Ghostopolis by Doug TenNapel - ADVISABLE

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TenNapel, Doug  Ghostopolis.  Graphics, 2010. Pgs. 262.

Mature Content: G, Violence: PG. Language: G

When Frank Gallows accidentally sends Garth Hale, a living boy, to Ghostopolis, Garth discovers that he has special powers. When he discovers how evil the ruler of Ghostopolis, he enlists the help of Frank’s ex-girlfriend and his dead grandpa, Cecil to stop the ruler. Will Garth find a way to get back to the human world? Will he save Ghostopolis.

The plot and characters are well-done and entertaining. The artist’s illustrations are funny and wonderfully illustrated. Readers who like ghost stories, graphic novels, fantasies, and adventure will enjoy this graphic novel.

MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer:

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

Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came to Be by Daniel Loxton

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Loxton, Daniel,  Evolution: how We and All Living Things Came to Be. Kids Can Press, 2010. INFORMATION BOOK.

Learn about the history of Evolution, its process, how the theory was developed, and how life on Earth is affected by Evolution.

The in-depth information is well-researched, the facts are accurate.  Using a Q & A format that is easy to follow, he does a good job of representing both sides of the controversial theory. Readers who need to write a research report or are interested in evolution will find this text a good supplemental book to other books on evolution. EL(4-6)/MS.  OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library. 

Wild Card by Ronde and Tiki Barber

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Barber, Tiki and Ronde, Wild Card. Simon and Schuster Books, 2009. Pgs. 148. Violence: G, Sexual Content: G, Language: G.

The eighth grade football season couldn’t be going any better. The team and the coach are doing well together and are expecting to have a winning season. When a report card spells trouble, however, for the team’s  ace kicker, Adam Costa, the team’s winning streak takes a turn. Will the team figure out a way to win without their teammate or will they have to give up their hopes of being in the playoffs?

A fun sports read for reluctant readers. The characters are realistic, the story is inspirational. Readers who like sports fiction, realistic fiction, and books about teamwork will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library.

Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) by Lisa Yee

Yee, Lisa, Bobby the Brave (Sometimes), Arthur A. Levine Books, 2010. Pgs 160.

Violence: G, Sexual Content: G, Language: G.

Bobby’s just your ordinary boy, if you don’t count getting stuck to a tree by your underwear, getting chased by a cat with 27 toes, a horrible gym teacher who picks on the weak, and switching his t-shirt inside out and backwards for school pictures. With school causing problems and a cat chasing him, there’s only one thing to do: be brave. Can Bobby manage to find his courage before he lets his problems get the best of him?

A funny story filled with unexpected twists. The characters are memorable, the story is unique. Readers who like humor, realistic fiction, books about skateboarders, and school stories will like reading this book.

EL (K-3). ADVISABLE.

Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library.

My Name is Phillis Wheatley: A Story of Slavery and Freedom

Cooper, Afua, My Name is Phillis Wheatley: A Story of Slavery and Freedom. Kids Can Press, 2009. Pgs. 152. Language: G, Sexual Content: G, Violence: PG

From her early life in West Africa to the day she was freed when her master, John Wheatley died, this book creates a fictionalized account of Phillis Wheatley’s life. As a child, her tribe trained her to be a griot, a storyteller. When slave traders kidnapped her and dragged her halfway across the world to America, the Wheatley family buys her and nurses her back to health. When they discover her amazing ability to learn, they teach her to read and write.  Her education from her owners and her exposure to the American Revolution help her to become one of the best poets in history.

An accurate account of Phillis’ life, although fictionalized. The background information is well-researched, the characters are true to their natures, and the story is heartwarming. Readers who like historical fiction and biographies will enjoy this book. EL (4-6). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library.

It's a Secret by John Burningham

Burningham, John It's a Secret 56 pgs. Candlewick 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Do you ever wonder where cats go at night? Marie often wondered why her cat Malcom, always slept during the day and left every night. She wanted to know where he went. One night, Marie convinced Malcom to let her come along. After dressing up, and shrinking herself to cat size, they took off into the night. Malcom led her past dogs and up to the rooftops where all of the cats were having a party. Once the Queen of Cats was there they were able to eat and have fun. They had to make sure that they got back before it was morning. When Marie and Malcom arrived home they both curled up on the sofa and took a nap. This is a fun idea of what cats do at night, something I had never thought of before. EL - ADVISABLE. Anna M, teacher.

Dancing Feet by Lindsey Craig

Craig, Lindsey Dancing Feet illustrated by Marc Brown 40 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2010. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. This book has the reader guess what kind of animal makes different sounds with their feet as they walk. Some animals like elephants make the stompity stompity noise, while smaller bugs such as ladybugs dance lightly on their feet making tippity tippity noises. This is a fun book for younger readers. It is written in a guess and tell format. The pictures are great, they look like they have been made with scissors. EL(K-3) - ADVISABLE. Anna M, teacher.

Pepi Sings a New Song by Laura Ljungkvist

Ljungkvist, Laura Pepi Sings a New Song 40 pgs. Beach Lane Books 2010. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Pepi is a parrot that lives with Peter. He loves to sing, but only knows a space song sung to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Pepi decided that he needed some inspiration for a new song, so he set off to learn new words. His stops included the bakery, music studio, art studio, market, and a dog park. Once he comes back to Peter, he sings his new song to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle, but he manages to incorporate many new words he has learned along the way. EL(K-3)- OPTIONAL. Anna M, teacher.

Fisher, Catherine. Incarceron, 442 pgs. Dial Books (Penguin Group), 2007.

Finn is fearless and ruthless, yet surprisingly likable. He is convinced that he doesn't belong in the world he finds himself -- an country-sized, all-seeing, sentient prison where gangs fight each other for limited supplies and more favorable territory -- but he doesn't remember anything from his earlier years. He only knows his current reality. Beside, everyone keeps telling him that no one ever leaves Incarceron alive, and no one ever arrives. Claudia, daughter of the warden of Incarceron, feels just as trapped with her approaching wedding and enforced adherence to a seventeenth-century life style despite the availability of advanced technologies. When both Finn and Claudia find matching crystal keys, they discover they can communication with each other, and this forbidden dialogue leads to uncovering secrets about both worlds. This is a fabulous read about a totally engrossing world and engaging characters. I look forward to a sequel.

MS, HS - ESSENTIAL. Reviewed by PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian

Elmo's World Be a Soccer Player! by Naomi Kleinberg

Kleinberg, Naomi Elmo's World Be A Soccer Player! 12 pgs. Random House Books for Young Readers 2010. $4.99. BOARD BOOK. Elmo teaches you the basics of soccer. Through repetition, you learn what dribbling is and what a goalie does. You learn that soccer takes team work and that most importantly, you should enjoy it. You get to meet Elmo's dad and a fish named Dorothy. Although this is a board book, it is very informative and the pictures are labeled to show the soccer gear. PRE K - ESSENTIAL. Anna M, teacher.

A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner

Turner, Megan Whalen. A Conspiracy of Kings (Thief of Eddis series, book 4), 312 pgs. Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins), 2010.

Taking up the story of a character introduced earlier, Turner returns to the classical-esque world of Sounis, Eddis, and Attolia with the story of Sophos, a reluctant heir to the throne of Sounis, who was the magus' apprentice in the first book of this series, The Thief. When his villa is attacked, Sophos enacts a plan that was devised as an academic exercise under his previous tutor and old war veteran Terve. It appears to be succeeding, but in the end, he has been severely disfigured and disguised as a slave and is being sneaked out of port right under the noses of the nobility who should recognize him. The rest of the book tells how Sophos reluctantly gives up this newly found and surprisingly appealing anonymity to rescue his kingdom from the traitors and the Medes who seem to be pursuing their own secret agenda. The delightfully clever yet sullen Eugenides has only a small role in this book, and his strength of character is missed. I would recommend this book to schools who already own the previous three books in this series, or wish to buy the entire series. It will not stand alone very well, but will satisfactorily transport fans of the series further into this intriguing political saga touched by the gods.

MS : ADVISABLE. Reviewed by PKFoster, MS teacher-librarian

The Scarecrow's Dance by Jane Yolen

Yolen, Jane The Scarecrow's Dance, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. 32 pgs. Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Do you ever wonder what scarecrows do at night? This particular scarecrow loves to dance. With a giant leap, the scarecrow soars off his post and begins to dance around the barnyard. He visits all of the farm animals and makes his way to the farmhouse where they are just getting ready for bed. After listening in on the little boy's prayers for the scarecrow to protect the corn for the harvest, the scarecrow dances back to his post and immediately begins guarding the corn. His reasoning, "For anyone can dance, thought he, but only I can keep the fields free." Short and simple, this book has rhyming and the pictures are beautiful. It makes you think that maybe this could really happen. EL - ESSENTIAL. Anna M, teacher.

The Master of Shadows by Nykko - OPTIONAL

The Master of Shadows (Elsewhere Chronicles #3) by Nykko, 48 pgs. Graphic Universe, 2009. $27.00. GRAPHIC NOVEL.

Language - PG (1 swear); Mature Content - G; Violence - G.

The four kids, Rebecca, Max, Theo, and Noah are trying to find the fifth passageway to get back to Earth. They sail across a sea filled with huge sea monsters, and meet peaceful villagers that provide them with food. Little do they know that they are being followed by the Master of Shadows. They battle more shadow spies and and even meet the Master himself. They are saved by Doleann, but Ilvanna ends up dying because she is tricked by a shadow spy. The kids make it back safely, but Max wants to go back. Will the Shadow King be able to follow them through the portal to find them?

EL, MS- OPTIONAL. Anna M, teacher.

The Shadow Spies by Nykko - OPTIONAL

The Shadow Spies (The ElseWhere Chronicles #2) by Nykko, :  48 pgs. Graphic Universe, 2009. $27 GRAPHIC NOVEL.

Content - G

Picking right up from Book 1, where Rebecca and Max are trapped in another world, Theo and Noah have figured out how to go through the same portal to save them. The only problem is that they also become trapped in this new world. Meanwhile Rebecca and Max with the help of Norgavol and Illvanna, follow a map that Rebecca's grandfather had created to lead them to a portal to return back to Earth. Along the way, they must battle the shadow spies, who are enslaved to the Master of Shadows.

The shadow spies remind me of the demontors from Harry Potter. Eventually Rebecca and Max meet up with Theo and Noah, but are still not any closer to getting home. I found Book 2 easier to read and follow than Book 1. Although the ending is supposed to be a cliff hanger, I was not that motivated to read the third book.

EL, MS - OPTIONAL. Anna M, teacher.

Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson

Johnson, Christine. Claire de Lune, 352 pgs. Simon Pulse, 2010. $16.99. Sexual Content-PG; Language-PG (26 swears); Violence-PG. Claire’s pool party for her sixteenth birthday ends early because of a werewolf spotting in the near woods. Due to recent werewolf attacks and deaths, many teens are no longer allowed to go out after dark. Claire’s mom tells her that she’s a werewolf and Claire is too. She explains that all werewolves are female and that their pack only hunts animals. The werewolf who is killing humans is a rogue werewolf that their pack is hunting. Humans are also hunting werewolves and the man leading the hunt is the father of Claire’s romantic interest Matthew. Claire is torn by her attraction to Matthew, her transforming body, and her loyalty to her new pack. The story is standard paranormal fare that will appeal to werewolf fans. MS/HS – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Beryl: A Pig's Tale by Jane Simmons

Simmons, Jane. Beryl: A Pig’s Tale, 216 pgs. Little, Brown and Co., 2010. $14.99. Sexual Content-G; Language-G; Violence-G. Beryl is a pig. She lives in a windowless sty with her mean aunt Misery and cousins. Her mother is dead and her father was taken away. One day she is taken by the farmer’s by mistake and put on a truck. The truck’s driver slams on his breaks and the pigs fall out the back, Beryl sees this as her chance to escape. She wants to see the world. She meets a wild pig named Amber who takes her home to her colony. The pig council won’t take outsiders, so Amber’s aunt, uncle, and many other members of the colony leave to find a new home in the wild. Beryl’s journey to find a home and family has just begun. Fans of E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web will enjoy this swine tale. EL – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

God is in the Pancakes by Robin Epstein

Epstein, Robin, God is in the Pancakes. Dial Books, 2010. Pgs. 272 Language: G, Sexual Content: PG, Violence: G

15-year old Grace is having a hard time pulling her life together. Her sister’s boyfriend is two-timing her and she wants to have sex with him, Grace’s parents’ divorce is taking a toll on the family, her father is trying to get in contact with her, and Grace’s guy friend is shortly becoming a boyfriend. It’s no wonder that her job as a Candy Striper at Hanover House is a place she enjoys so much. While there she meets an older gentleman named Mr. Sands with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He teaches her to play poker and becomes like a surrogate father to her. When her friend’s health goes drastically downhill, Grace finds herself spending more and more time with Mr. Sands as well as wife. When asked a difficult request to help him die, Grace is aghast and uncertain of what to do. Will Grace get her life straightened out?Will she tell her sister that her boyfriend’s cheating on her? What will Grace decide to do about Mr. Sands?

A touching story about a caring, young woman who has some difficult situations to deal with in life. The characters are well-developed and likable. The plot is slower-paced, but keeps you interested. Readers who like realistic fiction and touching stories will enjoy reading reading this book. HS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Spork by Kyo Maclear

Maclear, Kyo Spork, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault.  Kids Can Press, 2010.  $16.95.  PICTURE BOOK.  Spoons are spoons and forks are forks – unless you are the child of both.  Poor spork doesn’t know where he actually belongs – or what he might be useful for.  Then one day a messy creature arrives and maybe, just maybe, spork might have a very important job to do.  Little ones – especially little ones with littler siblings  - will thoroughly enjoy this cute story explaining a perplexing piece of cutlery.  Funky illustrations pair perfectly with a retro backdrop for a great read.  Pre-K – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher.

Boy Saves Earth From Giant Octopus by Frank Asch

Asch, Frank Boy Saves Earth From Giant Octopus, illustrated by Devin Asch.  KidsCan Press, 2010.  $16.95.  PICTURE BOOK.  Hayward Palmer considers himself a scientist, so he has no use for his father’s job – reporting nonsense for the Daily Comet, a newspaper based on sensationalism.  When he follows his dad on the job for the day, however, he discovers something much different.  From a photographer that looks suspiciously like Elvis to a huge metallic octopus bent of wreaking havoc, the Asch’s book is a treat for the eye and ear.  Adults will enjoy reading it as much as kids enjoy hearing it.  EL (1-3) – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher.

The Everafter by Amy Huntley - ADVISABLE

Huntley, Amy The Everafter, 256 p. Balzer + Bray (Harper), 2009.  $16.99.  

Language: PG-13 (23 swears, 1 “f”)

Madison Stanton knows that she is dead.  But why are all of things from her former life floating all around her.  When she touches one, it draws her back to the time in her life when she lost that object and Madison loses herself in exploring and re-exploring each object and moment, searching for a way to reconnect with her life and her boyfriend – and searching for how she ended up dead.  But there is much more for Maddy to learn from these objects and times and Maddy needs to put her brain to use and find the meaning.  

Another book that I absolutely adored – but be aware of the language.  Older middle schools can probably handled it; definitely offer it to your high school students.  

MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher.