Hip-Pocket Papa by Sandra Markle

Markle, Sandra.  Hip-Pocket Papa.  Illustrated by Alan Marks.  Charlesbridge, 2010.  PICTURE BOOK.  $15.95  Content, G.  A fascinating story about tiny hip-pocket frogs from Australia.  Hip-pocket frogs watch over the eggs on the forest floor together as mates, but once the eggs hatch the tiny tadpoles crawl into pockets located on the males’ thighs where they stay for thirty days.  In this fabulously illustrated book, the frog avoids predators as he searches for a water pond to take his tadpoles.  The predators are described and at the back of the book there is a glossary explaining the different animals the frog comes across, all Australian species.  Once the male frog finds a pond, the froglets crawl out of his pockets and go their different directions.  Interesting and informative, great for science class.  EL - ADVISABLE  Reviewer, C. Peterson, teacher.

I Fooled You by Johanna Hurwitz

Hurwitz, Johanna. I Fooled You, 192 pgs. Candlewick Press, 2010.  $16.99.  Language-G. Sexual Content-G, Violence-G. Author Joanna Hurwitz, collected 10 short stories written by different children’s book authors centered around the phrase, “I fooled you.”  These ten stories are completely different in imagination and exploration even though they are centered around the same theme.  My son’s favorite story was about a boy named Josh who was a huge baseball fan. He was sure that his sister, Cammi, was playing a joke on him every morning.  He set a trap to catch her.  My son really liked this book, and especially this story because it was really funny and had a really exciting ending. He also loved reading about Josh trying to teach his cat some new tricks.   EL. ADVISABLE.  Reviewer:  SL and Student JL, age 8.

Zombiekins by Kevin Bolger

Bolger, Kevin. Zombiekins.  206 pgs.  Razorbill, 2010.  $10.99.  Language-G. Sexual Content-G, Violence-G.  This book is about a boy named Stanley who goes to old widow’s yard sale and finds a little toy called, “Zombiekins.”.  He decided to buy the toy and the widow said if he bought the toy, he would also need to buy a special bag of candy as well.  Stanly takes the toy to school one day and the Zombiekins escapes from his backpack and turns everyone into Zombies.  How will Stanly solve this dilemma?  I really liked this book because it is a funny spine chiller. The book is very surprising.  I recommend it for grades 2 and older.  EL. ADVISABLE.  Reviewer:  Student ML, age 11.

The Second Trial by Rosemarie Boll

Boll, Rosemarie The Second Trial, pages 319 Second Story Press, 2010. $11.95. Language-PG-13; Sexual Content-PG-13; Violence- R; Danny McMillan wonders why things have to change. He knows that his dad beat his mom, but why do they have to divorce and move away? Can Danny come to terms with having to change his identity? Will it keep him safe? Can anything else go wrong? I wasn't very impressed with this book. I didn't feel that it had a very good writing style to it. The story line was a little different but, not too bad. NO. Student Reviewer: K.B.

The Smuggler’s Mine by Chris Mould - ESSENTIAL

Mould, Chris.  Something Wickedly Weird-The Smugglers' Mine, 176 pgs.  Roaring Brook Press, 2010.  $12.99.  

Language-G. Sexual Content-G, Violence-G.   

EL.  ESSENTIAL 

"There’s a new addition to the island of Crampton Rock.  He’s a former pirate named MacDowell and he claims to have had some amazing pirate adventures with Admiral Swift, the great uncle of Stanley Buggles.  Stanley is eager to know more about this McDowell.  Could this man help him uncover the secret of the smuggler’s mine?  Can he be trusted:  Or once a pirate, always a pirate?” (Cover of book).  

I loved this book.  It is very exciting.  The book had suspense and fear. I wanted to read faster and faster and turn the pages to see what would happen next!   

Reviewer: Student JL, age 8.

The Way of the Ninja by David Bruins

Bruins, David.  Leung, Hilary.  The Way of the Ninja.  32 pgs.  Kids Can Press, 2010.  $16.95.  Language-G. Sexual Content-G, Violence-G.    This is a fabulous story about friendship.  In this book, Ninja’s games are too rough for his friends, cowboy and bear.  Ninja simply isn’t interested in playing his friend’s games.  But he soon learns that playing alone isn’t any fun either.  “Then the ninja remembered that the greatest thrills and the best adventures were the ones he had shared with his friends.  Hoping his friends still wanted to play, the ninja went to find them.” This could be a great book to use in a unit about friendship, cooperation, kindness, or respect. The illustrations are wonderful!  EL (K-3). ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: SL

Ducking for Apples by Lynne Berry

Berry, Lynne.  Nakota, Hiroe.  Ducking for Apples.  32 pgs.  Henry Holt and Co., 2010.  $16.99.  Language-G. Sexual Content-G, Violence-G.    Inside cover: “The five little ducks can’t wait to ride their bikes.  Teetering, swerving, tottering, curving, they ride full-steam until two ducks spy trees with apple snacks on top.  Those yummy apples will be perfect for pies and cakes, if only the ducks can reach them…”  This is an adorable book with beautiful watercolor artwork!  Berry and Nakata create a fun-filled adventure sure to be enjoyed by small audiences everywhere!  Pre K. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer:  SL

Hannah by Kathryn Lasky

Lasky, Kathryn Daughters of the Sea: Hannah, 310 pgs. Scholastic Press 2009. Language- PG (5 swears no"f") Sexual Content- G Violence- PG

Hannah is an orphan in Boston around the turn of the century. At the age of 15, she is kicked out of the orphanage and assigned to a job, in Kansas! The farther and farther from the ocean she is, the sicker she gets and her skin begins to flake off into little crystals. She is sent back to Boston where she gets a job as a household maid in a very weathly family's home. Hannah knows that something about her is different, and that she is changing. While things are getting crazier and more mysterious, she feels that the only person who has any idea what is going on with her is the painter who is only a guest in the home where she works. Everything begins to escalade and Hannah has some serious decisions to make! This book is pretty good, slow at times and a little "out there" but for the most part, it's a good book. ADVISABLE to Upper EL. Student Reviewer: EM

Snook Alone by Marilyn Nelson

Nelson, Marilyn.  Ering, Timothy Basil.  Snook Alone, 48 pages.  Candlewick, 2010.  $16.99. Language-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G;  Inside book cover: “Abba Jacob is a monk who lives on a faraway island with his loyal rat terrier, Snook.  Every day, from the wee hours of dawn until the sun sets over the sea, Snook keeps Jacob company as he prays and works.  But when the two are separated by a ferocious storm, Snook must learn to fend for himself in the wild, all alone in a world both fierce and wonderful.  Will he ever again hear the loving voice that he waits for?”  We loved the story line, but felt like it took too long to get to the conclusion of the story.  It was a difficult story to read aloud, due to over use of descriptive words.  My kids got lost, one left the room, and one of my kids almost fell asleep.  They wanted to know how the story ended, but didn’t have patience to read all the “wordy” text to find out.   Teachers will have a hard time keeping student’s attention during story time.  We loved the plot, and were glad it had a happy ending, but thought it was a difficult read. The illustrations were fantastic and eye catching!  We loved looking at each and every page!  EL (K-3)  OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SL

Hudson by Janice Weaver

Weaver, Janice.  Craig, David. Hudson, 48 pages. Tundra Books, 2010. $22.95.    Language-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G;  Inside book cover: “History has not been kind to Henry Hudson.  He’s been dismissed as a short-tempered man who played favorites with his crew and had an unstoppable ambition and tenacity.  Although he gave his name to a mighty river, and important strait, and a huge bay, today he is remembered more for the mutiny that took his life.  Janice Weave has created a compelling portrait of a man who should be remembered not for his tragic end, but for the way he advanced our understanding of the world.”  This is a well written and illustrated non-fictional account of Henry Hudson.  Intermixed with the vivid pictures and interesting text are additional informational sections explaining the Whaling Industry, the painful disease of scurvy also known as “the Gray Killer”, and many other interesting bits of information.  Any student wanting to learn about Henry Hudson or the exploration of North America and other parts of the world, would love this book.  We enjoyed the information as well as the illustrations! EL-ADVISABLE. Reviewer: SL

Frenemies by Alexa Young

Young, Alexa Frenemies, 245 pgs. HarperTeen Publishers, 2008. Language- G (0 swears no "f") Sexual Content- G Violence- G

Halley and Avalon had bee neighbors and best friends since practically 3rd Grade. They know every designer and are the fashion guru's at Seaview Middle School. When Halley returns from art camp with a new style and a new friend, Avalon doesn't like it. Avalon, too, made friends with some new people this summer. Avalon has a party in honor of their friendship all planned out, but as drama rises, the party starts to seem like a chore. The besties start to divide things between them evenly, list of friends, their fashion blog, and ownership of their puppy, Pucci. Their battles get more and more harsh and they start to believe that this drama that started out as a fashion faux-pas may be a friend-pas. Will these two former best friends be able to work out their problems by the time of the party, or will this just be one big snowball effect?  I personally did not like this book. It seemed like another Clique series. I saw this drama everyday in junior high, and on my spare time I try to keep my thoughts away from it as much as possible. Although, I do have to admit, some of their battles got a little funny. OPTIONAL to UPPER EL/ MS. Student Reviewer: EM

A Busy Day in Busy Town by Natalie Shaw

Shaw, Natalie. Scarry, Richard. A Busy Day in Busy Town (Busytown Mysteries). 14 pgs. $5.99.  Simon Spotlight, 2010.   BOARD BOOK.  Language- G, Sexual Content- G, Violence- G.  “Busytown is always buzzing with activity, but today is an extra-busy day!  Huckle Cat and Sally Cat are curious to find out why it’s so busy in Busytown, so they look for clues to solve the mystery.”  The classic characters of Richard Scarry are always a treat for children and parents alike.  Busytown is a busy place, full of busy friends with lots to do, which in turn makes each page exciting and fun look at.  We enjoyed reading this board book!  Pre-K. ADVISABLE, Reviewer:  SL

10 Items or Less by Stephanie Calmenson

Calmenson, Stephanie.  Christy, Jana.  10 Items or Less, 18 pgs.  Little Simon, 2010.  $7.99.  BOARD BOOK.  Language- G, Sexual Content- G, Violence- G.  It’s to go shopping for a picnic!  This adorable, rhyming book is a fun filled adventure as children can press out and count up to ten healthy items to put in their “shopping cart”.  This book could easily be used to help teach children about choosing healthy snacks and developing good eating habits.  My children enjoyed popping out the food on each page, and then matching shapes to fit onto the picnic blanket at the end of the story.  Pre-K.  ADVISABLE, Reviewer:  SL

Tracktown Summer by Elizabeth Holmes - OPTIONAL

Holmes, Elizabeth Tracktown Summer, 248 Pgs. Dutton CHildren's Books, 2009.

Language-PG (12 swears no "f") Sexual Content- G Violence- PG

Summer is finally here and its going to be perfect! Jake will spend the entire summer with his dad in a house he's rented for the summer. When they arrive in Tracktown, Jake is disappointed to find that the house is small and shabby, its right next to railroad tracks, and the lake is polluted. He spots a basketball hoop a few houses down and when he goes to check it out, he meets Adrian. Adrian looks to be his only hope of a friend here in Tracktown. They start playing ball and Adrian is an exceptional athlete who likes to look tough. This begins their summer adventure together. At first Adrian seems pretty cool, but as time goes on, he gets more and more mysterious about his family life and desperate and sometimes violent around Jake; he fears that at anytime, Adrian might turn on him. Jake is sucked into a heated drama and mystery about Jake and his home life, something neither of them feel they have control.

This book felt slow at times and wouldn't be my first pick, but does have a nice mystery essence at times.

MS - OPTIONAL.

Student Reviewer: EM

Fortune Cookies by Albert Bitterman

Bitterman, Albert.  Raschka, Chris.  Fortune Cookies.  28 pgs.  Beach Lane Books, 2011.  $14.99.  Language- G, Sexual Content- G, Violence- G.  A little girl receives a package from her Uncle Albert filled with seven fortune cookies.  Each day, she opens a new message, and is surprised when the fortunes come true!  There is a surprise ending to be enjoyed by all!  This book is simple and sweet.  The illustrations are adorable!  We thoroughly enjoyed reading this discovery book!  Pre-K.  ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: SL

Me and You by Anthony Browne

Browne, Anthony.  Me and You. 32 pg.  Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009.  $16.99.  Language- G, Sexual Content- G, Violence- G.   Brown retells this classic fairytale from two different points of view: one from a lost little girl, one from baby bear himself.  The little girl’s illustrations are done in sepia; baby bear’s illustrations are done in color.  Inside cover: “A small bear goes for a morning stroll in the park with is parents, leaving their bowls of porridge cooling on the kitchen table.  Meanwhile, a girl with golden hair is hopelessly lost when she comes across a cozy yellow house with the door left invitingly open.  What will happen when bear meets girl?”  We loved this book.  We loved how two stories were happening at the same time and how the story came together when the three bears find the little girl asleep in baby bears bed.  It is beautifully written and illustrated.  ESSENTIAL: EL (K-3).  Reviewer:  SL

A Light in the Darq by Allyson Black

Black, Allyson, Scarlett and Crimson: A Light in the Darq. Simon and Schuster Children’s Books, 2009. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

The Battle of the Bands is a week away and Scarlett and Crimson are not ready. While planning for their big night, the girls realize that they need a bass player that will fit the band’s darq style, love of black, and  love of nighttime. Will they find someone who will fit in and be able to learn the part in time for Battle of the Bands?

A cheesy book that has a limited appeal. The characters are a little one-sided. The plot drags. The message, however, is inspiring. Readers who like goth novels, bands, and friendship stories will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library. 

Orphan of Destiny by Michael P. Spradlin

Spradlin, Michael P, Orphan of Destiny. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2010. Pgs. 272. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content:G

Having escaped from Sir Hugh’s deadly clutches, Tristan and his friends have finally reached England with the Holy Grail. Treachery and destruction, however, have beaten them home. The Sheriff of Nottingham has taken over England and the friends have no idea who they can really trust. With the end seems farther from sight than ever. Can Tristan and his friends finish their mission and save England from Sir Hugh and his minions?

A great action-packed adventure filled with danger and friendship. The characters are true to their characters and are well-developed. The plot is well-done and holds the reader’s interest. Readers who like fantasy, adventure, action, and the middle ages will enjoy reading this book. They will, however, have to read the first two in the series to understand what's going on. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.  

Bloody Valentine by Melissa de la Cruz

De la Cruz, Melissa, Bloody Valentine, Hyperion Books, 2010. Pgs. 147. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: PG

Blue Bloods are a group of individuals who have power, beauty, speed, and other abilities that defy logic. Love, however, is something even these super beings don’t have power over. This book contains three tantalizing stories of love and how these beings fell prey to it.

The stories are great companions to the Blue Bloods stories. They’re well written and are great teasers  for paranormal fiction fans. This book is a must-read for Blue Bloods followers. MS. ADVSIABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High

Spray by Harry Edge - NO

Edge, Harry, Spray. Feiwel and Friends, 2010. Pgs. 228.

Language: PG (3 swears, no "f"s), Violence: PG, Sexual Content:G

200 players, 3 weeks. One assassination, pressurized water gun, role-playing game. Each players gets a laminated card, a water gun, and a target. If you get “assassinated” by being soaked from head-to-toe, you have to give up your card. Who will be the last one standing?

What starts out as an intriguing idea, never comes to anything. The character are poorly developed. The plot drags on and never amounts to anything. With a mid-book twist that never occurs and a book climax that never happens, this book becomes superficial and pointless. Fans of water guns and role-playing games would have more fun going and participating in on than reading this book.

MS - NOT RECOMMENDED. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.