When You Open Your Eyes by Celeste Conway - OPTIONAL

Conway, Celeste  When You Open Your Eyes Simon Pulse, 2012.  $16.99.  308 pages.  Content:  Language: R (36 swears; 15 Gods; 2 “F”); Sexual Content: R; Violence:  PG-13.  

Tessa has recently moved to Buenos Aires from her Virginia home.  She misses her old high school friends and boyfriend, but quickly gets lost in her new Argentinian lifestyle when she meets the handsome and troubled Lucien.  Her father works for the FBI and hasn’t been a part of their lives for the last two years, but now that he has his family in the field with him he tries to control their actions.  The more he tries to control Tessa the harder she falls into Lucien’s life.  Lucien has manic depression and expresses himself through guerilla art; however, when that guerilla art turns into what is perceived as a terrorist act Lucien and Tessa find themselves pulled in two directions.  Tessa also finds that her FBI father isn’t the upstanding person he has let his family believe in.  I thought this book was depressing and the main character didn’t show any growth.  Tessa frustrated me because she kept doing things she knew she shouldn’t –including drug use.  The sexual content was adult level and this shouldn’t be a young adult novel.  

HS-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Ladybug Girl and Bingo by David Soman - ESSENTIAL

Soman, David and Jacky Davis  Ladybug Girl and Bingo  Dial Books, 2012.  $16.99  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

Lulu and her family are camping in the great outdoors with their dog Bingo.  Lulu and Bingo go on many imagined adventures to look for unicorns, ride on big turtles and to discover undersea mermaid castles.  Her family keeps warning her to keep ahold of Bingo’s leash so he doesn’t get lost in the woods.  Lulu decides that she needs to climb a tree to find her unicorn, so she ties Bingo up to a branch, but when something gets Bingo’s attention he breaks away from the branch and runs off.  Lulu chases him and finds him, but then she feels lost.  when bingo helps her find her family she feels better. 

This has great illustrations and Lulu’s adventures are creative, and at the same time the story teaches the importance of being responsible for a pet and to listen to your family.  

EL (K-3)-ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Puzzled by Pink by Sarah Hardy - OPTIONAL

 Hardy, Sarah Frances  Puzzled by Pink  Viking, 2012.  $16.99  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

Izzy likes to wear black and play with spiders and she has an imaginary ghost friend.  Her sister Rose likes anything pink and she likes fairies.  When Izzy won’t wear pink to Rose’s party she decides to go upstairs to the attic and have her own party.  While Izzy is having a good time in the attic, Rose comes up with some pink cupcakes.  Izzy tells Rose that she is ruining her party and that Rose isn’t even a fairy because her wand isn’t read.  When they fight over the wand, Rose turns Izzy’s black cat into a pink dragon.  They agree that maybe they are both right and then go down to the party.  I thought that Izzy wasn’t a very likable character-who tells their sister that they won’t go to their birthday party because they won’t wear pink and then continues to ruin her dreams of being a fairy?  Izzy also was a bit goth for a little kid.  The illustrations were cute though.  

EL (K-3)-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

A Scary Scene from a Scary Movie by Matt Blackstone - OPTIONAL

Blackstone, Matt  A Scary Scene from a Scary Movie, pgs. 248.  Farrar Straus Giroux, New York, 2011.  $16.99. Language: R - 40 swears, 1 F word;

Mature Content:  PG13 - main character has a dream about touching large breasts; Violence:  PG - a student biting the main character on the shoulder and then dragging him into the school bathroom.

            This is an interesting book, a fast read but somewhat disappointing.  Because of the title, I was set to read a mystery or suspense yarn.  Not so.  This book is about 14 year old Rene, a totally wacked-out, OCD kid.  He has to smell his left hand to make sure that he exists.  His demeaning, emotionally abusive dad left many years ago but is now trying to get back into Rene and his mom’s life.  Because of this, Rene and his newly found and only friend, Giovanni, run away to New York.  Rene is so afraid of everything that he keeps comparing his life to a ‘scary scene in a scary movie,’ hence the title.   Towards the end of the book, Rene does start to gain some self-respect and to control his obsessive-compulsive behaviors. 

This book is supposed to be funny but to me, didn’t read that way.  I felt too sorry for friendless Rene and his life to find the book funny.  It also didn’t ring true.  Rene’s thoughts and actions were so exaggerated because of Matt Blackstone trying to be funny and not accomplishing it, that it was just an okay book for me. 

MS/HS – Optional.   M.J. Burton, teacher.

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne - OPTIONAL

Laybourne, Emmy  Monument 14, 294 pgs.  Feiwet and Freinds, 2012.  $16.99.  Language-PG13(87 swears, 5 F's);Sexual Content-PG13;Violence-PG13; 

This book is packed with action.  It feastures six high school students (unpopular and popular), two eighth graders (one is a tech geek), and six younger children all trapped in a superstore.  They build a refuge inside.  Outside, a series of disasters begin with a giant hailstorm, ending with a chemical weapons spill.  It is tearing the world they know apart.  The leader Niko (Boy Scout) tries really hard to organize their lives and keep them safe.  The jocks want it to be party time all the time.  The characaters are well defined and developed.  The ending of the story leaves you hanging almost like there might be a sequel.  This is a very interesting storyline, but the language and sexual situations really bothered me.  

HS-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SFC AND CRC

Black Gold by Albert Marrin - ADVISABLE

Marrin, Albert Black Gold, 181 pgs.  Alfred A. Knopf, 2012.  $19.99. Language-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G 

Thick, Foul, and slippery, oild is not pretty-but it drives our world.  Without it, life as we live it today would be impossible.  Oil has shaped the history, society, politics, and economy of every country on earth.  This is a very good book.  It is well written and interesting.  I learned things about oil that I didn't know.  Easy to read, great pictures.  

MS/HS-ADVISABLE.  SFC Librarian.

The Enchantress by Michael Scott - ESSENTIAL

Scott, Michael The Enchantress, 513 p. Delacorte (Random), 2012. 

Content: PG-13 (lots of danger and fighting).  

There is only one day left in this fight to save the world.  The Flamels are together, trying to keep the evil creatures from Alcatraz island from invading and destroying San Francisco.  They must unite with old enemies in order to save this day.  Everyone else has hurtled in the far, far past – to just before the destruction of Danu Talis.  There, someone important to the twins has a very startling revelation for them – a path that they must choose to embrace or shun.  And each of the others has a very important role to play in the future of all mankind.  

Scott rocks his way to a dramatic finish to his series.  While it still bugs me that everything took place over such a short time period (seven days), I can’t deny that there has been drama, suspense, danger and heartache every step of the way.  Definitely for older readers!  

MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

The File on Angelyn Stark by Catherine Atkins - OPTIONAL

Atkins, Catherine.  The File on Angelyn Stark. 250 pgs. Alfred A. Knopf, 2011.   $13.06. (Language : R [several swears, couple “f”]; Mature Content : PG-13; Violence : PG) 

Angelyn smokes, swears, fights, and acts impulsively. She gives her boyfriend just enough to distract him from wanting more. She is blamed for most of what she and her friends get up to, and insists on taking blame when she’s not. Her mom certainly makes it clear that everything is her fault. When a teacher at her high school sees potential in her, she confuses the lines between teacher, friend, father, and lover. I found it interesting to get to know Angelyn Stark, and to witness how she would often either push back in anger or reach out inappropriately.

This story deals with the very mature issue of sexual abuse, but the author uses subtle language that authentically captures the confusion and resentment that would result from a three-year silence after such an experience, thus making this book appropriate for some high school settings. Consider it for your reluctant readers, as the reading level is low.

HS – OPTIONAL.  Reviewer:  PKFoster, teacher-librarian

The Summer of May by C. Galante

Galante, Cecilia.  The Summer of May.   252 pgs. Aladdin, 2011.   $16.99. (Language : G ; Mature Content : PG; Violence : G)

Maeve prefers to be called May, and isn’t afraid to let others know, even when she’s in the principal’s office for the umpteenth time and is being forced to choose between summer school with the teacher she despises the most or expulsion. It’s been a hard year for May, and all the anger she feels toward her mom for leaving, toward her dad for moving them to a poorer neighborhood, and toward her gram for staying shut behind her bedroom door comes erupting out at inopportune times. When her mean English teacher makes her feel stupid in front of everyone in class, she gets revenge, but now has to attend summer school as a consequence, one-on-one with that same teacher.

May is thirteen and just finishing 8^th grade, making it a solid middle-school story, rather than an elementary one, despite the fact that the jacket flap says she is twelve and the cover art features a girl who looks like a tween, or even younger. The lyrical language and engaging characters pulled me right into the story. It is a solidly written and moving story, even if somewhat predictable for your more well-read students.

MS – ADVISABLE.  Reviewer:  PKFoster, teacher-librarian

Steal That Base! by K Scaletta

Scaletta, Kurtis.  Steal That Base!   (Topps League Story, book 2). Illustrated by Eric Wight. 104 pgs. Amulet Books, 2012.   $5.95 (pbk). (Language : G; Mature Content : G; Violence : G)

The narrator of the story, Chad is a batboy for the Pine City Porcupines and loves it. His friend Dylan also works there, but tends to get distracted, like when he finds a spider near the dugout and names him Sparky. The team’s mascot, Spike, is also a friend of his named Abby. In this adventure, the friends help encourage one of the players to steal a base for the first time in his career, and they manage to get a bobblehead door prize to a young fan. The characters and plot are engaging, though complete comprehension will be difficult without a good working knowledge of baseball. I would recommend this series for baseball fans up to fifth grade, and even to reluctant sixth grade readers.

EL – ADVISABLE.  Reviewer:  PKFoster, teacher-librarian

Lawn Mower Magic by L Jonell

Jonell, Lynne. Lawn Mower Magic (Magical Mix-Ups, book 2). Illustrated by Brandon Dorman. 103 pgs. Stepping Stone Book, 2012. $12.99. (Language : G; Mature Content : G; Violence : G)

In this second story about the Willow family, who have moved into an old home built on a hill infused with magic, Derek hopes to buy a train ticket to visit a friend from their old neighborhood. After his plan to earn money by mowing the grass is thwarted when the power mower quits working, he and his siblings discover a push mower that is raring to go. Who would have thought that a rusty old push mower could be so difficult? With a touch of magic that creates humorous challenges for the Willow children, this book is a good introduction to fantasy for younger readers.

EL – ADVISABLE. Reviewer: PKFoster, teacher-librarian

The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic by Jennifer Trafton-OPTIONAL

Trafton, Jennifer. Ill. by Brett Helquist. The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic. Dial Books, 2010. Pgs. 339. 

Content: G

Join Persimmony Smudge on a great adventure with her new friends, Worvil and Guafnoggle. Lucan the Lofftier, King of the Island, is 13 years old. He is out of pepper and is worried about the rumors of a giant being buried underneath the island’s mountain. After all, what other mountain rises and falls. So he sends Persimmony and her friends to save the island. Can they save the island? Is there really a giant underneath the mountain? Will the King get his pepper?

The wandering text is fun and imaginative. However, it may be difficult for some readers to follow. The illustrations are wonderful pencil sketches. The character are eccentric, but fun to read about. Readers who like books by Roald Dahl and are used to the more unique approach to their plots will enjoy reading this book. 

EL (4-6), MS. OPTONAL. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Lights Camera Cassidy: Celebrity by Linda Gerber-ADVISABLE

Gerber, Linda, Lights, Camera, Cassidy: Celebrity. Puffin, 2012. Pgs. 216. Language: G, Violence; G, Sexual Content: G

Cassidy Barnett is 12 and wants to be 13. Cassidy loves her parents and their crazy life style. Her parents are on a reality tv show and travel all over the world for their job. However, lately Cassidy has had a hard time keeping out of trouble. She even stumbles on a crime scene and puts it on her blog. Being in hot water with her parents, being in the middle of a crime, and having emotions for two handsome boys has kind of messed up her comfy lifestyle. Will she find a way to stay out of trouble? Will she be able to choose between the two boys?

This adventurous middle grade novel offers reader some unique looks behind the scenes of reality tv shows the reader cheering on the lively and relatable Cassidy on and at other tines wanting to yell at her. The plot is humorous and engaging. As Cassidy faces up to her own shortcomings, readers will find themselves cheering on the lively and relatable Cassidy on and, at other times, wanting to yell at her.  A fun, quick read for girls.

The Magic Maker: A Portrait of John Langstaff by Susan Cooper-OPTIONAL

Cooper, Susan, The Magic Maker: A Portrait of John Langstaff, Creator of the The Christmas Revels. Candlewick Press, 2011. Pgs. 193. INFORMATION.

Who was John Langstaff? How did he go from being a choir boy to creating one of the greatest musical masterpieces filled with traditional song, folk dance, and drama? This book will take its readers back to 1920 to where John grew up in a musical home and how his love of music grew and how he overcame many obstacles?

The textual layout is a little jumbled and hard to follow. The pictures, however, are fun to look at and the story is touching and inspiring. Readers who like biographies or who like the Christmas Revels will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS, HS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Merlin the Book of Magic: The Ultmate Guide to the Merlin Saga by T.A. Barron-OPTIONAL

Barron, T.A., Merlin The Book of Magic: The Ultimate Guide to the Merlin Saga, Philomel Books, 2011. Pgs. 167. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

 Have you ever wondered what is Merlin’s source of power? Or what really happened to Merlin’s lost wings? This book will answer these questions readers have about the story and more.

Good layout and pictures. Text is easy to follow and well-written. Readers who are fans of Merlin series and King Arthur Mythology will enjoy reading this guide. EL (4-6), MS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Sammy Keyes and the Power of Justicce Jack by Wendelin Van Draanen-ESSENTIAL

Van Draanen, Wendelin, Sammy Keyes and the Power of Justice Jack. Alfred A. Knopf, 2012.pgs. 294. Language: PG  (1 swear, no "f"s). Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

 When Sammy Keyes meets Santa Martina, Justice Jack, she’s a little skeptical of his crime-fighting superhero abilities. To make matters worse, all the elderly people are fond of the man and want to hire him to track down Sammy’s neighbor, Mrs. Wedgewood. Despite the superhero’s best efforts, Sammy is steal better at caching criminals than he is. When a mystery pops up with relation to a city statue and the superhero’s true intentions, Sammy can’t resist her newest caper. Can Sammy discover who this kooky superhero really is? Will she solve the mystery and find her neighbor?

 Sammy is a multidimensional character with a flare for mysteries. With multiple sub-plots, Wendelin Van Draanen humors her readers once again. Her lovable, colorful, oddball characters are a delight. This entertaining spoof will keep the reader turning pages. EL (4-6), MS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Sources of Light by Margaret McMullan - ADVISABLE

McMullan, Margaret Sources of Light 240 pg. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2010. Language- PG; Violence- PG; Sexual Content- G. $16.00. Fourteen year old Sam moves with her mother in 1962 to Jackson, Mississippi. The South is at the height of racial segregation issues, and Sam and her mother are considered "liberal". As Sam adjusts to her new life and struggles to fit in, she receives a camera from her mother's friend, Perry. It's this camera that enables her to see the shades of gray in a world that only sees in black and white.
This was a very age appropriate book with great historical information. Sam is a very endearing character that young adults will relate to. My favorite parts about the book were the poignant, thought provoking passages. EL/MS- ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Vintage Veronica by Erica S. Perl - OPTIONAL

Perl, Erica S. Vintage Veronica 272 pg. Knopf, 2010. Language- PG13; Sexual Content- PG13; Violence- G. $16.99. Fashion-minded Veronica Walsh gets a summer job at the Clothing Bonanza. It is her dream job as she gets to spend her days alone, sorting old, vintage clothes. But when two crazy fellow girl employees befriend her, her time alone is put to a halt. The girls urge Veronica to spy on the awkward and mysterious stock boy, and in hopes of gaining some friends, Veronica agrees. Suddenly, what started out as a prank turns into something serious, and Veronica must decide if she will come out of hiding and do something she's never done before...follow her heart.

I really liked the premise of this book but was disappointed with the final result. Some emotional elements didn't quite connect, and the ending was a little too unfinished. There was too much unnecessary language which deterred from the interesting plot. MS- OPTIONAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher. 

This Means War! by Ellen Wittlinger - OPTIONAL

Wittlinger, Ellen This Means War 224 pg. Simon & Schuster BFYR, 2010. Language- PG; Violence- PG; Sexual Content- G. $16.99. Set during the Cold War of 1962, fifth grader Juliet Klostermeyer is scared about a lot of things...her parents losing their grocery store business, nuclear missiles attacking America, and losing her best friend. When a new girl, Patsy, moves in down the road, she seems like the answer to all of Juliet's problems. Patsy is brave and courageous, but when she involves Juliet in an all-out war of bravery against the neighborhood boys, Juliet has to decide what bravery really means.
The book deals with multiple topics including the Cuban missile crisis, friendship, and coming of age. It wasn't the most gripping book ever, but I think that younger grades would enjoy it. EL/MS- OPTIONAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

The Coven's Daughter by Lucy Jago - OPTIONAL

Jago, Lucy The Coven's Daughter 256 p. Hyperion Book, 2011. Content - PG. $16.99.

Cecily Perryn is a fatherless, lowly servant girl in the Montacute House and has only one friend, William. Days after her 13th birthday, Cess is accused of witchcraft. The only way to prove her innocence is by finding her best friend, William, and finding the real culprit of the recent kidnappings. It is only until she is in the thick of finding the kidnapper that Cecily realizes she is embroiled in a world she never knew existed with powers she never knew she possessed.

I was intrigued by the plot, but in the end the story really fell flat for me. There were some elements of the story that were too forced and others that were too unbelievable. The characters were well developed, but I still struggled to make a connection. Definitely not a buy-worth book.

EL/MS - OPTIONAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.