Barham, Lisa A Girl Like Moi: The fashion-forward adventures of Imogene, 265 p. Simon Schuster –
MS, HS – ESSENTIAL
After maxing out her AmEx and failing to make payments, Imogene finds herself having to take on an internship in New York, in order to pay off her bills, instead of flying off to Paris with her best friend. A fabulous boy and a catty co-worker turn Imogene’s summer upside down as she tries to remain tres chic with absolutely no cash.
A fun, fluffy Devil Wears Prada rip-off for the teen set that is perfect for reading while tanning this summer. Does not resort to the crassness of so many other teen novels and yet is full of fashion buzzwords. Already in paperback!
CINDY
Monday, February 19, 2007
Trigger by Susan Vaught - ESSENTIAL
Vaught, Susan Trigger 290 p. -
Language: PG; Sexual Content: G, Violence: G
MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
This book is about a kid who shot himself but did not succeed in his attempted suicide. He has major brain damage, and most of the kids at school see him as the new "freak." The book is about his struggle and journey to go back to school for his senior year and trying to figure out why he did it.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was really well written considering it is in first person. It might be a little harder for seventh grade students and below, but I think it is well worth the time for older students. I would recommend this for school libraries.
Student Reviewer: JH
What I enjoyed most about this novel is that it shows the danger of spinning little problems out of control – making them so important that they overwhelm everything else. -Cindy
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Dear Author: Letters of Hope - ADVISABLE
Kaywell, Joan F., editor Dear Author: Letters of Hope, 222 pages Language: G; Sexual Content: PG (a girl wrote to the author of Speak who had a similar experience as the character in that book); Violence: G
MS, HS, ADVISABLE
This book is a collection of letters that everyday teenagers have sent into various authors and the authors' responses to these letters. I really liked reading this book because I could relate to a lot of the letters in there. Reading the responses and the encouragement the authors gave was in a way helpful to me. I liked reading about the real world from the eyes of teenagers through their letters and it helps you see that you aren't alone, no matter what your situation.
Student Reviewer: JH
Kaywell, Joan F., editor Dear Author: Letters of Hope, 222 p. - Language: G; Sexual Content: PG (a girl wrote to the author of Speak who had a similar experience as the character in that book); Violence: G - This book is a collection of letters that everyday teenagers have sent in to various authors and the authors' responses to these letters. I really liked reading this book because I could relate to a lot of the letters in there. Reading the responses and the encouragement the authors gave was in a way helpful to me. I liked reading about the real world from the eyes of teenagers through their letters and it helps you see that you aren't alone, no matter what your situation. MS, HS, ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: JHKaywell, Joan F., editor <i>Dear Author: Letters of Hope</i></b>, 222 p. - Language: G; Sexual Content: PG (a girl wrote to the author of Speak who had a similar experience as the character in that book); Violence: G - This book is a collection of letters that everyday teenagers have sent in to various authors and the authors' responses to these letters. I really liked reading this book because I could relate to a lot of the letters in there. Reading the responses and the encouragement the authors gave was in a way helpful to me. I liked reading about the real world from the eyes of teenagers through their letters and it helps you see that you aren't alone, no matter what your situation. MS, HS, ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: JH<
Kaywell, Joan F., editor Dear Author: Letters of Hope, 222 p. - Language: G; Sexual Content: PG (a girl wrote to the author of Speak who had a similar experience as the character in that book); Violence: G - This book is a collection of letters that everyday teenagers have sent in to various authors and the authors' responses to these letters. I really liked reading this book because I could relate to a lot of the letters in there. Reading the responses and the encouragement the authors gave was in a way helpful to me. I liked reading about the real world from the eyes of teenagers through their letters and it helps you see that you aren't alone, no matter what your situation. MS, HS, ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: JHKaywell, Joan F., editor <i>Dear Author: Letters of Hope</i></b>, 222 p. - Language: G; Sexual Content: PG (a girl wrote to the author of Speak who had a similar experience as the character in that book); Violence: G - This book is a collection of letters that everyday teenagers have sent in to various authors and the authors' responses to these letters. I really liked reading this book because I could relate to a lot of the letters in there. Reading the responses and the encouragement the authors gave was in a way helpful to me. I liked reading about the real world from the eyes of teenagers through their letters and it helps you see that you aren't alone, no matter what your situation. MS, HS, ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: JH<
Opelia by Lisa Klein - ESSENTIAL
Klein, Lisa Ophelia 328 p. Bloomsbury -
Everyone thinks that they know the story of Ophelia, from Shakespeare's Hamlet, but this beautifully written book takes everything you think you know and turns it on its head.
Klein has written an engaging book that adds depth and dimension to the recent trend of rewriting Shakespeare. Even if you haven't read Hamlet, you will enjoy this book. A must read for anyone.
MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
CINDY
Monday, February 5, 2007
Larger Than Life Laura by Dandi Mackall - ESSENTIAL
Mackall, Dandi Daley Larger-Than-Life Lara 151 p. Penguin –
EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL
Laney’s fourth grade class is stunned the day that Lara, the fattest girl they have ever seen, walks into their classroom. This girl is so fat, that she needs a special desk. Lara’s parents have instilled her with a healthy sense of self-esteem, but she is hard pressed to keep her chin up against the unreasonable prejudice of her fellow students.
Laney’s fourth grade class is stunned the day that Lara, the fattest girl they have ever seen, walks into their classroom. This girl is so fat, that she needs a special desk. Lara’s parents have instilled her with a healthy sense of self-esteem, but she is hard pressed to keep her chin up against the unreasonable prejudice of her fellow students.
This book will make you cry and it should be read to every child every single year.
CINDY
Emil and Karl by Yankev Glatshteyn - ESSENTIAL
Glatshteyn, Yankev Emil and Karl 194 p. Roaring Brook (Holtzbrinck) –
MS, HS – ESSENTIAL
Emil and Karl are best friends in the city ofVienna Austria
Emil and Karl are best friends in the city of
The amazing thing about this book is that it was written in 1940, in Yiddish, so that the Jewish children of America could know what was really going on in Europe . I am amazed that it hadn’t surfaced in English before now.
CINDY
Twilight Child by ally Warner - ESSENTIAL
Warner, Sally Twilight Child Pages: 211 pgs. Penguin -
MS, HS – ESSENTIAL
Eleni is a girl fromFinland
Eleni is a girl from
I had a lot of fun reading Twilight Child, and would gladly recommend it to anyone who asks for a good book to read. It educates the reader- including me- with some Finnish words slipped in here and there, as well as provides non-stop entertainment. I really enjoyed it!
Student Reviewer: JH
Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon - ESSENTIAL
McCutcheon John Christmas in the Trenches PICTURE BOOK Peachtree –
EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL
Christmas Day 1914, the two armies of World War I exit their trenches and meet in the middle to celebrate the day during a spontaneous truce. Although these actions did not stop the war, it left a feeling of hope in the hearts of each soldier who participated. Also included is a CD of the original song that McCutcheon also wrote. Having been to Flanders Fields myself, I call tell you that this is an important part of the WWI story. This subject should be fit into the curriculum anywhere it can – English, Geography, Music, Art – wherever.
Christmas Day 1914, the two armies of World War I exit their trenches and meet in the middle to celebrate the day during a spontaneous truce. Although these actions did not stop the war, it left a feeling of hope in the hearts of each soldier who participated. Also included is a CD of the original song that McCutcheon also wrote. Having been to Flanders Fields myself, I call tell you that this is an important part of the WWI story. This subject should be fit into the curriculum anywhere it can – English, Geography, Music, Art – wherever.
CINDY
Terrier by Tamora Pierce - ESSENTIAL
Pierce, Tamora Beka Cooper: Terrier 563 p. RandomHouse –
MS, HS – ESSENTIAL
Beka Cooper has always wanted to be a Dog – a peacekeeper in the realm or Tortall. Now she is a Puppy, assigned to the two greatest Dogs in town, learning her trade in the mean streets that she grew up in. Only her persistence, ingenuity and ability to make unlikely friends will save the town from two terrible threats.
Beka Cooper has always wanted to be a Dog – a peacekeeper in the realm or Tortall. Now she is a Puppy, assigned to the two greatest Dogs in town, learning her trade in the mean streets that she grew up in. Only her persistence, ingenuity and ability to make unlikely friends will save the town from two terrible threats.
Another exciting tale from Pierce’s well-crafted world. The page count is high, but it is misleading, as the words are really big. When printed in paperback, I would be surprised if it topped 200 pages.
CINDY
Monday, January 15, 2007
Beds, Bedrooms and Pajamas by Patricia Lauber - ESSENTIAL
Lauber, Patricia What You Never Knew About Beds, Bedrooms and Pajamas PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster -
EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
A new addition to the Around the House series. Bright and fun illustrations compliment a quirky fact-filled picture book about sleeping and its accessories through the ages and around the globe. Teachers of any age of student could use this book in their classroom.
CINDY
Disney Dossiers by Jeff Kurti - ADVISABLE
Kurti, Jeff Disney Dossiers 159 p. Disney Editions -
EL. MS. HS - ADVISABLE
An awesome full-color soft cover book with details and gossip and behind scene information on the entire cast of Disney animated characters up through 2004's Home on the Range. I revisited original friends that I hadn't thought about in years and met new characters from movies I haven't seen. The author's honesty is fresh and fun. I am a little worried about putting this book on the shelves, because I am sure it will be loved to death.
Paranoid Park by Blake Nelson - NO
Nelson, Blake Paranoid Park 180 p. Penguin -
NO
I was hoping I had found another great skater book that I could proudly hand to my boy readers as a great read. Instead, I got a vicious, descriptive attack and death within the first 25 pages and then another 155 pages of coverup and justification without any type of regret, confession or redemption. And not a single great skateboard scene on any page.
CINDY
NO
I was hoping I had found another great skater book that I could proudly hand to my boy readers as a great read. Instead, I got a vicious, descriptive attack and death within the first 25 pages and then another 155 pages of coverup and justification without any type of regret, confession or redemption. And not a single great skateboard scene on any page.
CINDY
Forging the Sword by Hilari Bell - ESSENTIAL
Bell, Hilari Forging the Sword 494 p. Simon and Schuster -
MS, HS -ESSENTIAL
The Hrum have only four months left to completely conquer the country of Farsala and the resistance fighters are well organized and getting even smarter. Soraya, Jiaan and Kavi all lead important groups that work together and apart to sabotage the Hrum and the Hrum leaders resort to breaking their own laws in a desperate attempt to defeat the country and its mysterious leader "Sorahb".
The fitting finale of the Farsala trilogy that students will love and enjoy. Bell's original thinking is welcome after watching poorly written copy-cat novels become topsellers and blockbuster movies. Point your students towards this excellent series as an antidote!
One Good Knight by Mecedes Lackey - OPTIONAL
Lackey, Mercedes One Good Knight 393 p. Luna -
MS, HS - OPTIONAL
Princess Andromeda. "Andie", Is starting to earn a little respect from her mother, until Andie finds some disturbing information while she follows a line of research. All of those concerns are pushed to the back of her mind when a dragon appears to ravage the small country - and no one seems to be exempt from the virgin sacrifice lottery - even the heir to the throne. Dragons, a champion, a ragged resistance band and Godmother Elena round out the cast of characters.
Though this is the second in the series, it is the first one that is appropriate for Utah schools. I am a huge Mercedes Lackey fan and try to bring in as much as possible.
CINDY
MS, HS - OPTIONAL
Princess Andromeda. "Andie", Is starting to earn a little respect from her mother, until Andie finds some disturbing information while she follows a line of research. All of those concerns are pushed to the back of her mind when a dragon appears to ravage the small country - and no one seems to be exempt from the virgin sacrifice lottery - even the heir to the throne. Dragons, a champion, a ragged resistance band and Godmother Elena round out the cast of characters.
Though this is the second in the series, it is the first one that is appropriate for Utah schools. I am a huge Mercedes Lackey fan and try to bring in as much as possible.
CINDY
Saturday, January 13, 2007
That Girl Lucy Moon by Amy Timberlake - ESSENTIAL
Timberlake, Amy That Girl Lucy Moon 294 p. Hyperion -
EL, MS-ESSENTIAL
As Lucy starts her sixth grade year at the local middle school, her photographer mother takes off on an extended trip in search of clouds. Her friends start growing and changing and Lucy feels left behind and out of the loop - especially when she receives unwarranted discipline after organizing a protest against the fencing of the town's favorite sledding spot. Winter causes Lucy's light to dim and she ceases to care whether her mother ever returns.
A beautiful book in the tradition of Stargirl, with a new heroine who doesn't seem to think she needs to lie down and take it. And after reading snippets of Lucy's antics in elementary school, I kind of wish the author would also write a prequel.
CINDY
My Life Starring Mum by Chloe Rayban - OPTIONAL
Rayban, Chloe My Life Starring Mum 279 p. Bloomsbury -
EL, MS - OPTIONAL
Holly's mum is the famous British singer Khandi. When a threat against Holly shows up, she is whisked away from her school and her friends to a high-security hotel where her mother alternately ignores her or tries to turn Holly into a younger version of herself.
The story moves very quickly, keeping the reader's interest, until the very end, where it abruptly sputters and dies mid-stream. This has happened in so many books that I have read that I wonder if authors have lost the art of the denouement. There is absolutely no resolution, only a short, unsatisfying reunion scene, with a flippant end. Despite that, I think younger readers will enjoy Holly's life and adventure and are probably not knowledgeable enough to be frustrated by the ending. There are five clunky, unnecessary uses of swear words, though.
EL, MS - OPTIONAL
Holly's mum is the famous British singer Khandi. When a threat against Holly shows up, she is whisked away from her school and her friends to a high-security hotel where her mother alternately ignores her or tries to turn Holly into a younger version of herself.
The story moves very quickly, keeping the reader's interest, until the very end, where it abruptly sputters and dies mid-stream. This has happened in so many books that I have read that I wonder if authors have lost the art of the denouement. There is absolutely no resolution, only a short, unsatisfying reunion scene, with a flippant end. Despite that, I think younger readers will enjoy Holly's life and adventure and are probably not knowledgeable enough to be frustrated by the ending. There are five clunky, unnecessary uses of swear words, though.
Alabama Moon by Watt Key - OPTIONAL
Key, Watt Alabama Moon 294 p. FSG
MS-OPTIONAL
Ten-year old Moon Blake has promised his Pa that he will stay away from civilization and head off to Alaska to find other people who live off the land and "off the grid" (my words, not the author's). But a young boy on his own will attract the attention of well-meaning adults and of the authorities, including a constable who takes an instant, intense dislike to the boy. Moon finds his own way to battle the system and a few allies in his struggle to find his place in the world.
I don't have the swear word count on this book any more, but the police constable is mean and foul-mouthed, using many swear words whenever he addresses Moon, though not venturing over to "f". For that reason, many schools, and the young audience who would have enjoyed this book, will not be reading it.
The Princetta by Anne-Laure Bondoux - ADVISABLE
Bondoux, Anne-Laure The Princetta 430 p. Bloomsbury -
MS- ADVISABLE
Malva, aleady discontented with her life as a princess, now finds that she is to wed a man many years older. With the help of her tutor and her maid, she escapes - only that her tutor has set her up to die. Thus begins a high seas adventure of self-discovery, taking the Princetta into danger many times over, but also helping her discover several loyal friends, and to discover where her heart and her duty lie.
I especially liked that the ending was completely unexpected. The old-fashioned looking cover may not draw in many students on it's own, but a little marketing should help this book find its audience. Readers of Tamora Pierce will also enjoy this.
MS- ADVISABLE
Malva, aleady discontented with her life as a princess, now finds that she is to wed a man many years older. With the help of her tutor and her maid, she escapes - only that her tutor has set her up to die. Thus begins a high seas adventure of self-discovery, taking the Princetta into danger many times over, but also helping her discover several loyal friends, and to discover where her heart and her duty lie.
I especially liked that the ending was completely unexpected. The old-fashioned looking cover may not draw in many students on it's own, but a little marketing should help this book find its audience. Readers of Tamora Pierce will also enjoy this.
These Three Remain by Pamela Aidan - ADVISABLE
Aidan, Pamela These Three Remain: A novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman 437 p. Touchstone -
HS - ADVISABLE
The finale in the Fitzwilliam Darcy trilogy. Darcy is doing his best to forget Elizabeth Bennet and hopes that some time at his great aunt's country manor will help. Instead, there he finds Miss Bennet. He feels more in love with her than ever - and proposes marriage, which Elizabeth very quickly and coldly turns down. Reeling, Darcy heads back to London to do some soul-searching and changing, hoping he may become the kind of man that Elizabeth could some day love.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy of "Pride and Prejudice" books, written through the eyes of Mr. Darcy. They go far in adding a depth to the man's character and thoughts that was lacking in the original. These books will be well received by Jane Austen's fans. It's fun to read the books side by side to see the two different points of view. Make sure you acquire all three in the series- and share them with your teachers!
CINDY
HS - ADVISABLE
The finale in the Fitzwilliam Darcy trilogy. Darcy is doing his best to forget Elizabeth Bennet and hopes that some time at his great aunt's country manor will help. Instead, there he finds Miss Bennet. He feels more in love with her than ever - and proposes marriage, which Elizabeth very quickly and coldly turns down. Reeling, Darcy heads back to London to do some soul-searching and changing, hoping he may become the kind of man that Elizabeth could some day love.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy of "Pride and Prejudice" books, written through the eyes of Mr. Darcy. They go far in adding a depth to the man's character and thoughts that was lacking in the original. These books will be well received by Jane Austen's fans. It's fun to read the books side by side to see the two different points of view. Make sure you acquire all three in the series- and share them with your teachers!
CINDY
Bringing Ezra Back by Cynthia DeFelice - OPTIONAL
DeFelice, Cynthia Bringing Ezra Back 148 p. FSG -
EL, MS - OPTIONAL
The Fowler family has recovered from the vicious attacks by "Weasel", though their mother passed away from a fever later. Now, a traveling peddler brings along a flyer that proclaims "See the White Injun, A man with no name and no tongue! Deaf and Dumb," and Nathan is sure that this "injun" is their old friend Ezra, who helped rescue them from Weasel. Nathan is determined to seek out this traveling show and rescue his friend, even if he has to learn to trust the world again.
After the tense danger of "Weasel", this sequel comes off as a milder entry. Though it does answer questions about Ezra, it only raises more at the end. I would prefer to have "Weasel" in hardcover and this one in paperback.
CINDY
EL, MS - OPTIONAL
The Fowler family has recovered from the vicious attacks by "Weasel", though their mother passed away from a fever later. Now, a traveling peddler brings along a flyer that proclaims "See the White Injun, A man with no name and no tongue! Deaf and Dumb," and Nathan is sure that this "injun" is their old friend Ezra, who helped rescue them from Weasel. Nathan is determined to seek out this traveling show and rescue his friend, even if he has to learn to trust the world again.
After the tense danger of "Weasel", this sequel comes off as a milder entry. Though it does answer questions about Ezra, it only raises more at the end. I would prefer to have "Weasel" in hardcover and this one in paperback.
CINDY
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