Unraveling Isobel by Eileen Cook - OPTIONAL

Cook, Eileen  Unraveling Isobel Simon Pulse, 2012.  $16.99  290 pages.  Content: Language R (35 swears; 4 “F” words; 10 Gods); Sexual Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13).  

Isobel is moving for her senior year of high school because her mother has married a wealthy man who lives on an island.  Although she is bummed about leaving her friends, she is excited about living with her new hot stepbrother Nate.  While she sets up her new room, she learns that her new family has a past which is very suspect, involving the deaths of at least three people, as well as her new stepdad’s previous wife and young daughter.  Isobel’s room is haunted by the young daughter’s ghost and she starts to uncover the mystery behind the deaths that have happened in the house through the help of a local librarian.  As she is uncovering these mysteries, she and Nathan start to draw closer together and have to face the wrath of the local high school students who are criticizing their relationship.  

I liked the storyline and felt like the ghost story was just the right amount of creepy.  I didn’t like that the minor characters were so underdeveloped and I felt like the seriousness of the romance between the two characters was rushed.  

HS-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler - ADVISABLE

Cuyler, Margery Skeleton Hiccups, illustrated by S.D. Schindler.  Aladdin (Simon), 2002.  PICTURE BOOK.  $7.  

Skeleton has the hiccups and it is wreaking havoc on his day.  His pal Ghost has some friendly advice, but since Skeleton is only bones, nothing seems to be working.  

I know this book is old, but it is so funny to see Skeleton earnestly trying each of Ghost’s standard hiccup ‘cures’.  Very fun for a Halloween read aloud. 

Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks - ESSENTIAL

Banks, Anna  Of Poseidon  Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2012.  $17.99  326 pages.  Content: Language: PG-13 ( 9 swears); Sexual Content: PG; Violence: PG-13 (shark attack).  

Galen is a prince from an undersea kingdom and his people are known as the Syrena and their heritage is of Poseidon the Greek god.  Galen is an ambassador for his people and he keeps abreast of the goings on of the human world, so when he hears about a Syrena who is posing as a human, he comes on land to check it out.  Emma, has no idea that she is a Syrena and if she did she might have been able to stop a shark from killing her best friend on their vacation.  Emma returns home after losing her best friend, to find a new kid at school named Galen, a kid that was at the beach the day she lost her friend.  Galen tries to figure out if Emma knows that she is a Syrena while not falling for her, because if she is a Syrena then she has the heritage of Triton and she would need to marry Galen’s older brother to unite the kingdoms.  Emma and Galen work together to try and understand who she is.  

This was a great story with an original storyline and great chemistry between the characters.  I can’t wait for the next book.  

MS, HS-ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

The BOO! Book by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer - ESSENTIAL

Lachenmeyer, Nathaniel The BOO! Book, illustrated by Nicoletti Ceccoli.  Atheneu (Simon), 2012.  PICTURE BOOK.  $18.  

How do you know if you are reading a haunted book?  This handy tell-all book will give you all the clues you need.  

You need to read this book for the valuable information, but also for the gorgeous, clever illustrations!  Talk about multi-medium creations – I love them!  And I find the info very handy, because if I get sucked into a haunted book, I am happy to know I might be set free if I read to the resident ghosties!  

Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris - ESSENTIAL

Harris, Rachel My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century. 260 pgs. Entangled Teen, 2012. $9.99.

Language: PG (only a few very minor swears), Sexual Content: PG-13, Violence: PG.

The last thing Cat wants is the giant sweet sixteen bash her soon-to-be stepmother insists on throwing in her honor. The daughter of a flighty movie star mom and ultra-famous movie director dad, she has had more than enough of the spotlight. But when a young gypsy sends her back to sixteenth century Florence, Italy, her birthday bash is the least of her problems. Armed with only a backpack filled with contraband twenty-first century items, she must learn how to fit into this new world and try not to fall in love with a boy who shares her artistic talents. But when she finds herself fending off the advances of a creepy, much-older suitor who is bent on making Cat his wife, she might just want her old life back after all.

How nice to find a story that tells a fun tale in a teen voice without relying on overt sexuality or swearing. Girls who are looking for a sweet romance with a hint of the supernatural should find something to love in this one. Only one warning: A cliffhanger at the end makes it clear that there is at least one follow-up to Harris's debut novel.

MS - ADVISABLE, HS - ESSENTIAL. Reviewed by: Caryn

Theodosia and the Last Pharaoh by R.L. LaFevers-ADVISABLE

LaFevers, R.L., Theodosia and the Last Pharaoh. Houghton Mifflin, 2011. Pgs. 394. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G


When Theodosia goes to Egypt to return the Emerald Tablet-an artifact embedded with ancient secrets-to prevent the artifact among with some others from falling into the hands of the Serpents of Chaos. While there, she decides to discover the truth about her birth. While doing all that, she incurs the notice of two secret organizations. The rightful guardians of the artifacts she’s returning and another organization bent on world conquest. Both do not like her and would rather see her out of Egypt by any means. In a world where children are believed that they should be seen and not heard, her only hope to not suffering the wrath of the two organizations is to uncover the truth about her existence and to conquer the magic that she can control within her before it’s too late. Will she succeed?

A fun read for fans of Egyptian mythology. The heroine is quirky and entertaining. The plot is well-developed, engaging, and filled with action. The illustrations are detailed and fun to look at. Readers who have liked the other three books and enjoy adventure, action, ancient secrets, and other thing like Indiana Jones will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough-ESSENTIAL

MacCullough, Carolyn, Always a Witch. Clarion, 2011. Pgs. 288. Language: PG, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: PG


16-year-old Tamsin Greene has finally found her Talent, but she still feels set apart from her family. When Tamsin discovers that Alistair Knight, her enemy from Once A Witch (Clarion, 2009), has traveled back in time to destroy the Greene family, she follows him back in time to the mid-1800s. That part’s easy, the return part, not so much. To make matters worse, she ends up a handmaid in the Knight household, where maids have a very low life expectancy. As she tries to master her talent, she finds herself facing the reality of her grandmother’s prophecy. Can Tamsin keep herself alive to stop Alistair from destroying her family? Will she ever find a way back to her time?

The story is entertaining and the dialogue is clever. The characters are interesting and believable. With plot twists along the way and some sinister characters you love to hate, this gripping read is a must for fans of time travel, action, and mystery. Although it is recommended to read the first one, the second one can be read as a stand-alone novel as well. MS, HS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Hunter and the Eye of Ends by Christopher and Allan Miller-ADVISABLE

Miller, Christopher and Miller, Allan, Hunter and the Eye of Ends. Warner Press, 2011. Pgs. 381.

Language: G, Violence: PG, Mature Content: G

When Hunter Brown wakes up, he finds himself in a hospital with no memory of his last trip to Solandria. With the help of an intimidating detective, Hunter goes in search of his father in Solandria and tries to piece together the ever-growing puzzle of his family’s past and his missing father. Time, however, is not on his side and he’s being chase from all sides. To make matters worse, a Watcher is following him and wants Hunter’s missing father and what he possesses. Can Hunter find his father and regain his memory in time to stop the Watcher?

The book is scary and funny all at the same time. The writing is unique. The characters are likable and easy to sympathize with. The plot is well-developed and has a good pace that keeps the reader captivated. Readers who have read the first two in the series and enjoy fantasy, adventure, and mystery will enjoy reading this book.

EL, MS - ADVISABLE Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Ready or Not, Here comes Scout! By Jill Abramson & Jane O’Connor - OPTIONAL

Abramson, Jull and O’Connor, Jane and Illustrated by Melmon, Deborah Ready or Not, Here comes Scout! 32 pgs. Viking Juvenile, 2012. $10.87.  (Rating: G)

Scout is a pup who just wants to have fun. She wants to make friends, but does everything a bit wrong. Luckily she has her stuffed dog friend, baby. She learns that to make friends, she has to act like a friend first. There is one dog at the dog park that isn’t friendly though, Taco. He even steals baby. What will Scout do?

The authors really understand dogs. Too bad our black lab can’t learn a thing or two from Scout. The part that I didn't like was about Taco, he was growly so the other dogs just ignore him. Since the whole book is about friendship, I am confused about what kind of message are the authors are trying to send to the readers? I think sometimes those grumpy kids need friends the most. The artwork was a bit dated, but still cute.

 EL– ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Too Noisy! by Malachy Doyle - ESSENTIAL

Doyle, Malachy and Illustrated by Vere, Ed Too Noisy! PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2012. $9.75.  (Rating: G)

The Bungles are a noisy family. Sam needs a break from all the sound, so he walks off into the deep quiet woods. It gets darker faster than he thought, and soon he thinks he is feeling all manner of creepy crawlies. Sam starts to miss all the sounds of home.

I have been loving books with sounds! This one is full of them. It would be such a fun read aloud with added cricket noises, to accentuate the lack of spoken noises during the forest part. This book is bright, without being garish; the colors are harmonious yet striking. The artwork itself is creative and unique. I think students will love this story and the message with resonate with them.

EL (K-3)– ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Chloe, Instead by Micah Player- ADVISABLE

Player, Micah Chloe, Instead 32 pgs. Chronicle Books, 2012. $12.23.  (Rating: G)

Molly is an adorable little girl who really wanted a little sister who was like her. But what she really got was Chloe, who is almost her exact opposite. When Molly starts to see the positives in Chloe, like her love of dancing, she realizes that sometimes different is just perfect.

This was an adorable book on many levels. The artwork is REALLY bright and colorful. The story is simple but sweet as can be.

Pre-K, EL– ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Oh, No! by Candace Fleming - OPTIONAL

Fleming, Candace and Illustrated by Rohmann, Eric Oh, No! 40 pgs. Schwartz & Wade, 2012. $12.23.  (Rating: G)

There is a hole in the jungle which the animals all keep falling in to, and they can’t get out it! Worse yet, there is a tiger who watches hungrily. Every time a new animal falls in, there is a chorus of “Oh, No’s”. How will they ever get out and avoid the tiger too!?

Stunning artwork, incredible. But the story was pretty boring. For some reason the chorus of Oh No’s is enough for me to use this as a read-aloud, (although that same chorus works well for me in this book) and all the animals trapped in a pit part was sort of claustrophobic. The child who I let read it was worried about the fate of the Tiger too. So yes on illustrations, no on plot. That makes this one optional.

Pre-K, EL– OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Famous for Thirty Seconds by P.G. Kain-OPTIONAL

Kain, P.G., Famous for Thirty Seconds. Aladdin Mix, 2012. Pgs. 292. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

Brittany Rush has been appearing in commercials and print ads since she was a baby. When she went to callbacks, girls would get up and go home instead of competing with her. But, since she moved back from Hong Kong after a year of forced social exile brought on by her parents, she’s realized that she’s no longer the cute kid everyone swoons over, but just another one of the pretty girls. To make matters worse, her rival, Phoebe seems to be getting all the hot gigs. Can Brittany find a way to make herself out and gain back the fame she desires or will she find another outlet? Will she be able to accept Phoebe’s industry competition?

The characters are a little self-centered and shallow and the character’s catharsis seems a little sudden, but the story is cute enough and will probably hold the interest of readers who like chick-lit. EL (4-6), MS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Dive In! by Cassie Winters-OPTIONAL

Waters, Cassie, Dive In! Simon and Schuster, 2012. Pgs. 144. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

After spending Memorial Day weekend with her friends at Riverside Swim Club, Grace decides she wants to join. The diving boards are awesome and so are the hot guys. The only problem is that her parents refuse to pay for the membership. They promise to sign her up, however, if she comes up with the membership fees. Summer is only two weeks away. Can Grace come up with the money in time for summer?

A fun chick-lit book for reluctant reader girls. The characters are likable enough and the plot is easy enough to follow. Readers who like realistic fiction, chick-lit, and humor will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Diary of a Parent Trainer by Jenny Smith-OPTIONAL

Smith, Jenny, Diary of a Parent Trainer. Delacorte Press, 2012. Pgs. 312. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G


Having trouble with that grownup in your life? This guide is for you. Told partially through story and partially through information, readers will learn how to understand grownups and their strange behavior, predict their moves, and operate them to their best advantage.

A great book for Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries fans. Although there aren’t any illustrations, the text is humorous and interesting to read. The narrator of the text is an ideal representation of a teenager. Readers who like realistic fiction and humor will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

TeenBoat by Dave Roman and John Green-ADVISABLE

Roman, Dave and Green, John, TeenBoat. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012. GRAPHIC NOVEL.

Teen Boat is a boy who can turn into a boat and everyone at school knows it. Can he find a way to balance school and being a boat?

The illustrations are colorful and entertaining. The text is easy to read and entertaining. The main character is easy to like and sympathize with. Reluctant and avid readers who like graphic novels and realistic fiction will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

The Council of Mirrors by Michael Buckley-ADVISABLE

Buckley, Michael, The Council of Mirrors. Amulet Books, 2012. Pgs. 333. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

Sabrina, Daphne, and all the other Grimms are fighting for the freedom of Ferryport Landing. As war rips through the town, the Grimms join forces with former foes to stop the Scarlet Hand once and for all. There’s a secret out there to defeating the Scarlet Hand, but will they find it in time?

An action-filled, satisfying ending to The Sisters Grimm series. The characters are true to their original personalities, they’re likable, and fun to read about. The plot is well-developed and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Readers who have liked the other books in the series and like fantasy, adventure, and mystery will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Able to Play by Glenn Stout-ADVISABLE

Stout, Glenn, Able to Play. Hougton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012. Pgs. 88. INFORMATION


Mordecai Brown lost most of a finger in a farming accident. Ron Santo suffered from diabetes, Jim Abbott only had one arm, and Curtis Pride was deaf. What did these men have in common? They were all great baseball players. Learn how they overcame some of the greatest physical challenges to become one of baseball greats.

Inspirational and informative. The layout is well-done. The stories are easy to follow. The additional information in the back adds a lot to the text as well with the players’ stats and additional source information. Readers who like sports and/or inspirational stories will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Cheesie Mack: Is Cool in a Duel by Steve Cotler - ADVISABLE

Cotler, Steve, ill. by Adam McCauley. Cheesie Mack: Is Cool in a Duel. Random House, 2012. Pgs. 227.

Language; G, Violence:: PG, Sexual Content: G

Cheesie and Georgie are off to their favorite summer camp. When they get there, however, they are put in the Big Guy campers cabin with their archenemy, Kevin Welch. Now the youngest and smallest of the Big Guy campers, Cheesie has to find a way to fight wits against Kevin’s brawn. Will he find a way to make his summer the best summer ever and get Kevin to stop bullying him?

A funny, adventure-filled story for Wimpy Kid fans. The characters are likable and entertaining. The plot moves at a good pace and keeps the reader entertained with its large amount of humor. Readers who like realistic fiction and humor will enjoy reading this book.

EL - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Can I Just Take a Nap? by Ron Rauss-ADVISABLE

Rausss, Ron, Can I Just Take a Nap? Simon and Schuster, 2012, PICTURE BOOK


Aiden is trying to take a nap, but the more he tries to find a quiet place to sleep, the more he realizes how noisy everything is, even the library! Can Aiden find a quiet place to sleep.

Cute rhyming text with fun, colorful pictures to with it. Young children who like stories in rhyme or cute bedtime stories will enjoy reading this book. PreK, EL (K-3). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.