Bright Lights and Starry Nights (An Owly & Wormy Book) by Andy Runton –ADVISABLE

Runton, Andy Bright Lights and Starry Nights (An Owly & Wormy Book) 40 pgs. Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2012. $10.87.  (Rating: G)

A combination wordless picture book with a graphic novel style. Owly and his friend Wormy want to look at the stars with a telescope. They have lots of ideas and try things out. All sorts of problems arise when they head out into the wood for a better view: a lost telescope, rain, strange noises, and even some new friends.

This was a really fun book! I love Owly, but sort of wish his friend was something cuter than a worm. I kept thinking it was a dismembered thumb. In any case, the wordless book style features Owly thinking with little thought bubbles featuring a small illustration, and it works really well to convey his thoughts. I think student will love both the format and the big bright adorable illustrations.

EL, ELEMENTARY –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.

Time out for Monsters! by Jean Reidy –ADVISABLE

Reidy, Jean and Illustrated by Neubecker, Robert Time out for Monsters! 32 pgs. Hyperion Book CH 2012. $12.74.  (Rating: G)

When a little boy gets sent to the corner, he realizes that something is missing –so out come the crayons, and a whole adventure. It starts with a window, leads to dinosaurs, dragons, cupcakes, thrones, and even monsters! Includes a fold out giant page illustration!

This was a great book about imagination! I loved big bright colorful illustrations. There is lots to look at! Includes all the ‘boy’ stuff like trucks and dino’s –so its sure to be a hit!

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

Lighting Our World: A Year of Celebrations by Catherine Rondina –OPTIONAL

Rondina, Catherine and Illustrated by Oakley, Jacqui Lighting Our World: A Year of Celebrations 32 pgs. Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2012. $14.00.  (Rating: G)

A wide variety of world holidays and celebrations ordered by month. Colorful pastel like illustrations cover the large pages. The summaries are small and geared towards elementary aged students. It includes the country and some details of origin and what the holiday entails.

I never realized how many celebrations include fire and burning a variety of things! I really like how this book was set up and summaries were perfect for short assignments. I did not enjoy the dated looking illustrations; they reminded me strongly of the Disneyland ride “It’s a small world”; with round dots of color on the cheeks of many children -reminiscent of clowns. I can’t understand why more books about real non-fiction topics don’t include photography instead of illustrations.

ELEMENTARY –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary  School Librarian & Author.

Come August, Come Freedom by Gigi Amateau - ESSENTIAL

Amateau, Gigi Come August, Come Freedom: the Bellows, the Gallows, and the Black General Gabriel, 231 pgs. Candlewick Press, 2012. $16.99. Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature  Content: PG; Violence: PG.  

This is the true story of Gabriel Prosser, a man born into slavery in 1776 in Virginia.  He is brought up as a playmate to his master’s son.  Thus, he learns to read and write along with the white boy. As a young man, he is sent to Richmond with his brother to learn blacksmithing from Jacob Kent.  Because he is educated, he understands all the talk of liberty and what “all men are created equal” means.  His soul yearns to be free.  With the blessing of his strong wife, Nanny, he prepares to lead a rebellion against the white slave owners under the inspiration of Toussaint’s successful rebellion in Haiti. 

The title of the book leaves no surprise how his story ends. The man, Gabriel, becomes real with the skillful writing of Amateau. The book inspires one to learn more about the life of this obscure hero.  The author enriched this story by adding in real document s of this era pertaining to the slave, Gabriel. It would be a great read for any history class or for discussions on slavery, courage, injustice, treachery, etc. 

EL, MS, HS- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: MOMMC.

The Amazing Hamweenie by Patty Bowman - ESSENTIAL

Bowman, Patty. The Amazing Hamweenie, PICTURE BOOK. Philomel Books (Penguin), 2012. $16.99 Content: G.  

Hamweenie the cat, wants nothing more than to be famous and pampered.  Alas, his life is not as magnificent as he would like it to be.  Hamweenie believes he is mistreated, but in fact, he is loved and coddled and has a wild imagination.  

I got such a kick out of this book. There is so much detail in the artwork and the pictures and text go together so well, that the story wouldn’t be complete without them both.  Hamweenie’s dramatic personality made me laugh in unexpected ways.  The language is definitely a bit complex, but not impossible to explain.  It is a truly entertaining and intelligent picture book. 

EL – ESSENTIAL. Reviewed by: Shay, Library Media Specialist

Small Game Hunting: Rabbit, Racoon, Squirrel, Opossum, and More by Tom Carpenter-ADVISABLE

Carpenter, Tom, Small Game Hunting: Rabbit, Racoon, Squirrel, Opossum, and More. Lerner Publishing Company, 2013. Pgs. 32. INFORMATION

What are the different types of small game tracks and how to hunters tell the difference? What gear would you need to become an expert small game hunter? How do you prepare and cook game? This book answers these questions and more.

With easy-to-access information and a good layout, readers will appreciate the useful information and great illustrations and photographs. Readers interested in a how-to book or in small game hunting will enjoy reading this book. Included are a glossary, an index, and sources for further information. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Hothead by Cal Ripken, Jr.-OPTIONAL

Ripken, Cal, Jr., Hothead. Disney Hyperion, 2011. Pgs. 135. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

Connor is a great shortstop and loves baseball. But, lately he’s been having all sorts of blowups at the games. Which leads to disappointment from his dad, his coach, teammates, girls, and worst of all, himself. Things are rough at home. His dad is out of work and can’t find a job. People at school are giving him a hard time about his temper. Will his family be okay? Will Connor be able to get his temper under control or will he strike out?

This book has a good balance between sports and the characters and their relationships. The sports action will hook even reluctant readers who would rather be on the field or in the dugout. This book is a perfect match for boys who love baseball. EL (4-6), MS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

The Golden Twine (Cat’s Cradle Book #1) by Jo Rioux –ESSENTIAL

Rioux, Jo The Golden Twine (Cat’s Cradle Book #1) 112 pgs. Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2012. $15.52.  (Rating: G)

Suri is an adorable orphan who tries to make a living anyway she can. She hopes to grow up to be an monster tamer –and it just so happens the group she is traveling with has one in their caravan. When she accidently takes some twine from a monster called a caitsith, a whole group of them come after her. Turns out the monster caged up back at camp is an ally and Suri discovers some abilities she had always wanted.

I thought this was a fantastic story! The artwork is top notch and the lead into the story is perfect. I am hooked and I think students will be too! Lots of mysteries left to explore in this story and I can’t wait until the next book comes out!!

ELEMENTARY –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.

Luz makes a Splash by Claudia Davila –ADVISABLE

Davila, Claudia Luz makes a Splash 96 pgs. Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2012. $13.14.  (Rating: G)

Luz and her friends are not enjoying the heat wave that is hitting her town. They try to go swimming in a favorite pond, but find that it’s dried up. They suspect a local plant is taking the water. Even worse there is a freeze on watering –so the local vegetable gardens are dying. Luz wants to help and through her neighbors finds out what graywater is and how to use to create a waterwise garden and xeriscape.

This was sort of a sneaky way to present information on environmental awareness and how to help. But I didn't fall for it and neither will students. (Though author Gill Lewis can trick me anytime -see my reviews of his books here and here). If students find this book in with your graphic novels, they will be disappointed, like I was, to expect a story and get a lesson. So take my advice and stick this book in your non-fiction section on Saving the Earth and you will have a hit.

ELEMENTARY –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.

Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America by Andrea Davis Pinkney-ADVISABLE

Pinkney, Andrea Davis, Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America. Disney Hyperion, 2012. Pgs. 243. INFORMATION.

Benjamin Banneker, A. Philip Randolph, Thurgood Marshall, Malcolm X, and Barack H. Obama II, what do these guys all have in common? They changed the world. Read this book to learn how.

This book is chock full of useful and information and great illustrations. The people included are well-known, but some of the facts are not. With a timeline and further reading resources included, readers who need a supplemental book for their report or who enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Binky Takes Charge (A Binky Adventure) by Ashley Spires –ADVISABLE

 Spires, Ashley Binky Takes Charge (A Binky Adventure) 64 pgs. Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2012. $13.22.  (Rating: G)

Binky the cat is thrilled to be able to train new recruits, he has it all planned out. But when he is given a dog instead of his expected kittens –well Binky makes the best of it. He trains Gordon to the best of his ability –but its just hopeless. Worst of all Binky and Gracie start to suspect that Gordon is a spy. Things couldn't get worse for this amazing Space Cat.

I love love love this series. The characters are fun and memorable. The plot lines are creative, interesting, silly, and fun. Students love kittens and spies –so this will be a perfect match!!

ELEMENTARY –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.

The Captive Prince (Three Thieves Book #3) by Scott Chantler –ADVISABLE

Chantler, Scott The Captive Prince (Three Thieves Book #3) 116 pgs. Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2012. $14.00.  (Rating: G)

Dessa, Topper, and Fisk are on the run –the Queen’s Dragons are still hunting them. When Dessa accidently rescues a prince, the group risks going to get their ‘reward’. Prince Paladin has a bit of a crush on Dessa, and his father (and a future marriage prospect) will do anything to stop the romance.

I reviewed the first book in this series, and its apparently only gotten better. This was a fantastic read –the characters are interesting and well established. The artwork is top-notch. This is a quality graphic novel for your collection that students will love –so be prepared to get the whole series.

ELEMENTARY –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.

Into the Woods (Bigfoot Boy Book #1) by J. Torres and Faith Erin Hicks –ADVISABLE

Torres, J and Hicks, Faith Erin Into the Woods (Bigfoot Boy Book #1) 100 pgs. Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2012. $15.48.  (Rating: G)

Rufus has to stay with his grandmother, but she lives near some neat woods. So Rufus goes exploring –he finds adventure when he discovers an ancient totem. When he reads the inscription –well Rufus becomes a Sasquatch! He is strong and can understand animals. But the wolves don’t want him to have this power, and they kidnap his new friend in order to blackmail him for the talisman.

I really liked this graphic novel. Both the art and the story are high quality. This is the kind of graphic novel I want to see in elementary schools. Students are going to love this –stories about bigfoot and other legends are quite popular at my school!

ELEMENTARY –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.

Zom-b by Darren Shan -PUBLIC ONLY

Shan, Darren Zom-b 192 pgs. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2012. $10.19.  

Language: PG-13 (2 F & racist talk), Sexual: R, Violence: R

No one really believes the TV footage of a zombie massacre in neighboring Ireland is real. B has a hard enough home life –an abusive racist father –and its starting to rub off on him. He is a tough kid at school and although his best friend is black, he just can’t help but bully a small black boy at school. When zombies attack at his school –B see’s his friends drop off one by one. To survive he will have to face his own concerns with his growing racism and take a stance.

I really like Zombie books but this one had no spunk and no heart. I could have cared less about the main character and his friends. This book was frigid and violent beyond even my tolerance. A true horror book that left me feeling icky and wishing I hadn't read it. I like to see some fight and some will to live. Just a bit too hardcore for a school library.

HS –PUBLIC ONLY Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.

Jeremy’s Dreidel by Ellie Gellman –OPTIONAL

Gellman, Ellie and Mola, Maria Jeremy’s Dreidel 32 pgs. Kar-Ben Publishing, 2012. $12.21.  (Rating: G)

All the kids at the Jewish Community center are making their own dreidels, including Jeremy –who is making his out of clay. Jeremy is making it extra special just for his dad, who is blind. The kids talk about the meaning of the dreidel and detailed explanations of how to create your own dreidel and play with it are included.

I was left confused by the explanation of the dreidel. What made it even more confusing was that the book delves into how it’s different in Israel than elsewhere. I really liked the story and the included craft element –but this book isn’t going to cut it educationally for a non-Jewish student to learn from. I found this to be true for other books from this publisher.

EL -OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.

Emanuel and the Hanukkah Rescue by Heidi Smith Hyde –ADVISABLE

Gellman, Ellie and Mola, Maria Jeremy’s Dreidel 32 pgs. Kar-Ben Publishing, 2012. $12.21.  (Rating: G)

Historical Fiction set in 18^th century Massachusetts. A group of Jews, who emigrated to escape religious persecution, are afraid of revealing their religion to their new hometown. Emanuel wishes his family wouldn't hide their religion –especially the menorah lights during Hanukkah. When young Emanuel stows away on a boat, the entire crew finds themselves in danger from a storm. It will take the bravery of the whole Jewish community to save them all.

I really enjoyed this book and was quite touched by the ending. This book would work well for a unit on religious persecution, maybe on Hanukkah (Although you would end up discussion the prior topic anyway). I don’t think this is a great read to have on the shelves in the Easy section unexplained though –a bit too heavy in topic for the reading level.

EL –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.

The Girl Games by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams-OPTIONAL

Holub, Joan, and Suzanne Williams, The Girl Games. Aladdin, 2012. Pgs. 306. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

It’s the first annual Heraean Games in honor of Zeus’ new wife, Hera. Things aren’t going quite as planned, however. Artemis is having trouble finishing the final plans for the Goddess Games as well as keeping her crush, Actaeon from falling for another other archery opponent. Athena has her hands full trying to figure out why a boy named Bellerophon keeps trying to ride her father’s winged horse, Pegasus. Aphrodite and Persephone keep fighting over Adonis, a kitten the two found and are trying to keep hidden from the school’s principal, Zeus. Can the girls’ friendship stay together while pulling off the games? Will the girls be able to keep their kitten?

The plot in this book is thin and there’s very little character growth, but reluctant reader girls who have read the other Goddess Girls books and like mythology and school drama will enjoy reading this book.

EL - OPTIONAL.

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

Take Your Best Shot by John Coy-OPTIONAL

Coy, John, Take Your Best Shot. Feiwel and Friends, 2012. Pgs. 177. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

Jackson has finally made it to middle school with his best friends, Gig, Isaac, and Diego. But, middle school turns out to be busy with school dances, detentions, homework, jobs, and sports. While basketball is consistent, everything else seems to be changing. Jackson’s mom is getting remarried. Gig’s dad is in Afghanistan. Isaac and Diego are busy with other teams and jobs. Can their friendship stay strong? How will they survive the drama of middle school?

With likable characters and relatable-to school problems, reluctant reader boys who love sports will enjoy reading this book. This series can be picked up at any point. EL (4-6), MS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Lunch Lady: and the Picture Day Peril (Book #8) by Jarrett J. Krosoczka–OPTIONAL

Krosoczka, Jarrett J.  Lunch Lady: and the Picture Day Peril (Book #8) 96 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012. $6.99.  (Rating: G)

Something is up when all the students at the school break out with zits on picture day. But Lunch Lady only starts to get suspicious when she meets the over the top photographer, Stefani. When a student loses money to Stefani, it’s time for Lunch Lady to take action -so she is off to a big city fashion show, and so are some of the students. 

Just like my review of Squish –this graphic novel is just mediocre. But unlike Squish –that art in this book is at least geared towards a graphic novel format. Although I was glad to see a lunch lady finally getting to be a hero –well the story wasn't cutting it for me. Not funny or interesting. That being said, this is a popular series with students –maybe because they haven’t been shown anything better! Save your money for some higher quality graphic novels!

EL –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Squish: Captain Disaster (Book #4) by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm –OPTIONAL

Holm, Jennifer L and Holm, Matthew Squish: Captain Disaster (Book #4) 96 pgs. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2012. $6.99.  (Rating: G)

Squish is captain of the soccer time and is in a quandary about winning vs losing. He knows how to win, and his team wins, but not everyone is happy –his teammates start to quit! How can Squish help his team, the Waterfleas, to victory without a team?!

For me this type of graphic novel is in limbo. It’s totally age appropriate but the art and story is just kind of blah. If you are trying to cultivate a true love and appreciation for graphic novels in your library –this isn't the way to go. If you want a book that is going to see a ton of circulation –well this is right up there with Captain Underpants.  

EL –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.