A House in the Woods by Inga Moore - OPTIONAL

Moore, Inga  A House in the Woods  PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2011.  $16.99  Content: G  Moose, Bear and the two Pigs want a house that is large enough for all of them, so they hire the beavers to build them a house.  They pay the beavers with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for all of their hard work and then Moose, Bear and the two Pigs move into their big new house.  Cute illustrations with a so-so story.  EL-OPTIONAL  Reviewer, C. Peterson

Middle School: The Worst Years of my Life by James Patterson - ESSENTIAL

Patterson, James Middle School: The Worst Years of my Life, 281 pgs. Little, Brown and Company, 2011. $15.99 Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG. Rafe's world turns upside down as he begins his middle school incarceration. Staying focused on earning good grades is not Rafe's forte but earning points while breaking as many school rules as possible is! From infatuations for Jeanne Galleta, and war with Miller the Killer, to problems with his family on the home front, Rafe finds out just how challenging middle school can be based on the decisions he decides to make! Good: I laughed a lot while reading this story. Middle school is depicted accurately but in the most extreme ways possible. The story is written well and leads the reader to want more! Bad: There was nothing negative about this story...the truth was stretched just enough so as to allow the reader to laugh while continuing the healing process from their own middle school years experience. MS – ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: Kevin R. Moray

Homer the Library Cat by Reeve Lindbergh - ADVISABLE

Lindbergh, Reeve. Homer the Library Cat. Candlewick Press, 2011. $15.99. Content G. PICTURE BOOK. Homer is a quiet cat living in a quiet house when one day a loud crash startles him and he jumps out the window. Homer is in search of a quiet place and can’t seem to find one anywhere until he finds the quietest place of all. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE.  Shauna Reading Teacher.

Fairyland Magic by Alison Maloney--ADVISABLE

Maloney, Alison.  Fairyland Magic, illustrated by Patricia Moffett.  48 pages.  Carlton Books, 2010. $19.95.  Be prepared for fairies to fly off the page—literally, with this interactive augmented reality book and a computer with the correct hardware and installation disk.  Even without a computer, this beautifully illustrated book with charm you with its magical depictions of the different fairy folk.  The title reads like a fairy encyclopedia and gives a two page spread with pictures, literary quotes, information and other interesting tidbits about each type of fairy.  Learn more about the familiar fairies, such as the Tooth Fairy, and not so familiar fairies, like Glastigs.  The layout, design, and content both in print and pc, will enchant young readers.  EL-ADVISABLE.  Samantha, librarian.

Peaceweaver by Rebecca Barnhouse - ADVISABLE

Barnhouse, Rebecca.  Peaceweaver.  336 pages.  Random House, 2012.  $17.  

Sixteen-year-old Hild is the niece of the king.  She longs to sway the king by how she serves the warriors, like her aunt used to.   Her attempts are confused with clumsiness instead of cunning.  While practicing swordplay with her young cousin, the crown prince, she instinctively knows that someone is going to attack him and kills the traitor.  Her uncle instead of rewarding her is repulsed by her gift of “sight” and as punishment sends her off to marry the king of a rival kingdom.  The path is treacherous and it will take both her sword and her sight to see her safely through.  

Readers will briefly see familiar characters from companion novel The Coming of the Dragon, however, each title stands alone.  A great read for fans of Tamora Pierce and other readers looking for a strong female character with a sword and a dash of fantasy. 

EL-ADVISABLE.  Samantha, librarian.   

Ivy + Bean: No News is Good News, by Annie Barrows --ADVISABLE

Barrows, Annie.  Ivy + Bean: No News is Good News, illustrated by Sophie Blackall.  127 pages.  Chronicles Books, 2011.  $14.99.  Content: G.  The dynamic duo of Ivy and Bean are back for their 8^th adventure.  The girls are dying for their own ”lowfat Belldeloon cheese in a special just-for-you serving size” in their school lunch.  Both of their parents refuse to purchase the overpriced cheese.  When they see the other kids eating their cheese and playing with the wax that it comes in, they know that they must find some way to get it.  They try a few business enterprises, including selling potions, but it doesn’t work.  Bean’s dad tells them about a local newspaper he wrote and sold when he was a boy.  So the girls go around the block to get subscriptions, with cash in hand they purchase their own lowfat Belldeloon cheese in a special just-for-you serving size, however, Bean’s dad won’t let them have them until they put out their paper.  So the girls spy on their neighbors, get an ugly baby picture, and invent their very own newspaper with surprising results.  The illustrations are frequent and fun.  Author Annie Barrows obviously understands kids and fads.  Fans of Junie B. Jones will be delighted with Ivy + Bean.   EL-ADVISABLE.  Samantha, librarian.

The Midnight Zoo, by Sonya Hartnett--ADVISABLE

Hartnett, Sonya.  The Midnight Zoo.  Illustrated by Andrea Offermann.  217 pages.  Candlewick Press, 2011. $16.99.  Sexual Content: G, Language: G, Violence: PG.  Two brothers scavenge for food through a bomb-destroyed town in Eastern Europe during World War II.  There are no people in the town, but they find a small zoo with the animals still in their cages.  The boys take off their bundles, one carrying their baby sister Wilma.  To their surprise the animals talk to them and tell them what happened to the town.  They tell the boys about Alice, the zookeeper’s daughter, who was a resistance fighter.  The boys tell the animals about being gypsies and how the soldiers (Nazis) rounded up their group and their mother told them to run.  And they have been running since then.  The situation is bleak for the boys and the animals.  The boys share the little food they have with the animals and wait.  The somber illustrations have almost a sinister look, but they match the tone of the story.  Author Sonya Hartnett vividly portrays the effects of war on the innocent: children and animals.  A haunting but ultimately hopeful read, recommended for upper elementary.   EL-ADVISABLE. Samantha, librarian.   

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On: Things About Me by Jenny Slate- ADVISABLE

Slate, Jenny.  Fleischler-Camp, Dean.  Marcel the Shell with Shoes On: Things About Me, 40 pgs.  Razorbill, 2011.  $18.99.  Inside cover: “Meet Marcel, a Shell.  He has shoes and a face, and friends, and a whole life.  It’s not exactly like your life or mine, so that is what this book is about.” I liked this book because the main character was a shell.  It was really funny.  When he had popcorn with his grandma, I laughed hard.  This is a creative picture book.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer:  JL- age 9. 

George Brown, Class Clown: Help! I'm Stuck in a Giant Nostril by Nancy Krulik- ADVISABLE

Krulik, Nancy.  Blecha, Aaron.  George Brown, Class Clown:  Help!  I’m Stuck in a Giant Nostril!, 128 pgs.  Grosset & Dunlap, 2011. $4.99.  This book is about a boy who goes on a field trip to a science museum called, “Beaver Brook Science Center.”   They go into the five senses room where there are stations where you can hear, smell, feel, see, and taste things.  At the smelling station is a giant nose slide.  Every now and then smells come in and out.  George gets stuck in the slide and his friends try to rescue him.  I liked this book because of the cartoon illustrations.  I also liked the detail.  It was a really funny book.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: JL- age 9. 

School Days according to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney- ESSENTIAL

Birney, Betty G. School Days according to Humphrey, 160 pgs.  Putnam Juvenile, 2011.  $14.99.  

This book is about a hamster who is excited to come back to school.  Over the summer he went to camp.  When he returned from camp, there were strange students filling up the room.  He didn’t know where his old friends were.  Will he ever find them?  

I liked this book because Humphrey nicknamed the characters like “Hurry Up Harry” and “Helpful Holly”.  I liked the fact that Humphrey was smarter than all the kids.  This book was really funny.  I read it fast because I liked the story.  

EL (K-3). ESSENTIAL.  Student Reviewer:  JL- age 9. 

Z. Raptor by Steve Cole- ADVISABLE

Cole, Steve. Z. Raptor, 240 pgs.  Penguin Young Readers, 2011.  $16.99.   Adam goes to spend Christmas with his father and finds that his father has created a video game that uses a person’s thoughts to control the characters thoughts and actions.  Unfortunately, scientists have stolen his father’s technology and created dinosaurs with human abilities.  Adam and his father are left to fight against the dinosaurs and for the rights of inmates on a deserted island.  I really liked how the Raptors were genetically changed to have the human’s ability to think.  It was interesting to see how the author came up with this plot.  It was an entertaining and exciting book.  EL, MS.  ADVISABLE.  Student Reviewer: ML- age 12.

What You Wish For: Your Favorite Authors Write to Honor Darfur - ADVISABLE

Books Wish Foundation, What You Wish For, 252 p. G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2011.  $17.99.  Language:  PG (2 swears,0 “f”), Violence:  G, Mature Content: PG-13.  This book is a compilation of heartwarming and insightful poems and short stories of wishes made by story characters of elementary through high school age.  The variety of authors provides many settings and writing styles, and the issues looked at include bullying, compassion, trust, fairness, and coping with the loss of parental employment.  This delightful book is best appreciated by teachers to demonstrate effective writing styles.  EL, MS, HS (depending on the story ) – ADVISABLE.  Rebekka, Jr. High Resource Teacher

A Christmas Tree for Pyn by Olivier Dunrea - ADVISABLE

Dunrea, Olivier  A Christmas Tree for Pyn  PICTURE BOOK Philomel Books, 2011.  $16.99  Content: G.  Pyn lives in the mountains with her father, Oother.  Pyn is a small little girl and her father is a large mountain man.  Pyn takes care of her dad by feeding him and cleaning up the house, and her father goes out into the woods and works.  When it comes close to Christmas time, Pyn wants a Christmas tree and when her dad doesn’t respond, she takes matters into her own hands.  As she is walking into the woods a snowstorm almost buries little Pyn, but her father comes and gets her and together they find a tree.  The two bond over decorating their Christmas tree.  It’s a cute story about relationships and the illustrations are great.  EL-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

The Ring of Five by Eoin McNamee - ADVISABLE

McNamee, Eoin The Ring of Five, 345 pgs. Wendy Lamb Books, 2010. Language – PG (2 swears, 0 “f”), Sexual Content – G; Violence – PG; Danny hasn’t ever fit in at school or at home and when he gets to Wilsons he finds out why. Unfortunately, it doesn’t make him fit in any more than he used to. Danny is still teased and made the subject of rumors and at this school someone is trying to murder him too. A book of mystery and betrayal always makes for a pulse-quickening tale. I loved learning the art of spying with Danny and now wish that I went to a school as cool as Wilsons. I hope the sequel can live up to the expectations that have been made by this amazing story—or Danny might not be the only one in danger. MS—ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

Mal and Chad: The Biggest, Bestest Time Ever! by Stephen McCranie - ADVISABLE

McCranie, Stephen.  Mal and Chad: The Biggest, Bestest Time Ever!  Philomel Books (Penguin) 2011.  $9.99. GRAPHIC NOVEL.  Language: G; Sexual Content: G; Violence: G.  Mal has a problem.  He is a kid genius who has invented gadgets like jet packs and time machines, but he really wants to just be a normal kid.  He doesn't want to be a dork because Megan doesn't like dorks, and he wants Megan to like him.  But before he can do anything, Mal needs to figure out what he wants to be when he grows up so he can write his essay.  Chad, his talking dog tries to help him, and they both end up in places they never thought they would be.    I liked this book.  It's only the second graphic novel I ever read, and it is second one I've reviewed for this site.  While this one was not quite as good as that other one, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  And when it was over, my five year old son wanted to make sure that I'd give this a good review (he really liked it).  I think this book belongs on the shelf because it is quite enjoyable.  EL(K-3), EL - ADVISABLE.  Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

What's in the Witch's Kitchen by Nick Sharratt - ESSENTIAL

Sharratt, Nick.  What's in the Witch's Kitchen?  Candlewick Press, 2009. $12.99.  LIFT THE FLAP PICTURE BOOK.  

This book takes something that is found in most kitchens (fridge, teapot, etc...) and the reader has to guess what is inside.  Then, by lifting the flap, the reader sees what is inside.  But what is great about this book is that if you lift the flap from the opposite direction, you see something else.  For example, inside the toaster there is "some hot, crunchy toast" and "a grumpy, burnt ghost".  

My children really enjoyed reading this book.  They were lifting the flaps over and over.  

Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL.  Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

Maisy's First Clock by Lucy Cousins - ADVISABLE

Cousins, Lucy.  Maisy's First Clock.  Candlewick Press, 2002. $14.99.  PICTURE BOARD BOOK.  At 8 o'clock Maisy wakes up and at 10 o'clock she goes shopping.  Later on she eats lunch, goes to the park, and then bakes some cookies.  I know I've given a lot away already, but at least I haven't spoiled the ending (I'll give a hint: it rhymes with "red").   This is a good book because it just begins to introduce how the hands of a clock work.  My wife and I were going to buy a learning clock so we could teach our children how to tell time, but then I stumbled upon this book and I was glad I hadn't already purchased one of the beginner clocks because the book comes with one.  It can be seen on every page.  I wouldn't say that this is a must-have book, but if you are looking to teach your kids to tell time this book is a good first step.  Pre-K - ADVISABLE.  Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

Knick-Knack Paddy Whack! by Paul Zelinsky - ESSENTIAL

Zelinsky, Paul O. Knick-Knack Paddy Whack! (A moving Parts Book Adapted From the Counting Song). Dutton Children’s Books, 2002. $20.99. Content G. INTERACTIVE BOOK.

The childhood song has been adapted into a book.  The moving parts in this book are amazing. Zelinsky has carefully crafted this book to be entertaining and the publishers have spared no expense in the quality. I have read this book several times and played with the moving parts over and over and it shows no signs of wear or breaking.  This is sure to be a family favorite.

EL (K-3), GIFT - ESSENTIAL.  Shauna, Reading Teacher.

Rebel Fire by Andrew Lane - ESSENTIAL

Lane, Andrew. Rebel Fire (Young Sherlock Holmes), 343 pgs. Farrar Straus Giroux,2011. $16.99 Language: G ; Mature Content: G ; Violence: PG.  Young Sherlock Holmes finds himself involved in a mystery which hinges on Abraham Lincoln's assassin John Wilkes Booth. The story involves kidnapping, murder, and possibility of a second U.S. Civil War. How an American problem of such importance can reach across the Atlantic and involve young Holmes and his friends is another fascinating, and exciting adventure for the up-and-coming sleuth. Good: I enjoyed this book. Victorian England, along with post Civil War America, made two great settings for the story. The detail that the author gave to period clothing, machinery, food, transportation, and events really kept the in my mind" playing. Bad: I think that more time and background information could have been given in building up the bad guy/villain and then in bringing about his demise. There is quite a lot of time spent on developing other characters. MS - ESSENTIAL  Reviewer: Kevin R. Moray

Me and My Dragon by David Biedrzycki - ADVISABLE

Biedrzycki, David. Me and My Dragon.  Charlesbridge, 2011. $7.95. Content G. PICTURE BOOK. When a boy decides that a pet dragon will be the perfect pet for him, he fantasizes about all the fun and exciting adventures he will have. I liked the playful nature of the book and thought the illustrations were amazing. They were detailed and brightly colored and just fun. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. Shauna Reading Teacher.