Firebirds Soaring by Sharyn November, ed.

November, Sharyn, ed. Firebirds Soaring, 564 p. Firebird 2008. Language-R (stopped counting at 45 no "f") Sexual content-PG Violence-PG. A collection of stories by various authors. I found this to be a very slow read. I didn't make it all the way through because I just got sick of it. Some of the stories were well written and inspiring, but others were crude and incomprehensible. NO. Student reviewer: CRH

A Paddling of Ducks by Marjorie Parker

Parker, Marjorie Blain A Paddling of Ducks: Animals in Groups from A to Z, illustrated by Joseph Kelly. Kids Can Press, 2010. $16.95. PICTURE BOOK. This book has a group of animals for each letter of the alphabet, thus allowing readers to learn proper names for various animal groups (like a skulk of foxes and an ostentation of peacocks). Kelly’s illustrations are fun to look at and contain a play on the group names; for examples a band of gorillas portrays gorillas holding instruments as if they are in a musical band. This book is highly informative for older readers and the pictures hold even the youngest readers’ attention. EL, MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher.

They Never Came Back by Caroline Cooney

Cooney, Caroline B. They Never Came Back, 200 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2010. Language - PG (1 swear, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - G; Violence - G; Cathy is a normal girl taking a summer class. One day during lunch a boy comes up to her introducing himself as Tommy. Tommy doesn't think of it as introducing though, he thinks he's helping her remember him and that Cathy is his cousin Murielle who disappeared after a crime was committed a few years before. Now everyone thinks that Cathy is a long-lost twin and is doing research on the crime. But is what everyone is assuming right? I've loved every book I've picked up by Caroline B. Cooney, and this one is no exception. I love the mystery and how it unravels. The only thing I don't care for is that none of her books seem to have a complete ending; you get left with questions running through your mind. MS - ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: CCH

I Kissed A Zombie, and I Liked It by Adam Selzer - ADVISABLE

Selzer, Adam I Kissed A Zombie, and I Liked It, 177 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2010. 

Language - PG-13 (66 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - PG-13; Violence - G; 

Alley lives in a world where vampires, werewolves, zombies, etc. live among the mortals. Alley is also in charge of the music column of the school paper, because of that she has to go review a band at the local club. While resenting the fact that she has to be there, Alley hears something she likes. Doug is a guest singer and she loves that he seems to understand the songs he's singing. Her friend Sadie sets them up and Alley really likes Doug, but what happens when she finds out he's a zombie? 

I had some doubts about this book at first because a zombie love story? Come on. But it was a pretty good book. I felt myself being drawn in and wanting to know how Alley and Doug's relationship would turn out. 

MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

Into the Deep: The Life of Naturalist and Explorer William Beebe by David Sheldon

Sheldon, David Into the Deep: The Life of Naturalist and Explorer William Beebe 48 pg. Charlesbridge, 2009. NON-FICTION/PICTURE. $7.95

"To be a naturalist is better than to be a king." That was William Beebe's belief throughout his whole life. Fascinated by nature from a young age, Will set out to explore unchartered territory when it came to studying the world around him. He began by studying birds, but his focus in life later changed to studying the creatures and animals of the ocean. He and his fried, Otis Barton, created a Bathyspere, which was an ocean-diving vessel that could be lowered to great depths. Still later he focused on the conservation of

animals and the earth and during his latest years, he returned to studying his first passion, birds. This is a great book to use in conjunction with a science lesson as there are many terms that could be discussed such as naturalist,

taxidermy, and ecology. The illustrations were bright, vivid, and detailed. I think students would enjoy learning about this man who was a pioneer in science exploration. EL-ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Sloane Sisters by Anna Carey

Carey Anna Sloane Sisters, 193 pgs. Harper Collins, 2009; I tried to read this book, but could never get past the first 75 pages. The book about model-like mean girls never really caught my attention and bored me. I don't recommend this book to anyone. Next time I pick a book I hope it has a better interest rate. NO. Student Reviewer: AS

Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison

Harrison, Kim Once Dead, Twice Shy, 232 pgs. Harper Collins, 2009; Content: PG (some swears and violence) After Madison was killed at prom by the "guy of her dreams" the whole what-seemed-to-be-good world has changed. She wants to save other peoples life from her dark reaper death and that just isn't working for Barnabas, her dark reaper. Madison is training to be a light reaper just like Barnabas, but getting him into trouble too slims her chances. Barnabas found his amulet was stolen and Madison is the only spirit who can find it. Her amazing journey sends chills down your spine as you read along. Personally, I thought this book was sort of like Lightning Thief, in a more "dead" version. MS - ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: AS

Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabayley

Jabayley, Jennifer Lipstick Apology, 321 pgs. Razorbill, 2009 Language-(PG-13) Violence-(G) Sexual Content-(PG-13) After Emily's mothers strange death and apology written in lipstick, EMILY PLEASE FORGIVE ME. Emily is sent to New York with her aunt and left to find out about her mysterious apology. At school she meets new friends, Andi and Lindsey. They show her around the school and tell her about all the kids in it. Emily quickly fell in love with Owen, the most popular boy at school and realizes he is available. During boy drama and unanswered questions Emily gets so stressed she starts going crazy. I personally loved this book and the mysteries in it. The ending was a great twist and totally unexpected. I loved this book it is a great read. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: AS

Teen Vogue Handbook

Teen Vogue Editors, Teen Vogue Handbook, 277 pgs. Razorbill, 2009 Content: G This insiders guide to all things fashion tells you everything from the designers ideas to the make-up artist's tips. This book is a great non-fiction that tells you all about careers you might want to try. This book means a lot to me. I've always wanted to be a fashion designer and this book really helped I recommend it to those who are interested in anything fashion. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: AS

Pythagoras and the Ratios: A Math Adventure by Julie Ellis

Ellis, Julie Pythagoras and the Ratios: A Math Adventure illustrated by Phyllis Hornung Peacock 31 pg. Charlesbridge, 2010. NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK. $7.95. Pythagoras is a curious boy who forgets to do his chores because he is too busy solving math problems. His latest puzzle is that of his cousins' musical instruments. Using his mathematical logic, Pythagoras figures out how to fix the pipes and lyres' out-of-tune sounds, just in time for the big town concert. Although this book is not completely historically accurate, it does a good job at explaining the mathematical ratios that Pythagoras came up with. I think that kids would really be able to understand the ratio concept because the story line makes it more memorable and concrete. Sometimes the writing seemed a little bit forced and too "punny", but I think that kids would enjoy it as it helps solidify this mathematical concept in their mind. I especially think that non-math lovers (like myself) would appreciate this book for making math more applicable and real. EL-ADVISABLE. Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Fade to Blue by Sean Beaudoin

Beaudoin, Sean Fade to Blue, 192 pgs. Little, Brown, and Company, 2009. Language - PG-13 (37 swears, 2 "f"), Sexual Content - PG-13; Violence - G; GRAPHIC NOVEL. Sophie's dad disappeared on her last birthday after he took her with him to swing by the lab he worked at after her soccer game. At the lab she got a shot from a lady she didn't know and it knocked her out. Now she is talking to a psychiatrist who's trying to figure out what happened. But does even Sophie know? I did not enjoy reading this book because it was too confusing. I understand a mystery element at the beginning so you'll keep reading, but I'm still not sure what happened. It just seemed to be all over the place. MS, HS - NO. Reviewer: CCH

Girl Stays In the Picture by Melissa Dela Cruz

De La Cruz, Melissa Girl Stays In the Picture, 432 pgs. Simon & Schuster, 2009. Language - PG-13 (41 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - PG; Violence - G; Devon, Livia, and Casey are all in Saint-Tropez for the filming of Juicy. All three have reputations they want to make better, but with all three girls at the same place there's bound to be drama. Will the three be able to keep the movie going when all it wants is to fall apart? This book seemed to have to much going on by having all three girls points of view and having magazine articles. I couldn't get on board with the book and let it carry me through the story because it didn't catch my attention. It was just a bunch of words sitting on a lot of pages to me. HS - OPTIONAL. Reviewer: CCH

The Starry Rift by Jonathan Strahan

Strahan, Johnathan The Starry Rift, 523 pgs. Viking, 2008. Language - PG- 13 (48 swears, 1 "f"), Sexual Content - PG-13; Violence - PG; This book is a collection of 16 science-fiction stories. They all have to do with future technology and/or aliens and I found most of them interesting. My favorite one was "The Surfer" because it was one of the longer stories and it made more sense than some of the others did. MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

The Agency: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee

Lee, Y.S. The Agency: A Spy in the House, 335 p. Candlewick, 2010. $16.99. Violence: PG. 

Rescued from the hangman’s noose, Mary Quinn is grateful to her rescuers, who have also housed her and educated her. When time comes for her to choose a profession, she decides to join the women’s highly secret detective business, which does discreet work for Scotland Yard. Now Mary is housed in a beautiful mansion and surrounded by intrigue. She must uncover the mystery - or is that mysteries – in this house, before her life is once more in mortal danger. Long time librarians may remember Phillip Pullman’s Ruby in the Smoke series – Lee seems to be picking up where Pullman left off – Victorian intrigue aimed at the YA audience. Though it lacks the fabulous gowns and glittering ballrooms of the Luxe series, it does offer more dangerous intrigue. And it looks to be a series. 

MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hawkins, Rachel Hex Hall, 323 p. Hyperion, 2010. $16.99. Language: PG -13 (25+ swears, 0 “f”); Violence: PG (fighting, blood). Sophie Mercer has cast one too many bad spells – now she has been exiled to the Prodigium (witchy) world’s equivalent of reform school. While Sophie has never met her father, she now knows that he is the being responsible for each of the kids (and most of the teachers) presence at the school – not a great way to start her year. Her vampire roommate seems happy to have Sophie around, but the gorgeous dark witch coven is not – especially when it looks like the lead witch’s boyfriend may have more than a passing interest in Sophie. Death awaits, however, and Sophie may be the next victim. Hawkins has created a wonderful new world that I can’t wait to revisit. Dark and creepy and ready to entertain – your vampire lovers will easily move on to this series. MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher.

Alice in Wonderland by Tui Sutherland

Sutherland, Tui Alice in Wonderland, 236 p. Disney, 2010. $16.99. Content: G. Alice has returned to Wonderland, but she doesn’t know that she was ever there before. She was just escaping a dreadfully dull party that was supposed to end in a surprise engagement for her – with a dreadfully dull man. Now she’s down a rabbit hole and in an utterly strange universe, where they need her to be their hero if they are going to escape the machinations of the Red Queen. All of your favorite Wonderland creatures and characters reappear – but this is one of those circumstances where the movie is probably WAY better than the book. Had the publisher offered up some movie photographs, it might be worth it. But as is, this comes across as fairly – dull. Don’t be fooled by the pretty packaging. NO. Cindy, Library Teacher.

How the World Works by Christiane Dorion

Dorion, Christiane How the World Works, illustrated by Beverley Young. Templar (Candlewick), 2010. $17.99. POP-UP. Eighteen pages, a wealth of information and lots of things to spin, pull, flip and manipulate. How much more fun can it be to learn about how the world works! While the sheer amount of information stuffed into each page could be overwhelming, this book is just too much fun to pass up! I showed this to our 9^th grade science teacher – and she stole it from to use while teaching her students about plate tectonics. Every basic earth science principle is simply illustrated on these pages. Get it now! EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher.

Darklight by Lesley Livingston

Livingston, Lesley Darklight, 310 p. HarperTeen, 2010. $16.99. Ever since Kelley Winslow learned that she is a Faerie Princess, survived the Wild Hunt and gave up half of her power to her father, Auberon, she has really been yearning to be reunited with the love of her life – Sonny, a human boy who was stolen as a child and raised to hunt whatever Auberon wants him to hunt. Now a new/old enemy has returned and Kelley is in more danger than ever, whether in the realm of Faerie or on Earth. While the storyline is kind of lacking, the action is non-stop fun and danger. I liked this one much more than the first – especially how Kelley is always willing to put herself in danger and not just sit around whining this time! MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher.

Heart of the Mummy by Tommy Donbavand

Donbavand, Tommy Heart of the Mummy (Scream Street #3), 114 p. Candlewick, 2010. $5.99. Content: G (suspense, not gore). Two relics down, four to go. Luke, Resus and Chloe will have their hands full trying to find where lies the heart of the mummy – the next key they need to free Scream Street from the clutches of Sir Otto and his despicable nephew. A whole lot of campy fun – younger readers will be charmed. EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher.

Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Bell - ADVISABLE

 Little Blog on the Prairie, by Cathleen Davitt Bell, 288 p. Bloomsbury, MAY 2010. $16.99. 

Content: G

EL, MS – ADVISABLE

Usually family vacation consists of beautiful beaches and lush reorts – Gen, her brother and her father should have paid better attention when Mom was making this year’s plans. Now the whole family is stuck in 1890 – well, almost. How about a horribly icky recreation site, where they live without electricity, conveniences, and lots of back-breaking chores. And Gen’s family aren’t the only ones being thus tortured – meet Caleb, a hottie, Ka, a 12 year old goth and Rebecca – the camp directors’ daughter, who has lived this way since she was small. Well – almost. Gen snuck in a cell phone and Rebecca has access to electricity and the internet. How much trouble can Gen cause this summer? Plenty! Gen, her family and her friends are entertaining and exasperating all at the same time. 

I can’t imagine voluntarily going to such a place for the summer – but I certainly enjoyed reading about this group! 

Cindy, Library Teacher