March Mischief by Ron Roy

Roy, Ron. March Mischief, illustrated by John Steven Gurney. 67 pgs. Random House, 2010. $4.99. Sexual Content-G; Language-G; Violence-G. The Calendar Mysteries series continues with a little St. Patrick’s Day sleuthing. Bradley, Brian, Nate, and Lucy decide to decorate their leprechaun statue like their dog for the town’s yearly leprechaun contest. The next day its missing and they get a creepy phone call saying that Lucky O’Leary took their leprechaun and several others. Lucky is a good guy, so who is trying to pin the theft on him and can they find their leprechaun before the contest? Formulaic and predictable, it is a gentle mystery that will no doubt appeal to its target audience of beginning chapter book readers. ADVISABLE – EL. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Star Crossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce

Bunce, Elizabeth C. Star Crossed, 368 pgs. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2010. $17.99. Sexual Content-PG; Language-PG (11 swears); Violence-PG. Digger is a thief who barely escapes with her life and some letters. Picked up by chance by a noble party, Digger pretends to be Celyn Contrare, a lady fallen on hard times. She becomes lady-in-waiting to Lady Merista and goes with her to a remote castle in the mountains with a party of important guests. But Lord Daul has discovered Digger’s secret. She must spy for him or be revealed as a thief and imposter. Digger comes across information that could lead to civil war and a prisoner who could be a prince. She also has her own secrets, about her past and about her ability to see magic. Expect sequels. MS/HS – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

The Boy Who Wouldn't Swim by Deb Lucke

Lucke, Deb The Boy Who Wouldn’t Swim, illustrated by Deb Lucke. Clarion Books, 2008. $16.00 PICTURE BOOK This amusing tale brings to life the heat and stickiness of summer. As summer begins the whole town heads to the swimming pool, enjoying the break from the heat, everyone except Eric, that is. He just can’t seem to put aside his fear of the water and jump in the pool. And when he eventually does get in the water, it becomes impossible to get him out! EL – Advisable. Laura Berube ~ Youth Services Librarian, Draper Library

Calvin Coconut: The Zippy Fix by Graham Salisbury

Salisbury, Graham, Calvin Coconut: The Zippy Fix. Wendy Lamb Books, 2009. Pgs. 168.

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


Calvin is a fourth grader growing up in Hawaii. His babysitter is mean and teases him mercilessly. Determined to make her be nice, he tries various methods to win her over. So far his attempts have failed. Will Calvin manage to get Stella, his babysitter, to like him or be nice to him?

The characters are one-sided, the plot would probably not appeal to a wide audience. The book, however, would entertain young readers who are just getting into chapter books.

EL (K-3), OPTIONAL.

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

Imaginalis by J.M. DeMatters - ADVISABLE

DeMatters, J.M. Imaginalis. Katherine Tegen Books, 2010. Pgs. 248.

Content: G

Mehera Crosby is a big fan of the Imaginalis series. To her, the characters in the books are dear friends. When the author announces that the Imaginalis series will never be finished, Mehera is crushed. When strange events begin to unfold and Mehera finds herself in the kingdom of Imaginalis, she realizes that there is more afoot than her series ending. Imaginalis is fading away and the books’ villain is up to something. When Mehera accidentally brings the villain back to Earth along with her friends, she throws off the balance of both world. Can she save both world and still maintain the balance?

An excellent adventure filled with fantasy, friendship, and self-discovery. The characters are well-developed, the story is endearing, and the plot in unique. Fans of fantasy and adventure will enjoy reading this book.

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

The Alphabet from A to Y with Bonus Letter Z! by Steve Martin

Martin, Steve The Alphabet from A to Y with Bonus Letter Z! illustrated by Roz Chast 64 pgs. Flying Dolphin Press, 2007. PICTURE BOOK. $17.95. Different than any other alphabet book I have read recently, this one definitely goes beyond what is typical into zany and creative! Each letter has a poem full of alliteration specific to it coupled with illustrations that reinforce each letter. Kids will love meeting Henrietta the hare, Josie from Jupiter, and Old Ollie the Owl and the other quarky alphabet characters. The rhyming doesn't always work and some of the vocabulary is above and beyond what kids would know and even some adults. Nonetheless, this is a creative book that could be read over and over. EL-ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher. 

Unfamiliar Magic by R.C. Alexander - ADVISABLE

Alexander, R.C. Unfamiliar Magic. Random House, 2010. Pgs. 353.

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

EL, MS - ADVISABLE

Desi, her mother, and her faux father figure(the magic golem) have moved again. Every time Desi gets settled, something happens that causes her mother to up and move them. This makes it difficult for Desi to learn the family trade: magic. When Desi’s mother is suddenly gone and leaves Kate, the family’s familiar, in human form to look after her. Without her mother, Desi finds herself torn between creating relationships with the Mundanes (non-magic people) and being an independent young woman who needs to find her mother and being an obedient daughter. Where is Desi’s mom? Who is her father? Why does Desi’s mother keep up and moving them around?

An action-filled fantasy filled with mystery and adventure. The characters are well-developed, the plot is unique, and the story keeps the reader interested. Readers who like magical realism, fantasy, adventure, and mystery will enjoy reading this book.

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

The Everlasting Now by Sara Harrell Banks

Banks, Sara Harrell, The Everlasting Now, The Everlasting Now. Peachtree Publishers, 2010. Pgs. 157. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G.

James “Brother” Longstreet Sayre has a pretty good life despite the Great Depression. Still missing his father two years after his father was killed in a union struggle, James longs for a fatherly or friendly male figure in his life that he can look up to. His mother’s run-down boardinghouse has many travelers and a group of railroad workers that are like substitute fathers for him. When Champion Always Luckey, a boy his own age, shows up in town to live with his aunt, who works for Brother’s family, the two strike up a friendship. The bullying Sheriff in town causes them lots of problems, however, and chooses to harass Always Luckey and make his friendship with James hard to maintain. This causes James to discover too young what race and power can mean in a small town. Will James remain friends with Always Luckey and still keep the sheriff at bay or will prejudice win?

A story with lots of action, but the plot’s credibility wanes towards the end. The story, however, seems well-researched and the characters seem believable. Readers who like historical fiction will enjoy reading this book. EL(4-6). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library.

Prince Etcheon and the Secret of the Ancient by JoAnn Arnold

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Arnold,  JoAnn, Prince Etcheon and the Secret of the Ancient. Horizon Publishers, 2008. Pgs. 307. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual C ontent: G

When his beloved grandmother dies, Etcheon discovers he’s a prince, his life is in danger, and his parents’ death is inevitable. In order to claim his birthright and stop the evil threatening his world, Etcheon will enlist the help of a mysterious girl, a tree with magical powers, and other amazing animals to help him on his journey of self-discovery and mastery. Will Etcheon conquer his powers and save his family and world?

A fast-paced book filled with adventure, magic, friendship, and self-discovery. The characters are well-developed, the plot is entertaining. Readers who like fantasy and adventure will enjoy reading this book. EL(4-6)/MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly

Kelly, Tara, Harmonic Feedback. Henry Holt and Company, 2010. Pgs. 280. Language: PG-13(5 f-bombs), Violence: PG-13, Sexual Content: PG-13

Drea is sixteen and is excited to get a new start in a new place without anyone knowing she has Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD. Incredibly good at composing music, her talents bring her to making friends with Naomi and Justin. They soon start a band and she finds herself have true friends for the first time, even if they don’t quite fit in. When Drea gets into a hug fight with Naomi, her newfound friendships will be put to the test. Will Drea find a place she fits in? Can she keep her health problems a secret?

The plot is interesting and the characters grow over the course of the book. The story is endearing and the idea of friendship becomes a great part of the story. There is, however, drugs, violence, and a few f-bombs. The subject matter is also hard to deal with for teens younger than high school.  Readers who like realistic fiction, have a hard time fitting in, or who just like a heart-wrenching book, however, will enjoy reading this book.  HS. Optional. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School.

The Hard Kind of Promise by Gina Willner-Pardo

Willner-Pardo, Gina, The Hard Kind of Promise. Clarion Books, 2010. Pgs. 200. Language: PG, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: PG

Sara and Marjorie have been friends for 8 years and have loved to do the same things for long time.  When 7^th grade starts, however, Sara begins to change and starts making friends with the popular crowd. She reaches an impasse, however when neither Marjorie or the popular kids want to share her with each other.  Marjorie is making a movie and wants Sara to star as alien in it. Sara, however is afraid of losing her new found popularity and the cute boys. What will Sara choose?

A cute, easy-to-read story about coming-of-age and being true to yourself. Readers who like realistic fiction and friendship novels will enjoy reading this book. MS. OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: Jessica M, Olympus Jr. High, Library Media Specialist.

How to Survive Middle School by Donna Gephart

Gephart, Donna, How to Survive Middle School. Delacorte Press, 2010. Pgs 248. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G.

David’s lifelong wish is to become a tv superstar. He spends his time making Youtube videos which include his sister and her acne-filled face and his hamster, Hammy. When David and his best friend, who’s been helping him get in a big fight, David makes a new friend named Sophie who thinks he’s hilarious. She thinks he’s so hilarious, that she tells everyone about his videos. When 1000s of people start watching his videos and he ends up on tv, it seems like all of his dreams have come true, but then forgets the most important thing, being true to himself. Will he make amends with his old best friend and still keep the new? Will David figure out who he is again?

A unique, fun realistic fiction story that does a great job of reminding teens to be themselves. The characters are lovable, the plot line is well-done and has a good message. Readers will enjoy the humor, fall in love with the characters, and wish they could read more. MS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School.

Wager by Donna Jo Napoli

Napoli, Donna Jo, The Wager. Henry Holt and Company, 2010. Pgs. 262. Language: PG, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

Based off a Sicilian fairy tale. During the 12^th century, there was a man named Don Giovanni who was wealthy and very handsome. He was however, a spoiled brat. When a Tidal Wave causes Don Giovanni to become homeless and poor and no one will help him. Desperate, he makes a deal with devil. The deal is that he has to give up bathing and washing for 3 year 3 month 3 days in exchange for a bag of endless money. He soon learns that money isn’t everything and bathing is.

This story is a fun, unique tale with lots of twists and turns. Readers will enjoy the fractured nature of the tale, the characters, and the plot. Readers who like fantasy and fairy tales will enjoy this book. MS/HS . ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High

Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh

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Walsh, Pat, The Crowfield Curse. Chicken House Books, 2010. Pgs. 336. Language: PG, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: PG.

While in the forest gathering wood for the medieval abbey where he is apprenticed to, Will hears a cry for help.  He follow s the cry and discovers a trapped and wounded hobgoblin. When he rescues the hobgoblin and brings him back to the abbey, the creature talks of how normally humans can’t see him and that he is surprised Will was able to rescue him. Will soon discovers that he can see fairykind. When  strangers come to stay at the abbey, trouble begins to arise. Will learns of an ancient creature who has been buried under the graveyard and is doomed by a curse and that the monks had something to do with it. Who are the strangers staying at the abbey? What did the abbey monks have to do with the creature’s curse?  Who or what is the creature?

The plot is simplistic and not well-developed. The characters are one-sided and the book is longer than necessary. Readers who are in-between more complicated chapter books and early chapter books, however , may like this book if they like fantasy, adventure, and mystery. EL(4-6). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High

Stuck on Earth by David Klass

Klass, David. Stuck on Earth.  FSG Books, 2010. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

When Ketchvar III is sent to earth to inhabit a normal teenage boy to decide whether or not humans should be allowed to live or not. Things don’t go so well for the humans, though. His family he is a part of on Earth are mean and he is constantly ridiculed by bullies. Things don’t seem like they could get any better, until he meets the girl next door, Michelle. When he starts to develop freelings for her, he begins to doubt what is real or not and whether or not he is really an alien. Will Ketchvar find the saving grace of humanity? Will he fall in love? Is Ketchvar really an alien?

The story is unique and clever. The main character is fascinating and relatable to. The story, however, tends to drag and would probably lose the reader’s interest in parts. Readers who like aliens, science fiction, and romance, however, will probably like this book.  MS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High

Frozen in Time by Ali Sparkes

Sparkes, Ali, Frozen in Time. Egmont Books, 2010. Pgs. 320. Language: PG, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

Ben and Rachel are spending the summer with their uncle. When they discover an underground chamber filled with cryogenic capsule. After pushing a bunch of buttons, they accidentally release Freddy, Polly, and their dog. They soon discover that the trio are from decades ago.  When someone starts coming after the newfound friends and Freddy and Polly’s dad go missing, Ben and Rachel will have to race against time and decades of cultural differences to help Freddy and Polly adjust to the present and save their dad. Will they succeed? What happened to Freddy and Polly’s dad? Who is after them?

This action-filled science-fiction adventure will entertain and please reluctant and avid readers alike. It’s filled with mystery, suspense, and the plot is fast-paced.  The characters are well-developed and the so is the plot. Readers who like science fiction, adventure,  and mystery will enjoy reading this book. MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High

The Memory Bank by Coman and Shepperson - OPTIONAL

Coman, Carolyn and Shepperson, Ron. The Memory Bank. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2010. Pgs. 288.

Content: G

Hope and Honey are best friends and sisters. Hope is always telling her sister if she’s ever in trouble to blow on her whistle. One day while driving in the car with their parents, Honey can’t stop laughing. Their parents kick her out of the car and won’t go back despite Hope’s pleading.  When she gets home, all Hope can do is sleep, because she misses her sister too much. When Hope gets a summons from WWMB (World Wide Memory Bank), because she isn’t depositing enough memories, she’s taken to the headquarters. Can Hope find her sister and appease the World Wide Memory Bank?

The characters in this book are a little far-fetched, but the story is endearing and the illustrations are well-done. Readers who like fantasy and adventure will like reading this book.

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

Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School: We The Children

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Clements, Andrew. Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School: We The Children. Atheneum Books, 2010. Pgs. 143. Language: G, Sexual Content: G, Violence: G

When Ben is late to class, he discovers the janitor dying in the hallway. Before the custodian dies, he gives him a coin that says,  “First and Always, My School Belongs to the Children: DEFEND IT, Duncan Oak, 1783” and insists that Ben protect the school. When a plot to sell the school for 30 million dollars to an amusement park, Ben can’t help but have mixed feelings. The whole deal sounds fishy and the new assistant janitor that comes in seems even fishier. When Ben and his friends start digging, mysterious things and people keep coming up that make them believe that someone doesn’t want the school’s past dug back up. What part of the school’s past could overthrow the real-estate deal? Who is so intent on keeping in buried?

An intriguing, fast-moving mystery and adventure that is quick to read. The characters are realistic, the plot is enthralling, and the illustrations do a great job of complementing the story. Reluctant and avid readers who like fantasy, adventure, and mystery will enjoy reading this book.

EL - ADVISABLE. Reviewer:  Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Kid vs. Squid by Gred Van Eekhout - ESSENTIAL

Van Eekhout, Greg, Kid vs. Squid.  Bloomsbury Press, 2010. Pgs. 196.

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

Thatcher is spending the year with his eccentric uncle Griswald on the boardwalk this summer at his museum of curiosities.  Amongst the museum is a box that his uncle refers to as the What-Is-It. When a mysterious girl steal the What-Is-It, Thatcher catches up with her and confronts her about her theft. When she tells him that she is the princess of Atlantis and is cursed to stay in the water all winter and run the stands along the boardwalk during the summer, Thatcher decides to help her, but ends up wrapped up in the curse himself! Can Thatcher and the princess save themselves and Atlantis before it’s too late?    What really is the What-Is-It?

A fast-paced, humorous adventure. The characters are well-developed, the story is unique and entertaining. Reluctant and avid readers who enjoy adventure, fantasy, and fast-moving stories will  enjoy reading this book.

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Freezer Burned by Jake Bell

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Bell, Jake, Freezer Burned. Scholastic Press, 2010. Pgs. 161.

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

Kanigher Falls is a little town in the middle of the desert, but its been really cold and they’ve even had black ice. Nate Banks is a resident and realizes that the snow smells really bad, like cabbage. When it’s discovered that Coldsnap has escaped from his prison, Nate puts two and two together and comes up with a plan to defeat him. Why does the snow smell like cabbage? Will his plan succeed?

An adventure filled with classic superheros and villains. Readers who are trying to transition to chapter books will enjoy the comic-style writing in the middle of the book, the entertaining characters, and the action throughout the books. Readers who like superheroes, adventure, and good versus evil.

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