Legends of Zita the Spacegirl (Book 2) by Ben Hatke– ESSENTIAL

Hatke, Ben Legends of Zita the Spacegirl 224 pgs. First Second, 2012. $7.79.  (Rating: G)

Zita may have had one space adventure, saving a friend from earth, but now she is not only well-known but still needs to get back to earth herself. When she finds a twin of sorts, she lets this unknown person take over her unwanted chore of meeting fans. But the twin takes over and takes off with Zita’s newest mission and chance to go home. Zita must find a ship and put a stop to all the nonsense, and maybe save a planet and rescue her best friend the mouse if at all possible.

This is my favorite graphic novel series of all time. I adore Zita and so do the students. In fact, the first book in the series is one of the most circulated books in my school library, and I have been getting tons of requests for this second one. I was thrilled that it lived up to the hype. I haven’t been this enthralled by a story for a long time! Students of all ages can enjoy this series, with its fantastic artwork, intriguing plot and lovable characters; it’s an essential purchase.

EL, ELEMENTARY– ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

That One Spooky Night by Dan Bar-el - ADVISABLE

Bar-el, Dan and Illustrated by Huyck, David That One Spooky Night 80 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2012. $12.20.  (Rating: G)

This is a graphic novel compilation of 3 spooky stories. The first is about a broom from a costume shop that turns out to have a mind of its own. The second is about two out of control boys who find out that their bathtub is a bit scarier than they thought. The third story is about some friends who like to play Halloween pranks, and find out that sometimes that Halloween isn't always pretend.

I enjoyed these short stories and they would be a fun part of a Halloween book collection. I haven’t seen many Halloween themed graphic novels. The artwork is pretty decent too. With the rate graphic novels fly off my shelves, I wouldn't hesitate to pick this one up.

ELEMENTARY– ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

The Secret History of Hobgoblins by Professor Ari Berk - ADVISABLE

Berk, Ari The Secret History of Hobgoblins 48 pgs. Candlewick, 2012. $10.97.  (Rating: G)

A new addition to this collection of lore books by the Order of the Golden Quills, in this one we find out all about HobgoBlins. They have a unique relationship with humans as keepers of the home. When humans break the laws of hospitality, a Hobgoblin may play a mean prank or even turn into something worse -permanently. Every possibility and variety of hobgoblin is detailed.

I think students will like this book for the same reason I do. Variety. The text, the textures, and the subject matter is presented in so many interesting and creative ways that it like a mini treasure hunt. Fascinating! Ok, everyone like the supernatural component too!

ELEMENTARY– ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Ted Williams by Matt Tavares - ADVISABLE

Tavares, Matt There Goes Ted Williams: The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived.  Candlewick, 2012.  $17.  PICTURE BOOK.  

Despite being interrupted by two major wars, Ted Williams carved out an impressive career in baseball.  From a small boy who was determined to practice his batting every day, to a 17 year old who was wooed by the majors and on for more than 20 years.  Ted’s personality may have rubbed some people the wrong way, but his work ethic and his hitting ability made him the greatest hitter ever.  

I have heard men talking about Ted Williams, but I have never had enough information to care one way or another.  This book almost makes me a fan.  Now I at least know why Ted is considered to be so great.  I know a couple of baseball fans that will be receiving this for a gift!  And I know there are lots of baseball crazy kids who will also enjoy getting the scoop on Williams.  When you consider that he accomplished what he did through lots and perseverance and not through drugs, it really is amazing , commendable and admirable.  

EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

The Pirates Next Door by Johnny Duddle - ESSENTIAL

Duddle, Johnny The Pirates Next Door.  Templar (Candlewick), 2012.  $16.  PICTURE BOOK.  

Tilda’s life is decidedly dull until the Joell-Rogers pull in with their pirate ship next door.  Neither her parents, her fellow students, nor any of the townspeople are happy with the pirates and event he town council tries to force them out.  When the pirates do finally depart, they leave secret somethings behind them.  

Duddle’s illustrations alone are a big reason to buy this book.  The great story is just gravy.  And who doesn’t need more excuses to talk like a pirate?  

EL (K-3), EL – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce - ESSENTIAL

Joyce, William The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, illustrated by William Joyce and Joe Bluhm.  Atheneum (Simon), 2012.  $18.  PICTURE BOOK.  

When a huge storm blows even the words off the pages of Morris’s favorite books, he follows a lovely lady to building of books. Reading and caring and sharing his new friends fill all his days with wonder.  

Though the story came first, the book ended up not being published until after the Academy Award winning short film and the fabulous story app, but it is definitely worth the wait!  What a great confluence of platforms to share with any audience.  This is a winner for story time for sure.  And don’t forget that your favorite librarian, writer, English teacher or reader would probably love this for any gift-giving occasion. 

Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Tacher

Together at Christmas by Eileen Spinelli - ESSENTIAL

Spinelli, Eileen Together at Christmas, illustrated by Bin Lee.  Albert Whitman, 2012.  $16.  PICTURE BOOK.   

On Christmas Eve, ten little mice are huddled together against the severe weather.  One by one, each mouse finds a warm place alone, but perhaps this nice is meant to be shared? 

I love a good Christmas book and this one is a winner!  From ten fuzzy mice to a great twist on a countdown story and a great message.  Can’t wait to share this one with little friends!  

Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny: Detectives Extraordinaire! by Horvath - ESSENTIAL

Horvath, Polly Mr. and Mrs. Bunny: Detectives Extraordinaire!  Schwartz and Wade, 2012. $16.99, 248 pages. Language: PG (3 ‘god’) Violence: G.

This is a hilarious story of Madeline, a young girl whose hippy parents are kidnapped by foxes for reasons Madeline isn’t sure of. Madeline is distressed and somehow teams up with a pair of bored rabbits that decided to become detectives. Along the way they meet more animals, drive a car, and search for her parents.

The book is absolutely absurd, but I mean that in the best way. The bunnies are personified well, as scatterbrained yet well meaning empty-nesters who think they are having a marvelous adventure. The writing is unique; the illustrations are great. The book reminded me a lot of Colin Meloy’s Wildwood both in tone and setting. 

Upper EL – ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: Ben

Cardboard by Doug TenNapel - ADVISABLE

TenNapel, Doug Cardboard. Scholatic Graphix, 2012. $12.99, 287 pages. Language: G, Violence: PG, Mature Content: PG.

In Cardboard we meet a father who is still reeling from the death of his wife, while trying to find work to support his son Cam. As Cam’s birthday approaches, Dad buys some “magic” cardboard in a feeble attempt at a cheap present. It turns out the cardboard really is magic: whatever you make from it comes to life! After it falls into the wrong hands, it’s up to Dad to overcome his issues and save the day.

This is a surprisingly deep book from the creator of Earthworm Jim. The death of the mother is always present and Dad’s issues are realistically portrayed. The story is a fun adventure with a great message. The artwork is top notch as expected from the author. 

MS, HS – ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: Ben

The Year of the Beasts by Castelucci and Powell

Castellucci, Cecil & Powell, Nate The Year of the Beasts. Roaring Brook Press, 2012. $16.99, 175 pages. Language: G, Mature Content: PG, Violence: PG.

The Year of the Beasts tells the story of Tessa and her younger sister Lulu. Both teenagers and best friends, Tessa and Lulu grow apart over the course of a summer when Tessa becomes jealous of the attention her sister is receiving. When the summer ends in a tragedy, Tessa struggles to understand her role in the accident and how to move on.

Alternating between prose-only chapters and graphic novel chapters, the book tells a heartbreaking story with a mythological twist. I really don’t want to spoil anything, so I will leave it at this: The book really does break your heart. I think it is well written. The jealousy, while something most boys won’t understand, is still handled in a way that both genders can appreciate the book. As the book progresses the prose and comic chapters begin to mesh together creating a powerful ending. 

MS/HS – ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: Ben

My Extra Best Friend (Friends for Keep Series #5) by Julie Bowe –ADVISABLE

Bowe, Julie My Extra Best Friend (Friends for Keep Series #5) 215 pgs. Dial, 2012. $12.21.  (Rating: G)

When Ida and her two best friends get to go to camp, Ida is a bit nervous. When they get there Ida isn’t too happy to see Liz, a former best friend who had brushed Ida off. Everyone is nice to Liz, but Ida just can’t quite forgive. But that doesn’t stop Liz from trying to explain her reasons and make it up to her. Will Ida be able to forgive and take back an old friend?

I like this series, it is really fun and sweet without being overly so. The characters and dialogue feel authentic, and I think students will find it easy to relate to Ida and her friends.

ELEMENTARY– ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Mermaid Tales: Battle of the Best Friends (Book 2) by Debbie Dadey –OPTIONAL

 Dadey, Debbie Mermaid Tales: Trouble at Trident Academy (Book 1) 112 pgs. CHAPTER BOOK.  Aladdin, 2012. $5.99.  (Rating: G)

Echo gets to see the Rays in concert. In fact, so is everyone else since a classmate is throwing the party. But Pearl didn’t invite Echo’s best friend. But Echo has a plan.

You saw my review for book 1 in this series. So lets Ditto that, and add that I read this book less than 3 days ago and it was so unmemorable that I can’t even recall the ending. As a positive, there is always a glossary with sea terminology. That’s just not enough to sell me on it.

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

Mermaid Tales: Trouble at Trident Academy (Book 1) by Debbie Dadey –OPTIONAL

Dadey, Debbie Mermaid Tales: Trouble at Trident Academy (Book 1) 112 pgs. CHAPTER BOOK.  Aladdin, 2012. $5.99.  (Rating: G)

Shelly is MerGirl is starting at a new school, but luckily her best friend Echo is there! When they fight, a snobby MerGirl makes things even worse. The girls also really want to make the cook Mr. Fangtooth smile. Will the girls make up and will they start a new trend?

I have to be honest, I really hated this book. It was like eating too many Starbursts, they just sit in your stomach like a big hunk of plastic. I know from experience that 2-3 grade students dig these kinds of books. If you are trying to beef up your chapter books, you could do worse and I bet this book/series would see circulation.

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

The Fairy Ring by Mary Losure – ADVISABLE

Losure, Mary The Fairy Ring 192 pgs. Candlewick, 2012. $14.52.  (Rating: G)

Frances and Elsie are real life cousins whose lives took an interesting turn. Though Frances believes she actually saw fairies, the older Elise wasn’t above creating some fairy photographs using her artistic skill. But some fairy believers including the famous Sir Arthur Conan Doyle saw the pictures and wanted to know more. The girls were questioned, they were asked to take more pictures, investigators came out. The photographs would follow the two girls their whole life.

This was a fantastic book. It was well written, interesting, and would be a hot item for students. A fairy book with a historical component? I can’t imagine a better compromise for a librarian wanting education and a student wanting an entertaining subject. The photographs and drawings are a wonderful addition.

ELEMENTARY– ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Heroes in Training: Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom by Joan Holub and Suzanna Williams – NOT RECOMMENDED

Holub, Joan and Williams, Suzanne Heroes in Training: Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom  112 pgs. Aladdin, 2012. $5.99.  (Rating: G)

When giants (Titans) kidnap 10 year old Zeus, he is constantly worried they are going to eat him. When he pulls a thunderbolt from a stone, it sets off an adventure to rescue other Olympians his age from King Cronus, not to mention a way to get the thunderbolt unstuck from his hand!

I appreciate the effort to flesh out Greek mythology in such a way that students will understand it and maybe even enjoy it. But this story was flat out confusing. It was random, rambling, and full of a plethora of characters that were unmemorable. (Even to someone familiar with Greek mythology). Save your money for a graphic novel version if you are interesting in getting students on board with modern-twist Greek mythology.

ELEMENTARY– NOT RECOMMENDED Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Kizzy Ann Stamps by Jeri Watts - ADVISABLE

Watts, Jeri Kizzy Ann Stamps 192 pgs. Candlewick, 2012. $11.58.  (Rating: PG)

When Kizzy Ann is asked to write letters to her new teacher, she agrees. Its 1963 and Kizzy Ann will be attending an integrated school. There is a lot on her mind and she doesn’t hold back. She writes a lot about Shag, and how the man that owns the farm next door treats her, her life on the her family farm, and her worries about attending school with white kids.

On an upper elementary level, I think this book would be a fantastic read for a class that has been studying the changes in racial discrimination in the 1960’s. It’s a wonderful first hand perspective that really puts the reader in the place of a student, much like them in so many ways, who has to face some really scary things. Middle school readers may not be drawn to the age of the character, but would have better understanding of the subject matter to enable them to read this on their own.

ELEMENTARY– ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Bramble and Maggie by Jessie Haas - ADVISABLE

Haas, Jessie and Illustrated by Friend, Alison Bramble and Maggie 56 pgs. Candlewick, 2012. $12.81.  (Rating: G)

Maggie wants a horse and Bramble wants a person. Bramble has turned down so many potential owners, that she is now Free, and no one is left to give her a home. When Maggie’s parents take a chance, will the Bramble let someone take care of her and will Maggie learn what it will take to be friends with Bramble.

I LOVED this story, it subtly takes the “human gets a pet” theme, and makes it more about the pet finding the right human. It was patient and hopeful and well written!

EL– ADVISABLE 

Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Tracks by Diane Wilson - ESSENTIAL

Wilson, Diane Lee Tracks. Margret K. McElderry Press, 2012. $16.99, 276 pages. Language: PG (mostly ‘god’ and ‘jesus’ – it’s the wild west) Violence: PG (several fistfights, nothing bloody) Mature content: G.

Tracks follows the physical and emotional journey of a young Irishman named Malachy as he works on the railroad in the last frantic days to complete the transcontinental line. He’s on the line with rough white men and a large group of Chinese migrants, and through his interactions with both he learns how to be a man and how to treat others.

This book is a great read for kids interested in the transcontinental railroad (especially 7th graders in Utah Studies). It gives historical insight on the men who left everything to finish the railroad. It’s also valuable for the lessons taught about tolerance and honesty. The lead character goes through the ringer, and comes out a better young man for it. 

Upper EL/MS – ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: Ben

Max and Mo’s First Day of School by Lankin and Floca - ADVISABLE

Lankin, Particia and Floca, Brian Max and Mo’s First Day of School. EARLY READER. Simon Spotlight, 2007. $4 

Rated G

 EL(K-3) – ADVISABLE

In Max and Mo we meet the titular hamsters who live in an elementary classroom. When a new year begins they are upset at being called the wrong names, so they take matters into their own hands and make nametags for themselves.

These books are great for what they set out to do. They have simple sentences and appealing artwork. My five year old kindergartner thinks they are great.

Reviewer: Ben

Ripper by Stefan Petrucha - ADVISABLE

Petrucha, Stefan Ripper. Philomel Books, 2012. $17.99, 416 pages. Language: PG-13 (12 swears, but some fairly heavy dialogue) Violence: PG-13 (murders, that aren’t graphic, and fighting) No sexual content. 

Ripper follows an orphan named Carter who gets the chance to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a detective when he is adopted by a legendary member of the Pinkerton Detective Agency and tasked with finding a serial killer (who may or may not be Jack the Ripper) while trying to locate his father. He travels through late 19th century New York meeting real-life characters from history while trying to catch a killer.  

This book is very clever. The premise is well conceived and executed. The author creates a realistic world with some steam punk elements that will attract those of that ilk. It contains a great twist and enough stand-out, likeable characters that will leave kids asking is there is a sequel. 

MS/HS – ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: Ben