Cookie by Jacqueline Wilson - ESSENTIAL

Wilson, Jacqueline Cookie, 320pgs. Roaring Brook Press, 2008.

Language-PG 2 (2 swears, “g” word), Mature Content- PG; Violence-PG; 

Beauty Cookson is doesn’t think she’s beautiful. Her dad is always yelling at her, and she doesn’t have any friends. Until, she comes up with her new nickname, Cookie. Then, everything changes. 

This book is very inspiring, and is written very well. I never wanted to put the book down. It is an amazing book. 

MS-ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: HW

War Games by Audrey and Akila Cououmbis

Couloumbis, Audrey & Couloumbis, Akila War Games, 224 pgs. Random House, 2009. Language - G, Sexual Content - G; Violence - PG; Petros lives with his family in Greece during the time of World War 2. In order to be safe, his father tells everyone in their household (Petros, his sister, his brother, his mother, and his grandfather) that they are only going to speek Greek and that they're going to burn or bury everything not Greek. Anything that has so much as one English letter on it is gone. After living in America for a few years, this is hard on the family. I really liked reading this book. I love the suspence that is radiating from the pages, wondering how the war is going to effct Petros and his family. I didn't really like the ending though, because there isn't an ending; it just ends. MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CH

How to Make a Bird by Martine Murray

Murray, Martine How to Make a Bird, 233 pgs. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2010. Language - PG-13 (23 swears, 4 "f"), Sexual Content - PG-13; Violence - G; Mannie doesn't want to stay at home any longer. So at 5 am one morning, she leaves on a train for the city. I didn't find any plot or point in this book. I couldn't get into it and I had to force myself to finish it because it was so boring. MS - NO. Reviewer: CH

Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logstead

Baratz-Logsted, Lauren Crazy Beautiful, 193 pgs. Houghton Mifflin, 2009. Language - PG (18 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - PG; Violence - PG; Lucius was in an explosion that blew off his hands and destroyed his house. Now he has hooks for hands and is starting a new school. When he gets on the bus he sits in the seat behind the bus driver -- the loser spot -- but he is in the perfect spot to see Aurora get on the bus. From the moment their eyes meet, Lucius decides he will be her Gallowglass. This is a story of love and betrayal and it captivated me. I really like Aurora's philosaphy and Lucius' determination when he has to cope with hooks instead of hands. MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CH

In the Belly of an Ox: The Unexpected Photographic Adventures of Richard and Cherry Kearton by Rebecca Bond

Bond, Rebecca. In the Belly of an Ox: The Unexpected Photographic Adventures of Richard and Cherry Kearton. Houghton Mifflin, 2009. $16.00. PICTURE BOOK. British brothers Richard and Cherry Kearton published the first nature book with all photographed illustrations in 1895. The brothers were fascinated by animals growing up and spent three years taking picture of nests, birds, etc. They hid in hay stacks, tree trunks, and even animal skins to capture pictures of animals in the wild. Author/illustrator Rebecca Bond brings to life this remarkable true story with well written passages and beautifully painted illustrations. The end materials include pictures taken of and by the Kearton brothers as well as four paragraph biographies of their later lives. An unexpected delight from start to finish. EL – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino

Yaccarino, Dan. The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau. Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Jacques Cousteau loved the sea from the time he was a child swimming to improve his health. His innovative swim gear and film inventions allowed people to see what creatures lived under the sea. He spent the latter years of his life educating people about the dangers of pollution. The narrative doesn’t always flow well from page to page. The author includes short quotes from Jacques Cousteau that lend Cousteau’s personality to the picture book. A bulleted timeline of Cousteau’s life and a selected bibliography are included at the end. The best part of this biography is the brightly painted illustrations that are reminiscent of the Modern Art movement. Each illustration is as vibrant and full of life as the ocean floor they represent. EL – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

The Timekeeper's Moon by Joni Sensel

Sensel, Joni. The Timekeeper’s Moon, 336 pgs. Bloomsbury, 2010. $16.99. Sexual Content-G; Language-G; Violence-PG. Ariel Farwalker discovered a dart in the first book The Farwalker’s Quest (2009). In the sequel, Ariel sets off on a new quest to find the person who sent the darts. She must follow her feet and a mysterious map before she runs out of time. She is accompanied by her guardian father-figure Scarl. They stop at a village on the journey and pick up two additional companions. The first is Sienna, a flame-haired flame mage who wants to find a husband in a new place. The second is Nace, a boy about Ariel’s age with no voice, but a special skill. Everyone’s talents will be needed to complete the journey through the dangerous post apocalyptic pockets of civilization where only bits of technological debris remain. Overall an interesting combination of science fiction and fantasy, however the plot drags in some parts. Purchase if the first book was popular at your library. EL– OPTIONAL. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Sylvie and the Songman by Tim Binding

Binding,Tim. Sylvie and the Songman, illustrated by Angela Barrett. 340 pgs. David Fickling Books, 2008. $15.99. Sexual Content-G; Language-G; Violence-PG. Sylvie’s mom was swept away with the tide years ago and she lives with her dad who plays in the orchestra and invents instruments. Sylvie helps her father with his newest instrument and they nearly blow up the shed. The next night her father doesn’t come home and a stranger called the stops by to see him. Sylvie goes to school the next day and pretends everything is okay, but her dog Mr. Jackson’s bark is gone and the birds aren’t singing. Her friend George who is an expert kite maker/flier comes home with her to sleep over. Someone tries to break in. Could her father’s invention and the animal’s voices have something in common? Who is the Songman and why is he after Sylvie? A well-paced adventure with original twists and eccentric British characters. The story is contemporary, but the illustrations are old fashioned. EL – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot

Eliot, T.S. Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats illustrated by Axel Scheffler. 80 pgs. Harcourt Children's Books, 2009. $16.00. Language - G; Sexual Content - G; Violence - G. This book contains many poems about cats. These poems actually inspired the musical Cats. Most of the poems rhyme and tell a story at the same time. You will become familiar with Gumbie Cat, Growltiger, Rum Tum Tugger and many more. Their stories told in the form of poems are quite humorous. This wouldn't be a book that most kids would choose to read on their own, but they would like it if they were introduced to it. EL - ADVISABLE. Anna Mattheus

Spirit of Adventure based on the movie Up by Irene Trimble

Trimble, Irene Spirit of Adventure based on the movie Up, illustrated by Denise Shimabukuro. 80 pgs. Random House, 2009. $3.99. Language - G; Sexual Content - G; Violence -G.

This short chapter book with pictures tells the story of Up (Pixar movie) from Russell, the Junior Wilderness Explorer's point of view. He is trying to earn the Assisting the Elderly badge so that he can become a Senior Explorer. He ends up in Mr. Fredricksen's house that is flying to South America supported by balloons. He encounters a snipe, a talking dog named Dug, and crazy Mr. Muntz. Through their adventures together, Mr. Fredricksen and Russell become good friends. This is a humorous chapter book that is an easy read.

EL(K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL. Anna Mattheus.

Gullible Gus by Maxine Rose Schur

Schur, Maxine Rose Gullible Gus illustrated by Andrew Glass. 48 pgs. Clarion Books, 2009. $15.00. Language - G; Sexual Content - G; Violence - G. Cowboy Gus believes everything that people tell him. He was actually the most gullible person in Texas. The only way for him to get cured is to find someone that will tell him a tall tale so impossible that he will have to admit that he doesn't believe it. He hears stories about a town that takes smart and dumb pills, a grouchy man who took his chair everywhere, and girl named backwards Hannah who did everything backwards. In the end he able to see through the tall tale and is not gullible anymore. It was well written and it is a good beginner chapter book. EL - ESSENTIAL. Anna Mattheus, Elementary Teacher.

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Kate, Lauren Fallen, 452 p. Delacorte (Random), 2009. $17.99. Language: PG (18 swears, no “f”). Lucinda (Luce) has been sent to the Simon & Cross Boarding (read reform) school after the death of her boyfriend. This way she can be near home, but away from those who knew her before and blame her for the death. But, she is miles away from anything she ever experienced. Enter Cam, who is not only gorgeous, but also seems to be interested in Luce; and Daniel, who draws Luce to him like a lodestone to her magnet, but wants nothing to do with her. Luce doesn’t know it yet, but the two of them have been involved in a centuries old love triangle that always ends badly – for Luce. On the surface, this is just the kind of unrequited, not-to-be-allowed romance that teens seem to yearn for, what with Twilight being the perfect example. But for teens that want more, this first in the series fails to deliver. A gorgeous cover will catch many eyes – and I can only hope that #2 brings some depth to the tale. I would point students at Hush, Hush by Becca Fitpatrick if they want a fulfilling dark romance. HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher

The Doll Shop Downstairs by Yona Zeldis McDonough

McDonough, Yona Zeldis The Doll Shop Downstairs, 118 p. Viking (Penguin), 2009. $14.99. Content: G. Anna, 9, is the middle of three little girls, who live with their parents in NYC near the turn of the 19^th century. Their father owns a doll hospital and the girls have each adopted a “patient” who has never been claimed by the owner. When WWI darkens their door, the family must be creative, because the parts for the dolls come from Germany and they are impossible to get. The girls cleverly decide that the family can make their own dolls – and an industry is born. McDonough does a great job of giving this book just the right feel for its audience – little doll crazy girls. While there is nothing deep here, it is a sweet story. EL –OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher

Human Body: Learning in Action by Anna Claybourne

Claybourne, Anna Human Body: Learning in Action. Silver Dolphin, 2008. $24.95. Birth and Growth, the Brain, Circulation, Respiration, Digestion, Skeletory – in six short pages, packed with a large amount of information and drawings, explore these six body systems. The cover and first page are animated with lights and sound, but that feels secondary to the well-written and well-illustrated insides of this book. The scientific information is accurate and detailed – so much that I have to wonder what age the book is aimed at. It would be a great gift book for a budding doctor. PARENTS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher

Face to Face with Dolphins by Flip Nicklin

Nicklin, Flip and Linda Face to Face with Dolphins, 30 p. National Geographic, 2007. $16.95. This husband and wife team combine beautiful photos with simple text aimed at exactly the right age for this book about the friendly dolphin. The information is just enough facts combined with just enough education and fun. It would be great to have in a classroom or library for students to discover and enjoy. EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher

Secret Circles by F. Paul Wilson

Wilson, F. Paul Jack: Secret Circles, 282 p. TOR, 2010. $15.99. Content: G (tense, but not PG). 

Jack and his best friend Weezy are eager to explore Piney Woods now that their discovery in the ancient mound has been destroyed and their pyramid has been stolen. They quickly come across an ancient pyramid-like structure, one that seems to be related to their earlier discovery. But danger has reached their little town – five-year-old Cody has disappeared. Jack and Weezy are sure that all of the people, places and incidents are related, they just have to figure out how to put it all together – even if it takes a little breaking and entering. 

As I got into this book, I realized that it is a sequel to a book I have not read. That wasn’t really a hindrance, but not really understanding the time setting made the book less interesting. Now, of course, I understand that this book is a look back at the youth of an older character that the author created. Jack is okay, but he’s no Maximum Ride. 

MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher

Bleeding VIolet by Dia Reeves

Reeves, Dia Bleeding Violet, 454 p. Simon Pulse, 2010. $16.99. Language: NC-17 (165+ swears, 20 “f”); Violence: NC-17; Sexual Content: R. Hanna, 16, has never met her mother. Now her father is dead and she has fled her aunt’s home and is determined to make living with her mom, Rosalee, work. Everyone in Portrero, Texas is certain that Hanna will be gone soon, though they seem to imply that she will be dead, not just gone. The Mortmaine work hard to keep Portrero safe and Wyatt, a new member of the group, catches Hanna’s eye. Fueled partly by her own stubbornness and also by her mania, Hanna is determined to carve herself a niche in this town – literally, including the time she carves herself free from the intestines of a giant scorpion monster. Think Sunnydale with a WHOLE LOT more blood. And sex. Though the recommendations I have seen are for ages 14+, I would up that by a good 4 years. My own son is 19 and I don’t think I would suggest this to him as a read. Besides the gore and the monsters, there are some very disturbing sex-driven scenes that can’t be waved away. If I were stocking this in a public library, I would put it in the adult horror section, not anywhere near YA. PUBLIC – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher

Gods and Heroes by Reinhart and Sabuda

Reinhart, Matthew and Robert Sabuda Gods and Heroes. POP-UP BOOK. Candlewick, 2010. $29.99. 5 pages, 17 mini books and 27 pop-ups. 

Reinhart and Sabuda travel the entire pantheon of Gods and Heroes in a little package that packs a whole lot of punch. It will be hard for kids to keep their hands off of this one. Though the information is not extremely in-depth, there is just enough to whet the appetite of the reader. It's a gorgeous book, I am just not a person who put pop-up books in a library. If you do, however, then you really need this one! 

EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher

The Pillow Book of Lotus Lowenstein by Libby Schmais

Schmais, Libby The Pillow Book of Lotus Lowenstein, 276. Delacorte Press, 2009. Language- PG-13 (17 swears, 0 “f”) Sexual Content- PG-13; Violence- PG; Lotus Lowenstein has a plan to be an existentialist and live in France. When she starts a French club to improve her grades, a boy named Sean comes in, and soon Lotus and her best friend will fight over him and his also-existentialist beliefs. I thought this book was funny and original, and I learned a valuable lesson from it. I enjoyed how much I learned about the French culture, acting, existentialism, and how to not get fat. MS-HS-ADVISABLE. A.W.

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Hopkins, Ellen Tricks, 625 pgs. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2009. Language - PG-13 (38+ swears, 1+ "f"), Sexual Content - R; Violence - G; It started out as an okay book, but it quickly made me uncomfortable. I forced myself to read 100 or so pages and then I just could not go on reading it. PUBLIC. Reviewer: CH