Zigzag Zoom by Patricia Reilly Giff -- OPTIONAL

Giff, Patricia Reilly Zigzag Zoom, illustrated by Alasdair Bright, 64 pgs. Wendy Lamb Books, 2013. $12.99. Content: G

When Gina sees a poster saying Help! in the hallway as she's headed to her after-school group, she sprints off to see who needs saving. It turns out that no one is injured; instead, their program has been challenged to race another program, and they need ideas on how to earn the bus money to attend the race. Because someone witnessed Gina's earlier sprint and told the entire group about it, everyone is now convinced that she is the fastest runner -- and their only hope. The pressure's on. Too bad Gina doesn't even like to run and is actually, in her words, as slow as a turtle.

Children who are already fans of the Zigzag series might enjoy this one. The focus on after-school programs is a wonderful choice and is ripe for exploration. The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter are clever as well; they show the decline of Gina's brand new white sneakers as she runs, plays, and works in them. Unfortunately, there were simply too many plot holes to overlook. For example, the poster that said Help! was never adequately explained. Why such a cryptic message? And why would a simple poster make Gina panic and go running off? Why would all the teachers and students in the program become convinced that Gina was the best runner simply because one girl saw her run pretty fast one time? Why would Gina work so hard to help the school earn the money to go to the race -- including spending her life savings on pretzels and suggesting fundraising ideas -- when she dreads the very thought of running? Why would a school program that is trying to raise money sell homemade cookies and pretzels for only five cents each? What happens to the scant money the program did raise when the students end up having to walk instead?  How is it possible for Gina to constantly wander away from her after-school program because she doesn't feel like practicing running? Is there no supervision at all? What about the other students? Wouldn't they see? And, finally, how is an emerging reader going to keep track of that many different characters?

Thanks to Lucy (Absolutely Lucy #6) by Ilene Cooper –ADVISABLE

Cooper, Ilene  Thanks to Lucy (Absolutely Lucy #6) 112 pgs. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013. $4.49.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G. CHAPTER BOOK

It’s a busy Thanksgiving holiday season. Bobby has a lot on his mind: a school project, family coming to visit, maybe a new baby sibling, and worst of all Lucy, his dog, isn't feeling well. One by one Bobby accomplishes, sorts out, and overcomes, and finds himself having a wonderful holiday.

This series really is so adorable. The characters are modern, wholesome, and the author does a great job of bringing all the characters, including the puppy, to life. The covers just ooze cuteness. I would feel great recommending this book to a student or their parents. Problem is, I have a couple of books from this series, and they are yet to be checked out. Time to display and booktalk!

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

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner -- ESSENTIAL

Kaufman, Amie and Meagan Spooner These Broken Stars (Starbound #1), 384 pgs. Disney-Hyperion, December 10, 2013. $17.99. Language - PG-13 (40 swears; no 'f'); Sexual Content - PG-13; Violence - PG-13.

It seems like a typical night of traveling through hyperspace, but suddenly the giant ship Icarus and its 50,000 passengers are yanked from the sky. Before they crash, Tarver, a decorated soldier and simple country boy, escapes with Lilac, daughter of the richest and most powerful man in the universe. Now stranded on a strange planet, these two very opposite people must learn to survive until they can be rescued. But things go from challenging to downright chilling when ghostly voices and images begin appearing on the seemingly deserted landscape.

Lost meets Across the Universe in this mystery/horror set in space and, true to both, These Broken Stars is full of suspenseful twists and chilling revelations -- not to mention plenty of romance and several truly sad moments that had me wiping away tears. Tarver and Lilac are both admirable characters, especially once they come into their own. Their growth is authentic, and the romance happens naturally. While their eventual intimacy is strongly implied, it is never outright stated, and everything happens off the page. This is labeled as the first in a trilogy, though the authors have stated that the next two books are companion stories that simply happen after the events in this one. Indeed, These Broken Stars wraps up quite nicely, something I appreciated considering it will be a while until the next book comes out. That gorgeous cover, coupled with good book-talking by enthusiastic librarians -- and there will be many -- will help this one fly off the shelves. Highly recommended.

HS -- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Caryn

The Apple Orchard Riddle by Margaret McNamara -- ADVISABLE

McNamara, Margaret and G. Brian Karas The Apple Orchard Riddle, 40 pgs. PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz & Wade Books, 2013. $15.99. Content: G

One lovely autumn day, Mr. Tiffin takes his students to an apple orchard. He kicks off the visit by posing a riddle, and as the students learn about picking apples and making cider, they try to guess the answer to Mr. Tiffin's question. No one tries harder than Tara, a slow, quiet, dreamy child the others often look down on. She may not be quick-witted, but her special way of thinking could be just what the class needs to find the riddle's solution.

Although books about apple orchards seem to be popular these days, The Apple Orchard Riddle takes things a step further by including a puzzle for both the characters and readers to figure out. The answer is not only satisfying but informative. As a fairly main character, Tara is likable and sympathetic, and it was nice to see that her way of thinking can sometimes be advantageous. The book also has an interesting afterword with extra information about apples. The length may make it difficult to share with a class or use for bedtime reading, but it is well-suited for those who want a longer, more in-depth story or are learning about orchards.

EL -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn

Stolen! A Pony Called Pebbles by Wendy Orr -- ESSENTIAL

Orr, Wendy Stolen! A Pony Called Pebbles (Rainbow Street Shelter #5), illustrated by Patricia Castelao, 121 pgs. Henry Holt and Company, 2012.

Amy has always loved horses, but she knows she'll never be able to have one. Not only would it be too big to fit in her backyard, but it would be too expensive, too. But when she finds a dirty, starving horse trapped inside a rusty, makeshift corral, she sees her chance to help out -- while also finally fulfilling her dream of riding a horse.

I enjoyed this one very much and can see it being popular with the horse-loving crowd. The plot had enough twists to keep it suspenseful, and I found myself rooting for both Amy and Pebbles the whole way. Yes, the ending is extremely sappy and a bit unrealistic, but the wish-fulfillment is part of the fun. It was also interesting to learn a little more about horses throughout. Although it is part of the Rainbow Street Shelter series, it stands on its own quite nicely, which I appreciated.

EL -- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Caryn.

Day of the Night Crawlers by Troy Cummings -- ESSENTIAL

Cummings, Troy The Notebook of Doom: Day of the Night Crawlers, 92 pgs. Scholastic, 2013. $4.99. Content: G.

In the second installment in The Notebook of Doom series, Alexander and his friend Rip try to find out more about the S.S.M.P. notebook they obtained in Rise of the Balloon Goons. Unfortunately, they don't have much time to search, because an infestation of worms and a very weird substitute teacher can only mean one thing: an imminent monster attack.

With its large type, short chapters, and illustrations on every page, Day of the Night Crawlers is perfect for children who are ready to graduate from picture books and early readers to chapter books. The abundance of goofiness and adventure will keep many kids' attention, although the best part is the table of contents, with its amusing list of chapter titles (including " A Nice, Worm Breakfast" and "Sword of a Big Deal"). Because this story grows from the previous one, it does not stand on its own. It also strongly hints at future stories.

EL -- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Caryn

Blue Ribbon Day by Catherine Hapka -- ESSENTIAL

Hapka, Catherine Pony Scouts: Blue Ribbon Day, illustrated by Anne Kennedy. 32 pgs. HarperCollins, 2013. $3.99. Content: G.

Horse-loving Jill, Meg, and Annie are excited to visit the fair, where Jill's mom will be competing in the driving class with her ponies. When they arrive, the girls are set loose to explore the bustling grounds with the promise that they will return before Jill's mom's event. They have a terrific time, with only one problem: they keep running into Ben, a haughty boy who loves to win -- and then brag about it. When the girls finally one-up him, will they boast like Ben does or take the high road?

Blue Ribbon Day perfectly captures the frenetic feeling of a county fair, as well as some of the pre-show nervousness from those about to compete. It would be especially appealing to horse lovers, but the examples of good sportsmanship make it appropriate for all audiences. Although it is part of a series, it stands alone nicely.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ESSENTIAL. Reviewed by: Caryn.

October Ogre by Ron Roy -- ADVISABLE

Roy, Ron Calendar Mysteries: October Ogre, 70 pgs. Stepping Stone Books/Random House, 2013. $4.99. Content: PG.

One Halloween night Nate and his friends visit the local hotel, which has been turned into a haunted house. But when Nate realizes that none of the kids who've gone in have come out yet, he fears that the happenings in the hotel may be more than fun and games. In fact, the hotel may just be the site of a real, live haunting. Together the terrified Nate and his friends investigate the mysterious happenings -- an adventure that culminates in a fun surprise ending.

This is a quick, if pretty spooky, mystery for younger kids who don't scare easily. Die-hard fans of detective stories may be annoyed by the fact that the children's sleuthing actually delays solving the mystery. In fact, if the kids had simply done what all the adults suggested instead of investigating, they would have gotten to the solution without much hassle. Still, children who are new to the genre may not notice, and the mystery itself was fun, while the lively illustrations and surprise ending should delight children. Although it is part of a series, it stands alone nicely.

EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn

Croak by Gina Damico –PUBLIC ONLY

Damico, Gina Croak  320 pgs. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2012. $13.94.  Content: Language: G (6 S word swears); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13.

Lex is a wild teenager and when her behavior gets to be too much, she is sent off for the summer to her Uncle Mort’s farm. From the second he picks her up from the bus station, Lex knows that her Uncle is no simple farmer. In fact the whole town of Croak is not what she expects, they are a town of Grim Reapers. She becomes one of them, gets a hot partner, and learns to challenge her rebellious violence. When something goes wrong with the dead, Lex wants to help, but the cost might be higher than she thinks.

This book was very readable and an interesting concept. I didn't like that the author use’s touches of farce to counter the darkness, such as a nonsensical afterworld full of famous people acting stupid. I think students will be drawn to the cover, but I don’t think this book is the right fit for a school library –the swearing is mild, romance/sex is medium, and the violence is sky high.

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

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson-ESSENTIAL

Sanderson, Brandon, The Rithmatist. Ill. By Ben McSweeney. Pgs. 378. Tor Books, 2013. $17.99 Language: G, Mature Content: PG, Violence: PG

In a world where Wild Chalkings threaten the American Isles, Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense. Joel, a son of a chalkmaker and a maid, longs to be a Rithmatist, but on the day he was supposed to go through his inception ceremony to see if he could become one, his father died. Now, 8 years later, someone is going around making Rithmatist students disappear. With the help of his friend Melody and the expertise of Professor Fitch, Joel is determined to figure out who is driving a wedge between Rithmatists and Non-Rithmatists through his/her violent attacks. The only clue: an unusual rithmatic drawing that his father was trying to decipher many years ago. Will Joel, Fitch, and Melody succeed?

The characters in this book are not only likable, but well-developed and entertaining. Brandon Sanderson’s in-depth plot and subplots and world-creating draw the reader in easily to his story. The story is fast-paced and well-developed. Reader s who like fantasy, adventure, magic, and mystery will enjoy reading this book. MS, HS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, Whi Public Library.

The Dark Between by Sonia Gensler- - ADVISABLE

Gensler, Sonia The Dark Between, 340 pgs. Alfred A. Knopf, 2013. $16.99. 

Language: PG (5 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG. 

At the beginning of the Twentieth Century, superstition and science are colliding. In the college town of Cambridge, England, mediums are playing on the vulnerabilities of the grief-stricken and scientists are trying to find a way to the other world through experimenting with the powers of the mind. Kate, Asher, and Elsie all find themselves at Summerfield College seeking refuge and instead find danger. When bodies start showing up around the college, the new friends will have to balance investigating the metaphysical with finding a flesh and blood killer.

An entertaining read, the plot of this book takes a scientific approach to the supernatural. The characters are engaging and genuine, if a bit annoying owing to the self-centered attitudes and actions resulting from their young ages. This is a mystery and as such works well, however, some of the misdirection and foreshadowing feels clumsy and obvious at times. The ending seems to be setting up a sequel as many of the plot points are unresolved.

MS, HS—ADVISABLE 

AEB Social Studies Teacher

Texting the Underworld by Ellen Booraem- ADVISABLE

Booraem, Ellen Texting the Underworld, 319 pgs. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2013. $16.99. 

Language: PG (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG. 

Twelve-year-old Conor loves South Boston and sees no reason to ever leave. His biggest problem is figuring out how to dumb down his academic achievements so that he won’t be sent to a more academically elite high school across town. At least that was his biggest problem until a floating girl shows up outside his window one night. Ashling is a banshee and has been sent to the O’Neill family. This can only mean that someone in Conor’s family is going to die. As Ashling inserts herself into Conor’s life he has to figure out how to keep her identity a secret while protecting his family and finding a way to beat Death.

This book has an original plot that plays out well. The main character of Conor is the typical anti-hero who is afraid of spiders and leaving his neighborhood, but in the end manages to complete the heroic task set before him. The interweaving of modern day and ancient Irish lore is intriguing and will keep readers interested. The story addresses death, including loss of family members and when can it be considered the appropriate time for someone to move on to the next world. Overall a pleasant read with only a few missteps with stilted dialogue as a result of an adult author trying her best to speak with the voice of a modern teenager.

MS, HS—ADVISABLE 

AEB Social Studies Teacher

Al Capone Does My Homework (Book #3) by Gennifer Choldenko –ESSENTIAL

Choldenko, Gennifer Al Capone Does My Homework (Book #3) 224 pgs. Dial, 2013. $13.94.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Like the other two books in this trilogy, this book is set in the 1930’s on Alcatraz Island. Moose is just a kid, but he is extremely worried, about a lot of things. First, about his father, who just got a promotion to Associate Warden for the prison, making him a target for the prisoners. Second, about the safety of his family, since someone set their place on fire, but he has no idea who! Third, about his sister Natalie, who has special needs, and is being blamed for the fire. What a mess! On top of that, the prisoners are up to something! Can Moose and his friends solve their problems, get their homework done, and still have some fun? Al Capone gives him a hint, right on his homework!

This book can easily function as a read alone, I haven’t read the first two books, and really enjoyed this story. Students are drawn in by the ‘Al Capone’ on the cover, but what makes this story so great the skill of the author to create a very real setting. The interaction of the characters, especially the kids, is incredibly authentic. The story is multifaceted and oh so real with the responsibility of caring for a child/sibling who is different and needs extra care. The setting is unique and full of intrigue. I found myself worrying for this main character! I think students will love the conclusion to this series.

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

Bizzy Bear: Off We Go! by Benji Davies - OPTIONAL

Davies, Benji  Bizzy Bear Off We Go!  Candlewick Press, 2012.  BOARD BOOK  $6.99  Content: G.  

Bizzy Bear likes to travel using all kinds of transportation.  He goes in a car, on a train, an airplane and a boat towards his vacation of playing on the beach.  There are four page spreads in the entire book, but each page spread has an interactive part where young readers can pull the train through a bridge or rock the boat.  The illustrations are colorful and cute and my three year old was entertained by the book.  My only concern is that the tabs and parts might be fragile in a library where there are lots of uses, so it’s better as a gift.  

PREK-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins - ADVISABLE

Higgins, Wendy  Sweet Peril, 373 pgs.  HarperTeen, 2013.  $9.99  Content: Language: PG-13 (29 swears; 9 God); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13.  

Anna is the daughter of a guardian angel and the Duke of substance abuse.  It is her job as a Nephilim (child of a demon), along with all other Nephilim to lead humans to sin; however, Anna has a pure heart and is having a hard time fulfilling her job.  The other demon dukes are suspicious of Anna since they are aware that she has guardian angels watching over her.  Anna is also in love with Kaidan, who is the Nephilim of the Duke of Lust, but their love is tried because it is forbidden among the demon dukes, Anna’s dad is encouraging her to be with someone else, and they also have to face the temptations of their father’s sins.  A prophecy is given that Anna must follow and she has to find allies in a dark world full of sin.  

This is the second book in the Sweet Evil trilogy and it is hard to put down.  Not only are the main characters well developed, but so are the minor characters.  The romance between Kaidan and Anna is intense.  The storyline is action packed and I can’t wait to read the last book in the trilogy.  I would have this book be essential, but the mature content is some steamy almost sex scenes that aren’t necessarily appropriate for all young adults, so it depends on the school.  

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

Crash by Lisa McMann - ADVISABLE

McMann, Lisa Crash, 233 pgs.  Simon Pulse, 2013.  $9.99  Content: Language: R (69 swears; 13 F); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG.  

Jules is a sixteen year old who lives above her family’s pizza restaurant.  Her father is a horder and has deep depression, so when Jules begins to see a vision of a car crash she worries that she might have a mental illness like her father.  But as Jules breaks down the parts of the vision, she realizes that the car crash that kills 9 people is going to happen at a rival family pizza restaurant where the boy she loves lives.  Jules decides that she has to do something about her visions because if the event comes true she will not forgive herself.  

The story is fast paced and hard to put down as Jules learns that the family rivalry between the two restaurants has some dark secrets.  The adventure of trying to stop the crash is intense and the relationship between Jules and Sawyer is fun to watch develop.  Jules siblings are great minor characters with humorous dialogue also.  This was such a fun book to read I was super disappointed in the inappropriate use of the F word.  It was out of context and makes the book inaccessible to middle school kids who would love it.  

HS-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Plants vs. Zombies: Brains and the Beanstalk by Annie Auerbach - OPTIONAL

Auerbach, Annie  Plants vs. Zombies: Brains and the Beanstalk  Illustrated by Charles Grosvenor & Jeremy Roberts.  HarperFestival, 2013.  $4.99  PICTURE BOOK  Content: PG.  

Jack gets a note that zombies are coming to eat his and his mom’s brains.  His mom has Jack trade an old lawn mower so they can have some things to fight the zombies off with, but Jack trades the lawnmower for seeds.  This is the story of Jack and the Beanstalk mixed with the popular iPod app Plants vs. Zombies.  Jack uses the seeds and climbs the pea shooting vine.  He finds a gold marigold and a big zombie that wants to eat his brains, but Jack uses a red pepper that explodes the giant zombie off the vine and onto the other zombies in front of his house.  

This is obviously a book for those who play the game Plants vs. Zombies and is a bit confusing for the average person.  The red pepper must be an explosive from the game because I was unsure how it could blow up the big zombie.   It comes with 30 stickers. Overall, the pictures are bright and I think readers who like the game will like the book.  

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

The Smurfs: Scaredy Smurf Makes a Friend by Peyo - OPTIONAL

 Peyo The Smurfs: Scaredy Smurf Makes a Friend Simon Spotlight, 2013.  $16.99  EARLY READER Content: G.  

Scaredy Smurf is afraid to do everything his friends do-swimming, hiking, etc.  The other Smurfs like to make fun of Scaredy Smurf because he is always so sacred.  Scaredy Smurf gets tired of being made fun of and decides to go home.  When he walks into his house there is a huge spider sitting in the middle of his floor.  He jumps onto his table and the spider hides under the dresser, and when Scaredy Smurf realizes that she is scared too they become friends.  When Scaredy Smurf takes the spider for a walk all the other Smurfs are scared, so Scaredy Smurf lets the spider go into the woods.  Papa Smurf points out to the Smurfs that sometimes people are scared of different things and we should not make fun of each other.  

This book has a good message about not making fun of other’s fears.  The illustrations are basic and not real great, but kids who like the Smurfs will like the cute story and it has a good message.  There are around four sentences of text per page.  

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

Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire - OPTIONAL

St. Claire, Roxanne  Don’t You Wish, 360 pgs.  Delacorte Press, 2012.  $17.99 

Language (101 swears); Mature Content: R (lots of sex talk; drug use); Violence: PG.  

Annie Nutter finds out that the man her mother dated before her father is filthy rich, and while wishing that she lived a more glamorous life she is zapped into another dimension.  In this new dimension she is dropped into the middle of Ayla’s life, a girl who is beautiful and popular.  Ayla has Annie’s mother and the ex-boyfriend as her parents and they may have a lot of money, but Annie quickly learns that money can’t buy happiness.  Ayla does illegal things to maintain her position as queen bee as well as promise her virginity to keep the most popular boy, Annie is not willing to do either of these things and quickly finds herself friends with a cute social outcast named, Charlie.  Ayla’s life may look great from the outside, but as Annie lives inside Ayla’s life, she is willing to trade anything to get back to her old boring life, where she now realizes she was happy.  The hardest part of going back to her old life would be leaving Charlie behind.  

This book has a good message about being happy with our lives and not wishing to be anyone else.  The romance between Annie and Charlie is sweet.  I had issues with all of the talk of sex, the drug use and stealing.  

HS - OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossen - ADVISABLE

Crossan, Sarah The Weight of Water, 210 pgs. 2012. Bloomsbury Children’s Books; $16.99.  

Language: PG; (2 swears 0 Fs) Violence: PG; Mature Content: PG.  

MS - ADVISABLE 

12-year-old Kasienka and her mother have emigrated from Poland to Coventry, England.   Now, Kasienka is an outcast at school; an outsider subject to bullying and prejudice, she desperately wants to return to Poland, but Mama came to search for Tata who abandoned the family, so going back is not an option.  

Written in verse, Crossan examines the plight of the immigrant, bullying, and family relationships.  A bit too mature for elementary, girls would enjoy this quick middle school read.  



Lisa Librarian