The Prince Who Fell From the Sky by John Bemis - OPTIONAL

Bemis, John Claude The Prince Who Fell From the Sky, 261 p. Random House, MAY 2012.  Content: PG (animal fighting).  Casseomae is an old bear who has never had livening cubs.  When a human youngster, a Skinless One,  falls from a mysterious ship and into her area, she adopts him to protect, but knows she had better move him quickly, or the wolves will be after them.  All of the animals thought that all of the humans had been destroyed, but now that seems to be false – and no one (wolf or vora) seems to want this human to remain alive.  With the reluctant help of a rat and the interference of a dog, Casseomae must journey far to find a place that might be safe for her and this strange new cub.  If your students still want more Redwall-type books after reading the entire series, this is a fairly interesting one.  It seems to be set after some kind of apocalypse, but most everything is left to the imagination.  EL – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Extraordinary by Adam Selzer - ADVISABLE

Selzer, Adam.  Extraordinary, 324 pages.  Hyperion Books, 2011.  $15.99.  

Language: PG-13 (50 swears, 0 "f"); Sexual Content: PG (Some kissing and a couple references to "making out"); Violence: PG (no real details).  

Jennifer is mad.  She can't believe that Eileen Codlin wrote her story in a way that makes girls think that they can become princesses.  Yes, her fairy godmother did butt into her life, but Jennifer never became a fairy princess.  So Jennifer takes matters into her own hands and she tells the truth about what happened to her and her friends.  This book takes place in Des Moines just like I Kissed a Zombie and I liked It; it's just six years later.  Jennifer wants to be extraordinary, but she feels that there is not much to her.  But when her fairy godmother (actually a man) comes into her life, things get interesting.  

I really enjoyed this book.  I wouldn't say that I cared about the characters as much as I have in other books, but I still cared enough to find out what would happen to them.  But this is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time.  The whole Eileen Codlin thing is just the frame that Selzer uses to tell the story, but it works well.  And it was a great commentary on books that lead girls to believe in fairy tales (because we men sure aren't going to live up to those dreams).  I believe boys and girls alike will enjoy this book, but they have to be ready to stop thinking Aurora and Belle are the end-all, be-all.  I am, however, not marking this as essential because I don't know if everyone will enjoy it as much as I did.  

MS, HS - ADVISABLE.  Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

Polka Dot Penguin Pottery by Lenore Look - OPTIONAL

Look, Lenore and Yumi Heo Polka Dot Penguin Pottery. Schwartz & Wade Books, 2011. $17. PICTURE BOOK.

Aspen loves to write, but lately she hasn't been able to come up with anything at all. To cure her block, she goes on an expedition to a paint-your-own-pottery shop. Her difficulties follow her there, however, as she has no idea what to paint. When she figures it out with the help of others in the shop, she learns an important lesson about creativity.

The idea that creativity is about seeing things in a new way is worthwhile, and may help some children who have difficulty figuring out what to write or draw. However, the story is quite long and the pace is fairly slow, which could make it difficult to sustain young readers' interest. The spine of the book is at the top of the story instead of the side, so it opens vertically, not horizontally, which makes it awkward to share but could be fun for children who are looking for something different.

EL - OPTIONAL. Caryn.

Just a Second by Steve Jenkins - ADVISABLE

Jenkins, Steve.  Just a Second.  Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011. $16.99.  PICTURE BOOK.  This book tells what can happen in one second, in one minute, in one hour, in one day, in one week, in one month, and in one year.  Plus, it tell about things that happen very quickly (light travels the distance equivalent to the length of the equator in 1/7 of a second) and very slowly (it would take 80,000 years for a spacecraft to reach the nearest star outside our solar system).  This book is full of random facts about time (like in one minute the moon travels 38 miles--61 kilometers--in its orbit around the earth).  I don't know if this book is going to change the world or anything, but some people might enjoy reading and learning these facts.  It is interesting to see how various things relate to each other in a common amount of time.  For example, in one second a howler monkey's scream travels 1,125 feet (343 meters), but a humpback whale's song travels 5,085 feet (1,550 meters).  This book does get young minds thinking about the world around them more, and seeing time differently.  But I still don't think it's a must have.  Still, both young and old readers can learn a lot from this book.  EL (K-3), EL, MS, HS - OPTIONAL.  Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

Ripple by Mandy Hubbard -ADVISABLE

Hubbard, Mandy Ripple, 260 pgs. Razorbill, 2011. $11.55. (Language-G, Violence-PG; Sexual Content-PG13.)
At the age of Lexi has inherited the family curse, and its not a fun one. She is a Siren, doomed to spend her nights swimming and singing, instead of sleeping. Oh, and any man that hears her song will come out into the water and be drowned. This includes her first boyfriend. Overcome with grief and dealing with her secret, Lexi withdraws from her former life. When a special someone, or two, comes into the picture –her life is turned upside down.
This is a very typical supernatural romance novel; linear plot, very little attention given to the sub-characters, very little adult supervision, and of course the romance that overcomes all. But that being said, it was actually a fun read. The sexual content was minimal, the supernatural element was unique, and if you have still having a blitz on this genre in your library –this one is a good one to add to your collection.
MS, HS – Advisable Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

The Story of Britain from the Norman Conquest to the European Union by Patrick Dillon - ADVISABLE

Dillon, Patrick. The Story of Britain from the Norman Conquest to the European Union, illustrated by P.J. Lynch, 341 pages.  Candlewick Press, 2010. $21.99.  NONFICTION.So much has happened in England since the Norman Conquest, and this book tries to tell it all.  It includes a brief overview from the Middle Ages, the Tudors, the Stuarts, the Georgians, the Victorians, and the Twentieth Century.  The book has pictures, maps, and timelines.  It is one thousand years of history in a 341 page book.  If you are looking for a brief overview of the history of England, than this is the book for you.  It does not, however, provide many details.  For example, the entire American Revolution spans one page.  That's not very much detail.  Of course, if someone wants to then turn around and learn more about a certain topic, then they can read more details.  I am no England scholar, but I think this is a great volume of British history.  EL, MS, HS - OPTIONAL.  Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

Crouching Tiger by Ying Chang Compestine - ADVISABLE

Compestine, Ying Chang.  Crouching Tiger, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene.  Candlewick Press, 2011. $16.99.  PICTURE BOOK.  

This books tells the story of Vinson (or his Chinese name: Ming Da).  Vinson wants to learn martial arts from his grandfather, but he can't wait to hit things.  He is disappointed to have to practice standing still.  Well, that's no fun.  So Vinson gets mad at his grandpa, and he doesn't talk to him.  Then, he is walking in the street with his grandpa, and Vinson watches his grandpa save a pedestrian from a board that is about to whack her.  In one smooth motion, he kicks the board and snaps it in half.  This event teaches Vinson that maybe grandpa knows what he is talking about and he listens and practices more.   

I've read so many ho hum picture books recently that I forgot what a good one looks like.  This is a good one.  I really enjoyed reading it.  I loved how Vinson had depth and his grandfather had inner peace.  I recommend this book, but I also understand that not everyone will love it.  

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

Creepy Mosters, Sleepy Monsters by Jane Yolen - OPTIONAL

Yolen, Jane.  Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters, illustrated by Kelly Murphy.  Candlewick Press, 2011. $14.99.  PICTURE BOOK.  Two monsters have a lot going on: they go to school, run and play on the way home, come home and eat some food, and then they have to get ready for bed.  Unfortunately, they don't want to get ready for bed.  They don't think they're tired.  This book is fine.  There is nothing terrible about it and nothing great about it.  If you want to buy it, feel free.  But it's not a book that needs to be on your shelf.  Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL.  Brent Smith, Reading Teacher

Here Come the Girls Scouts! by Shana Corey - ESSENTIAL

Corey, Shana Here Come the Girl Scouts! illustrated by Hadley Hooper 40 pg. Scholastic Press, 2012. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. $17.99. Corey has created another masterpiece highlighting a strong female from history. Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low wanted to make a difference in the world so through a series of events, she founded the Girl Scouts of America. I have never known much about Girl Scouts besides the delicious cookies, but after reading this, I am wishing I was a Girl Scout! The illustrations, layout, and quotes throughout the book perfectly highlight the ideals and values of the Girl Scouts. Included at the back is more information about the Girl Scout era. Girl Scouts would be thrilled to see this in your library! EL-ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Sammy in the Sky by Barbara Walsh - ADVISABLE

Walsh, Barbara Sammy in the Sky illustrated by Jamie Wyeth 32 pg. Candlewick Press, 2011. PICTURE BOOK. $16.99. Even a non-animal lover like myself was touched by this book. It is a sweet story about the loss a beloved pet and the healing that occurs. This would be a good story to share with children who are going through a similar situation. The paintings are soft and gentle much like the message of the story. EL-ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce -ESSENTIAL

Boyce, Frank Cottrell The Unforgotten Coat, 112 pgs. Candlewick, 2011. $15.99. (Rated G in all categories).
It’s Julie’s last year of elementary school and she thinks she has learned all ever will need to know. That’s until she starts learning more as the “Good Guide” for two Monoglian boys who arrive at her school. The older brother, Chingis, is determined to outwit the demon that he thinks is after his younger brother. He has a Polaroid camera that takes some pretty interesting pictures too. Julie starts to discover more about the Mongolian culture and learns some moving lessons about immigration.
I loved this book. If you have read my other reviews you will know I am deathly afraid of bad books that seem deep being used as reading comprehension lessons by teachers. This is one of the good ones!! Use this one!! There are some pretty profound lessons here and more than enough discussion starters about culture and immigration. The format and inclusion of photography is brilliant and adds to the plot. There are very few authors that can inject magic into a non-fantasy genre and this is one of them. I was enthralled and I think students won’t fail to find the same sense of beauty.
ELEMENTARY –Essential Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

The Adventures of Mark Twain by Huckleberry Finn by Robert Burleigh - ADVISABLE

Burleigh, Robert The Adventures of Mark Twain by Huckleberry Finn illustrated by Barry Blitt 48 pg. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. Written in the voice and style of one of Mark Twain's most famous characters, Huck Finn, this biography is unique and interesting. Huck Finn takes us from the early years of Samuel Clemens (alias, Mark Twain) playing in the Mississippi river to his later years of Steamboat pilot, public speaker, and author extraordinaire.
The fact that this book is written in the voice of Huck Finn gives it such an authentic feel. Readers are able to see the parallels between the lives of Twain and Finn. This was a fun way to highlight big events in Twain's life. I really disliked the illustrations. Huck Finn hovering in the background and the bigger-than-life Twain was weird. EL-ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Explorer: The Mystery Boxes edited by Kazu Kibuishi -Advisable

Edited by Kazu Kibuishi Explorer: The Mystery Boxes, 128pgs. Amulet Books, 2012 (March). $8.40. (Language-G -, Violence-PG; Sexual Content-PG13.)
This is a collection of seven graphic art stories by different author/illustrators that feature a similar mystery -of finding out what is in a box. Outside of that, each story is quite varied in setting and characters but all of them contain some supernatural element like magic, aliens, or spirit’s.
The artwork is full color and topnotch. My favorite story was The Keepers Treasure by Jason Caffoe –which was a treasure seeker on an adventure and a sly but sweet treasure keeper. All of the stories are appropriate for elementary students and the collection element will keep readers interested.
ELEMENTARY – Advisable Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

How to Get a Job by Me, the Boss by Sally Lloyd-Jones - ESSENTIAL

Lloyd-Jones, Sally How to Get a Job by Me, the Boss illustrated by Sue Heap 40 pg. Schwartz & Wade Books, 2011. PICTURE BOOK. $17.99. In this hysterical how-to, "the Boss" teaches her baby brother and friends the essentials when it comes to landing a job. She starts by explaining that "a Job is so you can have something to do and get money for your family. And sometimes a job is so you can get all dressed up and wear your new shoes to work." She goes on to explain what kinds of jobs there are and how one should act in a job interview..."You shouldn't EVER bite the Boss when is is talking to you. Or sit in his lap. Or fall asleep."
Coupled with the bright, silly illustrations, this is a book all ages will love! EL-ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

The Map of Me by Tami Lewis Brown–NOT RECOMMENDED

Brown, Tami Lewis The Map of Me, 160 pgs. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011. $14.11. (Rating: G in all catagories)
Maggie is a 6th grader who is at a total loss of how to create ‘a map of me’ for a school assignment. When her mom leaves the family, Maggie decides to go find her and bring her home. This involves taking her very unwilling little sister along for the ride. During their stolen car rode trip Maggie has a lot of time to think about her life and what it means to be her.
This is the kind of book well-meaning but antiquated teachers like to choose for dreaded theme discovery assignments. The dated setting, the overly-repetitious use of the words Momma and Daddy, the annoying younger sister, and the incredibly dull flashbacks -didn’t quite lead me to the life lesson/realization that it did for the main character.
Elementary –NOT RECOMMENDED Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo - ESSENTIAL

Cardillo, Margaret Just Being Audrey illustrated by Julia Denos 32 pg. Harper Collins, 2011. PICTURE BOOK/ NON-FICTION. $16.99. I never knew very much about Audrey Hepburn, but I am a fan after reading this darling book! Starting when Audrey lived in Nazi occupied Holland, the author takes you through her life as an actress, mother, and Goodwill Ambassador. Audrey's motto of "just doing her thing" is a good one for others to live by.
I loved reading the author's and illustrator's notes because you can tell how much they both love and admire Audrey. The illustrations are completely charming and complement her sweet life perfectly. EL-ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Bettye Stroud - OPTIONAL

Ramsey, Calvin Alexander & Bettye Stroud Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend illustrated by John Holyfield 32 pg. Candlewick Press, 2011. PICTURE BOOK. $15.99. During pivotal moments during the Civil Rights era, the people of Gee's Bend and their steady mules proved their worth over and over again. Alex, a young boy waiting outside a store front for his mother, meets an old lady who shares one of these stories with him. Alex learns of the people of Gee's Bend determination to vote despite the opposition. He also learns that after Dr. King's death, two mules from Gee's Bend pulled his casket through the streets of Atlanta.
I loved that this book highlights just a tiny scrap of history.The illustrations are so rich and add good detail to the story. EL-OPTIONAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

If you Live Here -Houses of the World by Giles Laroche –ADVISABLE

Laroche, Giles If you Live Here -Houses of the World, 32 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011. $~14.07. (Rating: G in all)
This picture book offers a selection of home styles from around the world. From dwellings like log cabins, to Chalets to Pueblo’s. It features stunning collage illustrations and a large informational component.
This book does a great job to help pull students out of the typical egocentric world view by showing them a variety of world homes. The wording is well designed to draw a child in. There are also interesting tidbits and facts, including a map. Might be useful for cultural curriculum connections.
EL, Elementary -ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Swirl by Swirl by Joyce Sidman –ADVISABLE.

Sidman, Joyce and Illustrated by Krommes, Beth Swirl by Swirl, 40 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011. $11.55. (Rating: G in all)
This picture book offers a portrait of the often overlooked but infinitely fascinating shape -of the Swirl. The Swirl is shown to be present in nature in all guises from a curled up animal to the placement of stars.
This book is short on words, and big on stunning illustrations. If you have youngsters that are ready to move on to more interesting shapes, this is the book for your library.
Pre-K -Advisable Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

In Search of the Sasquatch by Kelly Milner Halls –OPTIONAL

Halls, Kelly Milner In Search of the Sasquatch, 64 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011. $15.29. (Rating- Language PG (3 Swears!), G in all others).
This book explores the urban legend of the Sasquatch, with an eye towards investigation and potential fact. It features illustrations, photographs, and interviews. (Including many highly educated believers!). It is chocked full of information and interesting tidbits.
This was a great book, so why am I rating it as Optional? The author has chosen to include a transcript from a 911 call –that includes 3 swear words. While I am not opposed to swearing –coming from this book, in this context, for this age grouping -it was jarring and unnecessary. Other than that I really liked this book and I think students will have as much fun with this book as a book that explores ghosts.
ELEMENTARY -Optional Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.