The Devil’s Breath by David Gilman - ADVISABLE

Gilman, David The Devil’s Breath, 389 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2007. Language – PG (26 swears, 0 “f’”), Sexual Content – PG; Violence PG; Someone is trying to kill Max. His father is missing, maybe dead. Max has to be careful about who he trusts as he goes to Africa on his mission to find his dad and keep them both alive. But does he even realize who the bad guys are? Max’s adventure trapped me in its pages. There was intense action from the first few pages that kept me hanging on until the very last sentence. I loved the suspense that kept me entranced, and the unforgettable characters. MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: CCH

Split! Splat! by Amy Gibson - OPTIONAL

Gibson, Amy  Split! Splat! Illustrated by Steve Bjorkman PICTURE BOOK Scholastic, 2012. $16.99 Content: G  A little girl and her dog go out to enjoy a rainy day.  They splash through mud puddles enjoying the rain falling and when the sun comes out they shake off the rain and enjoy the sun.  This book is told in sing-song verse that is fun to read to small children, with each page containing little text and great illustrations.  My suggestion for this book would be to make it a board book.  It’s a bit long for a picture book that mostly makes sound words, but would make for a great board book.  PRE-K-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

I Wanna New Room by Karen Kaufman Orloff - ESSENTIAL

Orloff, Karen Kaufman and David Catrow I Wanna New Room, 32 pgs. G.P. Putnam's Sons / Penguin Young Readers, 2010. $16.99. Content - G. PICTURE BOOK.

In this hilarious story told in a series of notes, Alex tries to convince his parents he shouldn't have to share a room with his little brother. Alex's imaginative reasoning is eclipsed only by the delightfully whimsical pictures throughout, and the satisfying ending makes the story worth the read. While this book stands alone very nicely, it also ties into the authors' earlier book, I Wanna Iguana.

EL - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Caryn

Ice Claw by David Gilman - ADVISABLE

Gilman, David Ice Claw, 433 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2008. Language – PG (28 swear, “f”), Sexual Content – PG; Violence – PG; Max is in France for an extreme sports competition, but he doesn’t know how extreme his life is about to get. Again. Max gets wrapped up in two seemingly unrelated situations and has to figure them out. That’s what his dad would’ve done. Unfortunately, he doesn’t know who to trust or that he has a time limit. After reading The Devil’s Breath, I had high expectations for Ice Claw; they were exceeded. The action was more intense and I got even more into it after every page. Through the moments of despair and moments of triumph, I was right there with Max, Sayid, Bobby, or whoever else was there. I completely loved the plot twists and am anxiously looking forward to the next book. MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: CCH

Talk, Talk, Squawk! by Nicola Davies - OPTIONAL

Davies, Nicola. Talk, Talk, Squawk! Candlewick Press, 2011, $14.99. Content G- NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK. This book tells and shows how different species communicate without saying a word. It analyzes and unlocks that mystery of how animals talk to each other. The illustrations are cartoon-like and a few are slightly inappropriate. The information is informative and succinct. It’s a great and entertaining reference book. EL, MS - OPTIONAL, Shauna, reading teacher.

The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan - ADVISABLE

Brennan, Sarah Rees The Demon’s Lexicon, 322 pgs. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2009. Language – PG (21 swears, 0 “f”), Sexual Content – PG; Violence – PG; Nick and Alan have been running from magicians for years, moving from house to house. But this move is different. This time, Black Arthur wants “it” back and is coming after “it.” Nick has also discovered a secret that will make his world fall to pieces around him. Coincidence? Probably not. I found this book very exhilarating to read right from the get go. There was action everywhere and deceit was uncovered every step of the way, making it intense even from an outside view. The plot-twist was definitely the best part because it never occurred to me. MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

The Power of Cute by Mericle Harper - OPTIONAL

Harper, Mericle. The Power of Cute. PICTURE BOOK. Robin Corey Books, 2011, $10.99.

Content-G

When a huge monster tries to scare a little baby, she fights back with the only superpower she has, cute.

The book has some moveable parts and a few pop-ups. It’s a pretty cute book and fun to read.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL.

Shauna, reading teacher.

The Fat Boy Chronicles by Diane Lang - ADVISABLE

Lang, Diane The Fat Boy Chronicles, 217 pgs. Sleeping Bear Press, 2009.

Language – PG (16 swears, 0 “f”), Sexual Content – PG-13; Violence – PG

Jimmy is an obese freshman in high school who gets ridiculed a lot. Jimmy never thought there was anything wrong with his weight until this year. Now he is made fun of everyday and even considers suicide, but he doesn’t really want to die. That’s why he decides to become less fat, but as Jimmy takes control of his life, his few friends' lives fall to pieces. How will they all survive high school?

I loved and hated reading this book because it is so true! I was just a freshman and I can tell you from experience that no one can possibly be more mean then high school students. It makes me happy that Jimmy finally learned to ignore the jerks and be his own person. You can always take control of your own life and I love how Jimmy’s story shows that everyone can survive high school.

MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Laurel Long - ESSENTIAL

Long, Laurel. The Twelve Days of Christmas. Dial Books, 2011 $16.99. Content G-PICTURE BOOK. The popular Christmas story and song comes alive in this beautiful book. The illustrations are amazing and finely detailed and just like the song repeats, Long has repeated each gift over and over hidden within the artwork of the new gift. This book truly is a keepsake. It’s beautiful enough to display, but has the hidden element that any age will enjoy reading over and over. GIFT - ESSENTIAL.  Shauna, reading teacher.

White Crane by Sandy Fussell - ADVISABLE

Fussell, Sandy Samurai Kids: White Crane, 237 pgs. Candle Wick Press, 2010. Language – G, Sexual Content – G; Violence – PG; The Cockroach Ryu is a ryu for the unwanted, the freaks. Niya and his friends have missing limbs, extra digits, and other problems to overcome when training to become samurai. They are now halfway through training and heading for The Games. There they will stick out like a sore thumb and be laughed at, but this year, they aren’t the only crippled ones. It’s exciting to see these kids overcome their obstacles. I also loved the pieces of wisdom their Sensei told them (especially the ones about cockroaches being mightier than dragons). These are only a couple examples of the greatness of this book, but they aren’t my favorite lesson. My favorite thing about this book is that it shows that even if you’re lacking something, you don’t have to be a cripple. You are only a cripple if you let it hinder you. MS – ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

Cassandra’s Angel by Gina Otto - ESSENTIAL

Otto, Gina Cassandra’s Angel Sterling Children’s Books, 2011. $14.95. Content G- PICTURE BOOK. When Cassandra is surrounded by negative thinking people and struggles with following directions, she feels as if she can do nothing right nor be the kind of person no one wants to be around. When Cassandra thinks her situation can’t get much worse, a very special person visits her and helps to put her world in perspective. I thought this book was going to be a little cheesy, but ended up having compassion for Cassandra and kids everywhere that struggle with one issue or another. The flow of the story is written rhyming couplets and the artwork is beautiful. EL – ESSENTIAL.   Shauna, reading teacher.

Kyle’s Island by Sally Derby - OPTIONAL

Derby, Sally Kyle’s Island, 191 pgs. Charlesbridge, 2010. Language – PG (8 swears, 0 “f”), Sexual Content – G; Violence – G; Kyle and his family have been going to their lake cottage every summer since the beginning of time. However, this summer, their Dad isn’t there and they have to sell the beloved cottage. This is their last year here and nobody likes it one bit. What’s Kyle going to do to protect his haven? What WON’T he do? I liked reading it, but it wasn’t as exciting as I had hoped. I enjoyed the story, appreciated the happy ending, and was glad that Kyle was able to “mend his fences,” but I still wish it had a more exciting feel. MS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer: CCH

Charlie the Ranch Dog by Ree Drummond - ADVISABLE

Drummond, Ree Charlie the Ranch Dog. Harper, 2011, $16.99. Content G-PICTURE BOOK. Charlie the Basset Hound along with his sidekick, Suzie have many adventures on the ranch. Charlie thinks he’s the one taking care of all the business, but Suzie shows us otherwise. I liked the playfulness of the book and it did a great job of showing how different breeds of dogs have their strengths and weaknesses.  ADVISABLE, Elementary. Shauna, reading teacher.

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.