Vote for Me! by Ben Clanton - ADVISABLE

Clanton, Ben  Vote for Me!  Kids Can Press, 2012.  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

This is a simply drawn book about two candidates that want your vote.  A donkey and an elephant do all of the same things that politicians do when trying to get our vote: they bribe the reader with treats, compliment the reader, make fun of the opposition, and list reasons they are best qualified for the job.  As the donkey and elephant both present their sides, they get upset and start to fling mud at each other, and escalate to saying unkind things about each other, which eventually leads to an apology.  Then the votes come in the independent mouse wins the race and both the donkey and elephant are back at each other’s throats again.  

This is a creative way to show young readers how politicians debate with each other.  It’s simple and funny while demonstrating what is said during a political race.  

EL (K-3), EL (4-6), MS, HS-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Dead is a Killer Tune by Marlene Perez - ADVISABLE

Perez, Marlene Dead is a Killer Tune, 216 p. Houghton, 2012.  $8.  Content: G.  

Things are not going very well between Jess and her boyfriend Dominic – in fact Dominic seems to be studiously avoiding her.  While Jess wrestle with that and with learning how to fulfill her roles as virago (think superhero) and high school freshman, a Battle of the Bands contest sweeps into town – and band members seem to be disappearing, or is that dying?  Strange music seems to be the problem and Jess and the other viragos had better figure out the source before Dominic becomes the next victim.  

Jess has really grown into her character – now I am looking forward to more about her.  Keep ‘em coming Perez!   

MS, HS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher.

The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont - ADVISABLE

Griffith, Victoria  The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont  Illustrated by Eva Montanari  Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2011.  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

Alberto Santos-Dumont was a Brazilian inventor who became famous during the early 1900’s for flying around Paris in a dirigible, a controllable balloon used for transportation.  Eager to further his ability to travel by air, he spent three years trying to invent a self-propelled plane.  Although others in the world had been trying to invent self-propelled planes, none had been advanced enough to get off the ground.  Alberto invited hundreds of people to come to a field to see him fly his new plane, but when they got there another inventor showed up and wanted to fly also, so that he could be considered the first to invent the airplane.  Alberto allowed the other inventor to go first, but the man couldn’t get his plane off the ground.  When it was Alberto’s turn, Alberto’s aircraft left the ground and flew in the air for 21 seconds, making him the first man to invent a self-propelled airplane.  

Another famous person’s story is woven throughout Alberto’s story- Louis Cartier, the wrist watch maker.  The pictures are mediocre, but the story is very entertaining and interesting.  

EL (K-3), EL (4-6)-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Wicked Jealous by Robin Palmer - ADVISABLE

Palmer, Robin Wicked Jealous, 339 p. Speak (Penguin), 2012.  $10.  Content: G.  

Most of her life Simone has been the crazy fat chick – eating her feelings about her dysfunctional family.  When her dad’s girlfriend moves in, poised to take over the house, Simone decided maybe she should spend some quality time with her college-age brother and his six roommates.  Add in Zumba classes and fabulous vintage clothing and Simone’s life may just be ready for a turn for the better – if she can keep from dying.  

Palmer, for me, has returned to the quality book she wrote in Cindy Ella.  Witty and with its own internal logic.  While Simone's sudden weight loss was unrealistic, it didn't bother me. I know that sounds like faint praise, but it really does sparkle.  

MS, HS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher.

Larf by Ashley Spires - ADVISABLE

Spires, Ashley  Larf Kids Can Press, 2012.  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

Larf is a sasquatch that enjoys being alone.  He has contemplated all of the problems that he would have to face if people realized that sasquatches were real.  He likes to live with his pet bunny and watch movies and run through the woods, and convinces himself that he likes being the only of his kind.  However, one day he reads in the newspaper that there is a sasquatch that is making a showing at a nearby city, so Larf decides to travel to check it out.  He dresses in disguise and goes to visit the featured sasquatch.  

This is a cute picture book about trying new things and enjoying the company of people who have similar interests.  It has simple lines with few texts and adorable pictures.  

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

Picture Perfect by P.G. Kain - ADVISABLE

Kain, P.G. Picture Perfect (Commercial Breaks), 264 p. Simon, 2012.  $7.  Content: G.  

Cassie’s life is nothing like the picture perfect worlds she plays in commercials.  The only time her dad sees her is if he catches on of her commercials on his way through an airport or in his hotel room.  Cassie’s math professor mom is not as pretty or polished as the women who are cast with Cassie.  If only she could live in commercials always.  When Cassie screws up her grades, however, she may be banned from her beloved auditions is she doesn’t straighten up.  

SOOO cute!  Its hard to believe that these books are written by a man (sexist of me, I know), but Kain’s voice is spot on and while the content is clean, that doesn’t mean that it is fluffy.  And its already in paperback!!  

EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher.

Virginia Wolf by Kyo Maclear - OPTIONAL

Maclear, Kyo  Virginia Wolf  Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault  Kids Can Press, 2012.  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

Vanessa’s sister, Virginia,  wakes up in a bad mood, she tells Vanessa to not wear her favorite dress, to stop brushing her teeth so loud and then she tells a bird to stop making so much racket.  Virginia is as grumpy as a wolf, so Vanessa decides to try and make her happy.  Vanessa asks Virginia what would make her happy, and Virginia said she would like to fly to a faraway place, a made up place where everything is beautiful and peaceful.  So Vanessa gets her art supplies and starts to create that place by drawing on the walls in Virginia’s room.    

This book has unique illustrations and a cute story, but it might be too abstract for young readers, and that is the obvious intended audience.  

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

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller - PUBLIC ONLY

Doller, Trish Something Like Normal, 288 p. Bloomsbury, 2012.  $17.  Language: R (80+ swears, 30+ ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (drinking, implied sex, nudity).  

After Afghanistan, Travis’ world is falling apart.  His girlfriend dumped him for is own brother, his parents’ marriage is breaking apart.  The nightmares he brought back from the war will not let him find peace.  Then he runs into Harper – a girl he betrayed back in middle school – a girl he ruined with words.  She sparks something in him that may help him work through all of the pain – if he can find the words and actions to earn her forgiveness.  

I absolutely loved this book – and I would want to share it with many older students, if it weren’t for the content ratings.  This is definitely one of those YA books that is written for the oldest YA readers.  

PUBLIC ONLY.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Secret of the Garden by Kathleen Zoehfeld - ADVISABLE

Zoehfeld, Kathleen Weidner  Secret of the Garden:  Food Chains and the Food Web in our Backyard,  Illustrated by Priscilla Lamont  Alfred A. Knopf (Random), 2012.  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

This is a story of a little family that has a garden in the backyard.  In the spring time, the individual family members pick their favorite things to plant and they follow the growth through seedlings, to sprouts and to a full plant.  While they are watching their plants grow they talk about different insects that live in the garden and two hens in sidebars talk about the food chain.  At the end the two hens draw a food web using all the people, animals, insects and vegetables in the garden.  There are interesting facts throughout the book about vegetables and the parts that we eat, whether insects are carnivores or herbivores, and how worms help the soil.  

This book contains a lot of information and isn’t simply a children’s story about a garden.  The illustrations are very detailed and the sidebars are interesting without taking away from the overall flow of information.  

EL (K-3), EL (4-6)-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Arthur's Dream Boat by Polly Dunbar-ADVISABLE

Dunbar, Polly.  Arthur’s Dream Boat, 40 pgs.  Candlewick, 2012.  $15.99. PICTURE BOOK Content: G. After Arthur wakes from an amazing dream he wants to share it with everyone in his family.  He is completely disappointed and frustrated when no one, not even his dog, will take the time to listen.  His family is so busy they don’t even realize that there is a boat growing larger with page on top of Arthur’s head.  Once they realize what is happening they finally become involved and interested in this exciting adventure.  This story is simple, entertaining and enjoyable to read.  We loved the illustrations and were drawn into each page.  We really enjoyed this book.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL. 

Isabella's Garden by Glenda Millard-ESSENTIAL

Millard, Glenda.  Isabella’s Garden.  Illustrated by Rebecca Cool.  32 pgs.  Candlewick, 2012. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK Content: G. 

If you love stories with repetitive verse patterned after the nursery rhyme “The House That Jack Built,” you will love this great book by Millard.  We enjoyed the storyline detailing the amazing things that happen in a garden as the seasons change, as well as the opportunity for the kids to join in the reading as the story repeats itself on every page.  The illustrations are unique and have a fold-art similarity. The colors are brilliant. We loved this book.  Isabella’s Garden could be used in a unit on seasons or gardening.  Pre-K.  

Pre-K, EL (K-3).  ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: SL.

Amber House by Kelly Moore - ADVISABLE

Moore, Kelly Amber House, with Tucker Reed and Larkin Reed, 368 p. Arthur A. Levine (Scholastic), 2012.  $18.  Language: PG-13 (32 swears, 0 ‘f’).  

Sarah’s mother has returned to her childhood home after her mother’s death to sell it all and leave town as fast as possible.  But Sarah and her little brother are fascinated by a house they have never seen and a family they never got to know.  And Sarah has started to have visions – of scary things from the mansion’s past.  While Jackson, the grandson of her grandmother’s housekeeper, dares Sarah to figure out Amber House’s secrets, she is also dazzled by Richard, who shows how rich life can be with lots of money.  Sarah needs to choose a path and find out if she has the strength to unravel the ages old secrets that set her family on a path of destruction.  

Moore and her daughters have crafted a modern-day gothic novel.  Fans of danger and mystery will certainly enjoy this.  They will have to read carefully to pick up the important threads.  

MS, HS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Stay Close to Mama by Toni Buzzeo - OPTIONAL

Buzzeo, Toni  Stay Close to Mama  Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka  Disney Hyperion Books, 2012.  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.   

Twiga is a baby giraffe who is very curious about the world around him.  Twiga swells something sweet in the air and wants to go investigate.  His mother warns him to stay close to her, but he is too curious and runs across the field to follow the smell.  As he crosses the grass, he passes a hyena who is watching Twiga, but Twiga’s mother is close behind so the hyena doesn’t attack.  Then Twiga puts his face into a tree that has thorns and stinging ants, but that doesn’t stop him from being curious, and he runs to the river’s edge where there is a crocodile waiting.  However, Twiga is distracted before the crocodile can get too near and he runs to a sausage tree to get a treat.  There’s a cheetah hiding in the tree, but Twiga gets his sweet fruit and runs to his mom before the cheetah can get him.  In the end Twiga is safe with his mom eating his fruit.  

The illustrations are cute and the story is fun, but I guess I worry that Twiga didn’t learn anything about the dangers of running away from his mom or from not listening to her warnings.  I felt like the message of the book made it okay to disobey.  

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

52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody - ESSENTIAL

Brody, Jessica 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, 331 p. Farrar, Straus, Giroux (Macmillan), 2012.  $17.  Content: G (small amount of underage drinking).  

Lexington Larabee has crashed the brand new Mercedes she received for her birthday – ON her birthday and her father won’t take another single minute of her prima donna behavior.  The girl who never has worked a day in her life, who expected to receive the world ($25 million) on her birthday, must work a different menial labor job each week for the next year, or she will receive exactly NOTHING.  And the whole time she will be supervised (spied on) by her father’s newest eager beaver assistant, Luke.  Lexington had better find a way around this fast, or her life may be full of dishpan hands and tacky uniforms.  

Oh, oh, oh – I died laughing SOOOO many times during this book.  All of my assumptions were blown out of the water and this was one of my favorite books this summer!  I think I have to read it again.  

MS, HS – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie Pace - ADVISABLE

Pace, Countess Anne Marie Vampirina Ballerina, illustrated by Mistress-of-the-Night LeUyen Pham.  Disney, 2012.  PICTURE BOOK.  Content: G.  

Any little vampire who aspires to be a ballerina will greatly profit be reading this step by step guide to ballerina prowess!  The adorable illustrations remind me of the great Disney artist Mary Blair, though LeUyen is a phenomenal illustrator in her own right.  I can’t resist this for Halloween!  

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

Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur - ESSENTIAL

LaFleur, Suzanne  Eight Keys  Wendy Lamb Books (Random), 2011.  $16.99  216 pages.  Content: G.  

Elise lives with her Aunt Bessie and Uncle Hugh and is starting sixth grade at the middle school.  She lives next to her best friend Franklin and has always enjoyed playing in the woods with him, but when a girl from school starts to make fun of Elise and Franklin, Elise starts to wonder if Franklin should still be her friend.  Elise finds that she doesn’t like middle school and all of the responsibilities that come with it and is starting to wonder who she really is.  She finds a key in her Uncle Hugh’s barn that has her name on it, and she tries it in one of the eight doors at the top of the barn.  She finds a room that has a message from her father and includes photographs of her life with her dad before he died of cancer.  Eventually she uncovers seven other keys that open seven other rooms, with messages from her father and mementos from where she came from.  As she unlocks the puzzle that her father made for her, she starts to learn who she is now by learning where she came from.  

This is a very touching coming of age novel.  The characters are well developed and it handles issues that kids face when going into middle school.  I thought the emotions of the characters were genuine.  

EL (4-6), MS-ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Bird and Squirrel on the Run! by James Burks - ESSENTIAL

Burks, James  Bird and Squirrel on the Run!  Scholastic, 2012. GRAPHIC NOVEL  Content: G.  

Squirrel is a planner who just wants to get his nuts stored in his tree for the winter.  Bird is an adventurous spirit who likes to test the boundaries, so it’s not surprising when he attracts the attention of a cat.  Against his better judgment, Squirrel helps Bird escape the cat, and in the process loses all of his stored nuts.  Bird convinces Squirrel to go south with him and along the way Bird gets Squirrel to loosen up and enjoy life.  

This is a great book about friendship and learning to enjoy life.  Bird has a positive attitude and likes to laugh, even when they are in a scary situation and his positive attitude rubs off on Squirrel so that Squirrel can better enjoy his life.  I think this book has a great moral for all kids.  The illustrations are expressive and the banter between the characters is funny.  

EL(4-6), MS-ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

In the Sea by David Elliott-OPTIONAL

Elliott, David.  In the Sea.  Illustrated by Holly Meade. 32 pgs.  Candlewick, 2012.  $16.99. PICTURE BOOK Content: G.  Filled with poetry and bright illustrations, early readers can be challenged to read this fun book about life in the sea.  The illustrations are bright and colorful.  The information on each sea creature is fun and interesting. The poems are short and catchy.  “Anemones: Gotta lotta zing! By which I mean, Watch out! They Sting.”  This book could be used in a unit on sea animals.  Pre-K. EL (K-3).  OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SL. 

House Held Up By Trees by Ted Kooser- ADVISABLE

Koose, Ted.  House Held Up By Trees.  Illustrated by Joh Klassen. 32 pgs.  Candlewick, 2012.  $16.99. PICTURE BOOK Content: G. This is a tender story about the changes that not only happen to a particular family’s house, but also their individual lives.  When their house was new, the children played in the yard and in the neighboring trees.  These trees blew seeds onto the lawn that their father painstakingly plucked or trimmed daily.  But as the children grew and left, the father was alone and continued his task of caring for the lawn until it became too hard for him.  He also eventually moved away.  Without anyone to kill the newly bursting tiny trees in the lawn, the trees eventually took over and overpowered the house.  In addition to the story being fascinating, the undercurrent of family ties and relationships is also apparent.  We enjoyed the illustrations.  They are unique and remarkable.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL. 

Happy Like Soccer by Maribeth Boelts- ADVISABLE

Boelts, Maribeth.  Happy Like Soccer.  Illustrated by Lauren Castillo. 32 pgs.  Candlewick, 2012. $15.99. PICTURE BOOK Content: G.  Sierra loves soccer.  Everything about the game makes her happy.  But one thing really makes her sad: her Aunt is unable to get work off each Saturday to see her play.  Sierra watches all her teammate’s family members sitting on blankets and chairs on the sidelines.  They don’t even know her name; they just call to her by the number on the back of her jersey. More than anything, Sierra would like to have a loved one cheering her on at her games.  This is an unexpected emotionally packed book.  I really wasn’t excited to read it, maybe the title threw me off.  But both my son and I were quiet and reflective when the story was over. This is a tender story and one that would spark many discussions about families, social differences, and dealing with the sadness that sometimes occurs in life.   EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL.