Savvy by Ingrid Law - ADVISABLE

Law, Ingrid Savvy, 342 pgs; Dial

Language~G; Sexual Content~G; Violence~G

EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

The Beaumont’s have a secret. . . . Savvy . . . . No one knows why, but when a Beaumont turns 13, they are gifted with a magical ability they call savvy. Twelve year-old Mibbs has watched as one by one her older siblings leave school after their thirteenth birthday to learn how to get their savvy under control. Two days before her special day her Poppa is in a terrible car accident and the family is told he might not make it. On the morning of her birthday Mibbs realizes that her savvy just may be able to save her father.

In a story reminiscent of Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting, Law weaves together a story of love, family bonds, determination, and friendship that is sure to become a classic.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell - ADVISABLE

Dowell, Frances O’Roark Shooting the Moon, 176 pgs Atheneum

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

EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

Life is complicated . . . especially when your country is at war and your family is Army. The Vietnam War was a time of confusion and conflict for the United States and families all over the country. This novel brings readers into the heart of one career-army family and shows the effects of the war on their relationships. Jaime Dexter adores her older brother T.J. always has . . . always will. When he enlists and is sent to Vietnam, her dad nick-named, The Colonel isn’t happy with his son’s decision. Jaime always thought that her dad would thrill at another family member joining the armed forces. She eagerly awaits a letter from T.J. and when it comes it is just a roll of film. Jaime decides to learn how to develop the film herself. The pictures are not what she expects and she begins to learn that war is not all the glory it is made out to be.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor - ESSENTIAL

Connor, Leslie Waiting for Normal, 304 pgs Katherine Tegen Books

Content~G

MS - ESSENTIAL

Addie is waiting for the moment when her life will be normal. Addie appears to be an average young girl. She has friends at school and seems happy, but her life is far from ‘normal.’ Addie’s mom, Mommers, isn’t the best at taking care of anyone but herself. The novel opens as Addie and Mommers are being dropped off at their trailer under a freeway overpass. There are times when Addie doesn’t see her mom for days at a time, but Addie makes do and knows that she must not tell or Mommer’s will get in trouble.

This is a moving novel about a girl who is making the most of the life she was dealt and finding friends and happiness where ever possible while she is “waiting for normal.”


Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Multiple Blessings: Surviving to Thriving with Twins and Sextuplets by Kate & Jon Gosselin

Gosselin, Jon and Kate with Carson, Beth Multiple Blessings: Surviving to Thriving With Twins and Sextuplets, 224 pgs Zondervan;

Language~G, Sexual Content~G; Violence~G

MS, HS - ADVISABLE

Jon and Kate Gosselin, the star family of the hit show on the cable network TLC Jon & Kate-plus 8, have written a very entertaining and thoughtful book on their experience having twins and then multiples (6!) In their book, not only do the Gosselin’s share the inside story behind their amazing family, but they share personal and sometimes spiritual insights on living through the process. Multiple births have fascinated humankind since the beginning of time and now due to fertility treatments they are much more common. Teens will enjoy reading about this family, especially if they like the show.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Benjamin Dove by Fridrik Erlings - OPTIONAL

Erlings, Fridrik Benjamin Dove, 206 p. North-South Books Inc., 2007.

 Language- PG, Sexual Content- PG, Violence- PG-13.

 MS, HS - OPTIONAL

Benjamin Dove is a normal twelve year old boy who longs for adventure. When a new kid, Roland, moves into town, Ben and his two best friends, Jeff and Manny, become impressed with Roland's fascination with knights. They join together and form the Order of the Red Dragon, a group of young knights who protect the neighborhood, do good deeds, and defend the helpless. The violent older boys of the neighborhood decide to form their own order and call themselves the Order of the Black Feather. They start to terrorize the younger boys and war breaks out. When the Order of the Black Feather decide they want to increase the violence, a tragedy occurs that will change the lives of the Red Dragon Knights forever.

This book is very uniquely written. Benjamin Dove is very powerful and will make you stop and think. I didn't like how descriptive some of the violence was so I marked it down on the recommendation level, but read it for yourself.

 Reviewer: Brenna Evans, college student.

Elissa's Odyssey by Erica Verrillo - ADVISABLE

Verrillo, Erica Elissa's Odyssey, 335 p. Random House, 2008.

Content- G

 MS, HS- ADVISABLE

After escaping the evil Khan (which is in the first book, Elissa's Quest), Elissa is lost! In order to be reunited with her friend Maya and her donkey Gertrude she travels by boat to the city of Gravesport. While on her journey she realizes that there are more challenges she must face besides the prophecy of the Phoenix. Her journey is full of twists and turns with new friends and adventures at every turn of the page.

 Really good book! I loved that it had no swear words, no violence, and no sexual content and was still a great story. I'm excited for the next book in the series to come out.

 Reviewer: Brenna Evans. college student

Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier - ADVISABLE

Marillier, Juliet Cybele's Secret, 424 p. Alfred A Knopf, 2008.

 Language- PG; Sexual Content- G; Violence- PG

MS, HS- ADVISABLE

Six years after her adventure in the Other Kingdom, Paula travels to Istanbul with her merchant father to buy the ancient pagan artifact Cybele's Gift. Something shocking happens at the unveiling of the artifact, and it's up to Paula and her friends to solve the mystery surrounding Cybele's Gift, before they are killed by others who want the pagan relic for themselves.

 This book was a good read. I liked all of the characters and the story was fun and surprising. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would love reading it again.

 Reviewer: Brenna

On Rough Seas by Nancy L. Hull - ADVISABLE

Hull, Nancy L. On Rough Seas. 262 p. Clarion, 2008.

MS - ADVISABLE

14yo Alec Curtis is involved in the accidental drowning of his cousin, Georgie. Alec's father, bitter from his war experiences, is harsh and disapproving of Alec. His father wants him to help with the family inn, but Alec's dream is to go to sea. He juggles his work at the inn with his job as a galley boy on the fishing boat Britannia. As World War II threatens England's shores, Alec finds himself surrounded by mysteries: what is the government doing in a castle closed off to civilians, what is the real mission of the soldiers staying at his family's inn, and what is hidden in his German friend Eva's past? Alec finds the answers to these questions and assists in the rescue of 300,000 British soldiers who are stranded on the beach in Dunkirk.

The book is a bit lengthy but the story will definitely appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction.

Reviewer: Debby Herget, Elementary Library-Teacher.

Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: Moving Day by Meg Cabot

Cabot, Meg Allie Finkel’s Rules for Girls: Moving Day, 240 pages, Scholastic Press;

Content~G

EL - ADVISABLE

In her first book for younger readers, Meg Cabot introduces readers to Allie Finkle. Allie is very content with her life. She has a BBF, well sort of. She likes her school, well sort of. Then out of the blue one day her parents decide to buy a run down, drafty, Victorian home near the city. Allie begins to panic about moving away from her school and friends. She comes up with several schemes to keep the house from selling and her family from moving.

Moving Day captures the real concerns that young kids have when they are faced with moving and leaving all they are familiar with behind.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Footprints in the Snow by Mei Matsuoka - ESSENTIAL

Matsuoka, Mei Footprints in the Snow. Henry Holt and Co. PICTURE BOOK.

EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

Why do wolves get such a bad reputation?! The wolf in this story is out to prove the world wrong by writing his own story about a good little wolf who tries to find a new friend by following footprints in the snow. When he asks for help identifying the footprints no one will help him . . .because he is a bad wolf and they think he will just eat the poor creature. Will the little wolf ever prove that he can be good? This is a delightful tale with an unexpected twist that will leave kids speculating.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

The Big Field by Mike Lupica - ESSENTIAL

Lupica, Mike The Big Field, 288pgs, Philomel;

Content~G

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

Fans of Mike Lupica sports novels will be doing the wave in celebration of his new book The Big Field. Centered on a teen baseball team, Lupica tells the story of Hutch Hutchenson a fourteen year old who LOVES baseball. His father was once a triple A player but had his heart broken by the game. In the past he was Hutch’s biggest fan, but now does little to encourage Hutch in his dreams of making it big in baseball. Hutch’s nemesis Daryl Williams or ‘D-Will’ is on his team and the coach has given Hutch’s usual position of Shortstop to Daryl. However, their team is headed to the playoffs and Hutch has to learn to deal with his dislike for Daryl, his disappointment in his dad, and lead his team as they battle for the title.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf by Jennifer L. Holm

Holm, Jennifer L. Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf: a year told through stuff, 128pgs, Ginee Seo Books;

Content~G

EL, MS - ADVISABLE

In this spunky novel, readers follow Ginny Davis through her seventh grade year. Starting with her back to school list, we learn about her life in post-its on the fridge, school notifications, to do lists, cards, bank statements, etc. The format of the book is very visual and unique in its design. There is a more serious thread throughout the story concerning Ginny’s older brother Henry, but for the most part this is a light hearted look at an average seventh grader. The cover will turn-off some teens but if encouraged by librarians they will enjoy the book once they begin.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Reaching for Sun by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer - ADVISABLE

Zimmer, Tracie Vaughn Reaching for Sun, 144pgs, Ginee Seo Books

Content~G

EL, MS - ADVISABLE

Josie dreads being seen entering room 204. Room 204 is where Special Ed meets. Josie has Cerebral Palsy and hates it that everyone thinks she is retarded! She’s not! She just has a disability that requires her to go to therapy, which she also hates. She describes her disability this way:

“...My thumb will always be pasted to my palm,
and my left wrist and shoulder
connected
by an invisible rubber band
called cerebral palsy.”

Josie discovers a new kid and they quickly become friends. He lives in the new subdivision behind Josie’s house. Josie and Jordan both have family issues that cause them to turn to each other for support.

This is a beautiful and moving story about friendship and family. Written in beautiful free verse, Reaching for Sun will connect with readers of all ages.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Pillage by Obert Skye - OPTIONAL

Skye, Obert Pillage, 352 pgs, Shadow Mountain;

Content~G

MS-OPTIONAL

Life for Beck Phillips has just gone from not so good to miserable. For the past several years he has been the primary caregiver for his mentally ill mother who has just passed away. Not minutes after her funeral he is put on a train and told that his uncle, who he didn’t know existed, has agreed to take him in. The train takes him to a remote town called Kingsplot. Beck’s uncle lives in a mansion high on a hill away from the town. He is greeted by the few servants that are still employed by his uncle. There is almost no furniture in the large drafty mansion and Beck wonders what he has been thrown into. Immediately he is sent to school and weird things begin to happen both at home and at school.

In a break from his popular Leven Thumps series, Skye brings readers a story reminiscent of a fairytale. The plot is slow and the reader must persist through many pages of set-up until any action begins. Inserted at the beginning of each chapter is a teaser from a long lost journal that helps to move the story along and keep the reader trying to guess the importance of the inserted selections. Overall, this book is a good choice for avid readers, but would not hold the attention of most readers. The audiobook for this title is not recommended. The reader’s voice is monotone and does little to engage the reader.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Charlie Cook's Favorite Book by Julia Donaldson - ESSENTIAL

Donaldson, Julia, Charlie Cook’s Favorite Book; Puffin Books, 2005. PICTURE BOOK. 

Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

Charlie Cook loves books, but his favorite book(Shiver Me Timbers) leads him on a whole new adventure in which the readers get to meet knights, pirates, dragons, birds, frogs and other fun people and creatures.

A classic twist on a selection of stories, this book will enchant readers of all ages. The illustrations draw the reader in in such a way that they have to take in everything on each page to enjoy the full story. The text is fairly simple, but adds a lot of character to the book. A must-have for any parent, teacher, or librarian.

Kira Moody Children’s Librarian-WHI Public Library.

Thump, Quack, Moo: a Whacky Adventure by Doreen Cronin - ESSENTIAL

Cronin, Doreen, Thump, Quack, Moo: A Whacky Adventure; Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008. PICTURE BOOK.

 Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL

That crazy duck from Giggle, Giggle, Quack and Click, Clack Moo is back and he’s up to mischief again! Farmer Brown is trying to spruce up the farm and make a Statue of Liberty Corn Maze for the Corn Maze Festival. He tries to enlist every animal’s help and manages to get everyone excited for the festival, but duck. That is until Duck decides to take matters into his own hands and make his own masterpiece that will surprise Farmer Brown and readers.

Hilarious! This book has beautiful illustrations and keeps the reader entertained with words and pictures. The surprise twist at the end will surprise even adults!

Reviewer: Kira, Children's Librarian-WHI Public Library

Merry Christmas, Ollie! by Olivier Dunrea - ESSENTIAL

Dunrea, Olivier Merry Christmas Ollie!, 32 pgs. Houghton Mifflin. PICTURE BOOK.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

Fans of Dunrea’s other picture books will delight in this Christmas story that brings all the goslings together in one book. Ollie can’t wait for Father Christmas Goose to arrive. Everyone else is patiently waiting.
“Gossie and Gertie hang their bright colored boots in the barn.
Peedie and BooBoo hang their striped stockings in the barn.
Ollie stomps through the snow.
It's not easy to wait for Father Christmas Goose!” Excerpt from the book description on Amazon.com

This is a seasonal title that may not circulate except around the holidays, but it will be loved year after year when the holidays roll around.

Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Campfire Mallory by Laurie Friedman - ESSENTIAL

Friedman Laurie Campfire Mallory. 175 pgs. Carolrhoda Books.

Content-G

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

Mallory McDonald has a best friend, Marry Ann, that she is going to go to sleep-away camp with. They are very excited to go to Camp Green Lake together. The only problem is that they don't get to be in the same cabin and Mallory doesn't like who she gets pared with.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very fun to read and I enjoyed how it really showed how Mallory was feeling when things didn't go as planned when she goes to sleep-away camp. It was a very cute and fun book.

Student Reviewer: MB

Identical by Ellen Hopkins

Hopkins, Ellen Identical, 565 p. McElderry (Simon), 2008.

Language: R (20+ "f"), Sexual Content: R.

Twin sisters, Kaeleigh and Raeanne, share a home and parents, but have almost nothing else in common. Besides different groups of friends, their personalities seem to be complete opposites. They do, however, share a deep, dark, disturbing secret. And if that secret were made known, one of their lives may be in danger.

Finally Hopkins has written a "poetic" book with a modicum of actual poetic devices in it. I am so tired of books that pretend to be poetry and don't use any literary devices whatsoever. As with all Hopkins book to date, this one is full of sexual situations, alcohol and drug use and a plethora of swearing. The deep, dark secret is quickly obvious to any adult reading the book. It will be very popular in the public library. NO.

Keeper of the Grail by Michael P. Spradlin - ESSENTIAL

Spradlin, Michael P. The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail, 248 pgs. Putnam.

Content: G

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

Tristan is an orphan being raised by monks. He is content living there, until a group of Templars, or Warrior Monks, show up. They are bound for the Holy Land, and one of them invites Tristan to be his new squire. Tristan accepts, and he leaves the monks for a life of battle and danger. Soon after, he is entrusted with a mysterious item that means a lot to many people, and that some would do anything to get.

This book is great. It was well written. It had a relatively new, good plot. It is not too predictable, and it was easy to read. This was a fantastic book.

Student Reviewer: RG