The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress - ADVISABLE

Kress, Adrienne The Friday Society, 448 p. Penguin, DECEMBER 2012.  $17. 

Language: PG-13 (42 swears), Violence: PG (fighting, little blood); Mature Content: G (implied adult drug use).  

Cora, Michiko and Nellie – three girls in Edwardian London who need each other, but haven’t met yet.  Cora works as the assistant for a brilliant inventor, but feels betrayed when he hires a wealthy young man also.  Nellie is a magician’s assistant, who comes from the mean streets and becomes worried when someone starts murdering young flower sellers.  Michiko is a samurai, who has been denied her sword; in a fit of pique, she took a job with a showy swords man who undervalues her skills.  When all three girls are part of the discovery of a murdered man, they begin to realize that they need each other and they can help each other.  However, there may be more than one enemy.  

Three strong steampunk heroines emerge in Kress’s novel.  She has created something for girls that more mature women have already discovered.  I think this will greatly help the steampunk movement along.  I can’t wait to read more about these girls.  

MS, HS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

A Nest in Springtime by Belle Yang - OPTIONAL

Yang, Belle Summertime Rainbow and A Nest in Springtime.  Candlewick, 2012.  $7 each.  Asian inspired drawings complement simple words about nature’s spring and summer.  The text is in both English and Mandarin Chinese.  There is a pronunciation guide, but I really wish I knew someone who could pronounce the words for me – I would love to hear it in Mandarin.  Good for a beginner Chinese program or a Chinese immersion school – or just to enjoy something from a different culture.  Pre-K – OPTIONAL.   Cindy, Library Teacher

Rise by Anna Carey - OPTIONAL

Carey, Anna Rise (Eve #3), 320 p. HarperCollins, 320 p. APRIL 2013.  $18.  Language: PG (4 swears, 0 ‘f’), Violence: PG (hangings); Mature Content: G.  

Since her father ordered the death of the love of her life, Eve has been desperate for a way out from under her father’s grasp.  The fighting between the rebels and the City has escalated and when Eve finds out she is pregnant, she knows the child is her last tie to Caleb.  In a frantic move, she flees the city, taking a few of the school girls with her.  When she heads back to where she met Caleb, she finds her best friends, Ruby and Pip, and take them along as she delivers the girls to Califa.  If she is going to escape her father forever, however, Eve has to return to the City of Sand.  

While I enjoyed catching up with Eve and her friends, I realized after the reading that really nothing had happened except for an assassination and the very cool reappearance of Arden.  Too much is left unsaid and too much is a repeat of what went on before.  From what happens in the last paragraph, it seems like there might be a fourth book, but I have no real idea.  

MS, HS – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

3 new Noodle board books - ADVISABLE

Billet, Marion Noodle Loves the Beach, Noodle Loves to Eat and Noodle Loves to Drive.  Candlewick, 2012.  $9 each.  Noodle the panda is so busy in these bright, fun board books.  Each page has something to touch to complement the adorable main character.  Board books just keep getting better and better.  Noodle is so adorable – how can a panda not be, right?  Pre-K – ADVISABLE.   Cindy, Library Teacher

Story’s End by Marissa Burt - ADVISABLE

Burt, Marissa Story’s End (sequel to Storybound), 368 p. HarperCollins, APRIL 2013.  $17. 

Content: G (some fantasy-typical fighting).  

Now that Una knows that she is the daughters of the enemies of Story, she knows that she must figure out how to destroy them, before they destroy this new world that Una loves.  All of her friends will be scattered across the land and put in mortal danger.   A new friend, Kai, holds an important key to saving Story, but every character will have to take a stand.  Allegiances will be challenged and friendships will be tested.  Everyone will have to face their fears in order to save the day – and all of them will be surprised I one way or another. 

Burt’s tale is very heroic, in the tradition of the The Neverending Story and such.  I hope it doesn’t get lost among the large amounts of fantasy that are now available.  

EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

I Want My Mom! by Tony Ross -- NOT RECOMMENDED

Ross, Tony I Want My Mom! A Little Princess Story. 32 pgs. Andersen Press, 2012. $16.95. PICTURE BOOK. Although the Little Princess has a staff of servants scrambling to attend to her every whim, whenever anything goes wrong she rudely rejects them all and shrieks, "I WANT MY MOM!" On cue, her mother drops everything and comes running to soothe her. And then one day the princess goes to a friend's house to play. Although the king wants to spend time with the queen, the queen finally turns away, sobbing, "I want my little princess!"

Throughout this story, the spoiled little princess's overeager mother consistently rewards her bratty, whiny, demanding behavior. Their codependent relationship is more than a little disturbing, and not fun or funny as perhaps intended. After listening to this book, my daughter took on a demanding tone of voice to imitate the princess, yelling, "I hate eggs!" and "I want my mom!" Not a good role model for young children. We won't be reading this one again. Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- NOT RECOMMENDED. Reviewed by Caryn.

Bizzy Bear: Let’s Get to Work and Bizzy Bear; Off We Go! - ESSENTIAL

Davies, Benji Bizzy Bear: Let’s Get to Work and Bizzy Bear; Off We Go! Candlewick, 2012.  $7.  Content: G.  BOARD BOOK.  Bizzy Bear is on the move again – with large earth movers and lots of different ways to move around.  These sturdy books, with their movable toys will survive lots of abuse and use.  The simple rhymes and bright pictures are fun to read and share.  Pre-K – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Choke by Diana Lopez - OPTIONAL

Lopez, Diana Choke 230 pgs. Scholastic Press, 2012, $17.99.

Language: G (0 swears 0 “f”); Mature Content PG; Violence G.  

MS - OPTIONAL

8th grader Windy would love to be part of the in-crowd at school, but she and her best friend Elena are a little too quirky to be accepted, and are even bullied by a few of the mean girls. Then Nina moves in and changes everything.  Being friends with Nina is her ticket to the in-crowd, but when Nina, who introduces the choking game to the popular kids, invites Windy to participate and become a “breath sister”, Windy wonders if she’s willing to accept the consequences of being Nina’s friend.  

This very scary subject is well managed by former middle school teacher Lopez; her characters ring true and consequences of the choking game are spelled out clearly.  This is an excellent read for a child who may be faced with questions or experiences about this.  I hesitate to introduce the subject at a middle school level, however, as I know that many students are not mature enough.    

Lisa Media Specialist

Pop-up London by Jennie Maizels - ADVISABLE

Maizels, Jennie Pop-up London.  Candlewick, 2012.  $20.  Content: G.  POP-UP BOOK.  

Welcome to the history and sights of London.  Gorgeous pop-up buildings and mini books on each page are complemented by 360 degree view of everything.  You will turning this book around and around to see and play with everything.  I don’t know how well it will survive in a checkout situation, but as a gift, for a fan of the city, it is a wonder. 

 EL – OPTIONAL, GIFT – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald - ADVISABLE

McDonald, Abby  Getting Over Garrett Delaney, 319 pgs.  Candlewick Press, 2012.  $16.99.  Language: PG-13 (25 swears; 9 Gods); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G.  

Sadie has been best friends with Garrett Delaney for the past two years.  He has become her only friend and truth be told she wants more than anything for him to be more than her friend.  In her attempts to become his girlfriend she has relinquished any personal opinion she might have about music, movies, books and people.  When Garrett gets into a writing summer program and Sadie doesn’t she falls into a job at the local coffee shop to keep busy.  At the shop she meets new and exciting people and sees that life is full of possibilities outside the moody writing lifestyle that she has lived with Garrett.  As she learns more about who she is away from Garrett she learns to be happy on her own, but when he returns from his summer program will she be able to keep her resolve?  

I thought this book had great characters and it’s a coming of age novel.  I liked the way the author explored the concept of who we become through our relationships with others.  The book is formatted as a plan to get over Garrett with the steps spelled out at the beginning of the chapter.  This book had a good message about being yourself and not changing for a boy that is important for young girls to hear.  

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

Elmer and the Big Bird by David McKee - ADVISABLE

McKee, David  Elmer and the Big Bird  Andersen Press, 2012.  $16.95 PICTURE BOOK  Content: G. 

 Elmer the elephant is hanging out with his other jungle friends when he notices that there aren’t any of their usual bird friends there.  When he goes to look for them he finds a cave full of birds that are hiding.  Elmer finds out that the birds are hiding from a huge bird that is bullying them.   When Elmer finds the big bird he is surprised to find how mean he is, so he goes back to the littler birds and hatches a plan where they all join together to make themselves appear to be a bigger bird than the bully.  When the bully sees the huge shadow of the combined birds in the sky he flies away.  

This is a book about how to handle bullies with the solution being that if people join together they can make the world a happy, safe place.  The illustrations are colorful and simple enough that this would be a good book to introduce the topic of bullying with younger elementary kids.  

El (K-3)-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Mr. Terupt Falls Again by Rob Buyea - ESSENTIAL

Buyea, Rob Mr. Terupt Falls Again 356 pgs. Delacourt Press, 2012, $16.99.  Language: G (2 swears 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G.  

Mr. Terupt is back with his class for their 6th grade year.  This sequel to Because of Mr. Terupt reunites the beloved teacher with Luke, Jeffrey, Peter, Lexie, Danielle, Anna and Jessica who each tell their own story.  The kids are a year older, and their problems are more mature.  Several of the students grow up this year as Lexie is exposed to underage smoking, alcohol and drug use, Danielle’s monthly cycles have begun, and the kids are thinking about each other in terms of boyfriends and girlfriends. 

This is certainly a sequel, I would not recommend reading it before its companion as issues from the first book are referred to but not explained.  

EL/MS ESSENTIAL  Lisa Media Specialist

Cowboy Christmas by Rob Sanders - ADVISABLE

Sanders, Rob  Cowboy Christmas  Illustrated by John Manders  Golden Books, 2012.  $10.99  PICTURE BOOK  Content:  G. 

  Three cowboys and their cook are working out in the desert with their cattle during the week of Christmas.  As they remanice about Christmas’ pass they come up with funny and interesting ways to celebrate the holidays.  In place of a Christmas tree, they decorate a cactus with hay and cans of corn.  They try to bake cookies over the campfire and decorate them with beans (because they don’t have sprinkles), but they taste awful.  Then they dress up the cattle to look like reindeer, but then they decide the cows look ridiculous.  Feeling glum, the cowboys resign themselves to the fact that Santa Claus will never find them and they go to work.  While in the pasture, they see a bright light back at camp and when they return Santa has come by seeing the light of the campfire. 

 The illustrations are cartoonish and cute.  The ideas the cowboys come up with are funny and the story is easy to follow.  The ending seemed a bit rushed, but it was a good Christmas story.  

El (K-3)-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

The Mighty Avengers (A World of Reading Level 2) by Thomas Macri –OPTIONAL

Macri, Thomas The Mighty Avengers (A World of Reading Level 2) 32 pgs. Marvel Press, 2012. $3.99  (Rating: G)

This is the story of how the avengers came together. When Loki tries to trick them using The Hulk as bait, a few superheros decide to try to take care of the situation. Most everyone tries to subdue the Hulk while Thor takes on his brother Loki. It will take team work to fight the battles they face.

Students can’t get enough of movie/comic book early readers, and even though this is book is about a popular title –this version is just too stuffed with characters and even 2 separate plots. Even someone who has seen the movies, like me, will be a bit confused. The bottom line is this adaption just didn't cut it for me, and early readers will be over-whelmed.

EL – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

The Amazing Spider-Man (A World of Reading Level 2) by Thomas Macri –ADVISABLE

Macri, Thomas The Amazing Spider-Man (A World of Reading Level 2) 32 pgs. Marvel Press, 2012. $3.99  (Rating: G)

Peter Parker is just a normal teen, until a mutated spider bites him. Now he can climbs walls, just like a spider. He made his own glue and a way to shoot it –designed to mimic a spider web. He learns an important lesson when tragedy strikes.

The illustrations are actually pretty good in this Early Reader book. I think students will be surprised when they read that Peter Parker spider powers didn't naturally include web shooting –that it was something he made himself. I believe this follows the traditional comic story. An interesting old-school twist that will catch student’s attention.  

EL – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan - ADVISABLE

Brennan, Sarah Rees Unspoken: The Lynburn Legacy, 384 pgs. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2012. $18.99. Language: PG (20 swears; 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13

 Kami has been talking to the voice in her mind for as long as she can remember. He knows everything about her and she is unsure of who she would be without him. When the Lynburn family of the manor house returns to Kami’s small English village after a long absence, the voice becomes a flesh and blood person. Can Jared Lynburn help Kami figure out the strange events that have begun to occur or does he represent more danger than comfort?

This book is a fun twist on the overdone supernatural genre. Overall there are some dark elements to the book, but nothing too disturbing. Unspoken is well written with a story that moves quickly and keeps the reader intrigued. There’s humor residing comfortably next to a haunting gothic romance that modernizes a drama filled plot perfect for teenage readers. As this is the first book in a series more questions than answers are given, but with clearly drawn characters and at least one mystery solved the reader won’t be left frustrated.

MS,HS—ADVISABLE. AEB Social Studies Teacher

Inch and Roly Make a Wish by Melissa Wiley - OPTIONAL

Wiley, Melissa.  Inch and Roly Make a Wish, 20 pgs.  Simon Spotlight, 2012.  $15.99.  EARLY READER  Content: G; 

Inch and Roly spend a day making wishes with their friends.  Perfect for beginning readers, with charming illustrations and repetitive vocabulary that encourage young readers.  

PRE-K, EL (K-3) -OPTIONAL.  Joy

If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen –OPTIONAL

Van Dusen, Chris If I Built a House 32 pgs. Dial, 2012. $10.19  (Rating: G)

Jack wants to design his own home, and his mom and dog come on a tour of his imagination. There is a robotic kitchen, trampolines, and even an elevated bedroom with glass walls –the ideas becoming more and more fantastical.

There was something so reminiscent of the old Jetson’s Cartoon that it sort of spoiled this for me. I find myself torn between the desire to go along with the whole dream big and be creative theme and my disgust with the idea of promoting always wanting more and more possessions, technology, and bigger fancier houses. That being said, the very modern cartoon-like artwork will be a draw for students, and I am not totally opposed to inspiring future architects.

EL – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

Fly, Chick, Fly! By Jeanne Willis –OPTIONAL

Willis, Jeanne and Illustrated by Ross, Tony Fly, Chick, Fly! 32 pgs. 21st Century, 2012. $13.22  (Rating: G)

The youngest owl doesn’t want to fly. Herolder brother and sister flew away and didn’t come back –that worries her, so he wants to stay with his parents. The little chick is worried about a lot of things. Eventually she gives it a try and flies out into the world.

This book was kind of blah for me. The artwork was really foggy, and I don’t think students will be drawn to that dreamy color scheme. The story of the bird leaving the nest incredibly cliché and to be blunt, I am tired of it. In fact, I have already reviewed another book that was almost the exact same –right down to the owl main character! For a more creative take on this theme, see Nightsong.

EL – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.

The Humming Room by Ellen Potter - OPTIONAL

Potter, Ellen The Humming Room, 192 pgs. Feiwel & Friends, 2012. $16.99. Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G

 Roo’s dad is dead and she has been shipped off to live with an uncle she has never met. She finds herself in a creepy old house that used to be a children’s hospital and even though she doesn’t believe in ghosts, some things are happening that make her question if she’s right. What are the people in her new home hiding? Roo is determined to solve the mysteries and stop the lies.

The book takes its main plot from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. The main character of Roo is a convincing modernization of Mary, but her cousin is vaguely drawn and leaves that aspect of the story wanting. The book would have been better being more the story of Roo and her discovery of the island and the river as well as her relationship with Jack without the locked garden/returning the invalid to health distraction. The book is still enjoyable even with its weaknesses and young readers will like the mystery set in a spooky hospital even if the plot is resolved too easily and abruptly.

EL (4-6) — OPTIONAL. AEB Social Studies Teacher