian. Salas, Laura Purdie. Stampede! Poems to Celebrate the Wild Side of School, illustrated by Steven Salerno. Clarion Books, 2009. $16.00. The poems discuss everything about school from buzzing outside the schoolyard before it starts, to the last bell ringing and the stampede out the door. The poems and imaginative illustrations are perfectly paired. The children's features and body movements resemble the animals that their behavior is similar to (e. g. monkeys, elephants, centipede, etc.). EL-ESSENTIAL. Samantha, Public Librarian. 9 October 2009 Lucas, David Something To Do. Philomel (Penguin), 2009. $14.99. PICTURE BOOK. Little Bear and Big Bear have nothing to do, until they find a stick on the ground and use it to fuel their imaginations. Reminiscent of, but not as good as, Harold and the Purple Crayon (or a rip-off?), the two bear's have a cute little journey for the day. Pre-K - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Yoon, Salina Find My Feet! Robin Corey Books (Random), 2009. $6.99. BOARD BOOK. Several Animals seem to have mixed up their feet. Spin the wheel or mix-up the feet as you wish. A perfect little busy book for someone you love who is just old enough to spin a wheel and know which feet do or do not belong! Pre-K - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Friedman, Laurie Thanksgiving Rules, illustrated by Teresa Murfin. Carolrhoda (Lerner), 2009. $16.95. PICTURE BOOK. Percy Isaac Gifford has a plan - a plan for the most important things about Thanksgiving - eating as much as inhumanly possible! But his rules don't just apply to eating the food, but also doing what you can to smooth the way to eating as early as possible by being polite, kind and helpful before AND after the meal. Percy is pretty cute and does have some goof tips on being polite, trying everythin in front of you and having a great time with the relatives. It might be a good read aloud to talk about manners for the upcoming holiday. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Willis, Jeanne and Tony Ross Flabby Cat and Slobby Dog. Andersen Press (Lerner), 2009. PICTURE BOOK. Flabby Cat and Shaggy Dog think that buying a bigger sofa will solve their space problems as they sit and sit and eat and eat. When they grow too big, however, they set out to look for their old friends Cunning Tiger and Wild Wolf for company. As they pair journey on, they give up and return home, only to find the tiger and wolf waiting for them in the most unlikely of places. Talk to kids about the importance of getting out and moving with this adorable picture book. A great read aloud just before recess! EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Catusanu, Mircea The Strange Case of the Missing Sheep. Viking (Penguin), 2009. $16.99. Content: G. PICTURE BOOK. Wolf lived in the Dark Forest and he needed some sheep. Luckily the sheep in nearby Happy Valley were easily susceptible to a little enticement and now it is up to Super Sheep Dog Doug to get to the bottom of this story. As far as I can tell, this is Ms. Catusanu's first picture book - both as an author or as an illustrator - and I can't wait to see more from her. Her sly humor and clever drawings are a perfect mix for a young child to enjoy hearing and a parent or other adult to enjoy reading to them. This would be especially good fter reading the traditional tale of the Big Bad Wolf or any of the parodies. EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Rodriguez, Rachel Building on Nature: The Life of Antoni Gaudi, illustrated by Julie Paschkis. Henry Holt, 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Gaudi's avant-garde architecture is celebrated in this simple picture book about his inspirations, teachers and style. Paschkis' illustrations are nice counterpoint to the text and really evoke Gaudi's style without being a copy cat. There is a short bio in the back of the book - I could have only hoped for a couple of photographs of Gaudi's actually buildings. Schools that do any kind of bio on famous artists would easily use this - and it would be great for an elementary to read with their class. EL - ESSENTIAL. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Waring, Geoff Oscar and the Bird: A Book about Electricity. Candlewick, 2009. $14.99. PICTURE BOOK. Oscar finds a tractor in the field and turns on the wipers by accident. A helpful bird explains to Oscar about electricity how electricity is generated, different kinds of batteries and the many uses for electricity. While the narrative is a little forced, this is a fine elementary level book about electirty, perfect for the beginning of a science lesson. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Carroll, Lewis Alice in Wonderland, illustrated by Rodney Matthews. 92 p. (Does NOT include Through The Looking Glass). Templar (Candlewick, 2009. $24.99. Matthews has added beautiful full-color illustrations and many quirky black and white pictures to this edition of the first half of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The full-color illustrations are a treat to gaze on and the book comes in a sturdy slipcase with embedded jewels. I just wish it was both halves of the story. I think right now I prefer Alison Joy's illustrated version as a gift for adults and Helen Oxenbury's for a child. OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Barretta, Gene Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci, Henry Holt, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. Using colorful illustrations, copies of Leonardo's original works and writing and just enough text, Barretta looks at Leonardo's ideas and how they inspired, pre-dated and created many of the wonderful inventions we take for granted each day. What Baretta did for Benjamin Franklin he has also done for Leo - and done it very well. Make sure you have both books in your library! EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Church, Caroline Jayne One More Hug for Madison, Orchard (Scholastic), 2010. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. Madison Mouse is not ready for bed, so she delays the time with some classic tactics. Madison is cute - she is irresistible. I had a squirmy 2 year old over and when we sat down to read this one, I had his undivided attention. Pre-K - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Tierney, Fiona Lion's Lunch? Illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain. Chicken House (Scholastic), January 2010. PICTURE BOOK. $17.99. When little Sarah strolls into the jungle, she encounters a hungry lion who is desperate to prove that she does not belong, so that he can eat her for his lunch. When Sarah proves she has a unique talent (drawing), Lion doesn't like his portrait and wants to know what he must do to be better inside and out. With delicious vocabulary words and a multi-pronged message, Lion's Lunch will be used in many different ways. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Cooper, Elisha Farm, Orchard (Scholastic), April 2010. PICTURE BOOK. $17.99. Follow the rhythms, moods, seasons and challenges for the persons, animals, and crops i on the family farm. The watercolor and pencil drawings are luminescent, the text is a delicate balance. Younger children fascinated by farming, learning about farming or involved in farming will probably enjoy looking at this picture book. EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Edwards, Pamela Duncan Princess Pigtoria and the Pea, illustrated by Henry Cole. Orchard (Scholastic), February 2010. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Prince Proudfoot is looking for a proper princess bride; Princess Pigtoria is hoping to find a prince who will help her restore her castle to its former glory. Both of them will discover that their expectations are not what they actually need. Funky, bright illustrations accompany the text of this altered version of The Princess and the Pea. It would make an amusing read aloud and contains some lessons about manners and choosing friends. EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. DePalma, Mary Newell The Perfect Gift. Arthur A. Levine (Scholastic), January 2010. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Little Lorikeet found a beautiful strawberry as a gift for her grandma, but lost it in a stream. With the help of a few new friends, she might be able to rescue it, but that is only the beginning of the story. I thought this was going to bea fairly standard book about the importance of working together, but it turned into a much cuter book than that. A clever teacher could use this as a jumping off point to a very appreciated holiday gift for a parent or grandparent - because sometimes we forget what those who love really want from us. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Kerley, Barbara The Extraordinary Mark Twain, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham. Scholastic Press, January 2010. $17.99. PICTURE BOOK. Using actual excerpt from a biography that Mark Twain's 13-year-old daughter wrote about the famous man, Kerley presents a picture book biography that goes well beyond what is typically known about Twain and gives us good insight into how to write a good bio, too. Did you know that Mark Twain had a family? I am not sure how I missed that (or forgot) information through the years. It's a good mix of personal information about the man and lots about Susy and the 130 pages she ended up writing about her papa. Buy this for your favorite English teacher, along with a copy of Twain's autobiography, which contains some of Twain's favorite passages from Susy's writings. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Lord, Cynthia Hot Rod Hamster, illustrated by Derek Anderson. Scholastic Press, 2010. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. When Hamster sees the Hot Rod race notice, he wants to join, but must make several choices before he has a car worthy of the race. There is an odd mix between rhyming text and balloon talk in this picture book. While I like the idea of a small child being able to make choices about what Hamster should put on his hot rod, the rhyming text feels like an odd addition, and it doesn't really flow. The illustrations really save the day and a car-crazy boy will enjoy even just looking. EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Morris, Jennifer E. Please Write Back. Cartwheel Books (Scholastic), 2010. EARLY READER. $3.99. Alfie, a little alligator, has written a letter to his grandmother and is anxiously awaiting her answer. Sure to spur a flurry of writing activity between grandparents and grandchildren, this is a very cute beginning reader book. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Greene, Jacqueline Dembar The Secret Shofar of Barcelona, illustrated by Doug Chayka. Kar-Ben (Lerner), 2009. $7.95. PICTURE BOOK. At the height of the Spanish Inquisition, a young boy has the courage to blow the shofar, a Jewish instrument, during his father's concert in secret celebration of Rosh Hashanah. Loosely based on a legend told by Spain's conversos, Jews who pretended to be Catholics, this is none-the-less a good tale about the courage and ingenuity that the Jews used to keep their religion in defiance of Spain's terrible laws. It would be good for a Jewish family to own, but also for a class learning about Jewish history or holidays. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Harris, Trudy The Clock Struck One, illustrated by Carrie Hartman. Millbrook (Lerner), 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.95. Harris takes a short little Mother Goose rhyme and turns it into a full-length poem full of fun, danger and adventure. A great rea aloud for a young class or at home or at the library for story time. EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Bootman, Colin The Steel Pan Man of Harlem. Carolrhoda (Lerner), 2009. $16.95. PICTURE BOOK. The Pied Piper of Hamelin has been transplanted to mid-1900's Harlem, New York in this version that has a Caribbean steel drum instead of a flute as its instrument. Bootman has written this book in honor of his Trinidadian heritage, his steel pan uncles and the vibrant culture of Harlem. Any teacher could read the original version of they Pied Piper story, but then make sure you follow it up with this modern twist. EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Walker, Sally M. Druscilla's Halloween, illustrated by Lee White. Carolrhoda (Lerner), 2009. Druscilla wants to sneak along with the other witches on tiptoe to scare th little kiddies, but her creaky knees make that almost impossible. Hopefully, she tries a few different ways to get around silently, until she happens upon the most perfect conveyance for a tricky witch. I had no idea that this clever little book was an origins story! Every Halloween collection will greatly benefit by this addition! EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 7 October 2009 Moser, Lisa Kisses on the Wind, illustrated by Kathryn Brown. Candlewick, 2009. $15.99. Content: G. PICTURE BOOK. As her parents pack for their wagon journey to Oregon, a little girl despairs of missing her grandmother's love. Together the two enjoy one last day before they must say goodbye forever. Beautiful, heart-touching, a book that any child will understand if they have to say goodbye to someone they love. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Pavey, Peter One Dragon's Dream: A Counting Book. Candlewick, 2009. $17.99. Content: G. PICTURE BOOK. During his dreams a succession of animals interact with the dragon until he arrives safely back home to bad again. Every page is a wealth of "I Spy", in this odd little book about a dragon. The illustrations are colorful, complicated and highly detailed - almost too much so for how simple the text. Younger children may enojoy reading this with a parent. PARENTS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Bass, Hester The Secret World of Walter Anderson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis. Candlewick, 2009. $17.99. Content: G. PICTURE BOOK. Walter Anderson was a prolific artist who spent most of his adult life living and painting on isolated islands off of the coast of New Orleans. His work is relatively unknown and much of it was lost during Hurricane Katrina. But with what is left, his deep passion for his subjects comes shining through. There seems to be a trend towards artist related picture books. If you have an art teacher who is devoted to biographical looks at artists, these books can be an inspiration and a useful classroom tool. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Perry, John The Book That Eats People, illustrated by Mark Fearing. Tricycle, 2009. $15.99. Content: G. PICTURE BOOK. This is a bad, bad book - incorrigible, unrepentant and mad for the taste of people. No matter what anyone tries, it always manages to escape and head out on another rampage - so BEWARE! Who wasn't fascinated by the Monster book of monsters in the Harry Potter books? Just the idea that a book might come to life and actually take a bite out of you, I find highly amusing. Smaller childer - those old enough not to be terrified of books for life after reading this - will most likely be amused by the very thought of a people-chomping book. EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Lester, Helen Tacky Goes to Camp, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. $16.00. Content: G. PICTURE BOOK. Tacky is ready for a tiema camp with his fellow penguins. While they all fall in line and act like happy campers, Tacky approaches camp in his very own special way. An unfortunate accident with a large amount of chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers seems to leave Tacky in a perilous situation, but with his customary aplomb, Tacky may just prevail. Tacky is just a funny bundle of silliness that any child can appreciate. EL - ADVISABLE Cindy, Library-Teacher. Valentino, Serena Fairest Of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen, 250 p. Disney Press, 2009. $15.99. Content: PG. Once upon a time, a beautiful, insecure peasant girl became the object of affection for the King, who took her to his castle, married her and made her the stepmother for his lonely little girl. Add in two odd, evil aunts, a magic mirror that contains the captured spirit of the new queen's biggest enemy and a large dose of co-dependency and self-doubt and you have the makings of an origin tale for Snow White. The cover will attract the eye of any fan of Snow White or Disney, but the interior may disappoint those with any kind of sophisticated reading palette. I am not going to get into it much more, except to say that while I was satisfied with the end, the journey was not what I would have wished. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Smith, David J. If America Were a Village, illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong. Kids Can Press, 2009. $18.95. Content: G. PICTURE BOOK. Pretneding that the US is a village of 100 people, the author gives as a multi-faceted look at the details of the lives and interests of its people, doing even historical and world-wide comparisons along the way. Those whoa re fans of statistics will love this American take on the author's other book - If the World Were a Village. Geography teachers of almost any level may appreciate its information. EL, MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Cann, Kate Possessed, 327 p. Point (Scholastic), February 2010. $16.99. Language: R (70+ swears, no 'f'). Rayne is so desperate to flee her dingy London apartment that she boyfriend - far enough to hopefully break the bonds of control they have been exerting on her. But, right away, Rayne feels oppressed and is put off by the spooky surroundings. Only when she makes a few friends in the village does she feel more at home - especially when the ultra-handsome St. John seems to be paying her special attention. But the creepiness and the mystery doesn't seem to be going away - and more amd more it seems that St. John and her new friends may be a major part of the mystery. While Possessed is interesting, it is not without its flaws - especially for older readers who are probably better acquainted with well-crafted horror fiction already. Best of a paperback, light read. HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Gray, Kes Nelly the Monster Sitter: Grerks, Squurms and Water Greeps, 257 p. Razorbill (Penguin), 2009. $7.99. COntetn: G. Nelly has only recently started advertising her services as a monster sitter and her family doesn't really understand the attraction. But Nelly is never more happy when she gets out to meet the new monsters in her neighborhood and town. Along the way she will have challenges and even a little danger. There seem to be three adventures in each book - unrelated vignettes of human-monster interaction. These silly stories might bea fun read aloud action for a elementary school. EL - ADVISABLE. Breen, M.E. Darkwood, 273 p. Bloomsbury, 2009. $16.99. Language: G. Violence: PG. In a land where night falls in an instant, a young girl is trapped in the unloving home of her aunt and uncle. Annie has grown up with the stories of people disappearing overnight, but when she overhears her uncle's terrible plans for her, she takes a risk and runs for her life. From an ancient deep, dark forest to the halls of the kingdom's palace and down into the terrible clime of an ugly strip mine, Annie will search high and low for a safe place to be - safe monsters in human and non-human form. Annie's world and her story are overly complicated - with hints at things that could have easily been revealed just a bit earlier and mode for a more satisfying read. But younger kids who like to be scared will probably enjoy this. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 6 October 2009 Alter, Anna Abigail Spells. Alfred A. Knopf, 2009 PICTURE BOOK - Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G - Abigail's favorite thing to do is spell. So she is thrilled to enter the school spelling bee. Her best friend, George, helps her practice. And when she makes a mistake and has to sit down, it is George who shows her that winning isn't everything and that losing gracefully and having the support of a good friend are what is really important. Sweet and simple illustrations perfectly fit this simple but heartfelt story. The perfect book to read before or after a class spelling bee. EL - ADVISABLE. Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library 4 October 2009 Harvey, Alyxandra Hearts at Stake, 320 p. Walker, JANUARY 2010. $9.99. Language: R (80+ swears, no 'f'); Violence: PG-13. Lucy's best friend, Solange, is a vampire - and not just any vampire, but the prophesied queen of the vampires. Lucy's parents are fine with her choice of friends, but there is danger in the vampire world. There current, self-proclaimed vampire queen is more than willing to murder Solange's family in order to keep her throne - and she is also willing to make dirty deals to fulfill her aims. There are so many more details I could tell you about this novel, like the romances and the dangers, but I won't give it all away. Lucy comes off as the strongest of the two friends, while Solange mostly plays damsel-in-distress. But there is lots of good vampire battling and a sweet little bit of romance. I hope that the next in the series (please tell me that this is a series) continues on this one's strengths. HS - ESSENTIAL (note the ratings, however). Cindy, Library-Teacher. Zulkey, Claire An Off Year, 213 p. Dutton (Penguin), 2009. $17.99. Language: R (90 swears, 27 'f'). When Cecily shows up for her freshman year of college, she makes her father turn right around and take her home. Now she's determined to not step foot on campus and instead spend the year bemoaning her inability to make a choice about her life. Even with the help of a psychiatrist and a college advisor, Lucy may not be able to get her life off the ground. Leah, the college advisor, is probably the best character in this book - she unwilling to accept any of Lucy's crap answers and challenges her to actually think about the choices she has made. Angie, Cecily's brother's girlfriend is another breath of fresh air. Cecily, on the other hand, is just a bore. Her indecision feels fake and the fact that her father just lets her sit around the house for a year irritates me no end. I don't know is using 'f' is some kind of new prerequisite for books aimed at the high school market, but it doesn't work for me. But htat is the least of this book's problems. NO. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Lasky, Kathryn - Lone Wolf, 240 pgs. Scholastic Press, 2010. $16.99. Language - G; Sexual Content - G; Violence - PG (between animals). Faolan, the wolf pup, has two mothers; the one who birthed him and the one who nursed him. Taken from his birth mother because he was born with a splayed paw and left to die, Faolan was found and nurtured by a bear named Thunderheart. During hibernation, tragedy strikes and Faolan with the help of an owl must find and join a wolf pack. Lone Wolf is the first book in a new series called Wolves of the Beyond. The author has clearly done her research on wolves and packs her story with facts about them. The wolf details sometimes distract from the overall plot and pacing. Purchase this book if The Guardians of Ga'Hoole series is popular at your library. EL -Advisable. Samantha, Public Librarian. Standiford, Natalie How To Say Goodbye in Robot, 288 pgs. Scholastic Press, 2009. Language -R (16 swears, 10 "f"); Sexual Content - PG. On the first day of a new school, Beatrice (Bea) meets Jonah who is very pale and called "Ghost Boy." Bea learns that Jonah's mother and twin brother, with special needs, died in a car accident when he was in third grade. Jonah isn't friendly, but he puts a sticker on Bea's locker advertising a nighttime talk radio show. Bea calls the radio show and gives her name as "Robot Girl." Bea and Jonah become friends. Jonah inadvertently answers a phone call for his father and discovers that his brother is alive. Bea and Jonah search to find him. The novel is stocked with high school cliché characters and one-dimensional parents; however, the two main characters are original and thought provoking. Several plot elements are predictable, but the end is definitely a surprise. HS - OPTIONAL. Samantha, Public Librarian. Shakespeare, William Manga Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing 208pgs. Amulet Books Language~G, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG. This much loved comedy of Shakespeare's can be seen live, on film, read as a group, or alone. This version brings Much Ado to the newer format of graphic novel. The story is the same. The Prince and his entourage return to Medina to be greeted by the governor Senior Leonato. While there, one of the entourage, Claudio, falls madly in love with the Govenor's daughter, Hero. With the princes help Hero is wooed and then engaged to Claudio. In a side story, another of the entourage, Senior Benedict, a confirmed bachelor, meets up with an old acquaintance, Beatrice. Both scorn each other with words and witty insults. A plot is laid for them by the Prince and Company to make them fall in love with each other. The play has its dark moments, but is thoroughly enjoyable. This Manga version will assist many readers in gaining the true meaning behind Shakespeare's words. All of the text is taken from the play itself and is brilliantly woven together with the masterful art renditions by Emma Vieceli. Teachers should take note of this wonderful new series! MS/HS ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library Beil, Michael D. Red Blazer Girls 304pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers Language~G, Sexual Content~G; Violence~G. Move over Nancy Drew and crew. There is a new group in town! Sophie St. Pierre and her 3 best friends stumble upon a mystery that leads them clue by clue through the church across the street. Odd place to find clues, I know, but it works. The clues are intriguing and involve the reader in finding the solution. As narrator, Sophie includes the reader in their findings and in solving the clues as they go along. I really enjoyed this book. ELM/MS ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library Acer, David Mystery Hunters: Gotcha!: 18 Amazing Ways to Freak Out Your Friends, illustrated by Stephen MacEachern, 48 p. Kids Can Press, 2008. $16.95. If you want to learn how to create a Zombie Dinner Guest, Crop Circle, or UFO this is the book for you. Doubting Dave shares background information on popular mysteries and gives instructions on how kids can recreate them with household items. Doubting Dave explains, "Try to remember-things aren't really as they seem." Truth or tricks, the illustrations and pictures are quirky and fun. This book will appeal to reluctant readers and boys. EL - ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian D'Lacey, Chris Gruffen, 104 p. Orchard Books, 2009. $9.99. Lucy Pennykettle can't sleep at night because there is a monster in her room. Her mother, Liz, knows just what to do. She takes clay and molds a guard dragon. Next Liz takes a piece of her magic snowball and brings the dragon Gruffen to life. Ink illustrations are interspersed in the text. This is the first book in a new chapter book series The Dragon's of Wayward Crescent. Suggest this title to fans of the Emily Rodda's Deltora series. EL - ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian Long, Loren Drummer Boy. Philomel Books (Penguin), 2008. $17.99. PICTURE BOOK. A boy receives a drummer boy as an early Christmas present. He loves his new toy and plays with it a lot. The drummer boy falls into the garbage and starts a wintry adventure being carried around by different animals on his journey to the familiar Christmas manager scene. This is a new spin on the traditional story. Purchase this book for the gorgeous illustrations in a similar style to The Polar Express. EL - ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. Yates, Louise A Small Surprise. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House), 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. A miniature bunny applies for job at a circus that only wants big animals. The bunny admits that it's too small to do many things, like eat without making a mess and tying its own shoes. But because the bunny is small he can disappear and reappear. Children will enjoy finding the bunny both disappear and reappear in the whimsical illustrations. EL- ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. Joosse, Barbara Love Is a Good Thing to Feel, illustrated by Jennifer Plecas. Philomel Books (Penguin), 2008. $12.99. PICTURE BOOK. Harriet, a little girl with a stuffed bunny named Squeezie, shares different ways to say I love you. Next, she explains that you can still love someone even if they tease you or if you are mad at them. The story feels disjointed, especially the last few pages which contain facts about the heart. The picture book format is slightly altered by cartoon-like speech bubbles with separate dialogue from the narrative. The illustrations are minimal, but charming. EL - OPTIONAL. Samantha, Public Librarian. Lechner, John. The Clever Stick. Candlewick, 2009. $14.99. PICTURE BOOK. A clever stick finds it difficult to share its ideas and poetry with the world because it cannot speak. The stick becomes discouraged until he discovers a way to overcome his inability to speak. The Clever Stick is a clever fable with fun and colorful illustrations. EL - ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian. Stead, Rebecca When You Reach Me 208pgs. Wendy Lamb Books Language~G, Sexual Content~G; Violence~PG. Miranda and Sal live in the same New York City apartment building and have been best friends forever. Then one day walking home from school Sal is punched by some strange kid and Miranda and Sal's friendship starts to change. Now Miranda must walk home by herself past the odd homeless man on the corner. In addition to losing her best friend Miranda has started receiving strange cryptic notes. In them she is told things that no one else could know. Who is sending the notes and why? What do they have to do with Miranda and those around her? This is a great mystery for any age. It would make a great read a loud for elementary and even middle school kids. ELM/MS ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library Goodman, Alison Eon: Dragoneye Reborn 536pgs. Viking Juvenile Language~PG, Sexual Content~PG-13; Violence~PG-13. Twelve year old Eon is about to undertake the test of his life. He has been training for his chance to be chosen by the ascendant dragon as a Dragoneye Apprentice. He eagerly trains despite his lame hip that causes him pain and hinders him in his training. He is somewhat special for he can already see the energies of all the dragons. But despite this fact, no one expects him to be chosen. Eon also hides a secret. He is really a she. Women are forbidden from training for or becoming Dragoneyes. It is a man's world and women have no part, in fact they are considered bad luck. If she is caught it will mean death for her and her master and his household. When the judgment day comes Eon is not chosen by the ascendant dragon. He is chosen by the mystical Mirror dragon that has been absent for 500 years. This is unheard of and the Dragoneye council is unsure of how to proceed. Aside from all of this the Emperor is ill and his empire is threatened by a coup de ta from within. The Emperor places all hope on Eon and his ability to call the mirror dragon and work its power. However, Eon has been unable to call his dragon. This is an exciting new tale of dragons, magic, and their bonds with humans. It is also an intriguing tale of a girl trying to live in a man's world. The history is fictional, but could be ancient Japan or China. There are eunuchs and men living as women in this story, but all are secondary to the main plot. There is also an attempted rape, but it does not happen and little is described. Overall a fantastic new story. MS/HS ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library 2 October 2009 Paratore, Coleen Murtagh Kip Campbell's Gift, 145 p. Simon and Schuster, 2009. Content: G. Kip Campbell doesn't always like being in the family business - the mortuary - but more so now that he can hear the dead. Then, the mother of one of his tormentors dies and wants him to pass on a message to her son. No way! Add to that anxiety over the possibility that their family might lose their business and Kip has way too much worry for a teen. I really like Kip Campbell and I think boys would too, but the covers are way too girly. I hope when these go to paperback that they rethink the whole cover thing. EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Spillebeen, Geert Age 14, 210 p. Houghton Mifflin, 2009. $16.00. Violence: PG (war situations), Language: PG (4 swears). Patrick Condon is soldier crazy. He wants so badly to join the Irish Army that he assumes his older brother's name and applies. After not too long in the regular army, World War I breaks out and Patrick lies his way into the Special Reserve and right into the trenches of Belgium. I don't know if it's a translation problem, but the words only flow in parts, and not enough parts. Though the descriptions of the war life around Ypres is wrenching, it is not enough to redeem this short book. Recommend Soldier X to those boys who really want to dive into war. MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Noel, Alyson Blue Moon, 289 p. St. Martin's Griffin, 2009. $9.99. Language: PG (16 swears). Ever and Damen have broken the centuries old cycle that kept their love apart and are ready to embark on their immortal lives. Ever is having a hard time keeping her immortality secret from her aunt, but even worse, a new boy at school, Roman, threatens everything that Ever and Damen have found. When Damen starts wasting away, Ever must find her own way to Summerland and hopefully to some answers. What is this new tend in YA fiction where the girl acts like an idiot who can't be strong without her man? I blame Bella, but she and Ever are not the only female leads who have this problem! Ever needs to seriously do some growing up. Blue Moon is nowhere near as strong as Evermore - I am holding out hope for the next book in the series. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 30 September 2009. Hale, Marian Goodbye Season, 270 p. Hnry Holt, 2009. Content: G. Mercy Kaplan wants more for herself than just slaving away her life taking care of a farm and a family. She gets a taste of independence when she is sent to work on a neighbor's farm, but her world changes forever when the influenza of 1918 arrives and brings death to everyone she loves. To rebuild her life, Mercy makes her way to town and finds a job as the nanny for the widow Wilder, with two young children and a step-son near Mercy's age. But the Wilder's have secrets, dangerous secrets. Though set against the background of the 1918 influenza, the story really centers around Mercy's life story and not so much the history. This would be a good novel to read aloud. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Murdock, Catherine Gilbert Front and Center, 256 p. Houghton Mifflin, 2009. Content: G. DJ Schwenk has gone from small-town basketball player, cum footballer, into a Division I basketball prospect. But DJ has a lot on her shoulders - the hopes of her paralyzed brother Win; the heartache of her failed romance with Brian, a rival football player; and a new romance with Beaner, a long time friend. DJ's not sure that she's ready for primetime and going on college visits doesn't assuage her fears. I haven't read the first two books in this series, but I had no problem falling in love with DJ, her family and her friends. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Daneshvari, Gitty School of Fear, 339 p. Little Brown, 2009. $15.99. Content: G (suspense only). Meet Madeline Masterson - deathly afraid of bugs; Theodore Bartholomew - angst ridden over the thought of his loved ones dying; Lulu Punchalower - terrified of confined spaces; and Garrison Feldman - tormented by deep water. Under the tutelage of Mrs. Wellington, the acerbic Schmidty and the mysterious Mr. Munchauser, these four are submitted to some very unorthodox methods in order to conquer their fears. I don't want to give too much away in this wacky book. This is what Lemony Snicket fans were waiting for and they didn't even know it. MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 28 September 2009 Peck, Richard A Season of Gifts, 164 p. Dial (Penguin), 2009. $16.99 Sexual Content: PG (hint of unwed pregnancy). The Branholdt's are the new ministering family in a small town and their next door neighbor, Mrs. Dowdel, insists that she is neither a church woman nor a neighborly sort. Bob, 12 and his little sister Ruth Ann, however, find out differently, as Mrs. Dowdel shows their family compassion, fun, courage and neighborliness at the end of the 1950's. As always, Peck's books inject a lot of humor into life's lessons - it's too bad kids don't really pick them up on their own any more. Recommend this one to a teacher to read aloud in order to make some converts. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Zink, Michelle Prophecy of Sisters, 343 p. Little Brown, 2009. $17.99. Content: G. Two twin sisters, Lia and Alice Milthorpe, are the central figures in the ages old struggle between good and evil. Lia has only recently become aware of the prophecy, but quickly learns that her sister is her biggest enemy, and has been since before their birth. From what seems to be a mistake, their girls' assumed birth order was reversed and so have their ordained roles - Lia is to be the Gate (the one decides whether evil shall be unleashed or not) and Alice the Guardian (the one who is supposed to keep evil at bay). With the help of a few good friends and her long time beau, Lia must resist her sister's evil impulses and find a way to bring peace. This book is so much better than the Hallomere series or A Great and Terrible Beauty. The deep gothic notes are hit just right and the magic is interesting without feeling forced. All of the important characters show depth of emotion and conviction. I can't wait for the next phase to be unveiled. MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Breathed, Berkely Flawed Dogs: The Shocking Raid on Westminster, 216 p. Philomel (Penguin), 2009. $16.99. Content: G. Sam is a rare breed of dachshund, but has no desire to be a show dog for a large slob of a woman. Instead he escapes to the arms of Heidy, an orphan, who has come to live on her uncle's former dog breeder's ranch. Because of the jealousies of the housekeeper's prize poodle, Cassius, Sam ends up at the National Last Ditch Dog Depository, with a rag-tag group of dogs (and a cat), and after some adventures, seeks revenge on Cassius, with the help of the other outcasts, at the Westminster Dog Show. Even though I am not a fan of dgos, I certainly enjoyed every minute of Sam's adventures. Breathed has added his own illustrations - some in color - and I sincerely hope that this whole thing becomes an animated movie some day soon! EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Higgins, Jack Sharp Shot, 214 p. Putnam (penguin), 2009. $16.99. Violence: PG. John Chance is off on a mission and the twins, Rich and Jade, immediately run into trouble. A former colleague of Jack's comes begging for help, but instead of being a good guy, he is actually a bad guy and he kidnaps Jade. Now Jade is a prisoner in a remote Middle Eastern village and Rich must help their father get her to safety. But more is at stake than just Jade's life; nuclear weapons are some how involved and the stability of the entire region is at risk. Join the Chance family on another rollicking, non-stop adventure into the dangerous world of international espionage! Perfect for your hard-to-please boys and any lover of detective fiction. MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Baccalraio, P.D. Ring of Fire (Century quartet #1), 291 p. Random, 2009. Content PG (5 swears, some violence). By provident chance, four young people, all born on February 29, find themselves together in a hotel in Rome on December 29th. That night, a blackout sends the children, 12, into the strets, where they encounter a man who hands them a briefcase. The next morning, they discover that the man is dead - murdered. With just the contents of the briefcase as their clues, the four must piece together a puzzle that could affect the future of the entire world. Before they are finished, they will find a connection with ancient heroes who have all traveled their same path. Students who enjoyed Chasing Vermeer will also enjoy this puzzle novel; the kids are extremely likable (I get tired of precious tweens who are not as smart as they think they are) - and they need each other to find the answers. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. 22 September 2009 Efaw, Amy After, 350 p. Viking (Penguin), 2009. $17.99. Language: PG-13 (25 swears, 3 "f"), Violence: PG-13 (descriptions of the birth), Sexual Content: G (nothing described). When her mother comes home from her graveyard shift, Devon, 15, is in a stupor on the couch. Mom doesn't notice, however, because she is full of news about a baby that has been found, discarded in the dumpster outside their apartment building. When the police come around, Devon's terrible secret is revealed - she is the mother of that baby. Now Devon's life descends into a nightmare - of hospitals, courts and detention - as she awaits her fate and her punishment. Efaw's book is a heart-wringing, gut-wrenching tale from start to finish. Devon's time in the female unit of the juvenile detention facility rings true, without becoming overwhelmingly in-your-face. The court scenesand drama, but a clear-headed look at the system. "After" is so skillfully written that any school could welcome it onto its shelves - and they should. This will be a very popular book, so be prepared with more than one copy on hand. MS - ADVISABLE (know your audience), HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Runholt, Susan Rescuing Seneca Crane, 276 p. Viking (Penguin), 2009. $16.99. Content: G (some tension). The girls who solved "The Mystery of the Third Lucretia" are off to London with Kari's mom, to interview Seneca Crane, 15, a piano prodigy. The three girls hit it off immediately, so when Seneca is kidnapped, Kari and Lucas jump right into solving the mystery, even when they know they are walking into danger. It's a good thing that Lucas has an no-limit charge card, because the girls will need their wits and access to money. I have not read the first adventure of Kari and Lucas, but I jumped right into this one and enjoyed a great time. I will be buying both books for my library and so should you. EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Sarlin, Janeen A and Noelle Shipley Princess Tea: Parties and Treats for Little Girls, 113 p. Chronicle Books, 2009. Travel around the world with eight differently themed Princess Tea Parties for your favorite little girl. From China to Mexico, through Africa and off to Fairyland, each tea party comes with ideas for decorations, food and activities. Moms with little girls will have a great time using this to choose their daughter's next birthday party or just a fun play date with the girls. The only thing lacking is that there is not quite one picture of each idea - most, but not all. This is a book that a parent will want to buy. PARENT - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Wollman, Jessica Second Skin, 258 p. Delacorte (Random), 2009. $8.99. Content: PG (brief mention of nudity). Samantha Klein wants so badly to be part of the popular crowd - even though she has two of the best friends in the world. When the Queen Bee moves in next door, Sam does everything she can to get on Kylie's good side, but nothing seems to work. Then Sam discovers a secret - Kylie's popularity may not be due to her own personality - Kylie has a secret weapon and Sam is going to steal it, guaranteeing her own popularity. Is that what Sam really wants out for her life? HS, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Bullen, Alexandra Wish, 336 p. Point (Scholastic), January 2010. $17.99. Language: PG-13 (13 swears, 1 "f"). Ever since her twin sister died, Olivia has lived in a funk - her own and the one hovering over her mom and dad. Now, after spring break, Olivia finds herself in a new school, all the way across the country in San Francisco. But fate has plans for Olivia, in the form of a magic dress. And with one wish, Violet is back in her life - as a ghostly presence that only Olivia can see. Romance and heartbreak may exist side by side as Olivia tries to find her way - and a way to stand alone. From the cover and title, I thought Wish was going to be some fairy godmothery fairy tale. While some elements of that sort may be present, this story is, instead about grief and family and love. Your girl-book crowd will love this one. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Kress, Adrienne Timothy and the Dragon's Gate, 368 p. Weinstein Books, 2008. $16.95. Content: G (suspense and action only). Timothy, 11, has managed to get himself booted from every school in the city. Even private tutors won't touch him. In desperation, his father takes him to his work and Timothy becomes the apprentice of the boss. That's when Tim's life really turns upside down. Quickly he becomes embroiled in a scheme to free a dragon who has been trapped for centuries in the guise of a mild-mannered Chinese man, Mr. Shen. But evil people have other designs for Mr. Shen and Timothy will flee for his life by plane, by boat, by any means possible, al the way to China, to do his part to help Mr. Shen - all the while asking himself "Why do I care?" Timothy's adventures and the cast of characters are definitely out-of-the-ordinary. There is so much action and so many odd situations that I had a hard time suspending belief long enough to fall in and enjoy. It is definitely for a certain kind of reader. EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Reeve, Philip Fever Crumb, 336 p. Scholastic, April 2010. $17.99. Violence: PG (looting, shooting, rioting - all mild); Language: G. Fever Crumb has been raised by a group of scientists who eschew frivolity since she was rescued as a foundling baby. Now a teenager, her scientific skills have been called to use by an archaeologist who had left the order. Fever's presence in the post-apocalypse London creates a fervor, as people on the streets believe that she is one of their previous overlords, returned to re-enslave them. Her work with Kit, the archaeologist, meanwhile, disturbs odd recollections in Fever's mind - memories that don't seem to be Fever's own. The disquiet in Fever's mind echoes the disquiet around the city and both seem to be destined for a violent conclusion. Reeve's look at future Earth is not quite as attention-getting as his Hungry Cities quartet and may only find an audience with those who have already read Reeve's other books. SPOILER ALERT: Silly me - I had no clue that this story was a prequel to the Hungry City books until almost the last page! Then my brain started working and I finally got it! I still didn't find this book as interesting as Mortal Engines. It's not for lack of writing skill. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Hills, Tad Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin. Schwartz & Wade (Random), 2009. $6.99. BOARD BOOK. After Duck and Goose see their firend Thistle with the pumpkin, the duo sets out to find one of their own. They try all kinds of curious places, but need just a little help in the end. Duck and Goose are forever cute, but this hide-and-seek book is not as good as all of the other books about this silly pair. Pre K - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Paratore, Coleen Murtagh A Pearl Among Princes, 195 p. Dial (penguin), 2009. $16.99. Content: PG (the princes go skinny-dipping and the girls spy, but don't describe). Gracepearl has always been a servant girl on the island of Miramore. This year, however, when the princes arrive from all over the kingdom, Gracepearl has a chance to fulfill her dream - finding a ship to get off the island - even if means she has to marry a prince to do it, or leave behind her life long love, Mackree. The princes are being polished for their entrance into society and the girls of the island have all kinds of schemes in mind. Gracepearl may have a greater destiny awaiting her, however, than just marrying a prince. Paratore has a skillfully created a new fairytale of sorts, an enchanting tale for romantic minded girls. MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. O'Brien, Johnny Day of the Assassins, 201 p. Templar (Candlewick), 2009. $15.99. Violence: PG (some mild war scenes). Jack doesn't enjoy playing war games as much as his friend Angus, but both boys find themselves in the middle of World War I after they uncover a secret laboratory built by Jack's absentee father and mysterious machine in their own school that has the ability to send people anywhere in time. Is Jack's father friend or foe? Is Jack being chased or is he being recued? Sometimes when it comes to time, it may be very hard to tell the difference. Jack never has a chance to rest in this action-filled adventure in time. It will remind fans of Liparulo's books, but on a slower pace. EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Crewe, Megan Give Up the Ghost, 244 p. Henry Holt, 2009. $16.99. Content: PG (some underage drinking). Sexual Content: PG-13 (off page sexual situations). Since her older sister died, Cass has been able to see ghosts - her sister and others. Already labeled an outcast by her by her former best friend, Cass uses insider info from the school bound ghosts to keep the kids at school in line, making herself more of an outcast. Then one of the "bestest and brightest" asks Cass for her help and Cass reaches out to Tim, she finds herself becoming more entwined than she ever wanted to be. This is not really a ghost story, though it does involve ghosts - it is really a story about a young lady building walls to protect herself with whatever tools come her way. What really got to me was the authentic reaction of Cass's former best friend, who hurt Cass so badly in middle school, who just brushes the whole incident off as nothing much - can't Cass just 'get over it". Kids on the fringe will find much about themselves in this book. The "Pops" will like it, but won't "get" it. MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Dolamore, Jaclyn Magic Under Glass, 320 p. Bloomsbury, JANUARY 2010. $16.99. Content: PG (4 swears). For years, Nimira has worked as a guest artist at a vaudeville-like show, placed just below the performing dogs. When she is offered a chance to work for a rich, mysterious gentleman, she jumps for it, unknowingly plunging herself into life-threatening circumstances. All she has to do is sing along with a piano-playing automaton, but the story is that it is haunted. Nimira quickly discovers the secret, but has no idea how to break the spell without getting them both killed. Nimira's world is not our world, but the world-building did not feel complete for me; even at 320 pages, I wanted more than I was getting in terms of story and detail. I am hoping that here is another tale to come - that would make it much more satisfying in my world. MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Donbavand, Tommy Scream Street: Fang of the Vampire, 129 p. Candlewick, 2009. $5.99. Violence: PG (vampires, etc - more comic than anything). Luke Watson, 10, has been outed as a werewolf and, for his own protection, he and his family have been relocated to Scream Street, a high-security neighborhood only for "monsters" and their families, controlled by the evil Sir Otto Sneer. In order to free Scream Street from the tyrant, Luke and his friends - a vampire and a mummy - must collect six artifacts, starting with the fang of one of Scream Street's founders - a vampire. Sir Otto will stop at nothing to foil the kids' plans. Elementary schools who like creepy stories (not really any worse than R.L. Stine's stuff) and reluctant readers in middle school will enjoy these quick, campy reads. EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Donbavand, Tommy Scream Street: Blood of the Witch, 117 p. Candlewick, 2009. $5.99. Violence: PG (vampires, etc - more comic than anything). Luke, Resus and Cleo have found one artifact that they need to free Scream Street from the power of Sir Otto Sneer. They still need to find five more. While hot on the trail, the trio must fend off the evil tricks of Sir Otto and keep their families safe. Good, creepy fun for schools that allow that. EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Eboch, Chris Haunted: The Riverboat Phantom, 177 p. Simon and Schuster, 2009. $5.99. Content: G (spooky, but not over the top). Jon and Tania have accompanied their parents on another ghost-hunting trip - this time to a supposedly haunted riverboat on the Mississippi. Tania's gift may help the kids help the ghost, but Madame Natasha knows their secret and is willing to blackmail the kids in order to ensure their cooperation. If they want to be rid of the Madame, they will have to expose Tania's secret and Tania may not be ready for the attention. Haunted is shaping up to be a decent middle level ghost series. The ghosts are a bit scary without being horrific and Madame Natasha is a nasty villain. EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Doyle. Marissa Betraying Season, 330 p. Herny Holt, 2009. $16.99. Content: G (magic and danger, but nothing evil). After watching her twin sister, Persy, save the future Queen Victoria and herself, Pen is determined to study hard and learn to master her own magic powers. Pen joins her former governess in Scotland and immediately becomes entangled with a handsome young man and his mother - who may have more than kindly intentions towards Pen. Pens naiveté shines through as she trusts those who don't deserve her trust and the final confrontation will take every ounce of will she can muster. If you want lots of magic with your romance, then read Patricia Wrede; if however, you want something historic and romantic with just a bit of magic then these will just fine. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 22 September 2009 Marino, Nan Neil Armstrong is My Uncle: and Other Lies Muscle McGinty Told Me. Roaring Brook Press, 2009. pgs. 154. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G. Muscle Man McGinty has been a pain in Tamara's side ever since he moved into her friend's old house. You can never tell when he's not lying or bragging, because he's always doing so. To make matters worse, Tamara misses her best friend. When funerals, suspension from the weekly kickball game, and lack of invitations to a moon walk party come up, she wishes she could find her friend to talk and write to. When letters start coming from her friend, she starts hoping for the best, but not everything is quite as it seems. A unique story with easy to relate to characters, Nan Marino does a great job of getting readers interested in what happened in 1969. History and stories of friendship blend well together. A quick, but interesting read, this book would be good for children who are interested in history, sports, kickball, or have to read a historical fiction novel. EL(4 to 6) OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira-HUN Public Library-Youth Services Librarian. Stockett, Kathryn The Help pgs. 464 Putnam Adult Language~PG-13, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG. The years we now refer to as the Civil Rights Era, were full of violence, unrest, and terror for African Americans and those who supported their appeal for equality. This is the story of three remarkable women living in a time of controversy. Aibileen is 'black' and has been a domestic servant since she was old enough to get a job. Working for 'white' women hasn't always been easy. Minny, another 'black' maid has a temper that has gotten her in trouble time and again. Miss Skeeter, a 'white' recent college graduate, has grown-up with 'black' help in her home. Jackson, Mississippi is a very Southern town where the Jim Crow laws flourish. The trouble begins with a toilet and escalates to a book revealing the good and bad of 'black' help working for 'white' women. This book has heralded by book reviewers everywhere as a 'must read.' This book would make an ideal choice for a literary circle discussing Civil Rights and Human Rights in general. Consider putting aside Chris Crowe's Mississippi Trial 1955 this year and have your students read The Help. HS -ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library Ockler, Sarah Twenty Boy Summer. Little, Brown and Company, 2009. Pgs. 290. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: PG-13(girls talk about losing their virginity, but don’t into detail. Also, there is two non-consecutive paragraphs that have sex scenes but they don’t go into a lot of detail.) It has been 12 month, nine days, and six hours since Anna lost her boyfriend, Matt. Her best friend, who was the sister of the boyfriend, has never been the same and Anna can’t bring herself to tell her the truth about her relationship with Frankie’s brother. In an attempt to let go of the past and heal their lives, Frankie and her family decide to go a vacation to Zanzibar Bay and they invite Anna. The two girls make a pact to date 20 guys at least once in the three weeks that they are on vacation. Anna, agrees to the pact, but has a hard time letting go of her first love. Through a journal, she tries to communicate how she’s feeling every time she misses Matt (the boyfriend) or she is frustrated with Frankie. When a new guy comes into the picture, however, and Anna is interested what will happen? What will happen when Frankie finds the journal? A unique, heart-warming story that will pull at your heartstrings. The characters are well-developed and fun to read about. This is a great book for anyone that has ever lost someone or knows someone who has lost someone dear to them. HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira: Youth Services Librarian-HUN Public Library West, M. Solace: Unsheltered 316pgs. AuthorHouse ~Language PG, Sexual Content~PG, Violence~PG-13. Agnis had a busy, yet normal life. Her beloved father travels a great deal and is dearly missed while away. She gets along with her siblings, as well as anyone does. Her mother is strict, but loving. She would never trade her life for another. Then she is suddenly awoken by her father, who is supposed to be traveling, and told to run and meet them at the Whells. Agnis misunderstands and goes to the old wells. There she waits and waits. No one comes. She witnesses vandals enter her house, ransack it, and burn it to the ground. She waits until all sign of life has gone and goes through the ruins to see if anything has survived. Finding her parents' old, forbidden, trunk she breaks the lock and takes what she finds inside. There is an old book that mentions something about a group called the Forbidden. Her parents' names are mentioned among the members. Were her parents involved in a secret society? Agnis decides she must find her parents and thie book holds the answers. Her decision begins a journey across the waters to find out who would want her family harmed and why. This is an exciting novel filled with magic, intrigue, and romance. This is the author's first published work and the story leaves the reader anxiously awaiting a sequel. The romance is light and sweet. The violence is mostly from wild animal attacks. This novel would be considered a clean adventure fantasy. MS/HS ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian Tafolla, Carmen What Can You Do with a Paleta? illustrated by Magaly Morales Tricycle Press, 2009. $14.99. PICTURE BOOK - Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G - One of my favorite memories of childhood is the music of the Ice Cream Man's truck. Tafolla give us the Mexican version of this summer treat. When the paleta wagon rings its tinkly bell in the barrio, the children paint their tongues with the fruit popsicles, scare each other with them and make new friends. But this sweet multicultural story with spanish words sprinkled throughout is diminished by awkward illustrations of rather frightening looking children. Their oddly shaped and unnaturally open mouths spoil the brighltly colored acrylic illustrations. Pre-K, EL (K-3) ELEMENTARY- OPTIONAL. Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library. Pinkney, Jerry The Lion and the Mouse. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2009. PICTURE BOOK. Sometime even a king needs help from little friends. The author does a fantastic job of "retelling" this traditional fable of the Lion and the Mouse. The pictures are exquisite and have such amazing intricate detail put into them. The lion is shown as being a compassionate creature, not just someone looking for a quick meal or who believes only in his superiority. This book is a must-have for any public or elementary-school library. EL(PreK-2). ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira-HUN Public Library. Jenkins, Emily Sugar Would Not Eat It, illustrated by Giselle Potter. Random House, 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK - Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G - A boy brings home a stray kitten, names her Sugar and tries to feed her a piece of cake. But Sugar would not eat it. Leo asks the adults in his neighborhood for advice on how to get Sugar to eat the cake. For some unknown reason none of them explain to Leo that cats don't eat cake and instead give him all the platitudes and threats that parents use to get their children to eat their vegetables from "eat it or you won't grow up big and strong" to "children in other parts of the world are going hungry." Of course none of the advice works. Leo finally shares his milk and chicken sandwich with Sugar and they are both happy until Leo decides to give Sugar a bath. Potter's illustrations done in watercolor, gouache, ink and gesso are full of interesting perspectives perfect facial expressions. But her signature style is flat and old fashioned and is more suited to adult tastes. Pre-K, EL (K-3) ELEMENTARY- OPTIONAL. Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library. Sattler, Jennifer Sylvie Random House, 2009. $15.99. PICTURE BOOK - Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G - When Sylvie learns that she and all flamingos are pink because of the pink shrimp that they eat, she decides to experiment with eating more colorful food. Just like the chameleon in Leo Lionni's classic, A Color of His Own, Sylvie becomes many different colors. She becomes positively purple after eating grapes and stripy after eating a towel. She has fun but after awhile she doesn't feel like herself at all and decides to go back to eating little pink shrimp so she can go back to her original color. While the story is not very original, the illustrations are big and bright and full of fun. The surprise ending makes it perfect for preschool storytime. Pre-K, EL (K-3) ELEMENTARY- ADIVSABLE. Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library. Hobbie, Holly Fanny and Annabelle, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2009. PICTURE BOOK. Fanny decides to write a picture book about a girl named Annabelle who lived with her Aunt Sally. Annabelle soon remembers that her Aunt Sally's birthday is coming up and she needs to get her a present. She needs more money and finds 2 $50 on the sidewalk. Is it okay for her to keep the money or does she need to give it to someone? What will she get for Aunt Sally for her birthday. Fanny and Annabelle's story parallel each other as you read the picture book. Readers soon realize that it is really Fanny who finds the money and has the birthday present problem. The illustrations are well-done and the text is very realistic looking compared to the age of the child writing the book. Children will enjoy having this book read aloud to them. EL(Pre-K to K)-OPTIONAL Review: Kira: Children's Librarian-HUN Public Library Côté, Geneviève Me and You. Kids Can Press, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. When a pig and bunny are painting together, they decide to try and be each other for a day. From painting each other different colors to changing the appearance of one's tail to look like the other animal's, these two do a very good job of imitating each other. They soon decide, however, that they like each other just the way they are. A cute story, has fun illustrations. Would make a good storytime book or a first day of school book for kindergartners.EL (PreK-K) - OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira, Children's Librarian-HUN Public Library. Mack, Tracy and Citrin, Michael, Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Streeet Irregulars: The Mystery of the Conjured Man. Scholastic, Inc. pgs. 208. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G. Scholastic Press, 2009. CHAPTER BOOK Holmes, Watson, and the Baker Street Irregulars (a group of kids who live on the street) are on the case when a young lady named Elsa comes to Sherlock Holmes to ask his help in solving the mysterious death of her aunt. Things start to get a little dangerous, however, when the gang realizes that the supposed psychic con-artists Elsa's aunt was dealing with might really be thieves and murderers. When Elsa gets kidnapped, it's up to our heroes to save the day and solve the mystery of the conjured man. This is a fun mystery that has humor, adventure, and even a little suspense in it. Readers will enjoy trying to solve the mystery along with the characters in the book. Perfect for mystery, suspense, and historical fiction lovers. EL(Grades 4-6). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira-Youth Services Librarian-HUN Public Library. Rodman, Mary Ann A Tree for Emmy, illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss. Peachtree , 2009. $15.95. PICTURE BOOK - Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G - Emmy loves all kinds of trees. But best of all, she loves the mimosa tree in her Gramma's pasture that is stubborn and strong and a little bit wild just like she is. For her birthday Emmy wants a mimosa tree of her own so she can play with the pink blossoms and swing on the low branches and shake its rattly seedpods. The problem comes when no one sells the wild trees. Emmy solves the problem in a sweetly illustrated story that extolls the beauty of the natural world as well as the spunky spirit of a stubborn little girl. Pre-K, EL (K-3) ELEMENTARY- ADIVSABLE. Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library. Scieszka, Jon. Guys Write for Guys Read. pgs 272 Violence- G; Language- G; Sexual Content- G. This book is a bunch of little stories. They are by different authors that wrote about different experiences they went through when they were a kid. In my opinion, this book is pretty good. It does have some interesting stories, and some are random and have no relation to any other story, but that may be the point. Just to encourage kids to go for their dreams. EL, MS -OPTIONAL Student Reviewer-SH Grettenberger, C.H. The Heir to Wilkes Manor. pgs 161 Violence- G; Language- G; Sexual Content- G. Jason inherits a manor in the middle of nowhere. More specifically, the middle of nowhere, England. He settles in only to realize, there is no electricity and no running water. He soon finds out that he can not search the entire house because he can't find some of the stair cases. He leaves home to get food and when he returns he finds his house is more messed up than normal. He talks to his neighbors (the few of them there are) and realizes that there could be a ghost in his house...I really enjoyed this book. It does have a sequal, but I don't think it is out yet. i enjoyed the way the different people were developed and how there are pictures of the layout of the mansion included in the book. EL - OPTIONAL Student Reviewer- SH Block, Francesca Lia The Waters & the Wild. 113 pgs. HarperTeen, 2009. Language - PG; Content - PG; Violence-PG; Bee, 13, wants to eat the dirt in her mother's garden; Haze believes that he is half-alien; and Stephanie thinks that she is a reincarnated slave girl from the 1800s whose name was Sarah. One day Bee sees a girl in her room who could be her twin. After the girl says, "You are me," she disappears. Bee usually doesn't talk to anyone, but decides to ask Haze about the vanishing figure. He explains that she is a doppelganger and that seeing one means your eminent death. Bee hears Sarah sing a Billie Holiday song about lynching and talks to her. The three loners become friends. They crash a party by deciding to be invisible and enjoy drinking and dancing before being caught. They grab hands, run out of the party, and fly away. When they land, Bee finds a poisonous plant in her pocket. The teens figure out that she is a changeling, and the real Bee is desperate to have her body back. The author does an excellent job of integrating background slices of paranormal history and poetry. This slim novel is comprised of short chapters, is quickly paced, and has a surprise ending. It will appeal to reluctant readers, fans of the bizarre, and teens who feel that they don't quite fit in. MS. Optional. Samantha Larsen Hastings, Librarian-West Jordan Public Library. Holmes, Elizabeth Pretty Is. pgs.216 Violence- G; Language- G; Sexualy Content- G; Erin is in the 5th grade. Its weeks before schoool ends and summer starts, she has an imaginative brain, and loves to pretend she's Frodo. Her sister, Monica, is going to be in the same school this year. Erin despises the idea because Monica is a geek. Erin loses her best friends. Hannah is really nice to her, and they befriend one another. This book was really weird. I've been trying to read it for a little while, but I finally just sat down and started reading. It was weird, but I think that it could be a good book in an elementry school. EL - OPTIONAL Student Reviewer- SH Yang, J.A. Exclusively Chloe 245 p. Speak, 2009 Langua-PG (5 swears no "F") Sexual Content-G Violence-G. Chloe-Grace Star is amazing, but she can't do anything about it, her parents are the 2 most known celebrities in Hollywood. She is the first every celebrity adoped kid in Hollywood. Chloe is 16 and sick of all the unwanted attention. When her parents file for divorce, and secretly looking for her birth parents, she transforms herself into Lilly and attends the same school as her brother in hopes to meet her birth parents. But still trys to keep the cover of Lilly, can she do it? ESSENTIAL to MS and HS Student Reviewer:EM Kantor, Melissa Girlfriend Material 251 pages Disney-Hyperon Books 2009 Language-PG (19 swears no "F") Sexual Content-G Violence-G. Kate, a seventeen year old lives with her parents in Salt Lake City. When her mom decides she needs more attention, she drags Kate with her to the Cooper-Melnicks' old friends of her mom's in Cape Cod. But the Cooper-Melnicks daughter, Sarah isn't as excited to see Kate as Kate was to see her. Kates perfect summer seems to be ruined but Kate meets Sarah's friend Jenna who introduces her to her cute friend Adam. Kate hope for the best, but when things get complicated with Adam and her parents what is she to do? ESSENTIAL to MS and HS. Student Reviewer:EM Homzie, Hillary Things Are Gonna Get UGLY 268 pages Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Alladin Mix 2009 Language-G (0 swears no "f") Sexual Content-G Voilence-G. Taffeta Smith is the most popular girl is school who EVERYONE adores, but she used to be Ernestine, the geek girl. But when she moved from Pennsylvania to Cali she transformed herself into Tafetta. When Taffeta was caught cheating off of Winslow Fromes-the biggest nerd at La Cambia Middle School- her history teacher Mr. Drabner (Dribble) offers her a fresh start. She accepts, but her fresh starts turned her back into ERNESTINE! She has to get Winslow to dance with her at Winterfest to turn her back into Taffeta, but not even Winslow would want to dance with a geek like Ernestine. ESSENTIAL to Upper EL/MS Student Reviewer:EM 14 September 2009 Kaye, Marilyn Demon Chick, 215 p. Henry Holt, 2009. $16.99. Langauge: PG - 13 (1 "f"). Jessica Hunsaker doesn't really love her mother, but is willing to support her in her bid for President of the USA, even if it means a dramatic makeover. But the evening of Jessica's 16th birthday, Jessica finds out that she has been long promised to the devil, in exchange for political power for mom. Now Jess is stuck in one of hell's many miserable suburbs with a minor minion, a seemingly nice teenaged boy named Brad. Jessica may never be able to free herself from hell, but there is no way she is going to let her mom benefit from her misery. Kaye's look at hell is certainly different, but very entertaining. If your library carries books dealing with these kinds of characters (devil, hell, etc.), then this will be a fun one to add. MS - OPTIONAL, HS - ADVIDABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Briggs, Andy Rise of the Heroes (Hero.com), 272 p. Walker Books, 2009. $7.99. Violence: PG. Toby and his friends are pretty average - until the day they discover a website that lets them download super powers and go on a hero's mission. Now not only are they kind of addicted, but they have started a chain reaction that requires them to take action in order to save Toby's mom. These juvenile heroes may be in a lot of trouble before things have a chance to get better. Younger readers who like the Alex Rider books will probably enjoy these. There is a companion series, Villians.net, which will look at the flip side of the hero coin - kids choosing to be evil. EL - ADVISABLE, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Petroff, Shani Bedeviled: Daddy's Little Angel, 238 p. Grosset & Dunlap (Penguin), 2009. Content: G (except for talk of the devil and of hell). $6.99. Angel has lived all 12 years of her life without knowing her father. Now, on the eve of her 13th birthday, he has made an appearance: he's the devil, ruler of the underworld, though he prefers to go by Lou (as in Lou Cipher). Angel's New Age mom is trying to protect her from evil influence, but Angel finds that she may have use of dear old dad. And there isn't any way she can avoid the emergence of her own special powers. How do you place a book about Hell that has a 12/13 year old as the main character? This trend towards devil fiction is interesting and at least most of the books have been light and satirical. MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Sonnenblick, Jordan After Ever After, 272 p. Scholastic, FEBRUARY 2010. $16.99. Content: G. Jeffery's cancer is in remission and he's ready to deal with normal teen stuff. At the beginning of 8th grade, however, Steven, his older brother, has ditched his girlfriend and taken off for Africa "to find himself". And Tad, Jeffrey's best friend, also a cancer survivor, is keeping important information from Jeffrey. Add a beautiful new girl, who for some reason seems mutually interested in Jeffrey, and you have the makings of more than interesting year in school. I will tell you honestly, I was in tears by the end of this novel. I didn't read the prequel, Drums, Girl and Dangerous Pie, but I didn't need to - and now I want to. Jeffery and Tad would be great friends to have and their middle school antics are right on target - I wish they were my friends. Too bad I have to wait 5 months for this to actually come in print! MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher MacCullough, Carolyn Once a Witch, 292 p. Clarion, 2009. $16.00. Language: PG (16 swears, no "f"). Tasmin was supposed to be the most talented witch of her generation, but instead she seems to be a talent-less disappointment. Most of the year she passes as a normal in big city Manhattan, but summers are spent in the at home, feeling inadequate. One day a stranger mistakes Tasmin for her Talented sister Rowena and the whole family gets dragged back into an ages old quarrel with another Talented family - and Rowena's life hangs in the balance. If Tasmin doesn't figure this all out, she may not only lose her sister, but her entire family line may disappear forever. Because the book involves time travel, it is a bit confusing and when I reflect back on the novel, I liked it, but I didn't love it. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Golds, Cassandra The Museum of Mary Child, 329 p. Heloise has been raised as a lonely child in a very strict household consisting of Heloise, her guardian, who is only referred to as Godmother, and Mrs. Moth, the housekeeper. No play is allowed, noise is not tolerated, and Heloise is more like a little adult than a child. Then Heloise happens upon a doll, hidden in the floor of her attic room and her world changes forever. With the help of the birds, Heloise walks all the way to the City to begin the second phase of her life. Circumstances, however, will drag Heloise into another world of mystery and she must confront her past in order to find closure. The cover of this novel perfectly compliments the gothic feel of its story. The old-fashioned feel may be a bit much for younger readers to embrace, but older readers who persevere will be rewarded in very unexpected ways. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher 10 September 2009 Vega, Denise Access Denied 283 pages Little Brown and Company, 2009 Language-G (0 swears no "F") Sexual Content-G Violence-G. Erin is a 13 year old girl who has made it past the year of humilationg events (aka 7th grade). She can't wait until she is the head of the school, she hopes for great results in eight grade, but like seventh is has drama. Erin has to get her way through drama of mean girls, her first boyfriend, her first breakup and getting along with her mom. But another problem arises when her best firend Mark "Cute Boy" Sacks is acting very strange. This book has casual drug and alcohol use. ADVISABLE to MS. Student Reviewer: EM Halpern, Julie Into the Wild Nerd Yonder 245 p. Feiwel and Friends, 2009 Language-R (92 swears no "f") Sexual Content- PG-13 Violence- PG . When high school sophomore Jessie's two best friends Bizza and Char turn themselves into punks, Jessie is sick of them. Bizza causes drama and then crawls to Jessie when there's no hope left. Jessie goes and finds some new friends that are portrayed as nerds and decides for herself to go 'into the wild nerd yonder.' This book has excessive swearing would be OPTIONAL to HS. Student Reviewer:EM Houts, Michelle The Beef Princess of Practical County 226 p. Delacorte Press 2009 Language-G (0 swears no "f") Sexual Content- G Voilence-G. Libby Ryan is a twelve-year old girl living on her family farm in Nowhere, Indianna. She has eagerly awaited the day when she can carry out the family legacy by showing steers at the Practical County Fair, the most exciting even of the year. She recieves two steers and against her dad's advice names them, Mule and Piggy. The days until the Fair are getting closer and closer and Libby is getting even more attached to her steers, plus her mom is pressuring her to enter the Beef Princess Pageant. Libby has to find a way to beat the Darling sisters, Precious, Lil, and Ohma in the pageant and the steer showing, but thankfully Libby can trust her best friend Carol Ann to help her out with all of this chaos. ADVISABLE to MS Student Reviewer: EM Haworth, Danette Violet Raines Almost Gets Struck by Lightening 162 p. Walker & Company 2008 $15.99 Language- G (no swears, no "f") Sexual Content-G Violence- G. Violet Raines is an adventurous 11 year old girl living in Florida in the 1970s. She is best friends with her neighbor Lottie Townsend and Eddie B. Her Summer is great until it is disrupted by Melissa Gold, a new girl in town from Detriot. Melissa teases Violet about Eddie and says he's her boyfriend. Violet feels like Melissa is stealing and changing Lottie. How will Violet handle the situation with Melissa? This is a easy read and is ADVISABLE for UPPER EL. Student Reviewer: EM McDaniel, Lurlene Breathless 165 p. Delacorte Press 2009 Sexual Content: PG Violence: PG Language: G (1 swear, no "f"). Travis Morrison is the best diver in all of Alabama and is Olympic hopeful. He has a great girlfriend Darla and a loving sister Emily, when one day at the lake everything changes. Travis breaks his leg and at the hospital discovers he has cancer. Travis has a plan but needs help from his best friend Cooper to carry it out. But when things change do Darla and Emily come to help? This book is very hard to read and personally if you have recently lost a close loved one, I wouldn't read it. (known from expierence) This book shows how hard life is for some people and even though someone thinks that they are doing whats best for you, they might not know hwo you feel. This book is ADVISABLE to HS. Student Review: EM 9 September 2009 McNamara, Maragret Earth Day, illustrated by Mike Gordon. Simon and Schuster, 2009. BEGINNING READER (LEVEL 1). $3.99. Mrs. Connor class is busy planning big ways that they can save the earth, but Emma's dad shows her that small ways are just as important - and in some ways easier to carry through. The Ready-to-Read book is at a gret level for a beginning reader and manages to get its core idea across without being preachy. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Grimes, Nikki Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, illustrated by Bryan Collier. Simon and Schuster, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. Nikki Grimes brings poetry to the life of Barack Obama, simply recounting the important people and stages of his path to adulthood and to the presidency. An excellent book to read aloud to young students when study the man, the presidency, history or race relations with the perfect illustrations to match. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Fenton, Joe What's Under the Bed. Simon and Schuster, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $15.99. A little boy must go to bed, but is very worried about what may be lurking where he can not see. Simple rhyming text and mostly black and white illustrations, with just the right hint of color combine a treat to read! EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Janeczko, Paul B (selected by) A Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing and Shout, illustrated by Chris Raschka. Candlewick, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $17.99. Janeczko has gathered poets classic and modern (mostly from the 1990's) in to a great collection that begs to be read aloud. Raschka's colorful illustrations and depth to each page - you should buy a class set for a poetry unit. EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Winter, Jonah Gerturde is Gertrude is Gertrude is Gertrude, illustrated by Calef Brown. Atheneum (Simon and Schuster), 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. The relationships between Gertrude Stein, Hemingway, Picasso, and other famous creative types of that time period are explored within this picture book. While the artwork is extremely entertaining, the text is way beyond any young student trying to understand the meaning of the work. I consulted with a fellow teacher and we both agree that only AP Literature or college-level students will be able to interpret this at all. If such a teacher could be convinced to use a picture book, it could make for a very inspiring lesson plan. COLLEGE - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Doyen, Denise Once Upon a Twice, illustrated by Barry Moser.Random House, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. An unwary mouse cause problems for his elders and after his scolding decides he knows best and ventures into the dark night alone - and almost learning the hardest lesson of all. Doyen beautiful musings upon the page are full of wondrous words reminiscent of Jabberwocky, but not quite so complicated. She has added a marvelous tool to the poetic belts of any level student, with words like qui-ettiquette, scoutaprowl, or preycautions, as she works her magic upon the language. A must have for any level of Language Arts teacher! EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Guberson, Brenda Z. Life in the Boreal Forest, paintings by Gennady Spirin. Henry Holt, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. Guberson has managed to capture the flora and fauna, a bit of food chain, a touch of conservation and a look at the seasonal moods of the boreal forest all within one beautiful book. How could any science teacher not find a way to use this somewhere within the curriculum. EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Nelson, Blake Destroy All Cars 218 p. Scholastic May 2009 Language PG- 13 (31 swears, no "f") Violence: G Sexual Content: PG-13. James Hoff is a Seventeen year old who is sick of people destroying our planet. He despises Consumer Americans and want to overthrow all of the oil companies. James runs into his ex-girlfriend after she breaks up with her boyfriend and although he trys to not fall for her he fails. I thought this was a good book, it gives you another perspective about America and what we could be doing and how to fix our planet. It also gives insight on High School Drama. This book is OPTIONAL to HS. Student Reviewer: EM Timothee, de Fombelle Toby Alone, 384 pages, published 2009, Sexual Content: G, Language: G, Violence: G. This is a book about a boy named Toby Lolness who is only half a millimeter tall. He lives on a big tree, but he is in big trouble because he knows a big secret that his brilliant dad figured out about the tree, it's alive. Everybody wants to catch him so they can figure it out, even if it means killing him. I really liked this book because he never gave up, he always stayed strong and he was very brave. Interest level: EL - MS - ESSENTIAL. Student reviewer: SO. Lubar, David The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies, 170 pages, published 2009, Sexual Content: G, Language: G, Violence. This book had many interesting, enjoyable, funny stories. I liked this book because it is very interesting how he gets his ideas. It was cool because at the end it tells you how he got his ideas and some are very cool, like the one story called Bad Luck where there is this guy called Bad Luck and he makes bad luck happen. Interest level: EL - ESSENTIAL. Student reviewer: SO. Williams, Carol The Chosen One, 213 p. St. Martin's Press, 2009 Language: G; Sexual Content: PG; Violence: PG. Kyra lives in an isolated community without questioning the fact that her father has three wives and she has twenty brothers and sisters, with two more on the way. But she has a secret. She secretly visits the County Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books and meets with a boy named Joshua. I really liked this book. I liked how the main character had her own free will and how she was going to do anything to keep it that way. The story was well written and keeps you entranced the entire time. MS, ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: KH Murnane, Maria Perfect on Paper, 314 p. United States of America - Language PG 13, Sexual Content G, Violence G - When Waverly Brysons fiancé calls off their wedding at the last minute she is crushed. He was everything she ever wanted and more….wasn't he? Waverly's life seems to get extremely difficult after she and her fiancé broke up and it continues to get worse. Then she finds something she really enjoys doing and her life starts to sort out. She meets a cute, fun and nice guy named Jake. Only problem is, every time she goes near him she makes a total fool out of herself. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was funny and really entertaining. I thought it was very well written and it kept my attention all the way to the end. Unfortunately there was some very colorful language throughout the entire book. I would not suggest this book to be placed in school libraries. Interest Level: MS, HS - NO. Student Reviewer: AR 3 September 2009 Robinson, Anthony and Annemarie Young Gervelie's Journey: A Refugee Diary, illustrated by June Allen. Frances Lincon, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. Gervelie's young life was dominated by war Whether in her homeland of The Republic of Congo or in her grandmother's country of Ivory Coast, soldiers, guns and danger seemed to follow her every move. In a desperate move, Gervelie and her father sneak into Europe and finally to England where they must plea their case before the Refugee Council. Gervelie's story is told in the simple language of a little girl, making it all that more powerful and accessible for younger students. While they may not be ready for the bigger issues of refugees and illegal immigration, they can get a feel for Gervelie's dangerous life within various war zones. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Kirsch, Vincent X. Natalie and Naughtily. Bloomsbury, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. Twins Natalie and Naughtily may be very different for each other, but both of them love living in and exploring their department store home. One busy day, the girls decide to do their best to help on each floor, resulting in kind of a Goofus and Gallant meet Where is Waldo extravaganza with bright, fun illustrations. EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Meng, Cece Tough Chicks, illustrated by Melissa Suber. Clarion Books, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.00. Mama Hen's three new chicks are very different from the other chicks, but hopefully in a good way. Their on-the-move ways come in handy when the farmer's tractor gets stuck in a huge mud puddle. The cute, bright illustrations make this a very fun read for younger students EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Say, Allen Erika-San. Houghton Mifflin, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $17.00. Erica only knows about Japan from a small print on her grandmother's wall and the stories they read from the library, but a feeling compels her to study all she can and take a job in Japan after her college graduation. It takes her awhile, but somewhere must be the Japan that Erika yearns to experience. Instead of other cultures looking for a better life in America, we have, instead, the story of an American girl looking for a different life. It oculd be useful as a look at revers innigration. EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Floca, Brian Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11. Atheneum (Simon), 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $17.99. Follow the astronauts of Apollo 11 as they make their historic journey to the moon. The end papers have lots of detailed information and the drawings are beautiful, though the text is a t times lengthy. With a bit of editing, it would be a great read-aloud for a younger class discussing the relationship between man and moon. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Haddon, Mark Footprints on the Moon, illustrated by Christian Birmingham. Candlewick, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. A man looks back at the time when the whole world was fascinated by the race to the moon - and his own dreams and imaginings. This is a look more at the people who were left behind to watch their TV screens in the early morning, rather than the brave men who took those first steps. I'm not sure a young child would understand that sense of yearning now, when space flight is more common, but the illustrations just glow beautifully on the page. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Kaye, Marilyn Better Late Than Never (Gifted #2), 215 p. Kingfisher, 2009. $7.99. Content: G. Amanda is back in her own body - at least for now. She has a plan to snatch one of the cutest boy in the school for herself - even If she has to take over his body to do it. But Jenna, too, may be in trouble. Her mother has been put into rehab and a man shows up saying that he is her long-absent father. Even a mind reader like Jenna may not be able to sort this one out. I hope that in future volumes that Amanda's attitude either changes or she gets put into the background, because she REALLY annoys me. I'd rather meet the other members of the Gifted class, myself. MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Cindy, Library-Teacher Zarr, Sara Once Was Lost, 217 p. Little, Brown, 2009. Content: G (I think there were two swears). Sometimes Sam is just tired of being the preacher's daughter. Her mom has been hospitalized for a drinking problem, things are falling apart at home and her preacher Dad doesn't even seem to notice. Add in a missing girl from the congregation and Sam's life just gets more and more muddled. It doesn't help that the pretty, young youth director seems to be getting too close to Sam's dad and Sam's crisis of faith becomes full blown. Sam is going to have to get her dad's attention some how. There are been some wonderful crisis of faith books lately - Confessions of a Closet Catholic, Donut Days, Converting Kate - and this is right up there with them. Sam is engaging without being oppressive, charming without be insufferable. This bookhas just been added to my list of the three sweetest books of the summer. MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Cindy, Library-Teacher Barnes, Jennifer Lynn Perfect Cover: The Squad 273 p. Laurel-Leaf Books (Random), 2008. Content: G (not even really any violence to worry about, either). Toby Klein, sophomore computer hacker, wants nothing to do with her school's cheerleaders, but a coded invitation catches her attention and curiosity has her attending the recruitment meeting. Before she can say "Charlie's Angels", Toby is knee deep in a major makeover, because Bayport's cheer squad is not just the best in the state - they are also a super secret squad of secret agents. If you have girls who like Horowitz or Muchamore, they will gobble these up. Lots of fun if you can get your hands on them! MS - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Cindy, Library-Teacher Kaye, Marilyn Gifted: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, 229 p. $7.99.Content: G. Amanda is more occupied with being her middle school's Queen of Mean, than taking time to pity any sort of lower life forms. Then she wakes up in the body of one of her main targets - nobody Tracey - and Amanda will have to resurrect the magic power that she has spent all of these years suppressing if she wants her own life back. Amanda's not the only one at her school with special powers, though. There's a whole GIFTED class to contend with. WOW - super fun to read. I hope the rest of the series can keep up the pace - however many titles are in it. MS - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Cindy, Library-Teacher Dunkle, Clare The Walls Have Eyes, 225 p. Atheneum (Simon), 2009. Martin Glass is free and his little sister, Cassie, is in good hands, but Martin wants his mom to be out of the bubble and its dangers too. So back in goes Martin, with his faithful 'bot dog Chip. Martin will have to stay on his toes, think really fast, and hope for some help from a few friends - including one friend whom no one could have predicted - if he wants everyone he loves to come out of this adventure safely. Well - I had NO idea that this series was going to head this way. Of course I figured Martin was going to agitate enough to change the structure of his world permanently (what teenager wouldn't given the chance) - but I didn't see this particular path. Kudos to Dunkle for her very active imagination and skillful writing. Can I hope for a 3rd book? MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Cindy, Library-Teacher Nayeri, Daniel and Dina Another Faust, 387 p. Candlewick, 2009. Content: G (creepy, but safe). Five years ago, five ten-year olds were given a choice. Now, they are in New York as teens, with their mysterious governess, Madame Viceroy, prepared to become the top of the heap at an ultra-exclusive prep school. Victoria, Valentin, Belle, Bice and Christian Faust (yes, Faust) each have special powers, which can wither help or hinder their climb to the top and who cares whether it is a fellow classmate or a sibling who gets in their way? Not these five. What a clever premise and what a disaster of a telling. I had to drag my way through the first 300 pages to finally get to the writing that grabbed my attention. While the cover is fabulous, that is really the best part of the book. It was just sad watching these five teens fall apart and get used over and over by their "governess". Anyone want to guess who she really is? NO. Reviewer: Cindy, Library-Teacher Klise, Kate and M. Sarah Klise Over My Dead Body, 116 p. Harcourt, 2009. $15.00 All is proceeding nicely at 43 Old Cemetery Road. Olive is her usual ghostly self, Grumply is not quite so grumpy and Seymour is adoring being loved. Then an anonymous letter sends everything into a tailspin. Someone wants Seymour in an orphanage, Grumply in an old folk's home and Olive declared non-existent. Will the three friends be able to weather this storm? Once again the Klise sisters have a created a good series - I can't wait to see what these three come up against next! EL - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Cindy, Library-Teacher Hegamin, Tonya Cherie Most Loved in All the World, A story of freedom illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera. Houghton Mifflin, 2009 PICTURE BOOK - Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence PG - This heartbreaking story of mother's love is an authentic and powerful account of the Underground Railroad. Told by a little girl in dialect and illustrated by world renowned dollmaker, Cozbi Cabrera, this beautiful book shows the misery and torture of a slave mother as well as her courage and sacrifice in giving up her daughter so the little girl can have a chance at freedom. The mother is whipped as she works long hours in the cotton fields and then comes home each night to her little girl and makes her a quilt with symbols to guide her to freedom and to show her that she is the "most loved in all the world". Somber, dark paintings and beautiful quilt squares illustrate this unique and heartfelt book. Adopted children can find special meaning in this story of a mother who gives up her beloved child so her child can have a better life. This is not a book that children will choose on their own but could be used beautifully in the classroom to teach about slavery and the underground railroad. EL - ADVISABLE. Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library. Roy, Ron The Secret at Jefferson's Mansion. Random 87 pgs. 2009 - Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G - This Stepping Stone book is number eleven in the Capital Mysteries series written at the second and third grade level. KC, her best friend Marshall and her stepfather who is the President of the United States are the main characters in this implausible but enjoyable series. Readers will learn a little about U.S. history as KC and Marshall find an old box of homemade toy horses that once belonged to Thomas Jefferson hidden away in a forgotten cubbyhole in the White House. When the toy horses are stolen the mystery begins. Full page black and white illustrations interspersed throughout the text add to the fun. Kids who have enjoyed the A to Z mysteries will like these too. EL (K-3) ADVISABLE. Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library Cooper, Ilene, Look at Lucy! Random House Books, 2009. pgs. 102. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G. Bobby loves his beagle, Lucy. She's a terrific dog and a great friend. When a local pet store has a contest to choose the next spokespet, he gets all excited and enters. He soon finds out, however, that he has to be in the commercial, too! Things get even worse, though, when his teacher announces that everyone has to do oral reports this year in front of the whole class! Will Bobby get over his stage fright in time for the contest? Will he survive his oral reports? This story is fun to read and Lucy is a dog that you can't help but love. Animal lovers who are just getting into chapter books will enjoy reading this book. EL(2-3) OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira- Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library. 11 August 2009 Crimi, Carolyn Henry & the Buccaneer Bunnies, illustrated by John Manders. Candlewick, 2005, 2009 (paper). $6.99. PICTURE BOOK. Henry's father, the dreaded Buccaneer Bunny Barnacle Black Ear, is always giving Henry a hard time because he likes to read books more than he likes to do piratey things. Then one day disaster strikes and Henry's book-learning comes to good use. Henry and his Buccaneer pals are a hoot to read - and teachers everywhere will appreciate the message behind the cool things you can find in books! EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Crimi, Carolyn Henry & the Crazed Chicken Pirates, illustrated by John Manders. Candlewick, 2009. $15.99. PICTURE BOOK. Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies are living large and happy until the day they receive a threatening note. Then, while the other bunnies continue on as usual, Henry starts worrying and writing his own self-help book about dealing with mysterious threats. The other bunnies tease Henry - right up until the day when all of Henry's worrying becomes very necessary! The Buccaneer Bunnies are at it again and come up with another rollicking read! EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Eboch, Chris Haunted: The Ghost on the Stairs, 169 p. Simon & Schuster, 2009. $5.99. Jon, 13 and his sister Tania, 11, have been dragged along on a TV shot with their mother and her new husband. It has potential to be cool, except that their new step-father investigates haunted places. What's even worse? Tania can see ghosts. She doesn't want anyone but Jon to know, so he has to figure out how to protect his sister, not only from the scrutiny of all of the adults around them, but also from the supernatural, which he can't even see. I enjoyed this little ghost story with its likable main characters and only slightly spooky action - thrill-wise, it's probably akin to Mary Downing Hahn. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Collins, Nancy A. VAMPS: Vampire American Princesses, 256 p. Harper, 2008. Language: PG-13 (30+ swears, 1 "f"), Sexual Content: PG-13, Violence: PG. Lilith Todd and her friends are spoiled American princesses - the offspring of Old Blood - powerful vampire ruling families - and everything about them screams rich, spoiled brat: from the top of their perfectly coiffed heads to the toes of their expensively clad feet. Oh, and did I mention attitudes? When Lilith is challenged by a New Blood vampiress, everything in her screams revenge and matters only get worse when this interloper starts attending Lilith's ultra-private, vampires-only school. Call it Gossip Girls with vampires, which means that it really annoyed me with its foul-language, sexual references and excessive alcohol use. I am a little late getting into this series (there are three out now), but I would leave it to the public library, unless you already carry Stephen King or Anne Rice in your library. NO. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Lyons, Jayne 100% Wolf, with illustrations by Victor Rivas, 245 p. Atheneum (Simon), 2009. Violence: PG (werewolfy fighting). $16.99. Freddy Lupin has lived under the thumb of his werewolf uncle since the day his father died, almost six years ago. Freddy's transformation date is fast approaching and Freddy is sure he will be as powerful as his father was. Instead, on that fateful night, Freddy turns into an embarrassing poodle - and due to the machinations of his evil cousins, not only is he stuck as a poodle, but he is also a pretty pink. Now Freddy must find his way and some find some friends on the mean streets and figure out a way to regain his inheritance. The beginning and the end of this book are the best parts - it gets bogged down in the middle after Freddy escapes from his cousins and makes a run for it. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Knowles, Jo Jumping Off Swings, 230 p. Candlewick, 2009. Language: R (75+ swears, 10 'f'); Sexual Content: R (sexual encounters, intimate touching, body talk); also includes lots of teen drinking. Every time a boy speaks nicely to her, Ellie, 16, is sure that he is the one and allows herself to be used and discarded. Her best friend, Corinne, knows that this is not healthy, but can't get Ellie to stop. This last encounter, however, results in pregnancy and Ellie will need more than Corinne's help to make it through the hard choices. For all of its harsh language, there is something very beautiful about this book. Knowles shows so many sides of complicated teen thoughts on sex and love and blends them skillfully. We see the girl who thinks that sex will bring her love, the callous boys who see girls as trophies, but we also see the sensitive boy who realizes that he shouldn't have treated a girl that way. There is nothing idyllic about the outcome of this book, no fairy tale ending. But it is a very honest look at the intricate dance of human emotions. I wish I could say yes, but I will have to leave this to public libraries or for brave parents. I had my daughter read it right away, but there is no way I could keep this in my school library without know that I would get challenged right away. PUBLIC. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Carter, Ally Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover, 263 p. Disney/Hyperion, 2009. Violence: PG. $16.99. Cammie Morgan and the Gallagher Girls are back. Cammie has met up with her roommate Macey, on the campaign tour. Since Macey's Dad could be the next VP of the USA, security is tight around the girls. When they follow Macey's schedule to a supposed photo shoot, however, the girls attacked by black-clothed assailants descending from helicopters. Thus begins the next book in this fabulous series. Cammie and her friends want to protect Macey, while Cammie's mom, the headmistress of Gallagher, wants to protect all of the girls. And Cammie's long-lost Aunt Abby, is the Secret Service person assigned to Macey's case. Danger ensues in many forms, with Cammie and her friends always putting themselves at risk. And good news, fans - there will definitely be another Gallagher Girls book after this one! MS - ESSENTIAL. 4 August 2009 Poblocki, Dan The Stone Child, 288 p. Random House, 2009. $15.99. Content: PG (supernatural suspense, but nothing else troublesome). Eddie, 12, and his family have suddenly moved to Gatesweed, which also happens to be the hometown of Nathaniel Olmstead, Eddie's favorite author of mystery and suspense books. Before the family even arrives in town, strange and dangerous things start happening. Only with the help of a new friend and a reclusive girl can Eddie figure out why Olmstead disappeared more than 13 years ago, what is behind the strange deeds, and how to stop them. This is only Mr. Poblocki's first books, but I think he is going to give Mary Downing Hahn and Betty Ren Wright a run for their money! EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Lewis, Richard Monster's Proof, 288 p. Simon and Schuster, 2009. Language: PG (the G-man's name several times, plus a handful of other swears). Darby, 10, is a mathematical genius and so is his father. Since their mom left, Darby's older sister Livey, has been holding the house together. With the reappearance of an old Etch-a-Sketch, Darby is back on the trail to prove an obscure formula - one the will make his imaginary friend, Bob, become real. But Bob has several ulterior motives, and though he cannot tell a lie, that doesn't mean he has to give complete answers, either. It will take the help of two angels for Livey and Darby to rescue the world from Bob. While the mathematics may be a bit bewildering for some, there is plenty of action to keep the reader guessing throughout the reading. This book will need some help to sell it, however. MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Brown, Don All Stations! Distress! Roaring Brook, 2008. PICTURE BOOK. The fateful journey of the Titanic captures our attention, even after all of these years. This simple picture book tells the story of the tragedy simply, without exaggeration or sensation, in a language that young children could hear, understand and appreciate. The 100th anniversary of the sinking is fast approaching, and this would be a good retelling to have on hand. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Elffers, Joost Do You Love Me? Bowen Press (Harper), 2009. PICTURE BOOK. A series of little Snuzzles ask their mommas and poppas how and how much they love them, just like any child would. Bright pages and adorable characters make for a must-have book to share with the littlest ones. The cute little characters look ready for store shelves - and I can only hope they appear some day. Pre K - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Portis, Antoinette A Penguin Story. HarperCollins, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. A little peguin looks around and realizes that she is surrounded by black, white and blue. Against the advice of her friends, she sets off in search of a different something and returns for her friends when she finds that other color. A little interaction with humans, and Edna Penguin has something to always remind her that the world is not just black, white and blue. While the story may be a little far-fetched, Edna's longing for something different is universal (the grass is always greener). EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Thomson, Sarah L. What Lincoln Said, illustrated by James E. Ransome. HarperCollins, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. Using quotes from the great man himself, Thomson gives us a quick look at the early life of Lincoln, up to the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. While, I like how Thomson interweaves Lincoln's quotes, I am not too enthralled by the illustrations, nor the brevity of the book. This might be good for very young students who are just learning about the president for the first time. EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Minor, Wendall and Florence If You Were a Penguin. Katherine Tegan (Harper), 2009. What does a penguin do? Read this short, quick picture book to get an overview. The fun, bright illustrations are a perfect compliment to the text and there is just enough extra info added to make this more than just a quick read. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Snicket, Lemony The Composer is Dead, illustrated by Carson Ellis, music by Nathaniel Stookey. HarperCollins, 2009. PICTURE BOOK, with free CD. The Composer was found dead last night and the Detective has come to the Orchestra in order to find the murderer. Very thoroughly, he interviews each part of the orchestra until he thinks he has found the culprit, only to have the entire orchestra put him in his place. The book is accompanied by a fully orchestrated version on CD - about 25 minutes - so I can only hope that an animated version is also forthcoming, because this could very easily be another classical introduction to the orchestra - like Peter and the Wolf, but much more modern! EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Willems, Mo Watch Me Throw the Ball! Disney/Hyperion, 2009. EARLY READER. Mo Willems adds a ninth book to the Elephant and Piggie series with an argument between the two friends about whether throwing a ball is hard work or if it can be a lot of fun. This odd couple is a very fun addition to any library collection! EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Wood, Audrey and Don Wood The Napping House. Harcourt, 1984, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. As a 25th anniversary, the Woods have released a newly designed edition of their bestselling picture book. This book has always pleased it's young audience and will continue to do so for many years. EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Willems, Mo Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed. Disney/Hyperion, 2009. Of all of the little naked mole rats, one young man prefers to be dressed. All of the other naked mole rats protest his clothed state, until they all decide to turn to Grand-pah naked mole rat who decides to issue a proclamation. Though I hope the reading of this book won't lead to small children trying to decide between wearing clothes or going without, slightly older children may get the point the author is trying to make. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Hortna, Joan Math Attack! Pictures by Kyrsten Brooker. Melanie Kroupa (Farrar), 2009. A young girl is asked one too many multiplication problems and numbers burst from her brain - going on to cause problems all over town - until the young lady and clear her mind and reign all of the errant numbers in. While I really like the idea behind this book - because who didn't have a hard time learning the times tables when they were little - BUT, why did the little girl get stuck on "seven times ten"? Everyone learns the tens so very quickly - nothing is easier except for maybe the 11's. SO, I found that to be a major flaw in the book, making this really only useful for reading at home, not so much at school. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Ehlert, Lois Boo to You! Beach Lane (Simon), 2009. PICTURE BOOK. A group of mice are all set to have theor own harvest party until they realize that the cat is back in the neighborhood. Unless they do something quick, their party and their harvest will be ruined. The mixed media illustrations are the best part of this picture book; the rhymes are, at times, a little forced and confusing. PreK - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Ferguson, Sarah, Duchess of York Little Red's Autumn Adventure, illustrated by Sam Williams. Simon and Schuster, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. Little Red and her friends are preparing for a harvest festival, when Red hears the tiny cries of two lost mice. With her bag of smiles, Little Red knows she can help them, but a certain someone has scampered away with the bag and is using the smiles to cause a panic. Someone will have to step forward and retrieve the bag and save Little Red. I have never read a book by the Duchess of York, but I did enjoy reading this one. Little Red has three other adventures to read, too. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Pickering, Jimmy Skelly and Femur. Simon and Schuster, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. Skelly, the skeleton girl and her skeleton dog Femur are mystified when various important things go missing around their castle. They must venture up to the attic in order to find the culprit! For little ones who might like to be scared just a little, this will be a delight. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Wood, Douglas Miss Little's Gift, illustrated by Jim Burke. Candlewick, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. When Douglas Wood was in second grade, he had a hard time paying attention and an even harder time learning how to read. Even though he didn't want to, his teacher, Miss Little, kept him after school every day so that they could work together on his skills. It wasn't until he was older that Mr. Wood realized the sacrifices that Miss Little made to help one little boy learn to enjoy reading. This is the kind of book which is more a gift to a special teacher than one that children will enjoy on their own. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 2 August 2009 French, Vivian The Bag of Bones, 247 p. Candlewick Press, 2009. $14.99. Content: G. The good witches of Wadingburn welcome a refugee from a neighboring kingdom, who immediately decides to shrink them all and take over the throne of beloved Queen Bluebell. Loobly, an orphan, is witness to the dastardly deed and decides that she must find help - which will come in the form of a bat, a troll, a prince and a Trueheart. If your students liked Robe of Skulls, they will thoroughly enjoy this continuation of the series. I say if French can keep putting together worthwhile plots, keep the books coming! EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Selfors, Suzanne Coffeehouse Angel, 288 p. Walker Books, 2009. $16.99. Content: G. Katrina works mornings and nights in her aging grandmother's throwback coffeehouse. It's so very hard to make ends meet, especially with the modern coffeehouse next door always looking for a way to push them out. Then Melissa does something nice for a boy she finds sleeping in the back alley. Next thing she knows,, he says he is a Messenger and he now owes her her heart's desire. Katrina doesn't want anything to do with what she thinks is a crazy person, but strange things are definitely happening around her. This book was much cuter than I thought it was going to be. Katrina is just trying to do her best in a hard situation and her guilelessness shines through. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Lo, Malinda Ash, 264 p. Little, Brown, 2009. Content: G (unless two girls finding love disturbs you). $16.99. Aisling adored her mother so much, that when she died, it took her years to come close to accepting that fact that she was gone forever. Her father's new marriage doesn't help things, and when he dies, Ash is left to work as a prisoner and a slave wherever her stepmother decides to take her. When Ash strikes up a friendship with Kaisa, the king's Huntress, she must turn to an old acquaintance to help make her wishes come true, even if it means giving up part of her soul. At times I was thoroughly disgusted with Ash, as she violated everything she had ever learned about dealing with the Fair Folk, at other times I felt the pathos of her predicament as she slaved away for her stepmother. The romance is very light and well done - there is absolutely nothing to shy away from here. For schools where re-imagined fairy tales are popular, this one will go over well. MS -OPTIONAL, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Easton, Kelly The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty Aimes, 336 p. Wendy Lamb (Random House), 2009. Content: G. $15.99. Liberty Aimes has been "homeschooled" for all of her ten years. That is, she stays at home and does everything that her parents tell her to do, including cooking for her obese mother and cleaning for her angry father. Then a series of small occurrences change Liberty's life forever, as she takes her fate into her own hands. Talking animals, humans floating through the air, and scoundrels galore populate the pages of Liberty's adventures and outlandish they are. While the page count is high, there is plenty of white space for the younger reader. This would make a great elementary read aloud - or a cherished book for a parent and child. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Snyder, Maria V. Magic Study, 443 p. Mira Books, 2006. Content: PG-13 (several mentions, but not descritptions, of past torture and rape). $9.99. Yelena has been exiled to Sitia with Fourth Magician Irys, who is more than happy to reunite Yelena with her family, but insists that she come swiftly along to the Sitian capital for further magic training. Distrust from her own brother, capture and near death at the hands of a seceret Ixtian proclaimer to the Commander's throne, another life-threatening scene at the hands of the very magicians who are supposed to train Yelena's rogue powers, and an evil magician who is killing young girls to suck the power out of them all conspire to make Yelena's first few weeks in Sitia a dangerous mess. Yelena will need all of training in order to come out of here alive. These books are a wonderful addition to a high school level collection where fantasy is always in high demand. I would not recommend this at the middle school level, just because of the nature of the discussion in the first book in the series. HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher Flanagan, John The Seige of Macindaw, 293 p. Philomel (Penguin), 2009. Violence: PG. $17.99. Ranger Will is hiding in the forest outside Macindaw, working with Malcolm, the supposed wizard, to find a way to rescue Alyss fromt eh clutches of the evil Keren, who has killed the former Lord of the castle and made a pact with the Scottito allow them to invade all of Araluen. With the help of his best friend Horace, the craft of Malcolm and his fellows and even the aid of a crew of Skandians, there may just be hope for everyone. Flanagan has finally released the second half of the third scenario in the Ranger's Apprentice series. I'm glad I held my patience, for I certainly enjoyed the read. Fans of the series will not be disappointed - but remember to encourage new readers to start from the beginning! EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher Kehm, Michelle Suzi Clue: The Prom Queen Curse, 309. Dutton (Penguin), 2009. Language: PG-13 (30 + swears). Sexual Content: PG-13. $16.99. Freshman Suzi Clue is intrigued when it looks like someone may be targeting the prom queen candidates at her high school. Someone doesn't seem to appreciate Suzi's sleuthing abilities, as she is thwarted and blocked at almost every turn. Will she be able to solve the mystery and save the prom? Or will someone solve the problem of Suzi? This is a book that would be better released in paperback than in hardcover. While Suzi is rather charming, I got tired of her antics half way through the book. And I got really tired of the swearing and nakedness and the inappropriate (unrealistic) behaviors of the teachers. I would have been happier with zombies or demon queen being the cause of the peoblem rather than the actual resolution. HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher 31 July 2009 Gorbachev, Valeri The Missing Chick 32 pgs. Candlewick ~Language G, Sexual Content~G Violence~G. Like any mother, Hen panics when one of her chicks goes missing. She engages the entire town in her search. This funny, delightful search ends happily and kids will enjoy the pictures as much as the story. A great read for any age! ELM. ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian Doty, Jean Slaughter, Winter Pony. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G. Scholastic Press, 2009. CHAPTER BOOK. Ginny finally has the pony she's always dreamed of and couldn't be happier. Things, however, get a little rough when Ginny and her friend decide to teach Mokey(Ginny's pony) how to pull a sleigh. First, it's hard to teach the pony how to pull it. Then, the two decide to take Mokey out by themselves and get stranded. The surprises aren't over yet, though, soon the two find out that Mokey is going to have a baby! Surprises, humor, friendship, danger, and even a little drama make this heartwarming story a fun read for any horse lover. If you purchase this book, however, I would recommend buying Summer Pony. This is the companion to Winter Pony. EL(2-3). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira-HUN Public Library. Henkes, Kevin Birds pgs. 32 HarperCollins Language~G, Sexual Content~G; Violence~G. In this charming picture book, Henkes tells us about birds in a unique way. This book discusses colors, like what the sky would look like if birds left contrails of their color when they flew. Illustrator Laura Dronzek's simple yet stunning images blend effortlessly with the text. Her simple illustrations may encourage young artists to try their hand at illustrations. This will make an excellent addition to any school library. ELM ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library Oppel, Kenneth Starclimber 490pgs. HarperCollins Canada Language~PG, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG. Matt Cruse is itching for another adventure. In this third adventure starring Matt and Kate, Oppel doesn't disappoint. Scientists have secured an astral cable to a space satellite. Their goal is to reach into the heavens and research what they find. Many disasters, discoveries, and adventures await the team of astralnauts and scientists. Fans of Airborn and Skybreaker will not be disappointed. This is NOT a stand alone novel, so only purchase if you have the other two in the series. MS/HS ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library Lubar, David Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies 192pgs. Starscape Language~PG, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG-13. In his fourth 'weenie' book, Lubar has again come up with bizarre, humorous, and sometimes scary & disturbing short stories for teens. A girl need a date for the school dance, so her father creates one named 'Stitchy.' A carnival ride brings to mind a whole other reason for screams and much more! You may want to read this one with the lights on. A sure laugh-out- loud thrilling read! MS/HS ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library McCue, Lisa Quiet Bunny 32 pgs. Sterling ~Language G, Sexual Content~G Violence~G. A Cow says "Moo", Sheep say "Baaa", but what sound to bunnies make? Bunny likes to listen to the sounds around him. After all he has big ears! He tries to make a sound and is disappointed to find out that he can't. He is determined and goes about trying to copy sounds he hears. The bat's wings go 'wha, wha, wha' but even when flapping his ears he is quiet. Eventually Bunny finds a unique way to make a sound all his own. Quiet Bunny is a sweet story with fun illustrations that work seamlessly together. A good story about why it is okay to be different and unique. ELM. ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian Fox, Mem Hello Baby 32 pgs. Beach Lane Books ~Language G, Sexual Content~G Violence~G. In swinging, rhyming text, readers will encounter animal babies of every shape and size. The illustrations done by the very talented Steve Jenkins, are stunning! His ability to capture texture, color, and expression are unmatched. Toddlers everywhere will want this read to them over and over. ELM (K-3). ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian Margolis, Leslie Girls Acting Catty, Bloomsbury Children's Books, OCTOBER 2009. $15.99. This companion book to Boys Are Dogs follows Annabelle as she starts junior high and must confront the mean girl clique. Margolis sensitively portrays Annabelle's first bra shopping experience as well as her decision to start shaving her legs in a heartbreakingly accurate depiction of the lives of today's junior high girls as well as a very funny story. Appropriate for tweens. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Janell, Children's Librarian. Luthardt, Kevin Larabee. Peachtree, 2004 (paperback 2009), PICTURE BOOK. Mr. Bowman is a letter carrier with a round head and round glasses is this sweet story illustrated in solftly rounded geometric shapes with a retro feel. Larabee is his dog who helps him deliver the mail and who wishes for a letter of his own. Children will be charmed by the warm, happy story with a happy ending. A perfect book to use for units on community helpers. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Janell, Children's Librarian. Lopez, Diana Confetti Girl Little Brown and Company, 2009. $15.99. Lina Flores is a sixth grade Latina girl learning to deal with her mother's death, her father's withdrawal, and her crush on Luis. She is a unique and creative character who collects socks and uses them for coasters, bookmarks, and even wallets. The central theme of the book is the Cascarone (Mexican confetti filled egg). Her life feels as fragile as an eggshell and yet is as colorful as confetti. Mexican traditions fill the book including dichos (truisims that help Lina feel connected to her mother) at the beginning of each chapter. For ages 8 - 12. A wonderful multicultural title with a very appealing cover. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Janell, Children's Librarian. Gall, Chris. Dinotrux. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. Long, long ago Dinotrux ruled the earth. From the obnoxious Craneosaurus to the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Trux, the cave people are constantly having to watch out for these rude, crude creatures. Until one day something happens that will change the way cave people and DinoTrux see the world forever. Children will enjoy reading this book as the laugh at the illustrations and hover over this unique story. A fun twist on two popular subjects among preschoolers, Chris Gall has outdone himself this time. This book is a must-have for any public or elementary school library. EL (PreK-2) - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira, Children's Librarian-HUN Public Library. Salerno, Steven, Harry Hungry. Harcourt Childrens Books, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. Baby Harry is always hungry. If it's in front of him, he will eat it. From his cereal to the sky, nothing is safe from his mouth, but will his parents be able to stop before he eats everything in sight? A fun story and entertaining illustrations. Kids will enjoy the silly nature of Harry and his appetite. EL (PreK-K) - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira, Children's Librarian-HUN Public Library. Connor, Lexi, Spelling B and The Missing Magic. pgs. 130. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G. Scholastic Press, 2009. CHAPTER BOOK. Everyone in Beatrix's family has magical powers except her. This makes fitting in with her family and their friends pretty difficult. She tries and tries to make rhymes to create spells, but nothing works. Things start to look up, however, when her teacher decides to have a spelling bee. The winner gets front row seats and backstage passes to the "Black Cats" concert. Things start to take a surprising twist, though, when she learns that there is more than one way to cast a spell. Will Beatrix win the tickets? Will she ever figure out how to cast a spell? This book will appeal to anyone who's ever had trouble fitting in or felt out of place at home. With magic, humor, and a little mystery, reluctant and avid readers will enjoy taking a walk in Beatrix's shoes. EL(2-4). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira-HUN Public Library. Peters, Andrew; Peters, Polly The No-No Bird, 32 pgs. Frances Lincoln Limited, 2008. Language - G , Sexual Content - G ; Violence - G ; This is an especially fun read for those children that love the word "no"! In this delightful tale, the No-No Bird runs around refusing fun offers to play from the other forest animals. The No-No Bird soon gets into a sticky situation with a snake, and he learns that perhaps the best word to say is "yes"! EL - ADVISABLE. Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian McClements, George Baron von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident, 40 pgs. Harcourt, Inc., 2008. Language - G , Sexual Content - G ; Violence - G ; What's the fun of being a super villain, if there's not a super hero to outsmart? Baron von Baddie accidentally triumphs over the super hero, Captain Kapow in an ice ray incident. After building a number of evil robots and inhaling loads of doughnuts, Baron von Baddie decides it's not much fun being naughty if there is no one to try to stop you! It's only a matter of time before our super villain unfreezes Captain Kapow in order to return to their madcap ways. EL - ADVISABLE. Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian 25 July 2009 Malkin, Nina Swoon, 421 p. Simon Pulse, 2009. $17.99. Sexual Content : R, Language: R (50+ swears). Candice, or "Dice", has found the love of her teen-aged life - unfortunately he has been dead for over 200 years and he is the part-time inhabitant of her female cousin's body. Even if Dice can free Sinclair "Sin" Youngblood Taylor from her cousin's body, he may not be all that she ever dreamed and the only way to protect everyone around her may be to end Sinclair's existence forever. This is a sex-obsessed spirit who really turns me off. What good writing exists int his book is overshadowed by the titillation of the rest of the book. NO. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Livingston, Lesley Wondrous Strange, 336 p. Harper, 2008. Language: G (5 swears); Violence: PG (fantasy creature deaths). Paperback Release - September 22. Kelley, 17, has come to New York to find fame and fortune on the theatre stage. What she will find, however, is who she really is - and it isn't human. IN order to save her new-found friends and her new love, she will have to find her own power deep within. While this novel starts out a bit confusing and slow, the end is definitely worth the pages. MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Mull, Brandon Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, 527 p. Shadow Mountain, 2009. Content: G. One of the remaining hidden artifacts is protected by the dragons at one of the forbidden sanctuaries, Wyrmroost. Kendra's particular skills will be needed, but what will Seth do if he gets left behind? If you thought centaurs were peculiar - you haven't met the inhabitants of Wyrmroost. Mull contnues to hit the writing right out of the ballpark! Too bad there's only one left in the series. EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Shields, Gillian Immortal, 368 p. Harper, 2009. Evie has been banished to the isolated and lonely Wyldcliffe Abbey School where she has a difficult time making any friends. Her only confidante is Sebastian, a mysterious young man whom she can only hangout with after dark. Evie's future is connected to Wlydcliffe's past and mysterious girl who looks very familiar. If your students really love Libba Bray, they might enjoy this boarding school spook novel. I don't think it's Shields best work. MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Peterfreund, Diana Rampant, 416 p. Harper, 2009. Violence: PG-13. According to Astrid's mother, unicorns are vicious, man-eating evil beings which, thankfully, are all extinct thanks to Astrid's sword-wielding ancestress. Oops - maybe not. In order to save the world from the re-emerging species, Astrid must join other descendants - only virgin maiden descendants - of the original huntresses in a cloister in Italy, where they are funded by a pharmaceutical company who wants the secret to the unicorns' restorative powers. There are lots of bloody battles in this fast-paced novel and an off-page rape that is only referred to. The twist on the unicorn mythology is kind of fun, but the action can get bloody. MS - OPTIONAL; HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Whitman, Emily Radiant Darkness, 288 p. Harper, 2009. Language: G (5 swears). Persephone loves her mother Demeter, but feels captive in the beautiful cage that her mother has created for her to live in. One day, however, a darkly handsome man appears and quickly courts the girl until she agrees to run off with him - to the Underworld. There Persephone is blissfully happy, until she realizes that her disappearance has caused problems in the world above. This fleshed out version makes for a great love story. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Kolosov, A Sweet Disorder, 432 p. Disney/Hyperion, 2009. Content: G. Miranda, 16, is stunned by the news of her father's death, but is even more distressed that she must leave her remaining family and be fostered with a cold, austere Earl and his wife, who have plans to sell her in marriage to the highest bidder. Her only hope is if she can somehow impress Queen Elizabeth with her sewing skills and earn her freedom and place in the Queen's household. The historical detailing is drawn with great skill, but the romance with the son of Sir Walter Raleigh falls a bit flat. Those who absolutely love historical fiction may be satisfied, but it will not draw a wider audience. HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Draper, Sharon M. Just Another Hero, 280 p. Atheneum (Simon), 2009. Joshua is dead and November has had her baby - things may just have a chance to return to normal, or what passes for normal at their urban high school. Catch up with the cast of characters from the first two novels and meet a few more teens who have a skill for upsetting the daily classroom routine. As such as I liked catching up with November and her friends, seeing the trials and triumphs, the action is very slow until the last 50 pages, when the info from the teaser actually comes into play. Only lovers of the first two in the series will hold on long enough to get to this point. MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Dessen, Sarah Along for the Ride, 383 p. Viking (Penguin), 2009. Language: PG (35 swears, no "f"). Auden, 18, has her summer all mapped out - studying her textbooks for her freshman year of college in order to get a jump on the competition. What else is there in life besides academics? That is until she answers the invitations from her father's new wife to come meet her brand new baby half-sister. Thrust into a tense situation in a beachy little town, Auden can either hide in her room all summer, or take the plunge into the unknown social world of Colby. Dessen maps out a charming book that doesn't rely on beach bodies or sexy scenes to make its points. I don't know how she keeps giving such wonderful books. FYI - there is an off page makeout scene early on that is implied. MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Rich, Naomi Alis, 288 p. Viking (Penguin), 2009 p. Violence: PG. Alis has been brought up within a strict religious community and yearns to have a different life. When she goes to another Community town as a companion, she finds that her life was actually pretty easy. This Community has a decidedly anti-female stance and Alis's life may be in danger. Just as she is first finding love, Alis may lose everything. While Alis' story had potential, that potential is unrealized in this flat novel, which is unfortunate. This one wil have a very hard time charming anyone. NO. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Wilkins, Kim Unclaimed Heart, 320 p. Razorbill (Penguin), 2009. Content: G. Constance's mother left when the girl was just a toddler. Now, as her father returns from his latest ocean voyage, she overhears word of her mother being spotted years earlier in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Constance takes the plunge and stows away on her father's voyage. In Ceylon, she tries to befriend the daughter of the Dutch family who hosts them, but both girls are drawn to Alexandre Sans-Nom, a pearl diver who was rescued by her father. Mystery, contention and betrayal will rock Constance's world. Set in 18th century Britain and Ceylon, Wilkins paints a pretty picture of the time and its conventions. The romance is just enough for a light read. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 13 July 2009 O'Hearn, Kate Kira (Shadow of the Dragon book 1), 306 p. Kane Miller, 2009. Violence: PG. When the King declares war on the neighboring countries, Kira, 12, and her sisters are outlaws just because they are unmarried. Her father, mother and brother are taken to the castle - her father as the best dragon knight trainer in history and her brother to take up the danger of being a dragon knight. Only Kira and one of her sisters escapes - and thus gain the wrath of the king. More than his ire awaits the girls however, as the take refuge right under the nose of an untamable, rogue dragon. This doesn't stop Kira and her sister from saving and loving one of the Rogue's own offspring. This is a fine tale of high fantasy - the only shame is that everyone will now have to wait for the next books in the series - and waiting is VERY hard to do when the book catches you imagination and heart like this one does! EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Sanchez, Alex Bait, 239 p. Simon & Schuster, 2009. Language: PG (10 swears, no 'f'). Diego has a problem controlling his temper and ends up in juvenile court when he punches a classmate for "looking at him funny". In the office of his probation officer, however, he finally finds someone whom he might just be able to bare his soul to. Someone who can get past the bravado to the injured human inside. OH MY GOSH! What Cut and Speak are for girls, Bait is for boys. This is fabulous, outstanding and I can't wait to get back to school to share it with the students. Don't get me wrong - the issues are deep and painful, but everything is handled so skillfully that there is only shame on those who don't recognize this for the masterpiece it is. FYI: if you want to know the edgy topics addressed, highlight from here…off page rape, cutting, off page sex …to here. MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Patterson, James Max, 320 p. Little Brown, 2009. Language: G; Violence: PG. Max and her flock are still trying to save the world. This time however, they are in the shores off of Hawaii, researching the mysterious deaths of large amounts of fish - and trying to rescue Max's mother from the clutches of the latest group of people out to use or kill the winged ones. You would think that with winged main characters that I would remember that this is all a fantasy - and yet I still find myself getting upset that the villains in these latest books are so freaking unbelievable! Oh well, the action is non-stop, Max is herself to a tee. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Osterlund, Anne Academy 7, 259 p. Speak (Penguin), 2009. $8.99. Language: PG (12 swears). Aerin Renning is an escaped slave on the run from a brutal regime. Dane Madousin is a pampered son of wealth on the run from an emotionally abusive father. When the two meet at their first day at the very prestigious Academy 7, it's not necessarily sparks that fly, but there is a force that seems to be drawing to two together - for better or for worst. Both are determined to be the top of their space-faring class - and neither of them are strangers to competition. I did not guess from the cover that this was a science fiction novel, but I was not disappointed with the discovery. It's a nice little package of romance, danger and excellent piloting skills. MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Muller, Robin 13 Ghosts of Halloween. Kane Miller, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $7.99. A group of children are determined to prove that they are brave, even in the face of every increasing numbers of scary creatures. A humorous take on the original 12 Days of Christmas - a ghoulish delight for young children. EL _ ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Sanderson, Ruth Goldilocks. Little, Brown, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. This retelling of the classic Goldilocks proceeds as expected, until the end, when the young intruder stays to make amends, instead of running away in fright. The lush illustrations are a beautiful setting for this interesting retelling. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Smithson, Ryan Ghosts of War: My Tour of Duty, 320 p. HarperTeen, 2009. $16.99. Language: R (60 + swears, 6 'f'); Violence: PG (war scenes, but nothing graphic). At nineteen, Ryan Smithson is deployed to Iraq as part of a corps of Army engineers. Through short chapters, he retells his Army experience, from his first decision to join the Armed Forces until he comes to grips with what he went through at the end of his service. If you have a son or daughter who is thinking of joining the service, or if you the loved ones of someone who has left you behind, this is an excellent way to get an intimate glimpse into the behind the scenes action of this war, without being violently graphic. These are the feelings that returning soldiers need to share but are usually unable to articulate. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Ashby, Amanda Zombie Queen of Newbury High, 208 p. Speak (Penguin), 2009. $7.99. Language : PG (OMG variety). All Mia wants to do is make sure that her hunky boyfriend Rob, football superstar, doesn't dump her just before the before due to the machinations of the school tramp. Instead of a simple love spell, however, she unleashes a zombie-creating mess instead - and she is their queen (which means that they want to fatten her up to eat first). Only with the help of zombie hunter Chase does she have even the slightest chance of reversing the spell. Mia's campy antics are a hoot to read in this fast-paced adventure. There's not a lot required of the reader except to sit back and enjoy. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Marr. Melissa Fragile Eternity, 400 p. HarperTeen, 2009. $16.99. Language: PG-13 (7 swears, 1 "f") Aislinn has agreed to be Keenan's Summer Queen, but that doesn't mean that she is willing to give up her mortal lover, Seth. The trio tries to maintain an uneasy truce, but Keenan desires all of Ash's attention in order to restore his faerie court to prominence. Seth, on the other hand, is determined to do whatever he has to remain by Ash's side for eternity - even if it means turning to an unlikely source to fulfill his dreams. War, in the form of Bananach, is happy with all of the contention being sowed amongst the faerie courts. Finally, Marr brings us the sequel to her original Wicked Lovely. I'm not sure why she throws in such a minor amount of swearing - it feels purposeless. But despite that, she has created a worthy sequel, with just enough meat to make this better than the first - and to keep you waiting anxiously for the sequel. MS - OPTIONAL; HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Hurley, Tonya Ghostgirl: Homecoming, 284 p. Little, Brown, 2009. $17.99. Language: PG-13 (15+ swears, no 'f'). Charlotte has made it to the afterlife, but amazingly, it looks a lot like a call center. All of the other spirits have been reunited with loved ones who make the hours outside of the call center quite wonderful, but Charlotte and her roommate Maddy are left on their own. And Charlotte's phone never rings! Then she finds out that Petula, the hated sister of her best friend Scarlet is in an accident-induced coma. Unless Petula's spirit can be reunited with her body before the Homecoming Dance, both Petula and Scarlet may pass on. I must say, I love the look of the Ghostgirl illustrations - and yes, there is some merchandise available on the net. The story is a bit weirdly complicated, but fans of the first book will not be disappointed. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 8 July 2009 Chaikan, Andrew and Alan Bean Mission Control, This is Apollo. 105 p. Viking (Penguin), 2009. $23.99. With all kinds of insider information, this book details each of the seventeen Apollo missions. There are lots of photos in the book, but there are also beautiful paintings by Alan Bean, one of the astronauts on Apollo Twelve. While this may be a coffee table book, and certainly would be a fabulous gift for any space lover, it is also a great one of a school library. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher. Moore, Julianne Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Bloomsbury, 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Freckleface Strawberry loves to go to school early for Early Bird play - EXCEPT when it is raining, because rain means dodgeball! And dodgeball means Windy Pants Patrick, with the too hard throw will try his best to make everyone cry. But this time, Freckleface Strawberry has a plan. What plan? I'm not going to tell! Younger kids will especially love this book, because it touches on a deep concern for all of them. And it's a great opener for talking to bigger kids about how to play appropriately with those smaller than them. EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher. Thomas, Jan Can You Make a Scary Face? Beach Lane (Simon), 2009. PICTURE BOOK. Join Ladybug as it leads you through a fun pretend exercise - that may just become a little too real. Parents and preschool teachers will have a great time jump and squirming and making faces with their children as they read thorugh and act out this crazy book. PreK - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher. DiCamillo, Kate Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken 48 pgs. Joanna Cotler ~Language G, Sexual Content~G Violence~G. Louise is not your ordinary chicken. She longs for adventure, to fly the coop to dangers and perils unknown. Divided into four chapters, this long picture book follows Louise as she goes from adventure to adventure, meeting pirates, circus performers and more. This delightful book, illustrated by renowned artist Harry Bliss, combines adventure with the perfect amount of silliness! A must purchase for school libraries everywhere. EL - ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian Blundell, Judy What I Saw and How I Lied pgs. 281 Scholastic Press Language~PG, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG. World War II has just ended and for Evie, life has just slipped back into the old routines. When her step-father's war buddy Peter shows up. . . .Evie's life becomes full of secrets, scandal and betrayal. In this novel Blundell tries to create a suspenseful murder mystery but it falls flat. The book got a lot of good reviews from professional journals and won the National Book Award, but I would save this for the public libraries and spend your money elsewhere. MS-PUBLIC ONLY Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library 7 July 2009 Berger, Joe Bridget Fidget and the Most Perfect Pet. Dial (Penguin), 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Bridget has always longed for a pet, so when a great big box arrives, she tears into it, but only finds another, much smaller, box. When her parents give her the present inside the box, she is happy, but not overwhelmed. As consolation, she does find a pet, who might be everything she ever wanted -maybe. I thought Bridget was pretty cute - up until the reveal of her new pet - that underwhelmed me to no end. DO you want to know what Bridget's new pet is? Highlight with your cursor from here… LADYBUG … to there. PreK - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher. Cutbill, Andy The Cow that was the Best Moo-ther, illustrated by Russell Ayto. HarperCollins, 2009. $17.99. PICTURE BOOK. Marjorie the Cow enters her unusual-looking calf(?) into the farmer's beauty contest, where her beautiful baby turns out to be something special after all. The illustrations in this book are lots of fun and littler children will laugh at Marjorie's silly baby. PreK-K - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher. Cindy, Library Teacher. Rueda, Claudia My Little Polar Bear. Scholastic Press, 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. As he and his mother wander through their territory, a little polar bear wonders how his mother knows for sure that he is a polar bear. The blue and white illustrations bring the feel on the Arctic right into the book. I wish this were a board book, though, because that's what it feels like. PreK-K - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher. Haddix, Margaret Peterson Sent (The Missing: Book 2), 320 p. Simon and Schuster, 2009. Jonah and his sister Katherine have been sent back in time with the chance to save the lives of two of the stolen children, Chip and Alex. Who are these two in history? The missing boy princes from the Tower of London, presumably murdered by King Edward IV. While the siblings seem to do everything wrong and the princes' lives come into deeper danger, they are the only hope. I love how Haddix explains her use and rules of time travel without becoming so obscure that it just sounds like gobbledygook. Her adventures make sense, as well as having healthy doses of adventure and danger. Nowo I am hoping that the sequels remain just as much fun to read as #1 and #2. EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher. 5 July 2009 Puttock, Simon Yours Truly, Louisa, illustrated by Jo Kiddie. HarperCollins, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $17.99. Louisa Pig has all kinds of ideas for sprucing up the farm and Farmer Joe is more than happy to comply with her letters - at least until a huge rainstorm comes by and destroys all of his hard work. When Louisa leaves in a huff, she finds out the old wisdom that wherever you go, there you are. The illustrationsa re perfect for this cute little book; it's a good way to show children that it's no good just to complain about something - you need to be willing to change sometimes, too. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher. Grandits, John The Travel Game, illustrated by R.W. Alley. Clarion, 2009. $16.00. PICTURE BOOK. A little boy loves helping out in his grandfather's tailoring shop on the weekends, but when his mother wants him to take a nap, his Aunt Hattie plays his favorite game with him - The Travel Game - where they spin the globe and visit exotic places through Hattie's stories. This time? China! If a teacher were really knowledgable and flexible in their teaching style, I could see this as a fun thing to do with an extra half hour in the school day as a way to talk about the world for just a bit, and not a whole unit. EL - OPTIONAL. Chamberlain, Margaret Please Don't Tease Tootsie. Dutton (Penguin), 2008. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Not just Tootsie the cat, but every other cuddly (and not so cuddly) animal deserves to be treated with kindness. With simple, fun pictures and straightforward language, Chamberlain's message should resound with any young child. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher. Godwin, Laura This is the Firefighter, pictures by Julian Hector. Disney/Hyperion, 2009. $15.99. PICTURE BOOK. With simple rhyming text and the perfect accompanying pictures, Godwin and Hector create a book that small boys will particularly love. PreK-K - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher. Raczka, Bob The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America. Millbrook (Lerner), 2008. $9.95. PICTURE BOOK. With unadorned text accompanying historic and modern works of art. Raszka has put together an easily read book, and yet one that could spur many lesson plans for art class or American History on any level, when given to the right teacher. EL, MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher. Thompson, Lauren How Many Cats? Illustrated by Robin Eley. Disney/Hyperion, 2009. $15.99. PICTURE BOOK. A dog looks lonely, until a series of cats come though his door and get up to their mischievous cat ways, until all tired out they head themselves back out the door. Adding, subtracting and grouping all come into play in this ambitiously fun book. The cats are adorable as they prance through their cat antics (though they do spend a lot of time on their back paws). A smaller child will have a lot of fun counting the cats on every page. PreK-K - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher. 3 July 2009 Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds Faith, Hope and Ivy June, 280 p. Delacorte (Random), 2009. $16.99. Content: G. Ivy June, 12, has been chosen to leave her poor, rural mountain home and spend two weeks at the home of a city girl, Catherine and then Catherine will come to Ivy June's in return. After two weeks of TV, internet and sleeping in a bed by herself, Ivy June is suddenly not sure that Catherine will be able to adjust to life on the mountain. But both girls will find out that when there is trouble, how much you have or don't have doesn't matter when you care about each other. I actually got tears in my eyes during one part of this beautiful book. Naylor has put together something so special, that I have faith that it will become a classic. EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Petersen, P.J. Wild River, 120 p. Delacorte (Random), 2009. $14.99. Content: G. Ryan, 12, is more content to stay at home with his video games, but can't get out of a river rafting trip with his older, more adventurous brother, Tanner. The river's not so bad, but a really bad accident puts Tanner's life in danger and only Ryan can make the choices to keep him alive. And all those video game hours may just come in handy. Be prepared for a wild adventure! Younger boys and older reluctant readers will love this. EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Chadda, Sarwat The Devil's Kiss, 320 p. Disney/Hyperion, September 2009. $17.99. Language: PG (20-ish swears); Violence: PG-13. For five years, Billi, 17, has trained to be a Knight Templar - ever since her mother was killed by something evil. When her friend Kay returns from his own training as an Oracle, Billi's confusion about her relationship with her father intensifies and she makes a fatal mistake - she befriends the one being on the planet she shouldn't have - Michael, the Angel of Death, who is bent to returning his destroying angels to the world and unleashing the Tenth Plague: then death of every first born child on the earth. Billi will have to sacrifice the one she loves best in order to save the world. The Devil's Kiss is intense and violent and awfully good. It has a slightly different look at the Knights Templar, Michael and the meaning of Hell, but I enjoyed the modernization. Definitely a book for the Cirque de Freak crowd or those who like their books dark. FYI - this is darker than Twilight or City of Bones and that sort. HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. LaFleur, Suzanne Love, Aubrey, 262 p. Aubrey, 11, is barely surviving. Her dad and her little sister were killed in a bad car accident and now her mother has been gone - somewhere - for several days. Aubrey barely keeps it together until her grandmother arrives to check on her and sweeps Aubrey to live with her, at least until her mother has been found. Each day is a struggle for Aubrey, some more than others, but with the help of her grandmother, a new friend and others, she and her mother may be able to put everything back together. I got to read two wonderful books on the same day (see Faith, Hope and Ivy June) - how great is that. While the protagonist is young, it is a beautiful book that many students, and maybe even their moms, should read! EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Robinson, Sharon Testing the Ice: A True Story about Jackie Robinson, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Scholastic, OCTOBER 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Sharon Robinson shares her memories of growing up with her famous baseball player father and how he needed to use his courage both on and off the field. Nelson's pictures have the glow of Norman Rockwell paintings on them and Robinson's memories of her dad are sweet. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Aylesworth, Jim The Mitten, illustrated by Barbara McClintock. Scholastic, OCTOBER 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. A little boy loses his mitten in the snow and during that cold winter night, several animals, increasing in size, attempt to share the warmth inside. Aylesworth takes the Ukrainian folktale and adds depth to the story, while McClintock decorates it with her expressive illustrations. I hate to say it, but it may be time to replace your Jan Brett versions. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Nelson, Marilyn Beautiful Ballerina, photographs by Susan Kuklin. Scholastic Press, September, 2009. $17.99. PICTURE BOOK. Nelson celebrates the strength, courage and gracefulness of beginning ballerinas in her ode to the dancer and to the beauty of the black woman. This is an homage to the Dance Theatre of Harlem, using five young dancers. While I understand the author's love of DTH, this picture book would have an even wider audience if it were a bit more diverse. EL-OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Donaldson, Julia Stick Man, illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Arthur A. Levine (Scholastic), September 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Stick Man leaves his Stick Wife and his Stick Children home asleep as he goes for an early morning jog. Ufortunately, he is swept up in a variety of stick-related adventures, even though he tries to let everyone know that he is NOT a stick, but a Stick Man. Only with the intervention of a very special someone will Stick Man ever be able to find his way home. When this is published officially, it will be joining my personal collection. I loved Stick Man and his adventures and I was pleasantly surprised by the appearance of the special character. EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 2 July 2009 Hoffman, Kerry Cohen It's Not You, It's Me, 176 p. Delacorte (Random) 2009. Language: PG (13 swears). After six blissful months, Zoe's boyfriend Henry drops her cold. But Zoe is not ready to take no for answer. Forget homework, forget family, forget friends - she will do whatever it takes to win back her man. This is the middle/high school primer on psycho, ex-girlfriend behavior! Now if the girls who need this would just read this and get the message! Seriously, this should be mandatory reading for any girl who has just been dumped by her boyfriend. Keep a stock on hand for those tricky post-breakup tragedies. MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Morris, Paula Ruined: A Ghost Story, Point (Scholastic), 2009. $16.99. Language: G: (7 swears); Violence: PG (descriptions of deaths and violent climactic scene). From New York City to New Orleans during the middle of the school year? What could her dad be thinking? But here Rebecca is, starting a new school, full of snobby New Orleans socialites who think that Mardi Gras is the beginning and end of existence. Add to that living next to a cemetery and a ghost that only Rebecca can see - the ghost of a girl who was murdered by the ancestors of some of those same snobby girls. Rebecca doesn't know it yet, but she is an integral part of breaking the curse that has lasted 150 years and already claimed seven victims. Thought he book starts a little slow (I liked this slow, it just didn't seem like a scary, ghost story beginning), Once it reaches the crisis point, things progress so quickly that you won't be able to put this one down. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Vivian, Siobhan Same Difference, 304 p. Push (Scholastic), 2009. $16.99. Language: PG-13 (21 swears, 1 "f"). Emily did pretty well in her high school art class, so she decides to take a summer class in nearby Philadelphia. Her best friend, Meg, doesn't want Emily to go - how can Emily skip the tanning and the parties and hanging out with Meg and her boyfriend in their New Jersey suburb. But Emily finds a whole new world at the art school - including Fiona, are wacky, confident girl who challenges everything Emily thought she knew about herself. Sometimes a person has more in them than they originally thought - and sometimes others uses bravado to cover up a lack. Vivian's novel is a subtle piece that will need help finding an audience. While I enjoyed the end of Emily's journey, it is not a novel written for the 'Every Student". Instead, point this one at thoughtful young ladies who read well and might need to know that there is more to life than just their little hometown. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Bang, Molly All of Me! A Book of Thanks. Blue Sky Press (Scholastic), September 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. A little boy explores all the various parts that go into making him who his is and are so useful for all the things he wants to do. Using the materials a small child might - paper bags, crayons, and some paint, Ms. Bang creates a fun book for parents and day care providers to share with their little ones. Can see a whole room of children pointing to their own different parts as each comes up in the book. PreK - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Arnosky, Jim I'm A Turkey! Scholastic Press, September 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Arnosky has created a wild picture book to go along with his rollicking song about the turkey. Come Thanksgiving time, I can see almost every elementary teacher in the US sharing this book and this song with their students as they discuss the ceremony around the holiday. The download of the song is available for only $.99 on Arnosky's site, but each hardcopy of the picture book comes with a free download. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Thompson, Lauren The Christmas Magic, pictures by Jon J. Muth. Scholastic Press, September 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Santa and his reindeer are carefully checking, preparing every needful thing and waiting for the magic to arrive before they set off on their yearly journey. Muth's pictures create the wonderful magic in this picture book about Christmas. I actually collect Christmas picture books and this will be one that I will be adding this year. EVERYONE - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. LeGuin, Ursula K. Cat Dreams, illustrated by S.D. Schindler. Orchard Books (Scholastic), September 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Author and illustrator takes us on a wander through a cat's dreams as it tries to take a nap. The pictures in this book are particularly sweet as Le Guin's poem explores what might be going on in a kitty's dreams. Someone who loves cats a lot would definitely enjoy this. Pre K - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Lowry, Lois Crow Call, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Scholastic Press, October 2009. A young lady goes with her father early one morning to hunt the crows that are ruining their crops. When her talent with the crow call brings the birds in large numbers, however, her delight in their antics is tempered by her realization that her father means to kill the crows. Based on a true incident in Lowry's own young life, Lowry uses this one incident to illustrate how parents and children are always trying to understand each other. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 30 June 2009 Tseng, Kevin Ned's New Home. Tricycle Press, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. A cute little worm tries to find the perfect home after his latest apple palace goes rotten. Kind of like an homage the The Best Nest, but still stands well in its own right. EL - ADVSIABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Moss, Marissa Sky High, illustrated by Carl Angel. Tricycle Press, 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Maggie's family would go every Sunday to the nearby airport to watch the planes. When WWII arrived, she jumped at the opportunity to go to flight school and train to become a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilot), following her dreams and telling her own true story. Maggie's story is amazing not only because she is a woman, but because she is of Chinese ancestry, and was often regarded as the enemy by those who didn't know her. This is a great picture book to read aloud when talking about WWII, flight, or women's rights. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Franco, Betsy Zero is the Leaves on the Tree, illustrated by Shino Arihara. Tricycle Press, 2009. $15.99. PICTURE BOOK. How do you explain the concept or purpose of zero to students? Well, use this beautifully illustrated book. The whole idea of zero takes on new meaning when Arihara matches pictures to Franco's words. What a great reinforcer for a math lesson. EL-ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Katzen, Mollie Honest Pretzels: And 64 Other Recipes for Cooks Age 8 and Up. Tricycle Press, 1999, 2009. $19.95. Back in 1999, my kids were just old enough for a book like Honest Pretzels, so we used it many days to teach them cooking skills and enjoy the great food. The list of ingredients, needful utensils and step-by-step instructions made it easy for us to learn together. I hope you will buy this and share it with your children - or just for yourself if you are still a novice cook! PARENTS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Turner, Pamela S. The Frog Scientist, photographs by Andy Comins, 56 p. Houghton Mifflin, 2009. $18.00. Frogs tell us a lot about the health of an ecosystem, so when something was going wrong with the frogs, Tyrone Hayes knew that something was wrong and that he was the man to study it. This is the story of Tyrone's journey to becoming a scientist and about the many ways that humans can unthinkingly mess up the balance of nature. Houngton's Scientists in the Field series is a wealth of well-organized, interesting information of current scientist and important modern science concepts. Don't dismiss these books for their small page counts - the text and photographs are a wonderful example of excellent writing aimed at today's students. EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Jackson, Donna M. Extreme Scientists: Exploring Nature's Mysteries from Perilous Places, 75 p. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009. $!8.00. Extreme author Donna Jackson follows three modern scientists as they pursue perilous career paths. Whether into the eye of a hurricane to study weather patterns, spelunking in to treacherously deep caves to examine microbes or scaling the heights of the mammoth forests to research the life in the forest canopies, these three scientists are constantly outing their lives in danger for their passion and their work. What a great way to introduce students to types of jobs in science that they may not have thought of for themselves. I just wish this book came with a DVD so that the students could hear and see these scientists in action! I can't get enough of this series. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Spinelli, Eileen Princess Pig, illustrated by Tim Bowers. Knopf (Random), 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. When Pig wakes up one morning, she finds a "Princess" sash draped around, so she follows the advice of the barnyard animals and does what she needs to considered a princess. But, as the days go on, Princess Pig realizes that being a princess is exactly everything she thought it might be. Pig's exploits are just fun to read - and what child hasn't dreamed that they are royalty of some sort and wished that they could have everything they ever wished for. A great read-aloud for children. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. O'Connor, Sandra Day Finding Susie, illustrated by Tom Pohrt. Knopf (Random), 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. When Sandra was growing up on her family's ranch in the Arizona desert, she tried out many different kids of pets, including a tortoise, wild rabbit, and injured coyote and an orphaned bobcat cub; none of them seemed to satisfy Sandra's need for a friend. Then a neighbor gives Sandra a stray dog to raise and she knows she has found a companion for many years to come. Like Rudunsky's You?, this book will strike a chord in the hearts of children who so very badly want a pet of their own. Pohrt's illustrations work well with Justice O'Connor's text, create a great feel for the desert ranch setting. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 29 June 2009 Verrillo, Erica World's End, 322 p. Random, 2009. In celebration of her 15th birthday, Elissa's father tells her that he is throwing a grand ball in her honor and that many eligible young men will be there from all over their world. What he doesn't tell her (but she finds out anyway) is that he has already chosen her husband, the betrothal will be announced at the ball, and he is sending all of her friends away so that she will do what he wants. Elissa will not acquiesce without a fight - and instead chooses to flee Castlemar and find her own destiny. Go Elissa! I enjoyed this nice fantasy trilogy that reminds me of The Blue Sword. Give it a try. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Yoon, Salina Opposnakes: Lift-the-Flap. Little Simon, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. Seven wacky snakes are flipped aside to reveal their opposites - in more than one way. The bright, fun reptiles will delight any child learning basic opposites. Pre-K - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Weitzman, David Pharoah's Boat. Houghton Mifflin, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. In 1954, archaeologists working in Egypt found a discrepancy in the walls of a pyramid. With careful exploration, they revealed, unearthed and then reassembled a full-scale boat, made for and buried with Cheops in his great pyramid. Students who are enthralled with Egypt and the pyramids will appreciate the amount of detail contained in this picture book. While it has no photographs, the illustrations are well done. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Kitamura, Satoshi What's Wrong with my Hair? Houghton Mifflin, 2007. $9.99. BOARD BOOK. Lionel Lion is on his way to a fancy party, but he can't do anything with his mane. With the help of his giraffe barber, they explore several different options for a stylish do. It even includes clever cutouts so that a child and friend can try on the hair-do's for themselves. Pre-K - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Lester, Helen Tacky Goes to Camp, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Houghton Mifflin, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.00. Tacky and jis perfect penguin pals are ready for a a time at Camp Whoopihaha - the perfect penguins with every needful things - and Tacky with everything he just wants. The entire time, the differences between the penguins are obvious, until the night of Scary Stories, when Tacky's messy, avant-garde ways save the day. I think this is my favorite of Tacky's adventures; his charm comes shining through on every page. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Williams, Carol Ann Booming Bella, illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss. Putnam's (Penguin), 2008. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Bella is excited about the school trip, but her booking voice is not exactly welcome at the art museum. Bella tries as hard as she can to whisper, but she can't always help herself. When Bella hops on the wrong bus, however, her booming voice comes in very handy. I think most children ave run afoul of the "shusher's" at one point or another, so they will appreciate Bella's adventures. Plus, this is a great lead in to talk to students about when to be loud and when to be soft. EL - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Franco, Betsy Pond Circle, illustrated by Stefano Vitale. McElderry (Simon), 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. Built upon the "This is the House That Jack Built", come explore that food chain in a pond. The oil on wood illustrations are gorgeous - and the building rhyme is a perfect opener for a younger or older science class. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Omololu, Cynthia Jaynes When It's Six O'Clock on San Francisco, illustrated by Randy DuBurke. Houghton Mifflin, 2009. $16.00. PICTURE BOOK. When Jared is waking up in San Francisco are going through the different parts of their days. While I appreciate the concept - and find the book helpful for teaching small children about time zones - the illustrations don't really do it for me. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. McElligott, Matthew The Lions Share: A Tale of Halving Cake and Eating it, Too. Walker & Company, 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. The animals of the jungle feast at the table of the king of the jungle, but their rude manners put the tiny any in a terrible position. After she solves her problem, they each try to top her gesture, until they themselves are now in awkward situations. This very cute book is a great new math book to look at the concept of halving and then doubling. While it doesn't go as far as One Grain of Rice, it still illustrates it's point in a fun, attention-drawing way. EL - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Anderson, Lauire Halse The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School, illustrated by Ard Hoyt. Simon and Schuster, 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Zoe's wild and crazy red hair is a lot of fun during kindergarten, but Zoe's first grade teacher is not quite so understanding. Zoe does everything she can to keep her unruly hair under control, but then one day Ms. Trisk finds that she needs Zoe's hair in all it's uncontrolled glory. Zoe's hair is a sight to behold - and watching the ways they try to tame it is just as fun. What a great book to read-aloud. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Odanka, Barbara A Crazy Day at the Critter Café, illustrated by Lee White. McElderry (Simon), 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. The Critter Café is nice and qiet until a bus load of rude animals breaks down =outside and all of the animals pile into the café, making demands and acting wild and crazy. The chaos in the café is a visual treat and the rhyming text is a grand accompaniment, but the ending left me a little flat. EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. MacDonald, Suse Shape by Shape. Little Simon, 2009. $14.99. PICTURE BOOK. Page by page a mysterious something takes shape - until the three page foldout revealing the secret. Of course, it's not too secret because the cover really gives it away. It's still a great way to learn about different shapes. Pre-K - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. 28 June 2009 Verillo, Erica Elissa'a Quest, 336 p. Yearling (Random), 2007. Content: G. For thirteen years, Elissa has been the orphan in her village, raised only by Nana, the village healer, who will not tell her anything about her parents except that her mother is dead. Then Elissa's father appears, takes her from the village and Elissa ends up a prisoner in the hands of a crazy Khan. She must escape into the desert, with the help of her handmaiden Maya, is she wants to learn her destiny. Elissa's journey and Verillo's writing remind of The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley, if just for a slightly younger audience. This series is actually up to number three now, but I am catching up. EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher. Liu, Cynthea Paris Pan Takes the Dare, 248 p. Putnam (Penguin), 2009. Content: G. First Paris gets dragged to a tiny no place in the middle of nowhere. She's made two friends, but they aren't exactly kind to her or to each other. The boy who has kind of caught her eye, seems to be labeled "dork" by everyone in school and the girl who lives closest to her is off the chart on the loser scale according to her new "friends". But Paris has even bigger problems - her new group has a secret tradition that all 13 year olds have to spend a night out in the woods - where a girl was purported to have disappeared years ago - and that spot is the spooky old woods behind Paris' own house! For once a book where the kids aren't too mean, the message comes through loud and clear and it's pretty fun to read. MS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher. Bryant, Jen Kaleidoscope Eyes, 257 p. Knopf (Random), 2009. Content: G. It's 1968 and Lyza, during the summer before 7th grade, has a lot to discover. Her older sister has become a peace-loving hippie, Mom left two years ago and Dad has left the girls mostly to fend for themselves. When Lyza's grandfather dies and leaves a mysterious message for Lyza's eyes only, she is sure that she is on the path of something big. With the help of her two best friends, she may just have the map to some buried treasure, but that may not be the only secret that Lyza uncovers this summer. I must admit - I am not a fan of pseudo-poetic books, and though this book is arranged to look poetic, I couldn't find any poetic conventions in it. BUT, I still really enjoyed reading it - more so than Collard's Double Eagle, which is similar in flavor. I think that students will like Lyza too. MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher. Finn, Katie Top 8, 320 p. Point (Scholastic), 2008. Content: G. $8.99. While Megan MacDonald was away for Spring Break, someone hacked into her Friendverse account, said terrible things to all of her friends and broke up with her boyfriend via messages! Now she's back and she has to pick up the pieces of her life, reconcile with her friends, placate her acquaintances and find out who did the dastardly deed. Of course, Megan did really say those things behind people's backs, but who would hate Megan enough to tell everyone? Megan has some things to learn about herself while she's solving her mystery. While Megan's experience on the internet is kind of a sanitized version of cyberbullying, it certainly makes several good points. Especially about not talking behind people's backs. MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher. Hubbard, Mandy Prada and Prejudice, 238 p. Razorbill (Penguin), 2009. Content: G. $8.99. Callie thinks that buying a pair of Prada shoes will get her in good with the snobby girl she has to room with on what was supposed to be a fabulous trip to England. Instead however, she wobbles her way into a concussion and wakes to find herself in 1815 England, instead. She is taken in by Emily, who thinks that Callie is a childhood friend. But the real sparks fly between Callie and Alex, the Duke of Harksbury, who is also Emily's cousin. Callie will manage to cause plenty of trouble - even if she never finds her way back to her real life. Despite the implication in the title, this is not a Pride and Prejudice story-line. Instead, it is a nice little take on love and romance in the 19th century, with a healthy dose of confidence building included. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher. Logsted, Greg Alibi Junior High, 244 p. Aladdin (Simon), 2009. $15.99. Content: PG (some violence). For all his life, Cody has been on the move with his dad, a extra-deep cover agent for the CIA. After a brush with death on South America, Cody's dad exiles him to middle class America to live with his Aunt Jenny and go to - gasp!- middle school. Cody thought is would be a snap - a spy with his training shouldn't have any problem, but what he doesn't know is that the biggest jungle of all is waiting for him! Cody may only be in middle school, but I adore him already!! I hope, hope, hope that he has further adventures awaiting him! MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher. Shields, Gillian The Actual Real Reality of Jennifer James, 350 p. Katherin Tegan (HarperCollins), 2006. Content: G. Jennifer James is the geekiest of the geeks - dedicated to school work, wears the most awful clothes because her mother is a crazy feminist who doesn't take a single clue from "the man", no friends to really speak of. So when a reality show is staged at her school and she is one of only 12 kids chosen to participate, Jennifer is mystified and excited, because the grand prize is school at the most fabulous boarding school in all of England. But Jennifer's enemies - and her own mother - are working to thwart her plans for a happier life and all of England has a chance to watch every excruciating moment. I don't know how I missed this book back in 2006 - I thought it was really cute. I didn't mind the British slang or the outrageousness of reality TV. I would call this a wildly fun romp. I just checked on Follett - it's not available there, but it is on Amazon. MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher. Barry, Dave and Ridley Pearson Peter and the Sword of Mercy, Disney/Hyperion, OCTOBER 2009. $18.99. Content: G (some violence). Molly has married George and her children are starting to grow-up, when former Lost Boy James appears in a panic, asking for Molly's help. When James never returns, she tells her young daughter, Wendy, all about the Starcatchers and Peter and the evil Ombra. Then Molly disappears and Wendy must find a way to get to the island of the Mollusk tribe and get Peter Pan to return with her to help. But there is trouble on both islands and even the Mollusks will have to do some quick thinking to keep the remaining starstuff our of Ombra's hands. I was sucked in right away and enjoyed this one even more than #2 or #3. There are several really great laugh-out-loud moments; this Wendy is so much more than either the original books or the Disney movie ever let her be. The only things I can complain about is that I don't know that there will be any more in the series, because it seems to have almost met up with the original story line - and I don't understand where the character called the Skeleton came from (but I may jus t need to reread a little closer). What a FABULOUS adventure! EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Hogan, Mary Perfect Girl, 196 p. HarperTempest, 2007. $17.89. Content: G (9 swears). Ruthie Bayer, freshman, has just realized that she is in love with her bestfriend, Perry, the boy next door. BUT - Perry has just set his sights on the new girl, the perfect-looking girl. Unless Ruthie works fast, she might lose her bestfriend forever. In desperation, Ruthie calls in her Aunt Marty - also know as New York's Goddess of Love - whom her mother hasn't spoken to but once since Ruthie was born. But if anyone can help Ruthie snag a man, it will be Aunt Marty, even if her being in town, in the guest room, will cause HUGE waves at home. Again - another book I missed when it first came out! Totally cute and pink and perfect for girls who think they are in love! Also available in paperback. MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. Schwartz, David M. Q is for Quark: A Science Alphabet Book, 59 p. Tricycle Press, 2001. $15.95. So, I thought I was getting another picture book when this one arrived in my mailbox, but no - it is SO MUCH MORE! Every couple of pages covers a new science topic, alphabetically, of course, but every subject is with a lot of thought and depth - and cute, helpful illustrations. A science crazy kid would love this book. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher. |