KISS THE BOOK

Dog Parade by Barbara Joosse - OPTIONAL

2012-01-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

Joosse, Barbara. Dog Parade, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. It is time for a dog parade, and so the dogs need to get ready to "put [their] best paw forward." Owners put, what they consider, cute costumes on the dogs to help them get ready. Then the dogs go on parade "to show off [their] diggity best." I didn't like this book. But I am not a dog lover. So I kind of feel like y opinion doesn't matter because the author was obviously only writing for dog lovers. The people whose dogs are front and center in their holiday card each year. I thought this book was pointless and I would never recommend it, even to a dog lover. There are other books, like Chowder, that are actually good books and dog lovers could enjoy. I guess there is a chance there is an audience for this book; so I will at least give it an optional recommendation. Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

Mistress of the Storm by ML Welsh -OPTIONAL

2012-01-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

Welsh, M.L Mistress of the Storm, 320 pgs. David Fickling Books, 2011. $13.25. (Rating: G in all categories)
This story is about a 12yo girl named Verity whose life is changed by appearance of an evil grandmother. She now must learn more about her family’s dark history, in seafaring and smuggling, in order to save her family. Luckily she has a few allies –the mysterious librarian, her elderly friend Alice, and two misfit from school –Henry and Martha.
I am finding it hard to pinpoint exactly why this book was such a dreaded chore to read. It could be the dated time period without the charm to back it up, the boring characters, the stereotypical evil grandmother plotline, the overload of mysterious anticipation which fails to deliver, or simply the flow of the story. But the bottom line is that despite the magic and pirating, I found this book to be readable yet somehow tedious. I think students will find this a disappointing read.
EL – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

The Family Storybook Treasury - OPTIONAL

2012-01-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

The Family Storybook Treasury. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011. $18.99. PICTURE BOOK. With eight different stories, and a poem between each one, this book certainly has a wide variety of writings. Plus, there is an accompanying audio cd of all 8 stories and the poems. The stories come from famous characters like Martha Speaks and Curious George. They are Curious George and the Firefighters, Lyle Walks the Dog, Martha Speaks, The Great Doughnut Parade, Sheep in a Jeep, Tacky the Penguin, Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. These stories are old classics, and many people like to have a variety of these classics. If you don't have these books, then you might think about getting this book. But from a library standpoint, I think people would usually check out the specific stories rather than this big collection; so I recommend buying this only if you have excess money. Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

The Giant Book of Giants by Saviour Pirotta - OPTIONAL

2012-01-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

Pirotta, Saviour. The Giant Book of Giants, illustrated by Mark Robertson. Sterling Children's Books, 2011. $19.95. PICTURE BOOK. This books retells six different giant stories, including "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Sinbad's Third Voyage." The stories come from all over the world, but not a one is original. Also included with this book is a foldout poster of a giant. The poster includes many flaps to lift and things to pull out. The giant poster is larger than most toddlers who will look at this book. This book is so-so, but the poster is phenomenal. My children loved pulling out all the different parts and lifting the flaps. For example, his time piece is a clock tower that he has uprooted. The stories are nothing special, and that makes it so that this book is definitely not worth the $20 list price. My family read the stories once; I doubt we'll read them again. Though the poster is worth returning to...but still not worth the price. Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

Reading Fun with Curious George Early Reader Boxed Set - ADVISABLE

2012-01-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

Reading Fun with Curious George Early Reader Boxed Set. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011. $9.99. PICTURE BOOK. As we know, Curious George was created by Margret and H.A. Rey. But these books only give credit to the pair for having created the character in the books, not actually written them. What is even more interesting is that the titles are adaptations from the Curious George show on PBS. The titles included in this boxed set are all Early Reader Level 1, and they are entitled The Dog Show, The Kite, Roller Coaster, The Boat Show, Plays Mini Golf, and Pinata Party. Also included in this boxed set are stickers, a poster, and a reading certificate. The truth is that I am happy to have this boxed set. Since my son is still an emergent reader, he needs all the books he can get his hands on. Getting six books for $10 is a good price, even if they are not the highest quality books in the world. The Poster and the certificate are junk in my opinion, but the stickers are fun (kids love stickers). If you know someone who is a level 1 early reader, then this would be a good gift for him/her. Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

Mousenet by Prudence Breitrose - OPTIONAL

2012-01-30T10:59:00.003-07:00

Breitrose, Prudence. Mousenet, illustrated by Stephanie Yue, 389 pages. Hyperion Books, 2011. $16.99. Language: G; Sexual Content: G; Violence: G. Megan Miller is ten and is just back from a remote island in the Atlantic Ocean where she helped her mother research sheep. She doesn't fit in, but she has been able to enjoy herself with her uncle who likes to invent small things. This time, the two of them have created the thumbtop--a miniature computer that requires a magnifying glass and a pin to work. When Megan's mother heads off to Australia and can't bring her daughter with her, Megan must go live with her dad in Oregon. But she at least gets to take the thumbtop with her. This sounds all kinds of alarms in the mouse nation because they have been getting more and more excited to get their paws on the thumbtop because they want to be able to surf the web freely (without having to fear a cat or a broom to whack them). They hatch a plan to approach Megan, and get a thumbtop into every mousehole. This book was okay. At times, I really found myself caring what happened to Megan and the mice. But other times I was annoyed by the writing and the lack of conflict and rising action. Plus, I felt like I was reading a sermon about how important it is to save the planet. I'm all for saving the planet, but when I read a book about little mice wanting to get computers so that they aren't eaten, then I don't want to read about how humans are destroying the earth. I think Ms. Breitrose should have stuck to the story more, and then written an article for National Geographic about what we can do to save the planet. Someone else might like the book more than I did, but I can think of better ways to spend your money and time than buy and read this book. EL(K-3), EL - OPTIONAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

A Treasury of Curious George/Coleccion de Oro Jorge el Curioso by Margret and H.A. Rey - OPTIONAL

2012-01-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

Rey, Margret and H.A. A Treasury of Curious George/Coleccion de Oro Jorge el Curioso, illustrated in the style of H.A. Rey by Vipah Interactive and Martha Weston, translated by Carlos E. Calvo. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011. $11.99. PICTURE BOOK. This books tells eight different stories of Curious George. It has the English words in black font on each page and then the Spanish translation is directly underneath it,written in blue. I used to speak Spanish fluently, and I have lost a lot. But I still know enough to know that the translation is good. I have seen books like this benefit students who are learning either of the two languages. But there are so many things out there to spend money on, I wouldn't say that this is a must-have or even a should-have. What is good about this book is that there are eight stories and lots of pages of English and Spanish. It is probably worth the money, but only if there is a need for someone to learn the two languages. Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

Wodney Wat's Wobot by Helen Lester - OPTIONAL

2012-01-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

Lester, Helen. Wodney Wat's Wobot, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Rodney has a speech impediment. His Rs sound like Ws. But then he receives this really great birthday present: a robot that repeats what it hears. But the good news is that it can pronounce its Rs correctly. So Rodney takes this robot with him to school and whispers his answers to the robot, who then says the answer correctly. His problems seem to be solved...until Camilla, the bully shows up (she had moved away, but is now apparently back). Can his robot save him and his friends from Camilla? Or will she take over? So many questions. And I didn't care about the answer to them while I was reading this book to my kids. I didn't like Camilla; she truly was a bully. But in all honesty, I didn't care if she beat up Wodney (I mean Rodney) because he was annoying too. This book wasn't terrible, but it lacked that something special to set it apart from other picture books. Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber-ESSENTIAL

2012-01-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

Schreiber, Joe. Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick,190 pages, Houghton Mifflin, 2011, $16.99.

Language-PG (2 swears), Mature Content-PG-13, Violence-PG-13

Perry has a lot of stress in his life. He has a complicatedrelationship with his father, but he needs a college letter of recommendation from a partner in his father's firm. Hismother wants him to take their foreign exchange student, Gobija Zaksauskas, tothe prom, but his band has their first paying gig in New York City on the samenight. He wants to say no to everyone,but he can't. When Gobi comes down the stairs dressed for prom wearing a 'baggyshapeless mountain of linen', a headscarf and a bag made from animal hide,Perry's father hands him the keys to his red Jaguar to ease his pain. Perrythinks that the evening is going to be a disaster-only he has no idea how badit could get before dawn. What happens next involves a crazy night inManhattan, hit men, mobsters,explosions, and a jump from the forty-seventh floor. Through it all, Perrylearns a lot more than he ever wanted to know about himself, his family, Gobi,concealed weapons and the underworld. Essentially kidnapped at gunpoint by hisprom date, Perry is a very unwilling participant in what turns out to be the mostimportant night of his life. This book is hilarious in an over-the-top, highoctane sort of way. From the first explosion to the last, you'll be handcuffedto every page. HS-ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Gretchen

Hourglass by Myra McEntire-ADVISABLE

2012-01-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

McEntire, Myra. Hourglass, 390 pages, Egmont, 2011, $17.99.
Language-G, Mature Content-PG, Violence-G

Emerson thinks that she is crazy. She can see people fromthe past- apparitions of Southern belles and 1920's jazz musicians who onceinhabited the buildings of her Southern hometown. Haunted to the point ofinsanity, she has tried everything to make the images go away, and as a lastresort her brother has employed the handsome Michael Weaver from the organization, Hourglass, to help her.With his experience and knowledge, he may be able to help her see her life as acontinuous pattern-the past, the present and the future. Only she begins towonder if Michael is the answer or the problem? Is Hourglass a benign institutefor the study of time or something more sinister? If she is getting better, whyis she still being haunted? This was a very engaging, highly-readable, originaladdition to the YA paranormal genre. The cliffhanger ending may have been alittle too steep for my liking, but I can't wait for the sequel. MS/HS-ADVISABLE.Reviewer: Gretchen

Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby-OPTIONAL

2012-01-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

Ashby, Amanda. FairyBad Da9, 336 pages, Speak, 2011, $7.99.

Language-G , Mature Content-G, Violence-PG

Burtonwood Academy student, Emma Jones wants nothing morethan to be chosen to be a Dragon Slayer like her mother before her. However, when Curtis Green is chosen to be aDragon Slayer and she is assigned to study to be the very first Fairy Slayer, Emmaknows that it must be some kind of cosmic joke or at least a simple mistakethat Principal Kessler could easily rectify. Resigned to embarrassment and at aloss of how to take down a fairy, Emma turns to her two friends and her owndevices. When a giant evil fairy only she can see wreaks havoc on campus, Emmafinds that maybe she needs more help than she is willing to admit, and maybe,just maybe, the cute Curtis Green might be veryinterested in lending a hand. The creature mythology behind this story iskind of confusing. I found the characters and setting pretty flat. The storydid not really keep my interest which made it hard to hang in there until thefinal battle. MS/HS-OPTIONAL. Reviewer:Gretchen

The Jane Austen Diaries: Pride and Popularity by Jenni James-OPTIONAL

2012-01-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

James, Jenni. The Jane Austen Diaries: Pride and Popularity, 238 pages, Inkberry Press, 2011, $11.99. Language-G, Mature Content-G, Violence-G

Chloe has been avoiding Taylor Anderson since the summer before their sophomore year. He was too popular, too handsome and far too sure of himself for her. When they end up in the same art class senior year, she can't avoid him any longer. Why won't he and his friends leave her and her friends alone? But when his best friend falls for hers, things get messy, and her pride and his popularity get in the way. There was really nothing new here, and much of the Pride and Prejudice parallels seemed forced. Ultimately, it is an easy read with a few bright spots for the young Austen enthusiast. MS/HS-ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Gretchen

The Sons of Liberty Book 2: Death and Taxes by Alexander Lagos and Joseph Lagos-OPTIONAL

2012-01-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Lagos, Alexander and Joseph Lagos. The Sons of Liberty Book 2: Death and Taxes,176 pages, Random House, 2011, $14.99. Language-G, Mature Content-G, Violence-PG

Having escaped slavery years before, brothers Graham andBrody are now apprentices in Benjamin Franklin's print shop in Philadelphia atthe outbreak of civil unrest. As the Colonists begin to fight back against theBritish, the streets erupt in violence. The brothers use their super powers,obtained in Book 1, to find Graham'sgirlfriend and fight injustice and demons on both sides of the conflict. TheSons of Liberty is American history on steroids. The plot is a mash-up ofhistorical fiction, super hero action, social commentary and pure craziness,and it was pretty hard to follow until I went back and read Book 1. The pictures are visually stunning and willcaptivate any willing reader. Ultimately however, I felt the superhero anglewas like cheese sauce over broccoli; it was a gimmick to get you to readhistorical fiction, and this book is much more fictional than historical. MS/HS-OPTIONAL.Reviewer: Gretchen

Can I See Your ID? True Stories of False Identities by Chris Barton-ADVISABLE

2012-01-28T19:07:00.001-07:00

Barton, Chris. Can I See Your ID?: True Stories of False Identities,121 pages, Dial Books, 2011, $16.99. Language-G, Mature Content-G, Violence-G

Can I See Your ID? is a collection of stories about people who did very interesting and sometimes illegal things while posing to be someone else. Princess Caraboo, a fake. The author of The Education of Little Tree, not a Native American, and the engineer of that subway you are riding on might just be a sixteen year old with a fascination for trains. Notorious fakers and liars masquerade as what they are not in Barton's tales of crime, desperation and adventure. His research is thorough and cited at the back of the book. The episodes told in second person draw the reader in and let them experience the perpetrators' thinking behind each masquerade. My favorite part is the "What happened next" addendum at the end of every story. Engaging and easy to read, Can I see Your ID? would be an excellent way to interest young readers in nonfiction or biographies. MS-ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Gretchen

Catch and Release by Blythe Woolston - NO

2012-01-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Woolston, Blythe Catch and Release, 216 p. Carolrhoda Lab (Lerner), 2012. Language: R (80 swears, plus 34 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (drinking, drugs, body parts). Polly and Odd have survived a flesh-eating bacteria, but have no idea how to continue on with their lives as deformed survivors – Odd has lost his foot, Polly and eye – and both of them lost so much more than that. On a whim, Odd drags Polly out on a one day fishing trip that ends up being a road trip instead. The pair don’t even know how to connect with each other – Odd used to be a football star and Polly was just happy having a boyfriend and her perfect life all mapped out – so the road trip may or may not help either of them find a way to move on.

I understand that Polly and Odd were dealt a really crappy hand – but I felt personally assaulted on every page. And the end just left me hanging. Maybe Woolston achieved everything she was attempting to do, but I can live my life without ever reading this again. NOT RECOMMENDED. Cindy, Library Teacher

Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Garcia, Kami and Margaret Stohl Beautiful Chaos, 513 p. Little, Brown, 2011. Language: PG-13 (24 swears, 0 ‘f’); Lena Caster has done the impossible – she has claimed herself for both the light and the dark. The price, however, is being paid by the entire world, as a curse seems to have descended upon Gatlin, turning winter into one continuous dry autumn. In order for the balance to be destroyed and for Abraham Ravenwood to be defeated, “The One That is Two” must be sacrificed on the eighteenth moon. But with so many characters who have dual natures, no one is sure who the prophecy refers to. Lena and Ethan and all of the friends, relatives and enemies have a lot of work to do before that moon.

At first I was kind of put off by how slowly everything was developing within the book, but then I got to thinking about it like a train wreck or a car accident – you know it is about to happen, you can see it happening – you know it is going to be really bad when it does happen. You know you shouldn’t look, but you just can’t make yourself stop watching as everything seems to proceed in slow motion. Though I wasn’t happy with the ending (no spoilers here), I was glad that I continued reading – now I have to twiddle my thumbs and worry until book #4 appears.

THERE HAD BETTER BE A BOOK NUMBER FOUR – do you hear me Kami and Margaret???? MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King - NO

2012-01-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

King, A.S. Everybody Sees the Ants, pgs. 288. Harper Collins, 2011. $17.99 Language PG (4 swears, 0 "f" words in first 30 pages) Mature Content- PG-13/R

Lucky Lindermann isn’t very lucky. His grandmother told him he needs to find his grandfather who is a VietNam POW. His dreams become a chance to visit with GrandDad. A bully, Nader, has been after him since he was seven years old, but adults are too intimidated or uninvolved to stop him. His parents are too busy or self-absorbed to realize he needs help until after another attack, Lucky’s mom finally decides to take Lucky to Arizona to stay with her brother.

Personally, I couldn’t get past the first 30 pages. I was interested in it because it was an award winner and hopefully a war book I could pass to boys, but the constant reference to his and other characters’ genitals was uncomfortable for me. Nader has been a bully for years and although adults finally recognized his true character, they were too weak for me to believe. When Nader sexually abused a student in the locker room and it was described in more graphic detail than I needed, I decided to shut the book. HS – NO. Teacher Reviewer: Christine

Into the Trap by Craig Moodie - OPTIONAL

2012-01-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

Moodie, Craig Into the Trap, 197 p. Roaring Brook, 2011. $17. Language: PG (3 swears, 0 ‘f’); Violence: PG (mild violence). Eddie, 12, knows that someone is stealing lobsters from the traps around Fog Island – including from his own family – and when he happens upon the lobsters and the thieves, he decides he must do something about it. With the help of Briggs, 13, an escapee from a local posh summer camp, they set off with a vague plan to capture the thieves, but everything starts falling apart and the boys find themselves accused of the crime. Now they can’t stop until they can clear their names.

Mild danger and intrigue would make this a good regional pick, for coastal areas involved in boating or the lobster trade. EL – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Just Add Magic by Cindy Callaghan - ADVISABLE

2012-01-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

Callaghan, Cindy Just Add Magic, 218 p. Simon, 2010. Content: G. Kelly, 12, and her friends Hannah and Darbie, are very excited when they discover what looks to be a magic cookbook. While the ingredients are a little strange, the weird little shop downtown seems to have everything they need. What they mix-up instead, is a whole lot of trouble. Every plan backfires and the girls are not too happy with each other.

Like everything in the MIX imprint, you get a whole lot of fun, with a clean book to enjoy. And they are at a paperback price. You can’t go wrong! EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

The Curse of the Wendigo by Rick Yancey - OPTIONAL

2012-01-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

Yancey, Rick The Curse of the Wendigo, 424 p. Simon, 2010. Language: PG-13 (0 ‘f’); Violence: R. After traveling to Canada in search of the evil Wendigo, a vampire-ish creature from Native American mythology, Will Henry and Dr. Warthrop rescue John Chanler and return him to New York City, where the monstrumologists are preparing for their annual meeting. When Chanler disappears, a series of gruesome murders occurs. Dr. Warthrop will have to work fast in hunting down the killer, before panic sets in.

I could do without the graphic scenes of violence – but that will be its main attraction for fans of horror. HS – OPTIONAL.

Author Signing: Brodi Ashton

2012-01-24T21:24:00.000-07:00

I've already reviewed Everneath by Brodi Ashton. Tonight I went to her book launch at The King's English bookshop in Salt Lake City. I should have known better - Brodi being a local gal - it was packed!!! The initial reception was down the street at the art gallery - standing room only. I saw Sara Zarr, but otherwise it was too full to look for anyone else. Brodi had a powerpoint presentation to support a great story. I think she would be golden for school visits - middle school or high school. When it moved in to the store for the signing, the line snaked through the whole shop and out the door. I snagged a sweet early spot in line - and Brodi also gave out "Dead Elvis" guitar pick necklaces (you have to read the book - I am not telling you what that means). SWEET!

I can't wait until you all get a chance to read it. Go - NOW!!

--Cindy

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Fishy Business by Maxwell Eaton III-ESSENTIAL

2012-01-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Eaton III, Maxwell. The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Fishy Business, 96 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012. $6.99. Back cover: “When Fish Stix Corporation sets up shop, most of the islanders are thrilled. After all, Fish Stix are the most popular, bestselling sticks around and they’re good for the environment. But Ace and Bub quickly see through this ego-friendly façade and uncover a sinister plot. It’s up to the Beaver Brother to set things right.” I loved, loved, loved this book! It was very funny. The illustrations are so good. I laughed the whole time I was reading it! EL (K-3). EL. ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewed: JL-age 9.

Mouse and Mole: A Perfect Halloween by Wong Herbert Yee-ADVISABLE

2012-01-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Yee, Wong Herbert. Geisel, Theodor Seuss. Mouse and Mole: A Perfect Halloween, 48 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011. $14.99. Inside cover: “Mouse likes Halloween. In fact, with only a few days to go before the big day, Mouse has a lot to do. There are decorations to hang and pumpkins to carve-especially for the big pumpkin-carving contest! Mole does not like Halloween nearly as much. It is scary. It is creepy. Thankfully a pumpkin-carving contest is not too scary. But the contest is just the beginning of Mouse and Mole’s Halloween adventures. Even the trip home could be a spooky one. Mole is just not having a happy Halloween. What’s Mouse to do when her best friend has turned into a big Scaredy-Mole? All it takes is a little creativity (and Mouse has a lot of that) and a bedtime story to have the perfect Halloween.” I thought this was a great book. The story is fun and exciting. I like how the characters changed at the end of the story. The illustrations are bright and colorful. It would be a great Halloween story. EL (K-3). ADVISABLE. Student Reviewed: JL- age 9.

Step Into Reading: Francis Scott Key's Star-Spangled Banner by Monica Kulling

2012-01-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Kulling, Monica. Walz, Richard. Step Into Reading: Francis Scott Key’s Star-Spangled Banner, 48 pgs. Random House for Young Readers, 2012. $3.99. This is a great condensed version of the true story our national anthem. The story details the life of Francis Scott Key and how the War of 1812 influenced his writing America’s most beloved song. The end of the book details the whereabouts of that infamous flag and it’s current home at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. EL (K-3). ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: SL

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to NOT Reading by Tommy Greenwald-ESSENTIAL

2012-01-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

Greenwald, Tommy. Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to NOT Reading, 224 pgs. Roaring Brook Press, 2011. $14.99. Inside cover: “Charlie Joe Jackson may be the most reluctant reader ever born. And so far, he’s managed to get through life without ever reading an entire book from cover to cover. But now that he’s in middle school, avoiding reading isn’t as easy as it used to be. And when his friend Timmy McGibney decides that he’s tired of covering for him, Charlie Joe finds himself resorting to desperate measures to keep his personal record intact. This is the hilarious story of an avid non-reader and the extreme lengths to which he’ll go to get out of reading a book. I liked that this book had 25 non reading tips. I also liked the cartoon-like illustrations. I thought it was funny how he tried to avoid reading. EL. ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewed: JL- age 9.

Luz Sees the Light by Claudia Davila- ESSENTIAL

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Davila, Claudia. Luz Sees the Light, 96 pgs. Kids can Press, 2011. $16.95 This book is about a girl named Luz and her friend, Anika. These friends have a lot of blackouts in their town. Luz and her friends go and try to make a park where they can spend time during the blackouts. In that park they are going to grow vegetables and have a playground. Luz then realized how hard this project can be and her friends are no help. Will Luz ever get her park? I liked this book because it was a comic book. The illustrations were great. The story was very interesting and fun. EL. ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewed: JL- age 9.

Building a Dream by Beth Dunlop - ADVISABLE

2012-01-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

Dunlop, Beth Building a Dream: The Art of Disney Architecture, 206 p. Disney/Hyperion, 2011. $60. Disney never does anything without a purpose and a plan. This eye candy delves into the processes and purposes behind pretty much every non-ride building on any Disney property – and a few of the in-park buildings too. From the Team Disney building in Burbank to the post office of Celebration, Florida, you will read about things that you never would believe people thought out. Architectures, designers, Disney-philes alike will be fascinated by the wealth of information that Dunlop imparts. The price makes it a little out of reach for lots of schools, but if you can fit it in, I think you will find an audience. Otherwise, I am definitely gifting a copy to someone I know. Gift – ADVISABLE. MS, HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Martha Speaks: A Winter's Tail by Susan Meddaugh- OPTIONAL

2012-01-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

Meddaugh, Susan. Martha Speaks: A Winter’s Tail, 24 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books, 2011. $12.99. Back cover: “Puppy Skits loves to chase things-balls, Frisbees, chew toys, even hockey pucks. But when Skits chases a hockey puck onto thin ice, the children can’t figure out how to save him. Can Martha?” This book would be loved by younger children who watch PBS Kids. It is a cute story, but I don’t see a lot of application to the classroom. Pre-K. EL (K-3). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: SL.

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Evin Penguin Plan by Maxwell Eaton III-ESSENTIAL

2012-01-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

Eaton III, Maxwell. The Flying Beaver Brothers and The Evil Penguin Plan, 96 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012. $6.99. Inside cover: “Brothers Ace and Bub have the perfect life on Beaver Island. But when a group of evil penguins schemes to convert the island into a polar-themed resort, their entire way of life is threatened. Suddenly Ace and Bub are the only things standing between their beloved island and an icy ego-disaster. Do they have what it takes to save the day?” I loved this book! It was really funny and I read it really fast. Anyone who likes comics will love this book. EL (K-3). ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewed: JL- age 9.

Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet-ADVISABLE

2012-01-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

Sweet, Melissa. Balloons Over Broadway, 40 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011. $16.99. Inside cover: “Every Thanksgiving morning for more than eighty years, mammoth-size balloons have risen to the skies to wobble and sway, sally and shimmy, up and down the canyons of New York City. Just how did this beloved tradition come to Broadway? Who first invented these wonderful “upside-down marionettes”?” I liked reading this book. I liked that it was a true story. I liked the colorful pictures and learning about the parade. I like history books. This book could be used when talking about traditions and maybe Thanksgiving. Pre-K. EL (K-3). EL. ADVISABLE. Student Reviewed: JL- age 9.

Will Work for Prom Dress by Aimee Ferris- ADVISABLE

2012-01-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

Ferris, Aimee. Will Work for Prom Dress, 272 pgs. Egmont, 2011. $8.99. Language G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’), Sexual Content G, Violence G. Quigley Johnson and Ann are best friends, and both are determined to earn enough money for great prom dresses and use their “Betterment Plan” to be perfect for the big day. When Anne’s mom offers the girls work as models in her fashion design class, the girls agree. Quigley is humiliated when all of the students want to work with Anne-except for Zander. He can’t sketch out his outfits, but everything he makes for Quigley seems perfect. As the two become better friends, all Quigley has to do is get him to ask her to prom! I liked this book. It was a cute, wholesome, feel-good high school romance. Good read! Middle School, High School- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: AL

Undercurrent by Tricia Rayburn-ADVISABLE

2012-01-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

Rayburn, Tricia. Undercurrent, 352 pgs. Egmont, 2011. $17.99. Language G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’), Sexual Content PG-13, Violence PG-13. Ever since Vanessa found out that her sister was murdered by sirens, and became one herself, things haven’t been normal. Everything that she thought her family was is a lie, and she can’t tell them what she knows. Vanessa finds herself torn between her boyfriend Simon, and Parker, her school’s resident charmer. While she knows Simon loves her, she wonders if it’s just her powers as a siren drawing him to her. On the other hand, Parker doesn’t seem drawn to her at all. But she has to put those aside as the Winter Harbor sirens are back for revenge. I liked this book. While most authors are writing about vampire and werewolves right now, this book about sirens was really refreshing. High School- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: AL

Mr. Putter & Tabby Ring the Bell by Cynthia Rylant- ADVISABLE

2012-01-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Rylant, Cynthia. Howard, Arthur. Mr. Putter & Tabby Ring the Bell, 44 pgs. Harcourt Children’s Books, 2011. $14.99. Inside cover: “Dong! Dong! Dong! The school bell is ringing. The crispy fall wind is blowing. Mr. Putter wishes he could go back to school- even for just one day. Then he has an idea: How about a visit during show-and-tell with Mrs. Teaberry, Tabby and Zeke? The teacher agrees, but there’s one problem. She and the students expect pet tricks. Will Tabby and Zeke be able to deliver?” I liked the illustrations in this book. The story was very funny. This was as fun and easy book to read. Pre-K. EL (K-3). ADVISABLE. Student Reviewed: JL- age 9.

The Shape-Shifter’s Curse by Amanda Marrone - ADVISABLE

2012-01-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

Marrone, Amanda The Shape-Shifter’s Curse (Magic Repair Shop #2), 232 p. Simon and Schuster, 2010. $6. Content: G. Maggie loves her job as a repair person in a magic shop. But now it is time for her magic levels to be tested, so she and her friends are off to Scotland. Unfortunately, Darcy Davenport, Maggie’s rival, is also going for testing, which means that there is bound to be trouble along with the magic.

Nice elementary level fiction for those who want to be ready for Harry Potter, but aren’t quite up to the challenge. EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Following Magic by Kathleen Duey - ADVISABLE

2012-01-23T15:18:00.002-07:00

Duey, Kathleen Following Magic (The Faeries’ Promise #2), 100 p. Aladdin (Simon, 2011. $16. Content: G. Alida’s faerie colony has been banished to parts unknown by the evil Lord Dunraven. With the help of her human friend, Gavin, Alida hopes to find her family and keep them safe.

Incredibly cute without being sappy – a good choice for little girls who like fairies. EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Charlotte Jane Battles Bedtime by Myra Wolfe - ADVISABLE

2012-01-22T10:30:00.015-07:00

Wolfe, Myra and Maria Monescillo Charlotte Jane Battles Bedtime. Harcourt Children's Books, 2011. Charlotte Jane believes in squeezing the juice out of every day, spending all her waking hours performing feats of daring. Bedtime, however, is not fun at all. One night she manages to stay up until dawn. "Victory," she sleepily proclaims. But is it? Instead of having the energy and creativity to play all day, she finds herself completely sapped and unable to enjoy the daylight. When her feather bed entices her and she finally gives in, she discovers that dreaming can be just as much fun as being awake, and sleeping gives her energy to play.

I loved the blend of pirate accents and everyday life, and it was refreshing to see a girl cast in a book with a pirate theme. The beautiful illustrations are as energy-filled and entertaining as Charlotte Jane herself. Would make a great bedtime story for children who think sleep interferes with their real lives. EL - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn

Layout & Background by Disney - ADVISABLE

2012-01-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

Layout & Background (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series), 279 p. Disney/Hyperion, 2011. $50. A book of few words – but LOTS of gorgeous full color photos – following the history of Disney animation from Winter Storage in 1949 and 2011’s Winnie the Pooh. But this unique book looks specifically at the power of the backgrounds – the layout for the action.

I started at the back – with the movies that were most familiar to me - and moved my way to the front – to the movies that came out well before I was born. What really amazed me was how much of the older pictures I recognized any way – just from the backdrop. While this pricey book is probably not a good buy for a school – unless you have an animation class or a high level art class, a public library would be a great place for this and it would be good for any gifting opportunity for a Disney-fanatic. PUBLIC, GIFT – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

Evans, Richard Paul Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25, 336 p. Simon & Schuster, 2011. $18. Violence: PG (implied torture, lots of it). Michael Vey has always been unusual, but except for his best friend Ostin and his mother, no one else knows about Michael’s powers until he makes a mistake. Enter Taylor, cheerleader, popular – and with a hidden talent of her own. As the little group delves into Taylor and Michael past, they find answers and questions and put a very dangerous enemy on their trail. Because, you see, the pair are not alone with their powers. Someone very dangerous has been collecting the others and using them for nefarious purposes.

I was all prepared to dislike this book – I had been avoiding it for months, as I am not a fan of Mr. Evans original works. Now, however, he has burst full-formed onto the teen scene and I can’t ignore the fact that I read this through in almost one sitting. Yes, I really did like it. MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

Levine, Kristin Lions of Little Rock, 297 p. Putnam’s (Penguin), 2012. $17. Violence: PG (bombing, racial tension), Language: G (one swear), Mature Content: G. Last year Little Rock Central High School was integrated. This year the high school is closed – no students are allowed, only teachers are coming to the building, compelled by the federal government. Marlee, 12, is at the middle school, but her older sister, Judy, is sent away to an aunt’s so that she can still get an education. Marlee is a very quiet person, but when she meets Liz, a new girl, she starts to find her courage. But Liz is a colored girl, trying to pass as white, and when her secret is discovered, she disappears overnight. Marlee is going to have to find her voice – just like the more accepting people of Little Rock, the quiet ones, will have to stop letting the noisy, the violent, the rabble rousers, speak for the entire town.

Even though the main character is young, I think any 7^th grade or 8^th grade teacher needs to look at this as a good choice for a new class novel. Likewise, if you have students who read historical fiction, this is a must have selection. EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and Leonard Marcus - OPTIONAL

2012-01-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Juster, Norton The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth, 263 p. Knopf (Random), 2011.

With notes by Leonard S. Marcus. $30. If anyone in your school teaches Phantom Tollbooth, then this is definitely a book that you need to get. Marcus has added loads of interesting tidbits and facts and sidenotes to entertain and inform.

Adults who grew up loving it will love this. For the casual student reader, however, stick with the standard paperback edition. GIFT – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Five Little Monkeys Reading in Bed by Eileen Christelow - OPTIONAL

2012-01-20T10:58:00.012-07:00

Christelow, Eileen Five Little Monkeys Reading in Bed. Clarion Books, 2011. $17. PICTURE BOOK. These five energetic little monkeys love to read. When their mother tells them it's lights-out, they beg for one more story, to no avail. The lure of their books is too strong, however, so the monkeys bring one to bed and read until their mom barges in to tell them, "No more reading in bed!" Over and over they sneak books and then get in trouble until, at the end, they turn the tables on their mother in an amusing way.

Although it is difficult to condone the monkeys' bratty behavior, this book does paint a positive view of books, with main characters who are active and engaged readers. EL - OPTIONAL. Reviewed by: Caryn

Shadow’s Edge by Maureen Lipinski - OPTIONAL

2012-01-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Lipinski, Maureen Shadow’s Edge, 312 p. Flux, 2012. $10. Language: PG (8 swears, 0 ‘f’). After having been stuck in the Other Realm for a year, Leah is sick and tired of being the Shaman for the Creatuir. She has turned her duties over to Melissa and is ready to dive into being a human girl. When her best friend, her mentor, disappears, however, Leah is drawn back into the whole mess. Someone is trying to break down the division between Realms – to start a war between the powers of Light and Dark, but to also destroy the human world. With the help of her sisters, who all have powers of their own, and some handy gorgeous boys, Leah will have to avert disaster on many levels – but to do so, she will have to face her fears of the Other Realm.

I don’t know if the cover art is final, but it will not help you sell the book; the girl on the front looks too young to wield the power she has. But don’t be scared off – girls who are finished with E.D. Baker and want something more mature, will be ready to move up to this. MS, HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff - OPTIONAL

2012-01-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

Yovanoff, Brenna The Space Between, 363 p. Razorbill (Penguin), 2011. $18. Language: R (21 swears, 4 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (drinking, suicide, shower scene); Violence: R (torture, mutilated corpses, burning). Daphne, the daughter of Lilith and Lucifer, has lived in Hell all of her life; her half brother Obie, the son of Adam - yes, the original Adam, has been her favorite companion, has gone missing and she is desperate to find him. Daphne has never been to Earth – any demon who goes is subject to the wrath of Azrael, God’s avenging angel – but to find Obie, she will risk everything. What she doesn’t know, is that the key to finding Obie is through Truman, a broken, bleeding human boy, who is Azrael’s “special project”.

Yovanoff has managed to turn heaven and hell on their heads and made demons and even Lucifer into sympathetic characters. Grisly at times, and always heart-rending, this is not a book for every school. There will be plenty of older teens who will be very drawn to it. HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Fairy Lies by E.D. Baker - ADVISABLE

2012-01-19T15:18:00.002-07:00

Baker, E.D. Fairy Lies, 256 p. Bloomsbury, FEB 2012. $17. Content: G. Now that Tamisin has returned to the mortal world, she has no desire to return to Faerie – she just wants to enjoy her boyfriend, Jak, and just being a human. But something keeps calling her back to the gates – even though they are all sealed, Tamisin is becoming increasingly desperate to return. When she is kidnapped by one of Oberon’s minions, however, she realizes that she may be in actual danger.

Baker’s fantasies are so adorable – a dose of danger, an actual plot, but so much adorable fantasy. Girls who want something cute will continue to flock to her writing. MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev - OPTIONAL

2012-01-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Mantchev, Lisa So Silver Bright, 356 p. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2011. $17. Content: G. Beatrice Shakespeare Smith’s heart is evenly divided between Nate the pirate and Ariel the wind spirit. Circumstances – magic – are pushing her towards a choice, but there never seems to be a bit of calm to allow her a chance to think. Sedna, the evil one, is out to destroy Bertie and everything she loves, her father is missing, her mother is barely holding on to sanity and the Theatre Illuminata’s very existence is in danger. How, among all of this uproar can Bertie hear her heart long enough to make a choice?

Smart girls who love classic fantasy will continue to enjoy Bertie and her friends. This not for every student – it requires too much care in reading, but it definitely has its audience. MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Nightshade by Maryrose Wood - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

Wood, Maryrose The Poison Diaries: Nightshade, 279 pgs. Balzer+Bray, 2011. $17.99. Language G (0 swears), Sexual Content PG; Violence PG-13; Jessamine is now on the run after recovering from a fever that almost killed her caused by the poisonous substance her dad gave her. All the while Weed cared for her and saved her life. Once she regained consciousness Weed was gone and her father was to blame. So she took matters into her own hands or so she thought. Somehow, the sticky tendrils of Nightshade had tightened their grip on this innocent girl. So she ran following this dangerous prince of poison's guide to try and find Weed. Little does she know Nightshade has no intent of letting this joyful reunion happen and will stop it in it's tracks if the chance might happen.

I loved this squeal to the first book! Just as good and just as creepy!! With these poisonous plants that have minds of their owns that even cause humans to do things they wish not to. This situation causes the perfect mix of a romance and creepy horror. I also absolutely loved how the author reminded the reader of the age period of the story with the accusal of Jessamine being a witch and even tested! Wonderful! MS - ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: KU

Loser/Queen by Jodi Lynn Anderson - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

Anderson, Jodi Lynn Loser/Queen, 259 pgs. Simon and Schuster, 2010. $9.99. Language G (0 swears), Sexual Content G; Violence G; When in high school you just follow the status quo and don't try to change your situation, once a loser always a loser right? Sure if you want the school to remain intact, but what would happen if a loser found a way to become queen of the school? Well Cammy found just how hard that could be to achieve. When a phone call and a box cause her to have the ability to take the current high school queen down, she takes the chance just as any other loser would. But when she finds her actions have consequences can she take the results of her actions? Too many secrets and too fragile a school equals disaster.

This book was touching and quite funny as Cammy struggles to find her place; whether that's as a loser or the queen, humor was a constant. It was surprisingly relatable to everyone who is or ever has gone through high school. I loved all the detail and care to create this character with all her quirks and real life struggles. Wonderfully refreshing and true. HS MS - ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: KU

The Blackhope Enigma by Teresa Flavin - OPTIONAL

2012-01-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Flavin, Teresa The Blackhope Enigma, 281 pgs. Candlewick Press, 2011. $15.99. Language: G (no swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG. Blackhope Tower is the location of unexplained happenings. This is a place where skeletons have been known to inexplicably appear in the Mariner’s Chamber, a room where the famous painting of a renowned Renaissance painter, Fausto Corvo, is hung. The mystery deepens when Sunni Forrest and her brother Dean Rivers disappear into the painting. What waits for them in this painted world created by Corvo? Will they return?

This book has an intriguing premise, but fails to follow through. It is as though the author had a unique idea for a plot, but was unable to find the end. The book is mostly about setting up a story that has an exceptionally hurried resolution that was most unsatisfying. Add to this, vaguely draw supporting characters, subplots that go nowhere or are never resolved, and characters with absurd names and you have a most disappointing read. Upper EL—MS—OPTIONAL. AEB, Social Studies Teacher

i so don't do famous by Barrie Summy - ADVISABLE

2012-01-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

Summy, Barrie i so don't do famous, 294 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2011. $16.99. Language G ( 0 swears), Sexual Content G; Violence G; When Sherry gets the chance to go to Hollywood because she won a magazine contest, she is planning on a relaxing, sight seeing, and plain old normal vacation. That, however is exactly what she doesn't find. Her mother is talking to her again in her ghostly form, and so is her mother's new boss. But neither of those things are the un-normalness that Sherry finds. Its a new ghost! Along with solving yet another mystery Sherry now finds herself helping this girl who was killed at a young age. But can she get this all done on what was supposed to be her relaxing vacation?

A wonderful new age Nancy Drew type story with a ghost communicator thrown in to spice it up. Its a wonderful captivating mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Summy uses the way teen girls speak to make this story even more new era-ish than with all the use of technology in place. I loved how relateable this situation was. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: KU

Vanishing Acts by Phillip Margolin and Ami Margolin Rome -ADVISABLE

2012-01-18T16:37:00.001-07:00

Margolin, Phillip and Rome, Ami Margolin Vanishing Acts, 176 pgs. HarperCollins, 2011. $16.99. (Rating: PG in all categories)
Madison Kincaid wants to be a dectective when she grows up –and she figures that now is the best time to start. She decides to “help” her attorney father with his case, unbeknownst to him. Even more worrisome is that her best friend Ann seems to be missing! On top of her self-assigned sleuthing activities, Madison has just started Junior high, which includes soccer and meeting a special boy.
Madison is independent, motivated, and intelligent –a great model for students. This book was fun and easy to read, and I think students will enjoy Madison’s adventures.
ELEMENTARY – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Missing on Superstition Mountain by Elise Broach -ADVISABLE

2012-01-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

Broach, Elise Missing on Superstition Mountain, 272 pgs. Henry Holt and Co, 2011. $11.93. (Rating: PG in all categories)
When three brothers have the whole summer to explore their new hometown of Superstition, Arizona, there is bound to be an adventure. Right out their back door is the very mysterious Superstition Mountain, and the temptation is too much to resist. Throw in grisly discovery, some detective work, and a new friend and there is a recipe for disaster.
Simultaneously easy to read while being quite intelligent. This book does not underestimate children’s innate curiosity and ability to understand complex concepts. (for example it explains what a fugue is). The plot is detailed and has a lot of intriguing room for continuation. The only thing that bugged me was the very stereotypical parents –who leave 3 bored boys unsupervised at the foothill of a super cool wilderness and tell them to keep out. Once I got over that, I loved this book and hope the hints in the book mean there will be a series.
ELEMENTARY – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Titanic Sinks! by Barry Denenberg - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-17T14:34:00.002-07:00

Denenberg, Barry Titanic Sinks! 69 p. Content: G. Composed around the construct of a imaginary magazine, Denenberg has a created a fascinating and detailed look at the origins, the launching and the subsequent sinking of the Titanic. All of the facts and figures are real, the photographs are real – the only inventions are the “Modern Times” and its on-the-spot reporter, S.F. Vanni. Everything else is based on actual circumstances. It is utterly fascinating and a rich resource for any collection. EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Zorgamazoo by Robert Paul Weston - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

Weston, Robert Paul Zorgamazoo, 288 pgs. Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated, 2008. Language – G (0 swears); Mature Content – G; Violence – G;

If you’re searching to find a cleverly book,

then Zorgamzoo deserves a really good look.

It has ogres and pixies and fantastical creatures,

With horns on their heads and other such features.

Katrina Katrell, an imaginative girl,

has fled from Mrs. Krabone in a really big whirl.

She meets up with Mortimer, a zorgel for sure,

His last name is Yorgel out on an adventure quite pure.

He is hunting lost Zorgels who were gone in the night,

With Winnie the beast who is a terrible sight.

The Zorgels have been captured, yes stolen from home.

And Winnie was left by herself, all alone.

The heroes were taken to a place on the moon,

Their freedom, their escape can come none too soon.

The story is good with a moral not bad,

The ending is fun and not even sad.

There are pictures that help the story seem real,

And give an impression of truth with a zeal.

The book it is written in verses that rhyme,

And read it out loud for a very good time.

HS – ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: W. Child - Cyprus High Library Media Specialist

Be Quiet, Mike! by Leslie Patricelli - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-17T14:13:00.009-07:00

Patricelli, Leslie Be Quiet, Mike! Candlewick, 2011. $15. EL - ESSENTIAL. Mike likes to drum on everything. All day long the people in his life tell him, "Be quiet, Mike!", but he simply can't stop. When he sees a drum set in a music store he longs for one of his own. Since he can't buy it, he makes one instead.

This book is a delight to read aloud, as Patricelli's rhythms trip off the tongue. Would be perfect for that active little boy who likes to drum on everything or who enjoys building. Would also make a good lesson in word choice and onomatopoeia. EL-ESSENTIAL. Reviewed by: Caryn.

Fabulous! A Portrait of Andy Warhol by Bonnie Christensen - OPTIONAL

2012-01-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

Christensen, Bonnie Fabulous! A Portrait of Andy Warhol. Henry Holt, 2011. $17. Fabulous! This bio is brief, but is a fascinating look at the timeline and major events of Andy Warhol’s life and fame. Just enough facts to keep a younger reader interested. A great resource for a class lesson on a modern artist. EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland... by Catherine Valente - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Valente, Catherine M. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, pgs. 256. Feiwell and Friends, 2011. $16.99. Language: G; Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG;Twelve-year old September is an ordinary girl with an ordinary life until one day while washing a dish, she is swept away by the Green Wind (on the back of a jaguar) who takes her to fairyland. There she is set on a quest to retrieve a lost item of the Marquess, the young ruler of fairyland who’s motives are suspect. A delightful, magical story with a great heroine who is smart, resourceful and brave. The language is poetic and beautifully written. A modern classic. MS - ESSENTIAL. J. Bingham

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay - ADVISABLE

2012-01-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

Jay, Stacey Juliet Immortal 306 pages Random House Children’s Books, 2011. $17.99 Language: PG-13 (23 swears; no “F”); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13. A dark twist on the story of Romeo and Juliet, narrated mostly by Juliet. Juliet after dying in the tomb starts to work for the Ambassadors of Light to help soulmates connect throughout time. She has come to earth 30 times in the bodies of other people to help others find their soulmates, and each time she comes she has to fight against the Mercenaries of the Dark, who feed off the deaths of unrequited soulmates. Every time, she has to fight against Romeo. This book is about her latest trip to earth where she unexpectedly falls in love with a boy who changes how she sees everything and changes her mission on earth.

I enjoyed this twist on the Shakespearean story and the ending has many twists that leave the reader satisfied. HS-ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Theodore Boone: The Abduction by John Grisham - OPTIONAL

2012-01-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Grisham, John Theodore Boone: The Abduction 217 pages Penguin, 2011. $16.99 Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G. Theodore Boone is a thirteen year old boy, an only child whose parents are lawyers. He has an interest in law that takes him to the local courthouse and involves him in a small case in town, but when his best friend is abducted he doesn’t sit around and wait for the local law department to figure it out. When he takes matters into his own hands he relies on the help of his uncle and computer geek friend Chase.

The novel ends well, and the character is likable, even though he is sometimes unbelievable. This is a good clean boy book to add to your library. EL (4-6); MS-OPTIONAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Never Sit Down in a Hoopskirt ... by Crickett Rumley - OPTIONAL

2012-01-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Rumley, Crickett Never Sit Down in a Hoopskirt and Other Things I learned in Southern Belle Hell. 296 pages. Egmont, 2011. $8.99 Language: PG-13 (30 swears; 40 Gods); Mature Content: PG-13 (under-age drinking and smoking-including DUI); Violence: G. Jane grew up in a lovely family, but when her mother died her dad left Jane to bury himself in work. Jane ended up attending multiple boarding schools and continued to get kicked out of them to get the attention of her father. Eventually Jane ends up back home in the South, where she lives with her grandmother and becomes a Magnolia Maid. Magnolia Maids are supposed to represent the traditional roles of the South, but Jane likes to spice things up. She becomes friends with the other maids, but her antics start to affect all the girls and they get some negative attention.

The character is likable, although sometimes inconsistent. The swearing and under-age drinking and smoking was disappointing and took away from the book. Also, the romance that was built up the whole book, felt rushed at the end. HS-OPTIONAL. Reviewer-C. Peterson.

Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break... by John Grandits - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-15T17:38:00.000-07:00

Grandits, John Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break If You Want To Survive The School Bus, 29 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 2011. $16.99. Language-G (0 swears, 0 “f”), Sexual Content-G; Violence-G; PICTURE BOOK. This book is about a little boy named Kyle who is going to go on the bus to school for the first time. His brother James gives him ten rules to help him. He tries to follow the rules his brother outlines for him, but he can’t seem to do it. Some of the rules are pretty silly like “never talk to girls” and so Kyle finds himself breaking all of his brother’s rules.

This book has darling illustrations. It is very cute. EL(K-3) - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: BMN

An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo - ADVISABLE

2012-01-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

Morpurgo, Michael An Elephant in the Garden 199 pages. Feiwel and Friends, 2010. $16.99 Language PG-13 (8 swears); Violence: G; Mature Content: G. Lizzie is an older woman in a retirement home who tells her experiences of World War II to a nurse and her son. Lizzie’s mother worked at a zoo in Dresden and protected a young elephant from being killed during the bombing of Dresden. Because of the destruction of the bomb, Lizzie and her mother and brother became refugees and traveled to their family’s farm for protection. However, when they got to the farm their family was gone and they found an enemy soldier in the barn. They join forces with the soldier and find their way to the Allied forces who help shelter them until the war is over.

This is a simple story with good characters and exciting experiences. EL (4-6)-OPTIONAL; MS-ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.

The Magical Christmas Horse by Mary Higgins Clark - ADVISABLE

2012-01-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

Clark, Mary Higgins The Magical Christmas Horse. Illustrated by Wendell Minor. Simon and Shuster, 2011. PICTURE BOOK. Content: G. Johnny lives in Arizona with his family, but as they get ready to visit his grandparents in Connecticut he starts to remember the wooden horse that he played on when he was little. Johnny is excited to let his little brother Liam play with the horse when they get to his grandparents. However, when he gets there the horse is missing. Johnny later finds the horse in his grandparents attic, but it is broken. Magically for Christmas morning his grandpa and father restore the horse to surprise Johnny and Liam.

The illustrations are beautiful and the story has a sweet Christmas message. EL (K-3)-ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.

French Ducks In Venice by Garret Freymann-Weyr - OPTIONAL

2012-01-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

Freymann-Weyr, Garret French Ducks In Venice, 45 pgs. Candlewick Press, 2011. $16.99. Language-G (0 swears, 0 “f”), Sexual Content-G; Violence-G; PICTURE BOOK. This book is about a brother and sister duck who live in California. They have a human friend named Polina. They think she is a princess. When Polina’s heart gets broken, they go about trying to fix it.

The book shows that there is sunshine amongst the clouds. It has an underlying thought that differences are part of life. It is a nice story. In my opinion, it was nothing spectacular. EL-OPTIONAL. Reviewer: BMN

Bewitching by Alex Flinn - ADVISABLE

2012-01-15T10:40:00.002-07:00

Flinn, Alex Bewitching. 330 pages. HarperTeen, 2012. $17.99 Language: PG (1 swear, but other places that imply the word bitch, but don’t say it all the way); Mature Content-PG; Violence-G. This story is told through a witch named Kendra and how she has been involved in different fairy tales (Princess and the Pea and Hansel and Gretel). The main story is about a stepsister named Emma and how Lisette (the character of Cinderella) was really the wicked one. Lisette threatens to take everything from Emma and eventually does-her stepdad and her boyfriend among the most important to Emma, all the while making Emma out to be the mean one. In the end, good still prevails, and it is because Emma finally realizes who she is.

I enjoyed this book it was a good coming of age novel, but sometimes all the interjections from Kendra of different fairy tales distracted from the flow of the main story. MS, HS-ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Eddie: The Lost Youth of Edgar Allan Poe by Scott Gustafson - ADVISABLE

2012-01-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Gustafson, Scott Eddie: The Lost Youth of Edgar Allan Poe. Simon and Schuster, 2011. $15.99 Content: PG (the illustrations are a bit scary sometimes). Eddie is an orphan that lives with the Allans. He likes to write about dark mystical things and he has a friend that is a crow and a little imp named McCobber. Eddie is blamed for trapping the neighbor’s rooster in a pillowcase with the Allan’s cat, so to prove his innocence he starts to follow a visiting magician. He soon learns that the magician knew Eddie’s parents and is a family friend. Eddie helps Mephisto the magician with his stage act and Mephisto helps Eddie get out of trouble with the Allans for the prank with the rooster.

The illustrations are great and the story is a fun mystery that has mystical elements. El (4-6); MS-ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Amplified by Tara Kelly - OPTIONAL

2012-01-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Kelly, Tara Amplified 293 pages. Henry Holt and Company, 2011. $16.99 Language R (16 “F” words; 24 “God”; 121 other swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: G. Jasmine decides that she wants to postpone college to work on her music as a guitarist. As she is leaving Santa Cruz her car breaks down in front of an auto body shop where she meets Shaun. While her car is getting fixed she tries to find an apartment and applies for a place that is also looking for a band mate. Jasmine joins C-side as their guitarist and has a lot to learn about performing in front of others and she also has a lot to learn about being herself.

This book was an enjoyable read, but the swearing was distracting. I thought the main character was realistic and the story was entertaining. HS-OPTIONAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.

How Tia Lola Ended Up Starting Over by Julia Alvarez - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

Alvarez, Julia How Tia Lola Ended Up Starting Over, 145 p. Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. $15.99 Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f') Violence: G, Mature Content: G. Victor's family has moved in with Colonel Charlebois, and have opened his house as a Bed and Breakfast (mostly managed by Tia Lola). Someone is trying to prevent them from being successful, and Tia Lola thinks she knows who is causing trouble with every house guest that arrives. Can Miguel and Essie stop the pranks and save their new business? Another sequel to How Tia Lola Came To (Visit) Stay. Read them in order; this one comes after How Tia Lola Saved the Summer". The original children (Miguel and Juanita) as well as Tia Lola are much less present in this book than in the others. Alvarez is developing the stories of Victor's daughters and the original characters have taken a back seat. In fact, Tia Lola is almost a minor part of this story. Where's the magic? I didn't love this as much as the previous books, but, as part of a series, I still think it's essential. EL - ESSENTIAL. Lisa, Reading Teacher

Let’s Look At Dinosaurs by Frances Barry - OPTIONAL

2012-01-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

Barry, Frances Let’s Look At Dinosaurs, 26 pgs. Candlewick Press, 2011. $12.99. Language-G (0swears, 0 “f”), Sexual Content-G; Violence-G; PICTURE BOOK. This book is a flip-the-flap book. It has a patterned storyline that starts out with the words: “I wonder what…then what the dinosaur is doing. It also has a sentence or two, in smaller print, of factual information about dinosaurs. It is a fun book for little ones. At the end of the book there is a skeleton fossil. This book is delightful for those that love dinosaurs. ES-Optional. Reviewer: BMN

Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson-ESSENTIAL

2012-01-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

Carson, Rae, The Girl of Fire and Thorns. Greenwillow Books, 2011. Pgs. 432. Language: G Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

Ella is the chosen one. Inside her belly lies the Godstone, a rare stone that only one person every so many years has within them, and with it, they have magical powers. If only she could learn to use them. Lacking self-confidence, Ella didn’t look forward to her sixteenth birthday. To make matters worse, her parents arranged her to secretly marry a handsome and worldly king. On the way back to his castle, her group is attacked by perditos and her maid is killed. Forced to take up a new lady-in-waiting as well as try and find a way to gather up the courage to sleep with her new husband, Ella’s arrival at her new home is scary to say the least. Soon after her arrival, she is kidnapped by her new lady-in-waiting, Cosmé and her brother, she soon learns that these two are part of a group of revolutionaries who firmly believe Ella and her Godstone can save them. Ella has no idea how to control her powers that soon emerge however. Can she save the revolutionaries and herself? Will her new husband ever find her?

An engrossing, thrilling fantasy adventure. The characters and plot are well-developed. The mix of magic and adventure is well-mixed. Readers who like fantasy, adventure, magic, and mystery will enjoy reading this book. MS/HS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

How Tia Lola Saved the Summer by Julia Alvarez - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Alvarez, Julia How Tia Lola Saved the Summer, 141 p. Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. $15.99 Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f') Violence: G, Mature Content: G. Mami's friend Victor has come to Vermont for a week with his daughters for a summer vacation. Tia Lola has everything planned; a fun "summer camp" experience for the children: Miguel, Juanita and Victor's 3 daughters, Victoria, Essie and Cari. Every child has some personal issue to work on this summer. Tia Lola's "swords" are magical, and help the children discover themselves and how to become who they want to be. Another sequel to How Tia Lola Came To (Visit) Stay (read them in order, this one comes after How Tia Lola Learned to Teach"). Every Elementary School Library should have the whole collection. . EL - ESSENTIAL. Lisa, Reading Teacher

Grin and Bear It by Leo Landry - OPTIONAL

2012-01-13T21:39:00.002-07:00

Landry, Leo Grin and Bear It PICTURE BOOK 48 pages Charlesbridge, 2011. $12.95 Content: G. Bear wants to be a comedian and his jokes are funny, but every time he gets in front of a crowd he mixes up the punch line of his jokes. After embarrassing himself on stage, he runs into the forest, and while he is away his friends find his paper with his jokes on it and realize how funny he is. Bear learns to write jokes for others to perform and everyone in the forest is laughing at his sense of humor. EL (K-3) –OPTIONAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Desert Angel by Charlie Price - OPTIONAL

2012-01-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

Price, Charlie Desert Angel, 240 pgs. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011. $12.63 Language – PG (0 swears, some street-like slang); Mature Content – PG13, Violence: PG13; Life has been hard for Angel – all 14 years. Her mother has drifted from one man to another dragging Angel along with her. Their life together has not been easy. When Angel’s mother hooked up with Scotty it was good at first. The yelling and abuse to her mother started after three weeks. Scotty came to Angel’s bedroom after four weeks. Angel would hide when Scotty started drinking and using drugs to try to find a safe place. One night things went too far. When morning came Angel knew something was wrong, her mother was gone. Scotty is a hunter; he is a poacher; he deals guns, and does other things outside the law; he has a temper. They lived out in the desert near the Joshua Tree National Park, alone in a trailer. Angel follows Scotty’s truck tracks and discovers her mother buried in a shallow grave and she knows she is next. She is a witness to his crime. She heads back to the trailer to get some things to survive as she tries to escape. Scotty catches her, ties her up, and burns the trailer with her in it. She barely escapes and is now being hunted by the hunter, Scotty. Angel is forced to find help with some of the desert people who give more than it would seem possible as they try to protect Angel. It all comes down to a final stand – Angel against Scotty. The story is an unimaginable tale of survival and wits. I thought the story moved well at first and at the end but bogged down a bit in the middle. While the subject matter was mature it was not dealt with in a graphic manner. It is a good character study of the hunter and his prey. While I liked the story overall I didn't think it as good as his The Interrogation of Gabriel James. HS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer: W. Child - Cyprus High Library Media Specialist

The Exquisite Corpse Adventure - OPTIONAL

2012-01-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

The Exquisite Corpse Adventure: a Progressive Story Game Played By 20 Celebrated Authors and Illustrators, 276 p. National Children’s Book and Literary Alliance, 2011. Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f') Violence: G, Mature Content: G. Twins Joe and Nancy leave the circus where they were raised to look for their missing parents who abandoned them as babies nearly eleven years earlier. Accompanied by a guardian Pig, and encountering many friends, helpers and villains, Joe and Nancy go on the adventure of their lives to rescue their parents, find the parts to “the exquisite corpse” and battle alien invaders. This book was originally published online in serial form by the Library of Congress. The authors contributed their stories one chapter at a time building on the previous chapter written by a different author. Right from the beginning, it seemed the authors were trying to set up impossible situations for the following author to work through, forcing the story to get stranger and more disconnected with each succeeding chapter. Lemony Snicket, in one of his chapters writes, “It’s as if your lives are being written, not by a single, beneficent author, but by a whole team of authors pushing the story every which way, the way an Exquisite Corpse is built from whatever scraps are found.” Unfortunately, while this method of writing make a fun parlor game or language arts activity, it produces a story that is difficult to follow and not very fun to read. I found it silly, incoherent and disappointing. MS - OPTIONAL. Lisa, Reading Teacher

The Darlings in Love by Melissa Kantor - ADVISABLE

2012-01-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

Kantor, Melissa The Darlings in Love. Hyperion , 2012. $16.99 Language- PG (7 sears); Mature Content-PG ; Violence-PG. Victoria, Natalya, and Jane all have different lifestyles and plans for the year. Between boys and school they really don't know if they even have enough time for their friendship. With problems brewing with those they love most, they hope the can remain true to not only themselves, but to each other. I really liked this book. It's the second in the "Darling's" series. The girls are easily relateble to and also entertaining at the same time. MS- ADVISABLE Student Reviewer: BJS

Sign Language by Amy Ackley - ADVISABLE

2012-01-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ackley, Amy Sign Language, Penguin Group, 2011. $16.99 Language- PG (5 swears); Mature Content PG ; Violence-PG. Abby North has it all. An amazing family, an amazing best friend, and an amazing life. Luck doesn't stay with you forever though. She sees her dad changing, for the worse. He's always exhausted and is quickly deteriorating. Luckily she has her best friend Spence to get her through it. I really would recommend this book. It showed you to make the best of any situation even if you find it hard. It was a really inspirational fiction book, and I would definitely recommend it. MS- ADVISABLE Student Reviewer: BJS

A Closer Look by Karen DelleCava - OPTIONAL

2012-01-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

DelleCava, Karen A Closer Look, 302 pgs. WestSide Books, 2011. $16.95. Language-PG( 51 swears), Mature content-G; Violence-G; 14 year old Cassie wakes up on New Years day only to find that her hair is falling out slowly in chunks. It happened once before in preschool. Her mom had to pull her out to protect her. Now she is older, how is she going to hide this? Cassie meets a guy and they start dating consistently. She is afraid to tell him, but confides in him at his party. That night he dumps her and avoids her at school. This book is very unique in it's own way. It isn't your fantasy books with princesses and dragons, but it had characters that resembled fantasy characters. It was a lesson sharing and thoughtful book. I would suggest this book to those who like to read nonfiction. EL, MS-OPTIONAL. Reviewer: NKG

First Garden: The White House Garden and How It Grew by Robbin Gourley - ADVISABLE

2012-01-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

Gourley, Robbin First Garden: The White House Garden and How It Grew 48 pg. Clarion Books, 2011. NON-FICTION. $16.99. In 2009, Michelle Obama initiated the First Garden project. Her goal was to encourage healthful eating so the White House kitchen garden was born. With the help of a class of twenty-three 5th graders and other White House staff, the garden was planted and harvested and now produces more than a thousand pounds of food and one hundred and thirty-four pounds of honey. Interspersed throughout the story is a brief history of the White House gardens and grounds. Also included at the end are some favorite White House recipes.
This was a very interesting book that had a good mixture of historical and current information. The watercolor illustrations add good visual interest to the story. Overall I think it was a political/green book with an encouraging message to become more self-sufficient and healthy. EL-ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

The Next Door Bear by Mary Kuryla and Eugene Yelchin - OPTIONAL

2012-01-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

Kuryla, Mary and Eugene Yelchin The Next Door Bear 40 pg. Harper Collins, 2011. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. Ruby and Henry are best friends and do everything together. But when secrets get spilled, will their preschool relationship be able to pull through?
This had potential to be a really cute book, but it failed on all accounts. The writing was confusing and choppy. The dialogue of each character was separated by only a colon making it a hard book to read aloud. The illustrations were confusing as well because at some points the kids looked like giants and it was too busy. EL-OPTIONAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Friends (Mostly) by Barbara Joosse - NOT RECOMMENDED

2012-01-12T15:04:00.001-07:00

Joosse, Barbara Friends (Mostly) illustrated by Tomaso Milian 32 pg. Greenwillow Books, 2010. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. Ruby and Henry are best friends and do everything together. But when secrets get spilled, will their preschool relationship be able to pull through?
This had potential to be a really cute book, but it failed on all accounts. The writing was confusing and choppy. The dialogue of each character was separated by only a colon making it a hard book to read aloud. The illustrations were confusing as well because at some points the kids looked like giants and it was too busy. Pre-K/EL-(K-3)- NOT RECOMMENDED. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

The Invisible Man by Arthur Yorinks - OPTIONAL

2012-01-12T14:59:00.002-07:00

Yorinks, Arthur The Invisible Man illustrated by Doug Cushman 32 pg. Harper Collins, 2011. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. Sy Kravitz sells fruit and everything is wonderful until the day he becomes invisible. Once invisible, his life takes a turn for the worst...his customers stop coming and he gets blamed for crimes across the world. It isn't until he works with a magician that he finally finds the cure...getting fruit thrown at him!
The story is entertaining but pretty random. It doesn't really make sense why he turned invisible and why getting fruit thrown at him made him visible. Nonetheless, I think kids would be entertained. The illustrations are fun. EL-OPTIONAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Island’s End by Padma Venkatraman -ADVISABLE

2012-01-12T12:08:00.002-07:00

Venkatraman, Padma Island’s End, 208 pgs. Putnam Juvenile, 2011. $13.57. (Rating: PG in all categories)
Set in modern day, we are presented with a native population living as they always have on their isolated island. The story is told from the point of a view of Uido, a young woman still growing up and facing the rigorous training to be her tribe’s spiritual leader. When strangers start to visit the island, Uido is extremely worried, her fear only increasing when she is forced to visit a neighboring island with modern amenities. Her people also seem to be losing faith in the old ways and too curious about the modern world. When these two world collide, Uido must use her all of her abilities to face a challenge that could decimate their entire population.
A feminist at heart, I love to see women in positions of authority, especially in the spiritual realm -since it is so rare. This book has some pretty powerful messages and could easily be used as a teaching tool. The supernatural component of the islander’s spirituality will enthrall young readers. My only complaint is that the evolution of Uido from child to educated leader didn’t flow that well, or at least I wasn’t completely sold on it.
ELEMENTARY – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Cute Eats Cute by C. B. Murphy - NO

2012-01-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

Murphy, C.B. Cute Eats Cute, 234 pgs. North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc., 2010. $14.95. Language-R (91 swears, 12 "f"s), Sexual Content-R; Violence-PG-13; You can always expect your life to go down hill when your parents ask you to call them by your first name and that has never been proved better than by Sam. His parents now are constantly fighting; fighting with each other and over who can win Sam's allegiance. Now his family is torn apart he can't seem to stop the crazy spiral of bad happenings from stopping. When the deer hunt comes; the entire reason for his family problems, he still doesn't know who's side he's on. So when a girl he's always liked asks him to come and sleep with her on the side that his mom supports, he can't really say no. I really liked this book because of the issues brought up in it. I can relate to Sam because he's caught between two things and doesn't know what one is right. I was impressed with how well both sides were shown in this story and how easily you could feel Sam's struggle to understand what one is the right option. However, I was disappointed that the author felt the need to have described sexual content. It kinda ruined the story. HS NO.Student Reviewer: KU

Truth with a Capital T by Bethany Hegedus - ADVISABLE

2012-01-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hegedus, Bethany Truth with a Capital T, 258 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2011. $16.99. Language- G Sexual Content-G; Violence-G; Discouraged about getting kicked out of the Gifted & Talented program, Maebelle goes to Tweedle, Georgia. She is surprised when her adopted northern cousin and his trumpet-playing ability will be staying with her, Gramps, and Grams. Trying to prove that she has some talent by baking a blue-ribbon recipe, she discovers a forbidden locked wing in her Grandparent's old house. Will she open it? Read Truth with a Capital T and find out! This book was hilarious and sweet. Maebelle learns an important lesson in the end of the book. Readers will have a great time reading such a cute story which is also jam-packed with mystery. EL-ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: HF.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Michael Morpurgo

2012-01-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

Morpurgo, Michael The Pied Piper of Hamelin, illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark. Candlewick, 2011. $17. PICTURE BOOK. The people of Hamelin are too stuck up to rid themselves of the rats invading their town, but when the Pied Piper does the job for them, they are too lofty to pay him the one gold coin they promised. In retaliation, the Piper takes their children – and gives the town one year to clean the town and to change their ways, one year to be worthy of having their children returned to them. Morpurgo has added depth to the classic fairy tale and Clark’s illustrations are a perfect companion. Time to replace your old copies! EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

13 Curses by Michelle Harrison - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

Harrison, Michelle 13 Curses, 486 pgs. Little, Brown and Company, 2010. $15.99. Language-G (0 swears), Sexual Content-G; Violence-PG; Red lost her brother years ago and now is finally when she is close enough to reclaim him and return to the human world. Well she was close until she fell into a hole. The ugly witch that drug her out of the hole and back to her cottage seems to think that Red is also a fairy. Ugh, a fairy? How dare she think that! Red wants no connection with these creatures, all she wants is to find her brother and get out of this fairy realm. But when she finds there's a high price for her brother, will she take the job of finding all of the thirteen curses? I loved how this book has taken fairies, normally sweet helpful magical creatures, and turned them into something new and horrid. It's a battle of the fairies worthy of a Fablehaven book! I also loved how the 13 curses were hidden in spots that related to their history. It was exciting to find how each charm connected with the history of the bracelet. MS - ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: Kylie Usher

Dear Cinderella by Marian Moore and Mary Jane Kensington - ADVISABLE

2012-01-10T20:41:00.001-07:00

Moore, Marian & Mary Jane Kensington Dear Cinderella illustrated by Julie Olson 32 pg. Orchard Books, 2012. PICTURE BOOK. $12.99. Beloved princesses Snow White and Cinderella exchange letters that describe the familiar details of their lives (wicked stepmothers, charming princes, magical slippers and apples etc.) but the exchange of letters puts a new spin on the details. The letters sounded a bit 21st century-ish but my 4 year old niece loved it. This was a fun and clever way to change things up from the classic princess fairy tale stories. The illustrations didn't look anything like the real Snow White and Cinderella characters which might bother some people, but they were still cute. Princess fans would enjoy this book. EL-ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Blue Sky by Audrey Wood - OPTIONAL

2012-01-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

Wood, Audrey Blue Sky 32 pg. The Blue Sky Press, 2012. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. In this simple, bold book, our vision is shifted upwards to the many different colors and moods of the sky. Every illustration is a two page spread with a two word description of what kind of sky it is. Nice book, but not overly impressed with it. This would make a good bedtime book for the little ones. Pre-K/EL(K-3)- OPTIONAL. Whitney, Library Teacher.

Rubia and the Three Osos by Susan Middleton Elya - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

Elya, Susan Middleton Rubia and the Three Osos illustrated by Melissa Sweet 40 pg. Hyperion Books, 2010. PICTURE BOOK. $15.99. This was a cute new English/Spanish rendition of the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears story. Written in rhyme, there is a smattering of Spanish words throughout the story that are highlighted and bolded. Unique about Spanish words is that the English meaning isn't accompanied with the Spanish word which I thought was a fresh change up. There is, however, a glossary included at the back. The rhyming was consistent throughout the story which made it a smooth, lyrical read. The story is the same until the end where there is a revised ending with a nice moral. The illustrations were fantastic and added a wonderful dimension to the story. This would be a fun one to have in a bilingual class. EL-ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Look at That Building! A First Book of Structures by Scot Ritchie - ADVISABLE

2012-01-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

Ritchie, Scot Look at That Building! A First Book of Structures 32 pg. Kids Can Press, 2011. NON-FICTION. $16.95. Five friends set out to build a doghouse for their dog, Max, but before they can start, they need to learn all they can about buildings. They head to the library (the perfect place to start! :)) and learn all about how buildings are made, what makes them strong, and what keeps them standing. Now they are ready to build Max an amazing doghouse!
Great beginning book about structures because there is a perfect ratio of text to pictures. Younger students wouldn't be intimidated by the text, which is sometimes in comic-book-style discussion format, and would enjoy the illustrations as well. Each page includes interesting facts about buildings that are bolded on each page. The most fun thing about the book is that the last page teaches you how to make your own mini doghouse. Great non-fiction book for intermediate grades. EL-ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer - OPTIONAL

2012-01-10T14:38:00.002-07:00

Cremer, Andrea Wolfsbane 390 pages Philomel Books, 2011. $17.99 Language: PG-13 (62 swears; no “F”); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13. In this sequel to Nightshade, Calla is a wolf who has left her pack to save her boyfriend Shay. When she left the city of Vail, it was against the wishes of the Keepers who are magical wizards who deal in dark magic. To punish Calla for leaving they torment her pack and kill her mother. When Calla returns with the truth about who the Keepers are, she finds that the alpha male she was to marry has turned on her and half of her pack has realigned themselves to another pack. Calla works with the Searchers, who deal in good magic, to try and save the world they all love.

I felt like the first 200 pages of this book were a lot of talking and meetings that explained the history of the Searchers and wolves, but it wasn’t until half way through the book that the action picked up and I felt like it was more the style of the first book of the series. It was worth reading the first two hundred pages to get to the story in the last two hundred pages. HS-OPTIONAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Mosquitoes Are Ruining My Summer by Alan Katz - ADVISABLE

2012-01-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

Katz, Alan Mosquitoes Are Ruining My Summer, 27 pgs. Margaret K. McElderly Books, 2011. $16.99. Language-G (0 swears, 0 “f”), Sexual Content-G; Violence-G; This book is a fun, sing-songy book that is perfect for kids. The illustrations are fabulous and familiar by David Catrow. Children everywhere will enjoy singing different words to the familiar tunes. It is funny. I read it to my fifth graders and they laughed and laughed, especially about one of the poems about a guy who doesn’t do his laundry. This is a marvelous book. EL - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: BMN

The L.A. Dodger by David Kelly - OPTIONAL

2012-01-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Kelly, David A. Ballpark Mysteries 3: The L.A. Dodger 105 pages Random House, 2011. $4.99 Content: PG. EARLY READER. Mike and Kate fly to Los Angeles to see Kate’s father who scouts for the L.A. Dodgers. While there Kate’s father is threatened that if he doesn’t quit his job that bad things will happen. Kate and Mike keep their eyes open and see someone who is following Kate’s father as they are going to the different tourist sites. Eventually Kate and Mike help catch the man and Kate’s father’s stolen possessions are returned and he is able to keep his job.

This was a fun fast paced transitional reader and there are fun facts about baseball at the end of the story. EL (3-6)-OPTIONAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Inside: Lightning by Melissa Stewart - ADVISABLE

2012-01-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

Stewart, Melissa Inside: Lightning, 46 p. Sterling, 2011. $10. Lightning is powerful and ,ysterious. While scientists know what forces create lightning, predicting where, when and how lightning will strike is elusive. Instead of making the words and pictures fit the page, the author and illustrator have pages that fold out or lift up to create more logical forms for the information. Younger students will enjoy reading the facts, the strikes and the mysteries of lightning. If you are looking for new science books, try this entire series from Sterling. EL – ADVISABLE.

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin - NO

2012-01-10T11:30:00.002-07:00

Zeitlin, Meredith Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters, 282 pgs. G. P. Punam's Sons, 2012. $ 16.99. Language-PG-13 ( 32 swears), Mature Content-R; Violence-G; Kelsey has been waiting for her Freshman year for a long time. She's got a plan to get on top real quick, but that plan does not include an ugly sweater, a few unsightly pictures in the school newspaper, and being goalie. When her supposedly well thought out plan falls apart, how can Kelsey pull her year together for a spectacular end? I loved how close to reality this story is! I laughed out loud several times and was reminded of Junie B Jones's fresh and accurate look on school life. I was however disappointed in the fact that there was teen drinking in this book. It actually took away from the book, making it less enjoyable to read. NO Student Reviewer: KU

Meet the Cars - ESSENTIAL

2012-01-10T11:29:00.002-07:00

Meet the Cars. Disney Press, 2011. $13. Content: G. For any Cars crazy little boy, this book is a MUST HAVE! Meet all the cars of Radiator Springs, Ornament Valley and everyone the gang meets as the go around the world as part of the World Grand Prix. Each car has a little back story that fills in gaps that didn’t have time to make it into the movies. SO much fun! EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Perfect by Ellen Hopkins - OPTIONAL

2012-01-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Hopkins, Ellen Perfect, pgs. 622. McElderry Books, 2011. $18.99 Language- R ( 125 swears, 28 "F" words) Mature Content- R What is perfect? Everyone's perception of perfect is different. Cara is under the pressure of her expecting parents. That pressure has already sent her brother towards the easy way out, suicide. Now she is ready to try something new and find a new kind of love. Kendra wants to be perfect in the sense of beauty. It doesn't matter what she has to do to get there, drugs or surgeries. Sean is risking everything to gain preformance in everything that he does. And Andre has a passion that no one would understand, but he has to follow his heart and achieve. What would you give up to be perfect?? Hopkins has a way with the poetic and diverse type of writing. I really enjoy reading her books to het away from the generic writing style in most books. I am looking forward to future books! This book is rated R for strong language, drug use, underage drinking and sexual content. HS - OPTIONAL Student Reviewer: CG