Camille McPhee Fell Under the Bus by Kristen Tracy - OPTIONAL

Tracy, Kristen Camille McPhee Fell Under the Bus 304 pg. Delacorte Press, 2009. Language-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G. $16.99. As a young fourth grader, Camillie McPhee comes to realize that sometimes life just isn't fair. From her best friend moving to her parents separating to falling under the bus, she knows life has its ups and downs. But what she also comes to realize, with the help of her new friend, is that she always gets back up. 
The final moral of the story is fantastic, but getting there was tough. I didn't feel like this book was written exceptionally well as it just seemed like a rumbled, jumbled, random thought process of a 10 year old. However, with that in mind, I think kids in 4-5th grade might like this book. It does do a nice job of touching on some issues young kids might have to deal with though. And the title and cover completely catch your attention. EL/MS-OPTIONAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher. 

Tillie the Terrible Swede: How One Woman, A Sewing Needle, and A Bicycle Changed History by Sue Stauffacher - ESSENTIAL

Stauffacher, Sue Tillie the Terrible Swede: How One Woman, A Sewing Needle, and A Bicycle Changed History illustrated by Sarah McMenemy 40 pg. Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. INFORMATIONAL/PICTURE. $17.99. In this fascinating picture-book biography, Tillie Anderson takes the world by speed! After seeing a man ride by on his bicycle, Swedish emigrant Tillie could dream of nothing but riding. Tillie broke social norm after social norm and broke record after record. She was a sensation and helped paved the way for women bicyclists. Included on the back cover flap is a list of Tillie's record breaking times. 
With lively illustrations and text and such a riveting story, this book is a must for any collection! EL/MS-ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher. 

Feelings by Kristen Balouch - ESSENTIAL

Balouch, Kristen Feelings 14 pg. Simon and Schuster, 2011. BOARD. $6.99. In this simple board book, kids will learn about basic emotions with sad lion, happy elephant, sneaky crocodile and more. It is easy to understand and I love the bright, vivid colors used in the book. Pre-K- ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher. 
FEELINGS[Feelings] BY Balouch, Kristen(Author)Hardcover on Apr 19 2011

Cinnamon Baby by Nicola Winstanley - ADVISABLE

Winstanley, Nicola Cinnamon Baby illustrated by Janice Nadeau 32 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2011. PICTURE BOOK. $16.95. Miriam has her own little bakery where she makes bread with smells that "make your nose twitch and tastes to make your tongue tingle." Everyone loves her bread, including Sebastian, who finally asks Miriam to marry him. Soon enough, a baby comes along, and they are all happy until the baby starts to cry and will not stop. After trying everything, Miriam finally has an idea as she looks down on her little raisin. 
Cute story with charming, soft-toned illustrations. I know what it is like to have a crying baby so I was happy to see that Miriam figured something out...even if she is baking bread every day for the rest of her life. But it just goes to show that we all love things that are warm, loving, cozy, and familiar. EL-ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher. 

Red Wagon by Renata Liwska -- ADVISABLE

Liwska, Renata. Red Wagon. Philomel Books, 2011. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Lucy the fox has a brand new red wagon and she wants to play with it. Her mother asks her to go to the market and get some vegetables. What starts as a chore, becomes an adventure. Lucy’s wagon becomes a boat, a pioneer wagon, a circus car, train, and space ship. Lucy “barely” makes it back home with the vegetables for dinner. Author/illustrator Renata Liwska shows how a mundane task with a little imagination can be an adventure. The illustrations are charming and will appeal to children. Pre-K, EL – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

I am Nuchu by Brenda Stanley–OPTIONAL

Stanley, Brenda I am Nuchu, 334 pgs. WestSide Books, 2010. $13.22. Language:Swear Count 4b’s; Violence:PG-13; Sexual Content:PG-13
Cal is a normal teenager living a happy life with a many hopes for the future. He is also a half-Ute Native American who has always had pride in his heritage. After a divorce, his mother moves Cal and his two younger siblings back to her Indian reservation in Utah. Cal is torn apart by all the changes and struggles to reconcile his introduction to both the Native community and nearby white community. Matters grow more complex when Cal finds out that everything in his life isn’t quite right and there are more secrets than answers. When tragedies from the past and the present combine Cal’s world will be turned upside down. Can he find a path through the ruins of his life?
This book includes incredibly intense drama including murders and suicide, constant physical altercations, casual drinking and drug use, and a lack of meaningful cultural connections. It was however, thought provoking. I think teens will relate to the emotional upheaval that Cal is experiencing. A skillful and willing teacher may be able to draw essays, themes, and discussions out of this book while downplaying its reliance on violent dramatics to fuel the story.
HS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Benito Runs by Justine Fontes-ADVISABLE

Fontes, Justine, Benito Runs. Darbycreek, 2011. Pgs. 104. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

Benito’s father, Xavier has come back from Iraq, but he’s not the same. He has PTSD and yells constantly. When his father causes an embarrassing scene at a school function, Benito feels like his dad is going crazy. Unable to go back to school, Benito runs away. Will he stay away and find a new life for himself or will he go back home?

A touching, fairy well-developed book. The character is likable and his situation hits home for whoever reads it. The plot flows well and gets the reader thinking. Readers who like urban fiction, realistic fiction, and school stories will enjoy reading this book. MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High

Recruited by Suzanne Weyn

Weyn, Suzanne, Recruited. Darbycreek, 2011. Pgs. 104. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

Kadeem Jones is a star quarterback for Southside High. He is thrilled when Teller College wants him to come be their quarterback. When he goes to visit the campus, the recruiter even gives him some money to go have some fun. When NCAA officials accuse Teller illegally recruiting top talent, however, Kadeem suddenly finds his scholarship on the rocks. Will Kadeem decide to help with the investigation? Will Kadeem be able to continue being a quarterback for a college?

A short, but fairly well-developed book. The characters are likable and relatable to. The plot is realistic and easy to relate to. Readers who like realistic fiction, urban fiction, and school stories will enjoy reading this book. MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High

Human.4 by Mike A Lancaster-ADVISABLE

Lancaster, Mike A., Human.4. Egmont Books, 2011. Pgs. 227. Language: PG (4 swears, no “f”s), Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

When Kyle Strake volunteered to by hypnotist at a community show, he never expected to wake up different from everyone else. While under hypnosis, apparently everyone was upgraded and is now being controlled by technology and the government. As long as he doesn’t touch the technology, no one sees him, but he can’t help but wonder if something has happened to humanity. Will Kyle wake up from the hypnosis or is this nightmare his reality?

A great science fiction book. The characters are well-developed. The plot is well-crafted and unique. The flow of the book makes it easy to suspend one's disbelief and remain well interested in the book.  Readers who enjoy futuristic worlds, science fiction, adventure, and mysteries will enjoy reading this book. MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High

Bad Deal by Susan J. Korman-OPTIONAL

Korman, Susan J, Bad Deal. Darbycreek, 2011. Pgs. 104. Language: g, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

Fish has ADHD and hates taken his medicine. It helps him concentrate, but makes him feel weird. When other people take it, however, it’s like drinking a bunch of coffee at once. When his crush, Ella, needs a boots for tests, he offers her one of his pills. Soon, everyone in school is wanting some and Fish starts to enjoy the profits. He still needs his medicine, however, and finds a doctor who will write phony prescriptions. When the doctor gets arrested, however, Fish suddenly finds himself in hot water. Will Fish tell the truth and face the consequences or will he keep his mouth shut?

A fairly well-developed novel for being so short. The characters are relatable to. The story is hard-hitting, but helpful for anyone who’s ever had to deal with peer pressure. Readers who like urban fiction, realistic fiction, and school stories will enjoy reading this book. MS, HS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn-OPTIONAL

Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn. Scholastic Press, 2007. Pgs. 293.

Language: G, Sexual Content: PG-13, Violence: PG-13

In prehistorical times, a young man and woman fight over a precious jewel. Year and centuries pass and these two souls keep getting drawn together and falling in love. Fate, circumstances, and, possibly destiny, keep making them stay apart in the end. Will the two overcome fate and be able to stay together forever?

A unique premise, but not a very good book. The plot is ill-developed and hard to follow. The ending is fitting, but leaves something to be desire. Readers, however, who like romance, science fiction, and unrequited love will enjoy reading this book.

MS, HS. OPTIONAL

Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High

The Beast of Blackslope by Tracy Barrett-ADVISABLE

Barrett, Tracy The Beast of Blackslope. Henry Holt and Company, 2009. Pgs 174. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

Xena and Xander are going on vacation to Blackslope, where their famous ancestor, Sherlock Holmes, investigated a mystery and was never able to solve it. Now the horrible beast of Blackslope their ancestor battled wits with is back and it’s up Xena and Xander to step up to the plate and solve the case. Will they succeed?

A great mystery for adventure fans. The characters are well-developed. The plot is unique and fun to read. Readers who like mystery, adventure, and Sherlock Holmes books will enjoy reading this book.

EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

I Broke My Trunk! by Mo Willems - ESSENTIAL

Willems, Mo I Broke My Trunk! 64 pg. Hyperion Books for Children, 2011. PICTURE BOOK. $8.99. Elephant and Piggie books are darling...this one did not disappoint. Gerald broke his trunk and relates what happened to his best friend Piggie. Funny story with an even funnier ending...a kid pleaser for sure! The text and illustrations are very short and simple, but it is amazing how much emotion can be expressed just by changing text size and facial expressions. A must for the collection! EL-ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher. 

Little Chicken's Big Day by Katie Davis - OPTIONAL

Davis, Katie Little Chicken's Big Day illustrated by Jerry Davis 40 pg. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2011. PICTURE BOOK. $14.99. Big Chicken and Little Chicken go out for the day, but curiosity soon gets the better of Little Chicken and he strays from Big Chicken. But when he hears Big Chicken cluckin', he knows things are going to be alright. The story and illustrations were mediocre all around for me. Nothing about this struck my fancy except that it was a book about a mom and her little chick. Definitely pass up-able. Pre-K- OPTIONAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher. 

Noonie's Masterpiece by Lisa Railsback - ADVISABLE

Railsback, Lisa Noonie's Masterpiece illustrated by Sarajo Frieden 208 pg. Chronicle Books, 2010. $18.99. 

Content-G  

Fourth grade Noonie is a budding artist just waiting to be found out. She knows she will be famous one day, but like most famous artists, it will probably be when she is dead. After her mother dies and her father travels the world for work, Noonie Norton lives with her aunt, uncle and cousin who don't realize her artistic genius at all. Throughout the book Noonie goes through different artistic periods--her blue period, her purple period, and even her polka dot period--all while trying to convince her dad to come and take her away with him. 

The story has such a good mixture of compelling storyline, artistic flair, and humorous personality. It could also generate discussion for all levels of readers. From the theme of "a brave artist should never give up" to the death of a loved one, to different family dynamics, this book covers an array of topics. This book was an ARC so I wonder what it will look like to have the illustrations in color...even more compelling, I think. 

EL/MS- ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher. 

Watch Me Grow! by Deborah Hodge-ADVISABLE

Hodge, Deborah, Watch Me Grow!: A Down-To-Earth Look at Growing Food in the City. Kids Can Press, 2011. PICTURE BOOK


A city is a great place to grow food. The rooftops, front yards, and backyards. For this reason, people young and old are growing gardens and enjoying the fruits of their labor. This book takes a look at these people and the food they grow.

The text is simple to read. The photos are fun to look at and add a lot to the text. Those who enjoy non-fiction, gardening, or books about food will enjoy reading this book or having this book read to them. EL (K-3). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Emma Edmonds Was a Great Pretender by Carrie Jones-OPTIONAL

Jones, Carrie, Sarah Emma Edmonds Was a Great Pretneder. Carolrhoda Books, 2011. INFORMATION.

As a child, Sarah felt unwelcomed at home. Her father only wanted boys, so she acted like one. In the 1850s, however, she ran away from home when she realized her father would never love her for who she was and assumed the name Frank Thompson. In 1861, the Civil War was going on. She hear a newspaper boy shout that the president was looking for 75,000 men to fight in the Union army. She soon took up that challenge and went to Washinton to join. At first, she was rejected for being too small, but soon became a spy. This book tells her story and how she became known as the great pretender.

The text is simple and easy-to-follow. The illustrations are beautiful and complementary of the text. The story is unique and fun to read. Readers who like non-fiction, strong women characters, and war stories will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

When Bob Met Woody by Gary Golio-OPTIONAL

Golio, Gary, When Bob Met Woody. Little, Brown and Company, 2011. PICTURE BOOK.

Before he became Bob Dylan, he was Bobby Zimmerman, a kid from rural Minnesota. He loved to sing for people. He even taught himself how to play the piano and guitar. By day, he would hear tales of people being everyday heroes. By night, he would listen to black musicians’ music that you couldn’t even get in Hibbing, Minnesota. He also liked to listen B.B. King, Hank Williams, and Muddy Waters. His parents, however, didn’t care for Bob’s music. During his childhood, however, he was made fun of for being Jewish. One day, when he was out of school and a roamin’ and ramblin’ storyteller and singer, he read Woody Guthrie’s “Bound for Glory,” his life was forever changed. This is the story of how.

The illustrations are beautiful and complement the text well. The text is simple and easy-to-follow. Readers who like non-fiction, picture books and book about singers will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.
Thanks for spotting the typos Jill!

Anorexia and Bulimia by Carol Sonenklar-ADVISABLE

Sonenklar, Carol, Anorexia and Bulimia. Twenty-First Century Books, 2011. INFORMATION.

In the United States, as many as 11 million people suffer from eating disorders. With the warped image so many teenagers see as beautiful and extremely thin on tv and how easy it is to become Anorexic or Bulimic, it is becoming harder and harder for some to have healthy relationships with food. This book takes a look at this health issue.

The layout is well-done. The text is informative, well-researched, and objective. The integration of primary and secondary sources is wonderful. The photos and illustrations complement the text well. Readers who are researching health issues, interested in non-fiction, or learning about the topic will enjoy reading this book and find it helpful and informative. MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Today the World is Watching You by Kekla Magoon-ADVISABLE

Magoon, Kekla, Today the World is Watching You. Twenty-First Century Books, 2011. INFORMATION.

On September 4, 1957, nine African American teenagers made their way toward Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. This wouldn’t have been a big deal except that the school was a whites only school and Armed Arkansas National Guard soldiers blocked them and refused to let them enter the campus. The three students who made it onto the campus were attacked by an angry mob. This caused a great outrage due to the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled for the desegregation of all schools in 1955. This is the story of how this group of teenagers eventually succeeded and became known in our history books.

The layout is well-done. The photos and illustrations complement the text well. The information provided is well-researched and objective. Readers who like non-fiction, civil rights, and history will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.