Consumed by Kate Cann-ADVISABLE

Cann, Kate, Consumed. Point, 2009. pgs. 325. Language: PG-13 (19 swears, no "f"s), Violence: PG-13 Sexual Content: PG. 

When the cellar at Morton’s Keep has been burned and filled with cement, Raine hopes everything will get better. But, the evil doesn’t dissipate. Soon, a new manager is hired; one who want to embrace the Keep’s dark side. Then, Rayne starts finding dead creatures nailed to doors or on altars. People start turning up dead. The evil at the keep is growing. Who is causing it? Can Rayne and Ethan keep it away? Why does Rayne keep seeing the Green Lady?

The gothic images are vivid and engrossing. The story is entertaining and is well-paced. This sequel to Possessed continues in a true horror fashion that will leave fans of supernatural horror and Steven King engrossed in a spine-tingling novel.MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Love? Maybe by Heather Helper-OPTIONAL

 Helper, Heather, Love? Maybe.  Dial Books, 2012. Pgs. 267. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

Piper’s birthday is on Valentine’s Day, but she’s not a romantic. She has to help around the house and help with her little brother. Though Piper’s friends all talk about love, she’s cynical. Everyone she knows has been hurt by love. When her friends put a plan together to get date, will Piper be able to get past her cynical views about love and find someone to love?

It’s a cute read, but I had trouble getting into the story. The first chapter is choppy. The plot is predictable for those who read a lot, but for a young teen it will probably be like eating a box of chocolates-sweet. Characters growth is minimal, but works. Overall, this is a great, clean Valentines or romance read. MS, HS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

The Tanglewood Terror by Kurtis Scaletta-ESSENTIAL

Scaletta, Kurtis, The Tanglewood Terror. Random House Books, 2011. Pgs. 264. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

13-year-old, Eric Parrish is your average defensive lineman football player. Things soon change, however, when one night he accidentally breaks his friend’s leg over a misunderstanding with a pig. When he runs away from the scene, he discovers an unusual patch of mushrooms that glow. Not long after, a girl named Amanda, from the school where his mother’s the headmistress, runs away. She crosses Eric’s path and starts trying to convince him that those very mushrooms are dangerous. Digging into his town’s history, Eric discovers that Amanda might be right. Many years ago, everyone who lived in Tanglewood disappeared. The only building to survive was the old Keatson Meetinghouse. Artifacts and research Eric and Amanda dig up suggest that a strange species of mushrooms might have been the cause. Soon the strange mushrooms Eric saw start spreading throughout the town and infesting everything. Could this mushroom epidemic be history repeating itself? Can Eric and Amanda stop the infestation before it’s too late?

This suspense-filled mystery is funny and entertaining. The characters are well-developed and likable. The plot moves quickly and does a great job of holding the reader’s interest. Avid and reluctant readers who like mystery, book with historical elements to them, and mysteries will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Empire of Ruins by Arthur Slade-ADVISABLE

Slade, Arthur, Empire of Ruins. Wendy Lamb Books, 2011. Pgs. 293. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content:G

When he goes to visit Prisoner 376 at a secret government prison, believed to have gone mad and killed his companions while in Australia. Modo tends to agree with that diagnosis until the prisoner recites an unusual riddle to Modo that could lead him to a powerful weapon only known as the God Face. Being a spy of a secret British government organization, Modo reports the riddle to his master, Mr. Socrates. All clues the man divulges and the prisoner’s riddle lead the organization to the Australian Rainforest. On the night before their departure, Octavia, Modo’s friend and fellow agent, is attacked by a member of the Clockwork Guild, their greatest enemy. Could the prisoner’s clue be the key that the British have been looking for? Can they find it before the Clockwork Guild does?

This book is slow to start, but moves quickly and has a lot of action once it gets going. The characters experience some character growth as they go along, but the most intriguing part of the book is the intriguing mystery and the spy action. Readers who liked the first 2 books in the Hunchback Assignments and like spies, action, mystery, and ancient artifacts and hidden places will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Don’t Squish the Sasquatch! by Kent Redeker –ESSENTIAL

Redeker, Kent and Illustrated by Staake, Bob Don’t Squish the Sasquatch! 40 pgs. Hyperion Book CH (, 2012. $10.36.  (Rating: G)

Senor Sasquatch has only one request when he gets on the bus, he doesn’t want to be squished. So the bus driver warns each new passenger “Don’t Squish the Sasquatch!” This includes colorful passengers like Mr. Octo-Rhino and Miss Goat Whale. But the bus is getting really crowded…..

This is in my top favorite books of all time list. “Don’t Squish the Sasquatch” has been stuck in my mind, like a favorite song from the radio. I absolutely can’t wait to read this with students. It’s a colorful, fun, silly, and wonderful book with lots of room for student interaction. It is a MUST HAVE for every library!

EL –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate & Author.

The Cat in the Rhinestone Suit by John Carter Cash –ADVISABLE

Cash, John Carter and Illustrated by Nash, Scott The Cat in the Rhinestone Suit 32 pgs. Little Simon Inspirations, 2012. $14.49.  (Rating: G)

Cat has an old score to settle. He wears a rhinestone suit and rides his bandicoot through the desert hoping to run into the snake named Del Moore. Cat was still upset about an incident from their childhood -when snake stole his catnip ball. When Cat and his bandicoot have a crazy accident with a camel, a mouse, and cliff –Del Moore the snake might be their only hope. 

This is an awesome story, the plot, setting, and characters are incredibly fun. It full of big bright illustrations which are perfect for story time.  The variations in text size color adds interest. Some of the rhyming doesn’t flow well for me, maybe in song form it would. But I still loved it! Student will adore this book and you will have to plan a cowboy party!

EL –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate & Author.

Rocket writes a Story by Tad Hills –ESSENTIAL

Hills, Tad Rocket writes a Story 40 pgs. Schwartz & Wade, 2012 (July 24). $10.79.  (Rating: G)

Rocket is always sniffing out new words that he likes. He writes them down and collects them all in one place. Rocket decides its time he writes a story, so he can make something of all his favorite words, but he doesn't know what to write. His little yellow bird teacher helps him along with the process by telling him to look for inspiration. He tries to befriend a shy owl, and it gives him a great idea. When he reads her the drafts of his story, the owl gets more curious, and they become friends.

A librarian or teachers dream book! The writing progress is presented in such a fun way, that is doesn’t fell like learning. The illustrations were adorable. I loved that it was more than a how-to, but a story of accomplishment and friendship. Any students who is excited to write will learn so much and be inspired.

EL (K-3) –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate & Author.

I am so Handsome by Mario Ramos –ADVISABLE

Ramos, Mario I am so Handsome 32 pgs. Gecko Press, 2012 (Aug). $16.54.  (Rating: G)

This Wolf is full of himself, vain even. He goes striding around the woods, demanding compliments. Wolf runs into little red riding hood, the three pigs, and even snow white. Everyone he runs into is a bit afraid, and agrees with him every time. But when Wolf runs into a creature that won’t agree with him, well Wolf is in for a surprise.

This was bright, fun, silly, and funny picture book with a surprise ending that is perfect for story time!  Students will fight over checking this out!

EL –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate & Author.

Our School Garden by Rick Swann –ADVISABLE

Swann, Rick and illustrated by Hale, Christy Our School Garden 32 pgs. Readers to Eaters, 2012. $16.96.  (Rating: G)

Michael is nervous about starting a new school. But this school has a garden, and the lessons that go along with it help him to make friends and find acceptance. Readers will find out a ton about gardens and even Homonyms.

I would be the first person to spearhead a school garden, so I adored this book. The collage style artwork is fascinating and fun.  Readers will keep reading because there is a lot of variety and points of interest both to read and to look at. My only qualm, I think this book won’t appeal to older students, but younger students might not understand the text. So there needs to be just the right age reader for this book –I would suggest 2^nd graders!

EL –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate & Author.

Turk and Run by Lisa Wheeler –OPTIONAL

Wheeler, Lisa and illustrated by Ansley, Frank Turk and Runt: a Thanksgiving Comedy 32 pgs. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2005. $6.99.  (Rating: G)

Turk and Runt are Turkey brothers, living on a farm. Their parents favor Turk because he is big, strong, and handsome. But when people to come to the farm to pick out Thanksgiving turkeys, well Turk is naturally their first choice. But Runt seems to be the only one that understands the truth of their situation, and tries to save his brother.

While this book is pretty funny, I think there might be a few students that it will turn into vegetarians. The thought of a farm full of turkeys dreading their fate is reminiscent of Charlotte’s web, and can be quite depressing.

EL – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate & Author.

The Very First Thanksgiving Day by Rhonda Gowler Greene –NOT RECOMMENDED

Greene, Rhonda Gowler and illustrated by Gaber, Susan The Very First Thanksgiving Day 32 pgs. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2006. $6.99.  (Rating: G)

Each component of the first Thanksgiving is introduced, such as this is harbor.. this is the ocean…these are the Pilgrims… Accompanied by stunning warm illustrations.

This is a short story that comes full circle, tracing backwards then tying back to the start. Confusing, I hardly got it, let alone younger students. I also didn’t learn much about Thanksgiving. But the illustrations are frame worthy!

EL – NOT RECOMMENDED Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate & Author.

Buried Alive by Elaine Scott –ADVISABLE

Scott, Elaine Buried Alive: How 33 Miners survived 69 days deep under the Chilean desert 80 pgs. Clarion Books, 2012. $16.19.  (Rating: G)

This book details the wonderful survival story of 33 miners in Chile who survived the 2010 mining accident that trapped them 2,00 feet underground. It is full of pictures, diagrams, and information from the miners, the rescuer’s, and the families.

This book was fascinating and very well written and put together. Student will be enthralled by this story of extreme survival. I simply could not put it down –even though I knew the ending.

ELEMENTARY – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate & Author.

Prairie Evers by Ellen Airgood –ADVISABLE

Airgood, Ellen Prairie Evers 215 pgs. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2012. $12.21.  (Rating: G)

Prairie Evers has been homeschooled by her granny and loved every second of it. But now her granny moved away, and her parents decide to send her to public school. Prairie just really wants to raise her chickens, sell her eggs, and learn on her own. But she is surprised to make her first friend, Ivy. When she finds out that Ivy isn’t living in a great situation, opening her home, sharing her family, is going to be an unexpected challenge.  

I really enjoyed this book. Prairie’s homeschooling has made her an amazing and independent character with a can-do attitude. I loved that she raised chickens and sold eggs –and even researched it on her own at the library first! The lessons about friendship and family are subtly presented, but really powerful.

ELEMENTARY – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate & Author.