The Taking Tree by Shrill Travesty

Travesty, Shrill The Taking Tree, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins.  Simon and Schuster, 2010.  16.99.  PICTURE BOOK.  A very different little boy and a very different tree make for a very nice parody of Shel Silverstein’s iconic picture book (which is a parody itself, even if most people don’t seem to understand that).  The little boy gets exactly what he deserves.  Older students who understand the use of parody will get much more out of this.  Show this to a high school Language Arts teacher.  HS – ADVISABLE.  GIFT. Cindy, Library Teacher

Lost Boy, Lost Girl: Escaping Civil War in Sudan by John Bul Dau

Dau, John Bul and Martha Arual Akech Lost Boy, Lost Girl: Escaping Civil War in Sudan, 158 p. National Geographic, 2010.  Content: G (descriptions of violence and deprivation, but none of them are gratuitous)John and Martha grew up in different parts of Southern Sudan, but civil violence sent both of them fleeing for safety to any refuge available.  As part of the Lost Boys and Lost Girls of Sudan, they didn’t know where their families were, but the two found each other.  I hope National Geographic keeps producing these powerful, current biographies.  I have enjoyed each one of them.  MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Among the Ghosts by AMber Benson

Benson, Amber Among the Ghosts, pgs. 224  Aladdin, 2010. $15.99. Language-PG(5 swears), Sexual Content-G; Violence-PG; Noh goes to live with her aunt over the summer at her school academy. Noh is the only kid their, but why then does she see a bunch of others? Can she save the other kids(ghosts) from the magic orb in time? And what is up with the science teacher? I really liked the book. It was a really fast read and I enjoyed the plot. This is a book that would be a good library book. But not super essential. I would buy this in hardback. EL,  MS – ADVISABLE.  Student Reviewer: K.B.

FYI - for you Buffy fans, Amber Benson is the actress who played Tara in the series.

Weird but true! by National Geographic

National Geographic Weird but true! 2: 300 Outrageous Facts, 206 p. National Geographic, 2010. $6.95.  Using gorgeous photographs and cute illustrations, National Geographic brings you 300 facts – weird, sensible and outrageous.  Sized as a small gift book or stocking stuffer – perfect for curious minds of all ages.  EL – OPTIONAL, GIFT. Cindy, Library Teacher

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Kipling, Rudyard The Jungle Book, illustrated by Nicola Bayley.  149 p. Candlewick, 2010 (paperback).  $12.99.  Candlewick has taken the unabridged Jungle Book and added illustrations by Nicola Bayley, for a bright look at a classic.  I can’t imagine how many hours it takes to illustrate such a book – especially since Ms. Bayley worked in color pencil.  I have to admit, my favorite version of The Jungle Book is the Whole Story version.  EL. MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst

Durst, Sarah Beth. Enchanted Ivy, 310 pgs. Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster), 2010. $16.99. Sexual Content-G; Language-G (1 swear); Violence-PG. It is love at first sight when Lily Carter first sees Princeton University. She thought she was only accompanying her grandfather to his college reunion, but is surprised to learn that she is there for a Legacy admissions test. It’s not the typical test; the Vineyard Club wants her to locate the Ivy Key. To help her are two very different young men. One has tiger-striped hair and mysteriously appears and disappears. The other is handsome, blond, and the grandson of the Vineyard Club president. As Lily pieces together clues, she begins to realize that things aren’t what they seem. Statues are talking and she is attacked by a monkey-like creature. She learns that there are two parallel Princeton’s, one human and one magical, and the Ivy Key is needed to travel between the two worlds. She also learns that relations between the two worlds are in jeopardy as magical creatures called feeders are attacking people and that the Vineyard Club is draining magical creatures of their magic. This exciting, magical adventure, with a little romance, is sure to appeal to teens whether or not they are applying for college—yet. MS/HS – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Gigi in the Big City by Charise Mericle Harper

Harper, Charise Mericle Gigi in the Big City. Robin Corey Books, 2010. $12.99.  PICTURE BOOK.  This lift-the-flap book tells about Gigi who goes in to the city and explores.  She sees buildings, goes into stores and shops, visits museums, talks to people, and gets a makeover.  In each of these activities, Gigi learns interesting information about all sorts of things--from types of books to different birth stones to phases in art history to types of professions.Her day is jam-packed and that makes it so the reader can learn a lot too.  Harper's book is full of flaps to lift and wheels to turns and levers to lift.  That way, the reader has variety from page to page.  The illustrations are excellent, and what is so good about this book is the huge audience that will enjoy it.  The youngest of readers will like looking at the pictures, lifting the flaps, and turning the wheels.  But the oldest readers will actually be able to spend a long time on each page and read and learn a lot.  It is a book that many girls will enjoy and parents and teachers can know that it is educational too.  Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher.

How the Pops Stole Christmas by Nancy Krulik

Krulik, Nancy, How the Pops Stole Christmas, Scholastic Press, 2009. Pgs. 173. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

Christmas is just around the corner and life at Joyce Kilmer Middle School is bustling with holiday spirit and parties. The popular girls, however, are up to mischief and cruelty as usual. Things get worse, however. Jenny draws Dana, the worst of the popular girls’ names, as her Secret Santa and has know idea to what to get someone who’s heart is made of stone. The worst blow, however, comes when she doesn’t receive an invitation to her friend, Marc’s New Year’s Eve party and everyone else she knows does. What will Jenny get Dana for Christmas? Why didn’t Marc invite her to her party? How will Jenny get her Christmas and New Year’s back on track?

A cute book for reluctant readers who like realistic fiction. The characters aren’t well-developed, but are likable. Although the story lags in parts, it holds the reader’s interest for the most part. Readers who like Christmas fiction, friendship stories, Candy Apple books, and school stories will probably enjoy reading this book. EL(4-6) OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library

Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Whitney, Daisy, The Mockingbirds, Little, Brown and Company, 2010. Pgs. 332. Language: PG-13 (15 swears, 2 “f”s), Violence: PG-13 Sexual Content: R

Alex Patrick is a student at Themis Academy, a prestigious boarding school that’s administrative discipline is mild to non-existent. When Alex wakes up one morning naked in a unknown guy’s bed with no recollection of how she got there, her further investigation makes her believe she was date-raped. When the boy starts spreading rumors of their sexual activity that night, Alex becomes afraid to eat in the cafeteria, avoids the guy in the halls, struggles to remember what happened that night, and watches as her life at Themis starts to become unbearable. When her friend, T.S. and her sister, Casey convince her to turn to the Mockingbirds, a clandestine student organization bent on seeing justice service, for help, Alex has mixed feelings about confronting the boy about that night. Will Alex find the courage to stand up for what’s right and get her life back in order?

An excellent story that teaches an important lesson. The characters are well-developed. The plot is engaging and holds the reader’s attention. There are, however, a lot of mature themes and content in this book. As Alex’s forgotten night and the description of her date-rape become more vivid and her school situation becomes more uncomfortable, the content becomes less and less appropriate for younger readers. High school students who like realistic fiction, inspirational stories, and Laurie Halse Anderson books will, however, enjoy reading this book. HS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Donnelly, Jennifer Revolution 472 pgs. Delacorte Books for Young Readers Language~PG-13, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG-13

I could not write a more powerful or true review than the starred review by  The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. I have included that review below. 

However, I must share how much these characters affected me.  I haven't cared for or been so involved in a storyline for a long time.  Jennifer Donnelly has skillfully woven a story of grief, pain, loss, and most of all love.  I cannot express how deeply I enjoyed this story.  I listened to the audio performance and was astounded.  It was truly a performance of the highest degree.  If at all possible I would recommend that you purchase an audio copy of this title.

There is one "f" swear but other than that the language is pretty tame.  There is some alcohol use, after all they are in France for much of the story.

  

"Andi’s depression over her younger brother Truman’s death is deepening with time rather than waning, barely held in check by strong antidepressants and relieved only when she plays guitar until her fingers bleed. When her estranged, Nobel prize–winning father returns to find the family in shambles, he quickly dispatches her mother to a psychiatric hospital and insists that Andi accompany him to Paris over winter break, where he will be genetically testing a heart believed to belong to Louis-Charles, the boy dauphin imprisoned and abused until his early death following the French Revolution. While in Paris, Andi finds the diary of Alexandrine Paradis, the dauphin’s companion, hidden in an eighteenth-century guitar case. As Andi reads Alex’s first-hand account of the revolution, she identifies with Alex’s love for Louis-Charles and her guilt about the role she inadvertently played in the fate of the doomed prince; their relationship becomes inextricably woven into Andi’s grief narrative to the point where she enters into their world to complete Alex’s quest to reach out to the lost boy, a quest that facilitates her own grief work over Truman. Every detail is meticulously inscribed into a multi-layered narrative that is as wise, honest, and moving as it is cunningly worked. Andi and Alex are flawed artists, creatures of their time but also timeless in their self-absorption and aching need for forgiveness and redemption. The interplay between the contemporary and the historical is seamless in both plot and theme, and the storytelling grips hard and doesn’t let go. Readers fascinated with French history, the power of music, and/or contemporary realist fiction will find this brilliantly crafted work utterly absorbing. "

Upper Middle/High School ESSENTIAL(I can't say this strongly enough) Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library

Dinosaur vs. the Potty by Bob Shea

Shea, Bob Dinosaur vs. the Potty. Hyperion Books for Children, 2010. $15.99.  PICTURE BOOK.  This book tells about "competitions" between a young dinosaur and the potty.  These competitions include making lemonade, splashing in the sprinkler, and drinking three juice boxes...all against the potty.  In other words, the dinosaur has to decide whether or not he will go to the bathroom after doing each of these activities.  Shea's book seems like it is trying to be clever, but it never really achieves its goal.  The whole idea of battling the potty is fun, but the execution of the story gives the book a rushed feeling to it.  The illustrations are busy and difficult to follow.  However, some people might enjoy the book because anything that will help toddler go to the bathroom is definitely good.  Pre-K, EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher.

Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga

Lyga, Barry, Goth Girl Rising, Houghton Miffllin, 2009. Pgs. 389. Language: R (66+ swears, no “f”s), Sexual Content: PG-13, Violence: PG-13

After her mother died, Kyra Sellers and her father drifted apart. Seeming to blame herself or her father subconsciously for her mother’s cancer death, a dysfunctional family going from bad to worse causes Kyra to become suicidal. When her boyfriend, Fanboy, rats on her to her father about her cutting and possession of gun with a bullet, Kyra found herself in a hospital for crazy people in Maryland for six months.  Now she’s back, her father is being Mr. Dictator, and she wants to make Fanboy hurt for what he did. Getting back to life at school, however, is not easy. Her boyfriend has transcended their dark lifestyle and Kyra barely recognizes him. The principal and teachers say they’re trying to be helpful, but are only making her life worse. Can Kyra find her sense of normalcy? Will Kyra transcend her problems and stay with Fanboy or spiral herself into self-destruction?
A lot of swearing. No real character or plot development.  The audience appeal for this book is pretty small. Would probably not recommend for most schools. HS. NO. Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High

National Geographic Wild Animal Atlas: Earth's Astonishing Animals and Where They Live

Nat Geo Wild Animal Atlas: Earth's Astonishing Animals and Where They Live, 64 pgs. National Geographic, 2010. $18.95. NONFICTION. This excellently crafted atlas is of only a few select animals from each continent of the world. The book begins with an overview map of the world with pictures of where the animals live and a short introduction on ecosystems. The book is split into sections per continent that are color coded. Each continent section has a map of the continent and brief introductory information about the content; i.e. size, ecosystems, climates, pictures of animals, brief information about the animals, and a spotlight on one animal. The spotlight includes facts about the animal’s habitat, lifespan, size, and diet. Throughout the atlas there are “Animal Bites,” interesting tidbits about specific species; for example, golden poison dart frogs have enough toxins in their skin to kill 20 people (page 23). The pictures are stunning and the content is interesting and pithy. EL – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.

Rocky Road by Rose Kent - ESSENTIAL

Kent, Rose Rocky Road, 295 p. Knopf (Random), 2010.  $16.99.  Content: G.  

Tess and Jordan have been dragged from warm, sunny Texas to cold and snowy Schenectady, New York for a new life, so Mom says.  Her bright idea?  Spend the absolute last of their money purchasing and then fixing up an old ice cream shop.  In Winter?  In upstate New York?  But crazy is just par for the course for Tess – who is always keeping an eye on her deaf, little brother, because Mom rides a roller coaster of Shooting Stars – as Tess calls her mother’s undiagnosed bipolar disease.  A loving community will have to all hang together to save this little family from disaster.  

I thoroughly loved Kent’s look at another young person who is being the adult in a family piloted by a mentally ill parent.  There are many rich novels of this sort this year and this is one of my favorites.  

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

The Odyssey by Gareth Hinds

Hinds, Gareth The Odyssey: A graphic novel based on Homer’s epic poem.  249 p. Candlewick, 2010.  $14.99.  Content: PG (betrayal, lust, violence, in ancient times).  When I first glanced at the graphic novel, I was put off by how rustic and rough the graphics were.  When I got to ready the text however, I became immersed in the story and enjoyed the graphics just as a supplement to the tale.  Hinds has a magic way with words that makes the story so much more understandable.  Now I need to go back and read the real thing with my new found understanding.  Unfortunately theis first edition is in paperback.  I hope someone offers it in a re-bound form that will be able to hold up better.  MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Fantasy: An Artist’s Realm by Ben Boos

Boos, Ben Fantasy: An Artist’s Realm, 84 p. I don’t know if Ben Boos saw many of Brian Froud’s illustrations growing up, but he had to have been influenced by this great illustrator.  What Boos has done, however, has created something that looks like a workbook for a bored, talented teen who has spent many hours creating their own fantasy world with in the pages of a notebook while daydreaming during class.  The illustrations are backed up with explanations and purposes.  Now Boos needs an author to write some short stories or a novel to complement his world-building.  I already have a student who has spent some time on my office floor to read this, while he waits for me to finally put it in the library to checkout.  MS, HS – OPTIONAL.  GIFT. Cindy, Library Teacher

Pies & Prejudice by Heather Vogel Frederick

Frederick, Heather Vogel Pies & Prejudice, 371 p. Simon & Schuster, 2010.  $15.99.  Content: G.  The girls and their mothers are back again – this time reading Jane Austen’s beloved work Pride and Prejudice.  But things are strained – Emma’s family is moving to England for a year and they are trading homes with an English family that only has two, albeit handsome, boys.  Cassie is challenged by Tristan the oldest who is an ice dancer and needs a practice partner for the year.  Emma is unsure about being away from Spencer for a year, just as their romance is really starting to blossom.  Megan is whipping up trouble on the internet – sure to cause lots of hurt feelings and misunderstandings.  What I find interesting is that Becca doesn’t have one chapter that is hers.  I can’t remember if this is true of the other books also, but I did find it kind of curious.  I had a great time being with the girls again.  Do I dare hope that we will hear about another year of book club?  After all, they haven’t graduated from high school yet!  EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bron by Jonah Winter

Winter, Jonah Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx, illustrated by Edel Rodriguez.  Athenum (Simon),  2010.  $16.99.  BILINGUAL PICTURE BOOK.  Little girls, Latina girls, strong girls of any race should read the story of our newest Supremem Court justice and understand that anyone really can do what they want in this world if they have the guts to carve their path with lots of hard work.  Winter tells the judge’s story simply but in an engaging manner.  EL – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Stork by Wendy Delsol

Delsol, Wendy Stork, 357 p. Candlewick, 2010.  $15.99.  Language: G (3 swears, 0 “F”).  Mature Content:  PG (some drinking, kissing).  Bad enough that Katla has been forcibly moved from hip LA to backwards Minnesota, but now a weird inheritance has her taking her place as the newest, youngest member of a group of woman who serve as storks – yes, storks – deciding who does or doesn’t receive little spirits who needed guidance to choose their mother.  Add in a handsome young man whom seems to hate Katla before he even meets her, a kind of hostile school social scene (don’t get drunk and makeout with someone else’s boyfriend), secrets everyone is keeping from Katla and Katla has many reasons to hate Minnesota and her new destiny.  Weird?  Kind of, but Desol weaves her story masterfully, so that I never felt that I was reading something really off the wall.  Instead I was engaged and intrigued and happy with the whole tale – lots of danger and challenges, too.  MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Summer’s Bloodiest Days by Jennifer L. Weber

Weber, Jennifer L. Summer’s Bloodiest Days: The Battle of Gettysburg as Told From All Sides, 59 p. National Geographic, 2010.  $17.95.  Using historic accounts from Union and Rebel soldiers, townspeople, outsiders and government figures, Weber paints a vivid, but easily understood, portrait of the days of Gettysburg.  Accompanied by maps, photos, and gorgeous paintings by Don Troiani (look him up), this book is useful for many ages of students and extremely helpful for teachers needing resources.  EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

(SUMMER'S BLOODIEST DAYS)Summer's Bloodiest Days by Weber, Jennifer L.[Hardcover]{Summer's Bloodiest Days: The Battle of Gettysburg as Told from All Sides} on 08 Jun-2010