Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman - ESSENTIAL

Eddleman, Peggy Sky Jumpers, 275 pgs. Random House, 2013. $16.99. Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG. 

Hope is the protagonist of this story and she has a lot to prove to her family and her town. She was not a very good inventor and that is all that matters in the town of White Rock. White Rock is a town that was established after World War 3 and the townspeople are trying desperately to come up with inventions to replace all the things that were lost due to the war. Hope has to dig deep and find her own talents to help her family and the whole town. 

I loved this book, it grabbed me right away and it made me smile and tear up a few times. It is a very clean book and only got a PG rating from me for violence because of the way the bandits treated the townspeople and used a gun once. I loved the way the author wrote this book, it flowed from beginning to end and I could hardly put it down. The story is one girls quest to find herself and the talents she has to offer her family and community. 

EL-ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Carie Middle School Librarian

Hostage Three by Nick Lake - OPTIONAL

Lake, Nick Hostage Three, 368 pages; Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2013. $17.99.  Approximately 20 swear words, 13 F words. 

This is Amy Field’s story.  Her mother had suffered from mental illness most of Amy’s life, but when her mom commits suicide and her dad remarries with in the year, the wheels come off of Amy’s life.  To “fix” things, Amy’s Dad buys an elegant yacht and plans a six month trip around the world.  The adventure of a lifetime turns into a fight for a lifetime when Somali pirates hi-jack the yacht and Amy becomes Hostage Three.  The language is tough, there is one very brutal scene that starts out as an attempted rape and ends up as an execution, but the book has an excellent moral.  At the end of the book sullen broken Amy realizes that broken can be fixed.  

Mature themes PG13, violence PG13 maybe R but interesting story and background material make it palatable.  High School interest level, a hesitant yes on the recommendation. 

HS – OPTIONAL.

The Ball Hogs by RIch Wallace

Wallace, Rich. Holder, Jimmy. Kickers – The Ball Hogs, 121 pgs. Alfred A. Knopf Publishing, 2010. $12.99. Language -G; Sexual Content- G; Violence –G; This book was about a boy named Ben who just started playing soccer. Ben enjoyed playing the game, but didn’t like a team mate named Mark. Mark was a very athletic boy and who thought he was the best on the team. Ben was frustrated because he knew if Mark would be more of a team player, they would have won more games. I really liked this book, especially the ending. It was interesting and I learned some tips about soccer. Kids ages 6-12 years old would like reading this book. EL- ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: Matt, age 11.

Honk Honk! Beep Beep! by David Kirk

Kirk, David. Honk Honk! Beep Beep! 32 pgs. Hyperion Books, 2010. $15.99. Language –G; Sexual Content –G; Violence –G; Kirk creatively writes a story about how nursery toys come to life just before dawn as they wait for the sun to rise on the mountaintop. They story is imaginative, and exciting for little ones. We enjoyed reading this story, and especially liked the illustrations which were bright and fun. Preschool and Primary Grades. EL- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: SL

Six Crows by Leo Lionni

Lionni, Leo. Six Crows, 32 pgs. Random House. 1988. $16.99. Language –G; Sexual Content –G; Violence –G; Lionni once again writes and illustrates a story that can lead to many discussions about friendship, cooperation and forgiveness. As a farmer tends to his wheat field, six hungry crows watch and wait for a meal. When the wheat ripens, the farmer builds a scarecrow to frighten the crows away. The crows have their own plans of getting rid the scarecrow, and in the end, farmer and crows come together with a peaceful solution. The brilliant collages are easy and fun to look at. We enjoyed reading this book together. This story teaches readers that it’s never too late to talk things over! EL - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: SL

Butterfly by Sonya Hartnett

Hartnett, Sonya.  Butterfly, 232 pgs.  Candlewick Press, 2009.  $16.99.  Overall rating: PG-13. Language-2 swears, 1 “f”.  Sexual Content-PG-13.  Violence-PG-13.  Plum is a fourteen-year old girl growing up in a family of five.  She has self image issues as well as a lack of self confidence.  In her group of “friends” she feels as though she is not completely accepted.  Throughout the book she strives to find her place in her small world of family, friends and neighbors, but never achieves acceptance.  At first her actions seem inconsequential, but in her need for control she affects those around her in a life-changing way.   I originally read this book because there was so much positive buzz about it.  Instead, I was very disappointed by it.  This is a book about a teen, but it is really meant for adults to read.  It is not something that i would recommend or see a need for in a school library.  It is very unremittingly depressing and I did not like how I felt when I was finished with it.  HS – NOT ADVISABLE  Reviewer:  CP

Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman - OPTIONAL

Herbsman, Cheryl Renee  Breathing.  262 pgs.  Speak Publishing, 2009.  $8.

PG-13. Language-107 swears, no “f”.  Sexual Content-PG-13.  Violence-PG.  

HS – OPTIONAL

15yo Savannah lives with her single mother and little brother in a beach town.  Her asthma causes her to spend a lot of time in the hospital which causes problems for her mom in trying to keep her job, so they don’t have much money.  At the beginning of the summer, Savannah meets a respectful 18yo old boy named Jackson and their romance blossoms throughout the summer.  Jackson eventually has to return home because of family troubles and their relationship is put to the test through separation. 

Reviewer:  CP

Banana! by Ed Vere

Vere, Ed. Banana!  28 pgs.  Henry Holt and Company, 2010. $12.99. PICTURE BOOK. Content-G.    With few words, and great illustrations, Vere teaches us the importance of kindness and sharing.  The story begins with two monkeys and only one banana and the inner struggle that can occur when want vs kindness becomes evident.  We laughed at the illustrations, and were touched by the end results and solution to this dilemma.  This would be a great book for all primary grades when teaching about sharing and/or emotions.  Pre-K - ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: SL  

Barry the Fish with Fingers by Sue Hendra

Hendra, Sue. Barry the Fish with Fingers.  Random House Children's Books, 2010, $15.99. PICTURE BOOK. Content-G.   Unlike all other fish in the sea, Barry has fingers!  With his fingers he can tickle, count to ten, make finger puppets an much more!  Before long, the other fish want fingers as well.  The reader is shocked to find out what Barry's fingers are actually made of at the end of the story.  The illustrations were wonderful.  The story line could lend to a discussion about our senses or our bodies.  The rhythm and flow of the story was difficult at times.  There is a typo on one page:  "Well, PREPARED to be un-bored..." should be written, "Well, PREPARE to be un-board..." EL - OPTIONAL. Reviewer: SL

The Adventures of Granny Clearwater & Little Critter by Kimberly Willis Holt

Holt, Kimberly Willis The Adventures of Granny Clearwater & Little Critter, Illustrated by Huliska-Beith, Laura. Henry Holt and Company, 2010, $16.99.  PICTURE BOOK. Content-G.   The Clearwater family is heading west.  When Granny and Little Critter accidentally get thrown from the wagon, they find themselves on their own.  As they attempt to be reunited with their family,  history is explored.  They experience The Gold Rush, Stagecoach Robberies, The Pony Express as well as other interesting facts  and tidbits.  This book could be used in conjunction with any social studies unit relating to the western migration.  I liked the book because of the possible applications in the classroom.  My kids weren't so thrilled with it.  The colorful illustrations are a fun to look at.  At times, the "catchy phrases" attempting to portray a western accident, interrupted the flow of the story.  EL, ADVISABLE. Reviewer: SL

Birdy's Smile Book by Laurie Keller

Keller, Laurie. Birdy's Smile Book.  40 pgs.  Henry Holt and Company, 2010. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Content-G.  An adorable cartoon character named Birdy starts every day by smiling at herself in the mirror.  Feel good sentiments like: "A smile can make a NOT so good thing seem NOT so bad", and "I bet tears of joy tickle when they dance down your face", bring a smile to the reader throughout the book.  We loved this book!  It is a happy, uplifting reminder of something we often take for granted: A SMILE!  There is even a mirror in the back of the book for the reader to admire his/her own smile! Perfect for a unit on emotions.  EL- ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: SL

Orangutans Are Ticklish by Steve Grubman

Grubman, Steve.  Davis, Jill. Orangutans Are Ticklish. 40 pgs.  Schwartz & Wade, 2010.  $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Content-G.   This book is loaded with interesting information about a wide range of animals and complete with beautiful photographs!  The book is full of great and unusual animal facts that keep kids informed and fascinated.  This is a book we will read over and over!  We enjoyed laughing and learning together.  Perfect for any unit on animals or amphibians.  EL- ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer:  SL

The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt

Reinhardt, Dana  The Things a Brother Knows,   242 p.  Wendy Lamb Books (Random), New York,  2010.  $16.99.  Language-PG (7 Swears, 5 “f”);  Sexual Content—PG; Violence- G.   Suspense-laden story of 17-year old Levi and how he tracks the whereabouts of his war-stressed ex-Marine brother, Boaz, as Boaz seeks to come to terms with the horrors of war which he has experienced. Background for the story is Boston, along with a hint at Israeli life and wars. Focus is the impact of war on the soldiers who fight it, and the stress which extends to the entire family. Initially slow-moving, but always with an undercurrent of concern for what has gone wrong with Boaz, the story will catch you up and impel you to read to the story’s resolution.  HS – ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: C.M.M., Ph.D.  

How to Be A Zombie by Serena Valentino

Valentino, Serena.  How to Be A Zombie, 144 pgs.  Candlewick Press, 2010. $14.99 Language- G, Violence-PG, Sexual Content- G. This book is an informational book telling about different kinds of Zombies. The book is broken into three parts: How to Join the Hideous Legion of the Undead, Fearsome Fashion and Frightful Fun, and Adventures in Advanced Zombiedom.  I liked this book because it gives you information about Halloween costumes and how to transform into a Zombie.  It was a little bit gross at times, but it never scared me.  MS-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: Student Matt age 11

Little Owl Lost by Chris Haughton

Haughton, Chris.  Little Owl Lost, 28 pgs.  Candlewick Press, 2010.  $14.99. Content-G.  PICTURE BOOK.  Little Owl accidentally falls from his nest in a tree into a world of adventure and wonder as he attempts to become reunited with his mother again. With the help of a kind friend Squirrel, Little Owl goes in search of animals that fit his description of Mommy Owl. This is a beautifully illustrated, tenderhearted book.  We enjoyed the humorous and touching ending.  EL-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL

Moon Dreams by Ruth Martin

Martin, Ruth. Moon Dreams, illustrated by Olivier Latyk.  Candlewick Press, 2010.  $15.99. PICTURE BOOK. Content-G.  Little Luna is fascinated by the moon and looks at it every night before she falls asleep. In her dreams she has adventures like walking on the Moon. But Lulu can’t help but wonder: “Where does the moon go all day?” Perhaps the Moon hides in the ocean, behind the mountains or it might be covered by the clouds. Where the Moon went was a real mystery and one Luna was determined to solve. The digital artwork is fascinating!  We enjoyed reading this book together.  It would be a great intro for a unit on the moon.  EL- ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: SL

Eeeek, Mouse! by Lydia Monks

Monks, Lydia. Eeeek, Mouse! 32 pgs.  Egmont Press, 2010.  $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Content-G.  Minnie loves mice, but her parents hate them. So when a family of mice move into Minnie's house, she has to work fast to save them from her dad's amazing mousetrap and a hungry cat. The illustrations are bright and bold.   Die cut mouse holes make for fun and adventurous reading!  Don’t forget to look for the little spider hiding throughout the page!  EL-ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: SL

A Wish for Elves by Mark Gonyea

Gonyea, Mark  A Wish for Elves. 40 pgs. Henry Holt and Company, 2010. $12.99. PICTURE BOOK. Content-G.  When the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season becomes too much for one little boy, he wishes for more help.  To his surprise, all of Santa’s elves come to the rescue.  But what will Santa do without his elves?  This book is full of humor and fun.  The comic strip style illustrations make it easier for the reader to delve into the book on a deeper, more personal level.  We read this book over and over.  It would be more difficult to read to a whole group, since attention to detail in every page is important.  EL- ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL

Sneaky Sheep by Chris Monroe

Monroe, Chris  Sneaky Sheep. Carolrhoda Books (Lerner), 2010.  $16.95. PICTURE BOOK. Content-G.  Blossom and Rocky are sheep—very sneaky sheep. And they are not very good decision makers. Poor Murphy, the sheep dog, has rescued them from many adventures. Rocky and Blossom are always looking for greener grass, and there's no telling what they'll try next. This book is a good teaching tool for parents and teachers trying to explain that warnings and instructions are given out of love for the child. EL (K-3)- OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SL

Miles To Go by Jamie Harper

Harper, Jamie.  Miles To Go.  28 pgs.  Candlewick Press, 2010.  $12.99. PICTURE BOOK. Content-G.    Instead of walking to preschool, Miles takes his feet propelled, convertible toddler car to school each day.  After preschool, he and his friend, Otto, work all afternoon on Mile’s broken car horn in their “shop” and then the adventure begins again!  Miles is a high spirited, energetic kid and his imagination is contagious.  This book could be used in a unit on safety as is discusses seatbelts, waiting for the street light to change, and watching out for other riders. Preschool and primary grade level book.   EL-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL