Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin

Devlin, Ivy Low Red Moon, 256 pgs. Bloomsbury, 2010. Content PG (off the page murder, heavy making out). Avery’s parents are murdered and though Avery was found with their bodies, she can’t remember anything about what happened that night. She goes to live with her grandma who she hasn’t spoken to in years while trying to remember who the murderer was. She meets the new boy Ben who she recognizes as being “different,” like herself (she has a special connection with the forest). They are drawn together and work to solve the mystery.


For what it was, I liked the book. I felt like it needed more plot and character development; another 100 pages and it would’ve been fantastic. The cover is beautiful and will definitely draw readers in. I can see it appealing to 7-9 graders.

MS – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Rebekah, Youth Services Librarian

Boom! by Mark Haddon

Haddon, Mark Boom!, 195 pgs. David Fickling Books, 2009. Content – PG (there is some blasphemy).

Jimbo’s sister tells him that his teachers are going to send him Fenham, the special school for kids with problems. Afraid she might be right, Jimbo and his best friend Charlie plant a walkie-talkie in the staff room just to make sure she’s not. But they find out some information they weren’t expecting when two teachers begin to talk in a strange language that's not of this world. They decide to go undercover and find out whats really going on.

It’s pretty hilarious and not just a little ridiculous, but oh so much fun. Great book for boys. This is a British import and there is British slang. There were times I wasn’t sure what Jimbo was referring to, but I still enjoyed the story.


EL, MS – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Rebekah, Youth Services Librarian

The Birthday Ball by Lois Lowry - ESSENTIAL

Lowry, Lois The Birthday Ball, 185 pgs. Houghton Mifflin, 2010.

Content – G.

Princess Patricia Priscilla is bored. Bored, bored, bored. Worse still, in five days she will turn sixteen and be expected to pick a husband out of three equally repulsive suitors. So, Princess Pat trades clothes with her chambermaid to attend the village peasant school. Suddenly, she isn’t so bored anymore.


This is a light-hearted romp with great characters. The three suitors that the princess is expected to choose from are absolutely ridiculous and get their own hilarious chapters leading up to the birthday ball. This is a fun book

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Rebekah, Youth Services Librarian

7 Souls by

Miller, Barnabas and Orlando, Jordan 7 Souls, 371 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2010. Language – R (101 swears, 32 “f”); Sexual Content – PG; Violence – PG-13 (also underage drinking and drugs). Mary expects her 17th birthday to include a huge party and lots of attention. But after waking up in a store’s display window naked, the day just goes down hill from there, ending with her murder. She then relives snippets of her birthday through seven friends and in the process finds out a lot about herself. This book, though slow in parts, was still really exciting. A lot of twists and turns in the plot that blew my mind. Definitely for older readers.

HS – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Rebekah, Youth Services Librarian

 

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children's Book: Life Lesson from Notable People from All Walks of Life edited by Anita Silvey

Silvey, Anita Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children's Book: Life Lessons from Notable People from All Walks of Life 233 pgs. Roaring Book Press, 2009. NON-FICTION. $29.99. After asking over one hundred renowned illustrators, actors, authors, activists, athletes, and entertainers, "What children's book changed the way you see the world?", Silvey compiled one of the best reading resources out there. Broken up into six different sections--Inspiration, Understanding, Principles & Precepts, Vocation, Motivation, and Storytelling--these contributors share how children's books helped change or shape their lives. From Jon Scieszka to Jay Leno to Steve Wozniak, each passage contains a true life account about what they have learned from their favorite children's book along with insightful background information about the selected book. Each entry is also accompanied by a full-colored illustrated excerpt from the highlighted children's book. I can't rave enough about this book and the power it has to convey to readers everywhere the power and magic of reading. 
This would be an excellent gift for a teacher or librarian or for a family. It can be referred to over and over for teaching life lessons or to just find a good children's book. A must have for all! EVERYONE-ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher. 

Toot and Puddle:Charming Opal by Holly Hobbie

Hobbie, Holly Toot and Puddle:Charming Opal 32 pgs. Little Brown and Company, 2003. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. Charming indeed. In this Toot and Puddle series book, Puddle's cousin, Opal, comes to visit Woodcock Pocket. Not only is Opal excited to pick strawberries, go for walks, and smell flowers, but she is excited about her very first loose tooth! While at Pocket Pond, Opal looses her very first tooth...literally, but Toot dives to the bottom of the pond and spots Opal's lost tooth. But now that Opal has her tooth back, will the tooth fairy be able to find her in Woodcock Pocket??! This is an adorable book all around. Cute story that first-time tooth- losers can relate to (the fear of the tooth fairy not finding them!) along with lively watercolor illustrations. EL-ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher. 

Diary of a Fairy Godmother by Esme Raji Codell - ADVISABLE

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Codell, Esme Raji Diary of a Fairy Godmother, 170 p. Hyperion, 2010.  $14.99. 

Hunky Dory has always been raised knowing that she will be the wickedest of all of the wicked witches.  However, one day she discovers the power of the wish – and thinks she may be better as a fairy godmother than as a wicked witch. 

Hunky Dory, her relationships, her problems and her challenges are very fun to read. 

EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds Emily’s Fortune, 146 p. Emily, 8, lives a very quiet life with her mother and Miss Luella in a small frontier town – that is until the bad a terrible accident leaves Emily with almost no one to turn to. Now she must make her way across many miles to her Aunt Hilda’s home, while avoiding stage coach robbers, child-catching services and an evil uncle who wants to exploit her unforeseen inheritance. With the help of a wily boy, who seems to know the ropes, Emily may just have a chance for a family. Rip-roaring is a good descriptor for this book – short and wild it is lots of fun for a young school class – especially as a read aloud that will keep them begging for the next installment. EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Where the Streets Had a Name by Randa Abdel-Fattah

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Abdel-Fattah, Randa Where the Streets Had a Name, 304 p. Scholastic Press, November 2010.  $17.99.  Violence: PG.  Hayaat, 13, lives in Bethlehem and she is desperate to make her way into Jerusalem so that she can bring her grandmother just a bit of dirt from their former ancestral home.  While only a few miles separate the two cities, it might as well be an ocean – if Hayaat persists, her life could be in danger.  With the help of her best friend Samy, she will take the plunge and dare to make the impossible possible.  Abdel-Fattah’s brilliant novel brings the realities of life in Israel into unequivocal focus.  Once you have read this book, you cannot say that you are ignorant ever again.  EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Thief Eyes by Janni Lee Simner - OPTIONAL

Simner, Janni Lee Thief Eyes, 256 p. Random House, 2010. 

Haley’s mother has disappeared among the volcanoes and crevices of Iceland. Desperate to find even a trace of her mother, Haley and her father return. Haley finds the gorgeous local, Ari, who thinks may be more than a friend. But an ages old curse is ready to hold Haley in its grasp and Ari knows a secret that may break Haley’s heart.

 Simner’s epic spans centuries and schools with a hardcore ancient fantasy base will enjoy it.

 MS, HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Windblowne by Stephen Messer - ESSENTIAL

Messer, Stephen Windblowne, 289 p. Random House, 2010.  $16.99. 

Content: G. 

Oliver is desperate to make a good showing in the annual kite-flying festival, but he is usually dangerous to man and kite.  When he searches out his great uncle Gilbert, he finds nothing like a kindly old man.  Instead he plunged directly into a life, home and universe threatening situation.  Oliver must find a way to solve a problem that crosses universes, fight himself and stop an evil man from destroying worlds. 

While Messer’s book is epic, it is also very personal, as a very vulnerable Oliver grabs your heart and your attention.  Read this one aloud to an elementary class. 

EL – ESSENTIAL; MS – OPTIONAL.

Cindy, Library Teacher

Abby Carnelia’s One and Only Magic Power by David Poguw

Pogue, David Abby Carnelia’s One and Only Magic Power, 277 p. Roaring Brook 2010. $15.99. Content: G. During a bizarre set of circumstances, Abby Carnelia finds that she has the power to set and egg spinning – only that little power and only under the exact right circumstances. When she goes to summer magic camp, she finds that she sis not the only one with such small, kind of silly powers. But a mega corporation has nefarious designs on Abby’s and the others’ powers. She will need courage, luck and a little bit of help from her annoying little brother in order to have a happy ending. Abby’s passion to discover that little bit of magic within everyone makes for a fun, light read for the summer. EL – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

This Gorgeous Game by Donna Feitas

Freitas, Donna This Gorgeous Game, 208 p. Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2010.  Language: PG-13 (10 swears, 1 ‘f’).  At first Olivia, 17, finds the attention flattering.  She has won a major writing award sponsored by a famous Catholic priest author after all.  At first his invitations to work on her writing, the small gifts he gave her and the after school sessions were heady and flattering.  Now, however, it feels down right creepy.  Olivia wants out.  While the priest is Catholic, this book goes beyond the trite look at abuse and into the more subtle forms.  HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Betti on the High Wire by Lisa Railsback - ESSENTIAL

Railsback, Lisa Betti on the High Wire, 277 p. Dial (Penguin), 2010.  $16.99.

Babo and the other children live with a few nuns in a bombed out circus – all of them have been physically injured by war and they all need each other to keep life and limb together.  Then Babo is adopted by an American family, who rename her Betti and take her away from her family of “leftover kids” and off to America she goes.  America is more crazy than Betti ever thought and she will do anything she possibly can in order to force her new family to send her back.

Railsback purposefully leaves Betti’s country of origin a mystery, allowing us to concentrate on Betti’s experience and feelings instead.  This would be a great book for a 5^th or 6^th grade class to study.

EL – ESSENTIAL.  MS – ADVISABLE.

Cindy, Library Teacher

Blimpo by Dale E. Basye

Basye, Dale E. Blimpo: The Third Circle of Heck, 446 p. Random House, 2010. $16.99. Milton has escaped Heck’s meanest Principal again. Now he’s headed back into Heck – this time to rescue Virgil, his best friend. He’s positive that Virgil is stuck in Blimpo and if anyone can break him free, it’s Milton. And while he’s at it, he’ll cause as much grief for Heck’s higher powers as he possibly can. If you can stand about series that is all about “heck” and the devil, these are an incredibly funny look at the subject. MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

The White House by Roland Smith

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Smith, Roland I.Q.: The White House, 256 p. Sleeping Bear Press, 2010. $8.95.  Violence: PG (off page, threats).

Q and Angela’s newly married parents have been invited to the White House for a special concert performance.  With so many Secret Service and the layers of security around the president, you would think that they would all feel safe.  Instead, a sleeper cell has inserted operatives into the White House – and danger has never been more imminent.  The President himself is much smarter than anyone knows and he has a plan, which includes the kids, to thwart the plotters.  The tension is relentless and Q and Angela are a treat to read.  I know there will be at least one more book – I would be happy to read several more!

EL. MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Nature Girl by Jane Kelley

Kelley, Jane, Nature Girl. Random House, 2010. Pgs. 236. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G


Eleven-year-old, Megan and her parents have never seen eye to eye. Megan prefers the hustle and bustle of New York while her parents live for nature. When her parents drag her off to somewhere in Vermont for a summer surrounded by nature. When Megan gets separated from her family on a day hike after she has a fight with her sister, Megan decides to hike the Appalachian trail herself. Things aren’t as peachy as she hoped, however. When she encounters bears, hostile teenagers , rain, makeshift shelters, bullies, hunger, thirst, and fear at night, she begins to realize that her family may be farther away than she realizes. With nothing but time to think about her family problems, nature, and her life, Megan begins to change. Will Megan find her family? Will she ever understand why her family is the way it is?

A well-developed story filled with adventure, self-discovery, and survival. The main character is easy to relate to, the survival plot is well-done, and the problems the character faces are realistic. Readers who like nature, survival stories, adventure, and realistic fiction will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6)/MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library

Callie's Rules by Naomi Zucker

Zucker, Naomi, Callie’s Rules. Egmont Books, 2009. Pgs. 225. Language: G, Sexual Content: G, Violence: G.


Callie is starting middle school and she’s not off to a great start. First, she makes the mistake of riding her bike to school. Apparently that’s not done in junior high. As the year goes on, rules such as don’t be the first one done on test seem repugnant and stifling. Forced to live with parents that are very liberal and creative in their ways doesn’t help her either. Can Callie find a balance between her life at home and the new rules she learns at school?

A funny, entertaining story about a girl and her attempts to adjust and fit in at school. The characters are memorable, the plot holds the reader’s interest. Readers who like realistic fiction will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library

Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall

Birdsall, Jeanne, Flora’s Very Windy Day. Clarion Books, 2010. PICTURE BOOK.


Flora’s brother, Crispin spills her paints and her mom tells them to go outside. The day, however, is very windy and the two get picked up by the wind and taken for a ride. The wind isn’t putting them down and everyone wants her little brother for themselves. Will Flora give in and let them have him?

The illustrations in this book are great and complement well the text. The text is simple, but does a great job of telling the story. This book would make a great read aloud at the start of fall. Pre-K/EL (K-3). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library

Making the Moose Out of Life by Nicholas Oldland

Oldland, Nicholas, Making the Moose Out of Life. Kids Can Press, 2010. PICTURE BOOK


There once was a moose who lived in the wild, but didn’t act like other animals in the wild. He didn’t like to play in the rain, ski, or swim. One day, he realizes he is missing something. After many attempts to figure out what is missing, he decides to go on an adventure to figure it out. Will he find what he is missing or has it been in front on him all along?

The illustrations are well-done, the text is cute and simple. Readers who like animals, will enjoy having this story read aloud to them. Pre-K/EL (K-3). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library.