Country Road ABC by Arthur Geisert

Geisert, Arthur Country Road ABC: an illustrated journey through America’s farmland.  Houghton Mifflin, 2010.  $17.00.  PICTURE BOOK.  With a look at more modern farms, this book is a look at farm life with an interesting mix of familiar and some some not so familiar terms (it starts with a is for ammonia farming).  There is a handy glossary at the end to explain the terms).  Are you ready to spend a whole unit talking about the past and future of farm life?  This would be an excellent book to kick start every day’s learning.  EL – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

How to Clean a Hippopotamus by Steve Jenkins

Jenkins, Steve and Robin Page How to Clean a Hippopotamus: a look at unusual animal partnerships.  Houghton, 2010.  $16.00.  PICTURE BOOK.  No little, easy picture book here.  This is a detailed look at animal partnerships throughout the world – the oxpecker aiding the giraffe, the badger hunting with the wolf, mongoose cleaing the warthog and many more relationships are unveiled.  This is best for an in-deoth science lesson and for the student who is animal crazy.  EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

We Shall Overcome by Stuart Stotts

Stotts, Stuart We Shall Overcome: A song that changed the world, illustrated by Terrance Cummings.  72 p. Clarion, 2010.  Content: G.  Stotts traces not just the history of the song that has defined the civil rights movement, but also delivers a poignant look into the movement itself, the people integral to its inception and includes a healthy look at the creative process.  History, Language Arts and any vocal teacher should be introduced to this book right away.  It is beautifully done and is so much more than the picture book that it pretends to be.  MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Olivia Blasts Off by Lauren Silverhardt

Silverhardt, Lauren Olivia Blasts Off, illustrated by Guy Wolek.  11 p. Simon, 2009.  $6.99.  Olivia can’t decide on one planet for her science project, so she decides to make a model of the entire solar system.  Icludes stickers for playtime and learning fun.  While this may not be appropriate for a library, it is still a lot of fun and something parents should consider buying as a gift.  PARENTS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Olivia Acts Out by Jodie Shepherd

Shepherd, Jodie Olivia Acts Out, illustrated by Patrick Spaziante.  Simon, 2009.  BOARD BOOK.  $16.99.  “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.” With this advice from her father, Olivia works hard to be the best Cow #2 there ever was, even if it is not exactly the way the script planned it.  Any would-be diva or Olivia fan will be happy to read about her antics.  Not just a board book, it also includes texture on every page.  

Disasters by Brenda Guiberson

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Guiberson, Brenda Z, Disasters: Natural and Man-Made Catastrophes Through the Centuries. Christy Ohaviano Books, 2010. INFORMATION BOOK.

From the Titanic to Hurricane Katrina, our world’s history is filled with disasters that have claimed many lives. This book tells the stories of what happened to those involved and the devastation they created.

This book is well-researched, the essays are well-written, and the illustrations complement the text well. The stories are told well and the accuracy is evident in them. Readers who are interested in disasters, non-fiction, and history will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6)/MS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High

The Cowgirl Way by Holly George-Warren

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George-Warren, Holly, The Cowgirl Way.  Houghton Mifflin Books, 2010. INFORMATION BOOK.

Welcome to the world of equestriennes, sharpshooters, outlaws, wranglers, and talented performers. Among those were the ones who impressed everyone with their skills, savvy and bravery, and embraced and formed the cowgirl spirit. This book tells their story.

The information seems accurate and well-researched. The pictures and text complement each other well and encourage readers to research cowgirls farther. Readers who like the Wild West, cowgirls, and non-fiction will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Birchbark Brigade by Cris Peterson

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Peterson, Cris, Birchbark Brigade: a Fur Trade History. Calkins Creek, 2009. INFORMATION BOOK.

Two hundred years ago, beaver pets were the common denominator that brought two cultures together. French voyageurs, portage paths, and trade goods were common sights. In the late 1700s, the North West company was the biggest enterprise in North America. Fur among many other trades they did with the Indians and others across America and Europe were its business.  This book dives into its history.

An in-depth look at the history of fur trading and the culture that surrounded it. The illustrations and the text complement each other well. The information is accurate and well-researched. Readers who like Wild West stories, historical fiction, and history will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6)/MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High. 

Seven Wonders of Communication by Donald Cleveland

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Cleveland, Donald, Seven Wonders of Communication. Twenty-First Century Books, 2010. INFORMATION BOOK.

Communication has been a marvel for many centuries. From language to Internet communication, there are seven wonders that have rocked the Communication world at its very core. This book covers them all.

A good, basic information book on various methods of communication and from where the originated.  Readers who are communication junkies and like non-fiction will enjoy reading this book. EL(4-6)/MS  ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Watch this Space by Hadley Dyer and Marc Ngui

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Dyer, Hadley and Ngui, Marc, Watch This Space. Kids Can Press, 2010. INFORMATION BOOK.

When you need a place away from home where you don’t have to worry about being yelled at by storeowners, public places are the place to go. Public spaces can be functional, but you need to know your rights related to them, how to develop such spaces, and how to create, share, and protect them. This book helps you to do just that.

This book is filled with factual information and helps to create a feel-good, do-good attitude within its readers. The information seems accurate, the research and depth that went into this book is amazing. Readers who like non-fiction or are interested in getting a public space made in their area will enjoy this book.  EL (4-6). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Revolver by Marcus Segwick

Sedgwick, Marcus, Revolver. Roaring Brook Press, 2009. Pgs. 204. Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G, Language: G.

Living in an isolated cabin in the Arctic Wilderness, things change for Sig when his father dies. One night a man named Gunther Wolff shows up on his doorstep and claims Sig’s father owes him money that he stole from him. Threatened with violence, Sig must discover the truth about his father’s past before his past gets Sig.

An mystery-filled, action/adventure book. The characters are well-developed, the plot is well-done, and the story is suspenseful. Readers who like mystery, action/adventure, and suspense will enjoy reading this book. MS. ADVISABLE.  Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High

Shooting Kabul by N.H. Sanjai

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Senzai, N.H. Shooting Kabul. Paul Wiseman, 2010. Pgs. 272. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G.

Fleeing from war-torn, Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, Fadi and her family make it to a refugee camp and make plans to board a transit truck on its way out. The Taliban, however, show up and the family is forced to flee in a hurry. Tragedy strikes early, however, when the youngest sister, Mariam gets left behind when she lets go of her brother’s hand. When the family makes it to San Francisco, they can’t forget little Mariam. Determined to find her six-year-old sister, Fadi enters a photography contest whose grand prize is a trip to India. Will Fadi is able to win the contest and find her way back to Afghanistan? With danger that surely awaits her in Afghanistan, will she find the courage she needs to find Mariam and bring her home?

A touching story of adventure, forgiveness, love, and perseverance. The characters are memorable. The story is well-done. The facts, although not quite fitting of the knowledge such a character’s background would grant, are accurate and add a certain element to the story.  Readers who like fiction that takes place in different parts of the world, touching stories, and realistic fiction will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6)/MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library.

Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry

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Parry, Rosanne, Heart of a Shepherd. Random House Books, 2009. Pgs. 161. Language: G, Sexual Content: G, Violence: G.

While his father is deployed in Iraq, 11-year-old, Brother promises to take care of the family’s ranch. With his four brothers at school or in the military and his mother painting abroad, Brother has his hands full taken care of the livestock and helping his grandparents and a hired hand maintain everything. Determined to prove his father that he has the heart of a shepherd and a rancher, Brother is stubborn and insistent that he can handle it.  Thing is, when you begin to believe you can, you usually can. Will Brother find his inner strength to succeed?

A touching story about a boy and coming-of-age.  The characters are memorable. The plot is slow, but the backdrop of war provides a unique story that will hold most reader’s interests. . Readers who like stories of self-discovery and Christian fiction will probably enjoy it. EL (4-6). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library.

Stupid Cupid by Rhonda Stapleton

Stapleton, Rhonda, Stupid Cupid. Simon Pulse, 2009. Pgs. 272. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: PG.
When Felicity applies for a job at a matchmaking agency called Cupid’s Hollow, she never imagined she would actually become a Cupid. With her magical PDA, her job is to shoot love arrow emails to people in hopes that they make a lasting match. The rules: 1) Only one guy and one girl set up to each other at a time, 2) No personal love gaining, and 3) Every match the couple must have 3 common interests, and 4) Never tell anyone you’re a Cupid. In her first week, however, she’s already off to a rocky start. She set her friend Maya up with 3 guys (there goes rule one), she set up her archrival Marisa up with a guy that is constantly annoying her (oops, there goes rule 3 and possible even rule 2). With her matchmaking secret always on the tip of her tongue and trying to keep her best friends out of trouble, Felicity has her work cut out for her. Will she make it through her first couple of weeks as a Cupid or bomb out of her first job?

A cute, fun, quick chick-lit read. The story is light-hearted and humorous, the characters are likeable and memorable. The plot is well-done. Reader s who like chick-lit, romance, realistic fiction, or have ever hoped Cupid would shoot them with a love arrow, will love reading this book. MS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library.

No Such Thing as Dragons by Philip Reeve - ADVISABLE

Reeve, Philip. No Such Thing as Dragons, 192 pgs. Scholastic, 2010. $16.99.

Mature Content-PG; Language-G; Violence-G.

Ansel is the perfect servant for someone who has a secret. Ansel is mute. He hasn’t spoken since his mother’s death. His father sold him to Brock the dragon slayer. Brock and Ansel travel north to go dragon hunting. Brock confides to Ansel that there are no such things as dragons. Townspeople that are afraid of a dragon pay Brock handsomely to get rid of it. Brock carries with him a crocodile skull which he uses to convince the townspeople that the dragon is dead. Their travels lead them to Drachenberg, where they discover that there are dragons. Can the pretender and his servant escape?

A well plotted and serviceable adventure, but lacks the excitement and world-creating imagination of author Philip Reeve’s Larklight series. 

EL – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Flight by Jason Lethcoe

Lethcoe, Jason. Flight, 216 pgs. Grosset & Dunlap, 2009. $6.99. Sexual Content-G; Language-G; Violence-G/PG. In the second book of The Mysterious Mr. Spines series, Edward Macleod an awkward 14-year-old with a stutter learns his destiny as the bridge builder between worlds. Whiplash Scruggs and a troop of groundlings try to kidnap Edward and instead capture Mr. Spines. Edward must learn how to use his new wings and the different powers of a guardian to find a person called Cornelius on his journey to meet his destiny. To assist him is Tabitha, a young haughty guardian, and Bridgette, a girl who isn’t really alive or dead. He must face his worse fears and overcome them. Expect sequels. The book is fast-paced and should appeal to reluctant readers. Purchase if the first book is popular at your library. ADVISABLE – EL. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Gulliver in Lilliput by Lisa Findlay - OPTIONAL

Findlay, Lisa Gulliver in Lilliput (Step into Reading) 48 pgs. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2010. EARLY READER

Content - G

This is a short adaptation of Gulliver's Travels. Gulliver's ship was destroyed at sea and he washed up on the island of Lilliput. He woke to many small people and ropes all over his body. Once he won over the citizens, they took off his chains but he had to remain in Lilliput to help out. He stopped wars, and even put out a fire by peeing on it.

I liked the book until it talked about peeing on a castle to put out the fire. The picture showed him peeing, although not in the graphic sense, and it seemed to take away from the story.

OPTIONAL - EL. Anna M, teacher.

Dark Fire by Chris D'Lacey - ADVISABLE

D’Lacey, Chris. Dark Fire, 512 pgs. Orchard Books, 2010. $17.99. 

Sexual Content-PG; Language-G; Violence-PG.

Book 5 in the Last Dragon Chronicles, begins with a bang…a dragon appears to an Inuk native. Lucy Pennykettle’s journal summarizes her past and premise of the series—that Guinevere’s descendants have a link with dragons and the ability to bring them back. David, who everyone thought was dead for five years, is back and searching for the dark fire. If the Ix (dark shadows) locate it first they could use it to create a darkling. All around the world there are dragon sightings always accompanied by red-haired girls. Lucy goes with family friend Tam to Glissington to the site where Gawaine, the queen of dragons is said to be buried. Can she awaken the dragon in time to save her friends and family from the Ix?

A strong addition to the series that will keep fans eagerly awaiting the next addition. Read this series in order, because of the complicated plot with numerous characters.

MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Tug-of-War by Katy Grant

Grant, Katy. Tug-of-War, 238 pgs. Simon and Schuster, 2010. $6.99. Sexual Content-G; Language-G; Violence-G. Chris’s fourth year of summer camp is going to be different, her best friend Devon is coming. In previous years (and books: Pranked, Acting Out, and Friends Forever), Chris’s best friend at summer camp is Maggie. Chris is worried that combining the friends will not end without friction—and she’s right. Devon mocks Maggie’s looks and outdoorsy nature. Maggie calls Devon “Ghosty Girl” and is equally disdainful of her lack of interest in camp activities. Can Chris remain friends with both of them at the same time in the same camp? Her resolve is tested when Maggie’s irresponsible behavior causes her to get hurt and when she blames Devon for the theft prank of her stuffed animal. The characters feel more like clichés than people, none are overly likeable. This Summer Camp Secret series installment is one you can easily skip. EL – OPTIONAL. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Framed by Gordon Korman

Korman, Gordon. Framed, 240 pgs. Scholastic Press, 2010. $16.99. Sexual Content-G; Language-G; Violence-G. Griffin “the man with the plan” Bing is back (Swindle, 2008 and Zoobreak, 2009) and his bad reputation has landed him into trouble. Cedarville Middle School’s most precious possession in a Super Bowl ring that has been stolen and in its place is a retainer—Griffin’s retainer. Griffin goes to court where he is punished by transferring schools. He has to go to JFK Alternative Education Center, more commonly known as “jail for kids.” Griffin and his buddies need to find the real thieves, the ring, before he becomes a permanent student at JFK. I would recommend reading the books in order so that the characters and plot aren’t confusing. The newest addition in Griffin’s life isn’t as gripping or entertaining as early adventures; however, no doubt fans of the first two books will want to read this third one. EL – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian