Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood - ADVISABLE

Spotswood, Jessica  Born Wicked, 326 pgs.  G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2012. $17.99 Content: Language: PG (8 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG.  

Cate Cahill and her two sisters live with their scholarly father in a country house during the late 1800s.  Ever since Cate’s mother passed away Cate has been in charge of teaching her younger sisters how to contain their magic and hide their true witch identities from the town.  The Priests of the Brotherhood are a council of strict men who are constantly on the lookout for witches and they are not afraid to put to trial anyone remotely suspicious.  Regardless of Cate’s efforts, Cate and her sisters are labeled eccentric and her father hires a governess to teach them how to fit in better, but the governess is more than she seems and is searching for three sisters from a prophecy and the Cahill sisters fit the bill.  On top of her witch trouble, Cate’s best childhood friend has returned from college and wants Cate to marry him, but she is beginning to have feelings for the gardener.  Cate has sisters to protect and she will sacrifice anything for their safety, even her own heart.  

The characters in this book draw you in and you can’t put the book down until you find out what happens to them.  However, the ending is open to a sequel and all the answers you quickly read the book to find cannot be found in this book.  I can’t wait for the sequel, but I was frustrated at the lack of an ending.  The character development and setting make this an intriguing series that I will follow to the end though.  

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

Polar Lands by Sean Callery - OPTIONAL

Callery, Sean  Life Cycles: Polar Lands  Kingfisher, 2011.  $6.99  PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION  Content: G  

This is a nonfiction picture book about animals that life in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.  Each page layout describes a specific animal and what it eats and where it lives.  Then on a side bar it places the animal on a food chain with an explanation about who its biggest predator is.  Each page layout answers questions under the title “Did you know?” about the animal and shows a four-step life cycle of the animal.  There is also a paragraph describing the animal and a small box at the bottom of the page that previews the predator that will be described on the next page.   The explanations are basic and easy to understand.  The information is interesting and the pictures are clear and fun to look at.  There are two parts that I found frustrating and confusing:  First, it goes back and forth between the two regions of Artic and Antarctica; Second, at the end there is a food chain showing how the animals all fit and on the food chain are a few animals that are not described in the book.  Overall, it was interesting and a good basic introduction to these types of animals, but there are probably better books out there.  

EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Past Perfect by Leila Sales - OPTIONAL

Sales, Leila  Past Perfect, 303 pgs.  Simon Pulse, 2011.  $16.99  Content:  Language: R (80+ swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.  

Chelsea has spent every summer of her childhood working alongside her parents at a historical colonial reenactment village.  She wanted this summer to be different, but her best friend convinces her to return to the village to work.  Chelsea is surprised to find her ex-boyfriend, Ezra, also working at the village and she still hasn’t gotten over her heartache, but Ezra seems to be moving on just fine.  The colonial village has competition across the street with a Civil War reenactment camp and the teenagers working both villages have a friendly war going on between them.  This book is about what happens when Chelsea falls for a guy from the wrong side of the war and how that changes her perceptions of life.  

I enjoyed this book.  There were laugh out loud moments and the main character was fun to cheer for.  It is a sweet romantic comedy with a coming of age theme.  There is also great commentary on history and how it is perceived and changed over time. 

HS - OPTIONAL.   

Life Cycles: Grassland by Sean Callery - OPTIONAL

Callery, Sean  Life Cycles: Grassland  Kingfisher, 2011.  $6.99  PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION.  Content: G.  

This book covers some of Africa, North America and South American animals that live in the grasslands.  Some of the animals include: zebras, hyena, lions, vultures, cougars, prairie dogs, coyotes and rattlesnakes.  Each page layout is about one animal and there is a paragraph to describe what the animal eats and where it lives.  Each animal also has a life cycle explained with pictures and a section that has interesting facts about the animal.  At the bottom of the page is a picture of the biggest predator to threaten that animal.    At the beginning of the book is a picture of where grasslands are found in the world and at the back of the book is a North American food web to show how the animals affect each other’s lives.  There is also a glossary.  The descriptions are simple to understand and the pictures are interesting and clear.  I think there could have been a clearer way to explain when the animals were from different parts of the world.  Also, my biggest complaint is that the cover has a cheetah on it and there isn’t a single page in the book that covers cheetahs. 

EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould - ADVISABLE

Gould, Sasha  Cross My Heart, 263 pgs.  Delacorte Press, 2011.  $17.99  Content:  Language: PG (8 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13.  

Laura is the second daughter to a man who is financially struggling in Venice during the late 1500s, so at the young age of ten, her father unceremoniously drops her at the doors of a convent.  Laura longs for contact with her sister Beatrice and is beyond relief when at the age of sixteen, her father sends for her to live with him again.  When Laura arrives home she is heartbroken to find Beatrice has been murdered and that Laura is to take her place in marrying an old perverted merchant.  In an attempt to thwart her marriage, Laura joins a secret society of Venetian women with the cost of admission being a secret.   Throughout the book, Laura finds herself attracted to a painter commissioned by the Doge and she has to learn who she can trust and who might be behind her sister’s death.  

This was an exciting historical romantic suspense that takes place in the beautifully described city of Venice.  Laura is a strong character who finds strength as a woman regardless of the controlling men in her life.  I also enjoyed that this novel can stand alone.  

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

Circles, Stars and Squares by Jane Brocket - OPTIONAL

Brocket, Jane  Circles, Stars and Squares  Millbrook Press, 2013.  $26.60 PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

This is a book about shapes and it is divided into flat shapes, like circles, squares and triangles and solid shapes like spheres, cubes and cones.  Each page layout is about a specific shape and has colorful photographs to illustrate the shape.  The pictures used to show the shape are from real life (with a lot of the pictures showing quilts or crafts) and it encourages the reader to look for shapes everywhere in their world.  The shapes are explained in simple two to three sentence paragraphs.  This is unlike other books about shapes in that it shows both the flat and solid shapes.  Also, by using pictures that we find in our everyday living it makes shape more applicable to the reader.  I think this book could be used in an art classroom to discuss the difference between flat and solid shapes. Overall, it’s an interesting book.  

EL (K-3)(4-6)-OPTIONAL.

Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready - OPTIONAL

Smith-Ready, Jeri  Shine, 399 pgs.  Simon Pulse, 2012.  $17.99  Content:  Language: R; Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13. 

 In the final book of the Shade trilogy, Aura comes to terms with losing her boyfriend Logan and realizes that she cares for her friend Zachary.  Aura, along with everyone who was born since her, has always been able to see people who are dead, except when she is with Zachary who seems to have a ghost repellant quality about him.  As they get to know each other better and start to uncover the story behind their abilities they learn that their parents are the reason that the shift happened and ghosts are visible.  Aura delves into her dead mother’s journals and decides she needs to travel to Ireland and visit the places that may have answers to why the shift happened before the government takes her and Zachary for good.   

This book wrapped up all the questions that the rest of the series presented.  Like the other books in the series, the language has a lot of swearing, including the “F” word.  The story moves along quickly and is hard to put down and the romance between the two characters is fun.  This book would be hard to recommend because of the swearing, but the storyline is entertaining, making it optional.  

HS-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

There was a Tree by Rachel Isadora - OPTIONAL

Isadora, Rachel  There was a Tree.  Nancy Paulsen Books, 2012.  $16.99  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.   

This book is actually a song written in 1912 called “There was a Tree” that has been illustrated.  It starts with a hole in the ground that grew a tree.  Then grass grew around the tree and on a pretty branch in the tree there was a nest with a bird sitting on the egg.   The egg hatches and a chick flies around on his new wings.  The story is told in the same style as “There was an old lady who swallowed a fly” with repetitive lines after each part of the story is added.  

The illustrations are bright and super cute with the setting taking place in Africa.  This would be a fun read for younger readers who like rhythmic stories that repeat.  

EL (K-3)-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Heaven by Alexandra Adornetto -- ESSENTIAL

Adornetto, Alexandra Heaven (Halo Trilogy, Book III). 432 pgs. Feiwel & Friends, 2012. $17.99. Content: PG-13 (mild sexual content; mild violence) After fighting the world of demons in Hades, Beth and Xavier now have to fight the powers of Heaven to be together. This finale of the Halo series has our protagonist Beth going on her own hero's quest to be allowed to stay with her true love, Xavier. She faces many challenges and twists, is given help from unlikely places, and makes her way through many trials in her attempt to gain her ultimate goal. She does not make it through all of this without being forced to look inward and to honestly choose what she is willing to sacrifice.

The book is an easy read that keeps the reader interested. However, there are inconsistencies in the storyline that might bother some readers.  The simple ending may throw off some readers who are expecting an epic battle or bloodshed. Overall, it was an enjoyable reading experience. The third in a series. MS, HS-- ESSENTIAL. Guest review by Buffy.

Let’s Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy by Thomas - OPTIONAL

Thomas, Jan  Let’s Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy  Beach Lane Books, 2012.  $12.99  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

Cowboy is trying to sing a sweet lullaby to help his cows go to sleep, but every time he gets to the end of this song he screams “eeek” and scare the cows.  At first he stops the song because he thinks that he sees a spider, then he thinks he spots a snake and then he thinks it’s a bear.  Each time the spider is actually a flower, the snake a stick and the bear another cow.  He finally convinces himself that everything is fine, when actually there is a wolf.  Thank goodness wolves really like lullabies.  In the end the wolf snuggles in with the cows and the cowboy to say goodnight.  

This is a cute book that young readers will find funny.  The illustrations are very basic, but they are bright and the cowboy and cows faces are animated.  The wolf going to sleep with the cows seemed like a really bad idea to me, but that was the ending of the story in which everything was all right.  

EL (K-3)-OPTIONAL.

Sprinkles and Secrets by Lisa Schroeder - ADVISABLE

Schroeder, Lisa Sprinkles and Secrets, 206 pgs.  Aladdin, 2011. $6.99.  Content: G ; Violence: G.  

Sophie's big dream is to become an actress. When Sophie gets her big chance at a commercial audition, it could make her dreams come true, except the commercial is for a company that could put her best friend Isabel's family bakery out of business. When Sophie isn't completely honest about her situation, she puts her friendship with Isabel in jeopardy. She has to learn how to hold on to her friendships while pursuing her dreams.  

The second in a series about the ups and downs of junior high friendships is delightfully written by Schroeder. This realistic fiction novel is easy to read, with fun characters and a charming sense of humor. Each chapter is titled after a recipe, some of which are included at the back of the novel.  

EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: J. Hafen

Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone by Kat Rosenfield - PUBLIC

Rosenfield, Kat Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone, 277 pgs. Dutton Books, 2012. $17.99. Language: R (84 swears, 32 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13

Becca has graduated and she could not be more excited about getting out of her small nowhere town and starting her life. She has one more summer that she plans on spending with her boyfriend before heading off to college. Everything seems to be what it should until the dead body of a young woman is found bloody and battered on the side of the road. Murder in a small town sends Becca into a downward spiral that is fueled by fear, suspicion, and the rejection of the one person she thought she could trust.

This book falls into the relatively new genre in young adult books of hipster lit. The author tries too hard to be clever, relevant, and world-weary. Becca’s absolute emotional collapse when a dead body is found is inexplicable unbelievable. She has no connection to the deceased young woman and yet allows the murder to bring her life to a screeching halt. The stories of Becca and Amelia Anne (the dead girl) run parallel and Amelia Anne’s story is the only part of the book that is even vaguely engaging. The conclusion is no more a surprise than the fact that the reader will have no connection or concern for any of the characters involved.

PUBLIC ONLY, AEB Social Studies Teacher

Paradise by Joanna Nadin - OPTIONAL

Nadin, Joanna Paradise, 257pgs. Candlewick Press, 2012. $16.99. Language: PG (14 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

Sixteen-year-old Billie Paradise unexpectedly inherits her grandmother’s house and decides that this may be the just the thing that will save her and her family. Her stepdad is traveling with his band and so Billie, her mom, and her younger brother pack everything and move from a small broken down London apartment to a grand house on the seaside. This could be Billie’s chance to find the father she has never known and learn why her mom fled this town so long ago and never wanted to return. First love, family secrets, and timeworn lies will all be realized as Billie accepts her legacy.

This book has an interesting story idea, but falls short of truly engaging the reader. At various points in the story, plot twists are presented with the intent to surprise the reader, but instead fall flat because the path of the narrative is transparent from the beginning of the book. The absurdity of one subplot intended to shock will instead leave the reader laughing. Overall, the book is a pleasant read, but forgettable.

MS, HS —OPTIONAL, AEB Social Studies Teacher

Heroes of Olympus by Philip Freeman –OPTIONAL

Freeman, Phillip and adapted by Calkhoven, Laurie and Illustrated by Willis, Drew Heroes of Olympus 352 pgs. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012. $12.74.  Content: Language: PG (0 swears);  Mature Content: PG13 ; Violence: PG13. (Adult sexual situations, grisly violence)

This book features a little bit about almost every character in Greek mythology. Its organized by Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Lovers. Each featured God is described and a few short stories are related. There are longer chapters with more detailed adventures on some of the heroes, like Hercules.

Although the summaries and even the chapters are short, because this book is presented as a fat novel with small text it has a very overwhelming feel. I would love this book if it was presented in a larger format, like yearbook size, with a ton of color illustrations. Students have been seeing a ton of Greek mythology in tv and movies for the past decade or so, so they are used to something flashier and more engaging. Despite my love of the writings from the adapter  Laurie Calkhoven, this book wasn't the best option for student readers. 

HS- OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Heroes in Training: Poseidon and the Sea of Fury (Book #2) by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams –ADVISABLE

Holub, Joan and Williams, Suzanne  Heroes in Training: Poseidon and the Sea of Fury (Book #2) 128 pgs. Aladdin, 2012. $11.67.  Content: Language: G (0 swears);  Mature Content: G ;  Violence: G.

The continuing adventures of young Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon as they travel into the unknown at the advice of the oracle Pythia. (Whose instructions are often murky). Luckily Zeus has a compass of sorts, so they set off. The three of them are looking for a trident for Poseidon. The sea itself is treacherous, and even worse Poseidon is convinced he will dissolve if he gets in the ocean. Will they ever be able to beat the mighty Titan Oceanus?

I think this book has the oddest writing style, sort of sharp and angular at times –like a recitation of facts, while other times its youthful and fun with banter and a more modern feel. I gave the first book a Not Recommended. But I have been rethinking that as requests for Greek Mythology novels from my students are increasing and there isn't anything that is just quite perfect. I think the cover art will be inviting to students readers. Sadly, the graphic novel Olympian series by George O’Connor is way better, but a bit too sexy for elementary.

EL, Elementary  –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Muncle Trogg: and the Flying Donkey (Book #2) by Janet Foxley –ADVISABLE

Foxley, Janet and Illustrated by O’Kif  Muncle Trogg: and the Flying Donkey (Book 2) 224 pgs. Chicken House, 2013 (Mar). $9.99.  

Content:  G.

Muncle is now the Wiseman of all the Giants. But there is a problem, its not official, yet. So he still isn't getting the respect he deserves. That’s an even bigger problem because Muncle is the only one who knows their warm mountain home, is really a volcano about to erupt! With Emily’s help, Muncle must help his people learn to ride their dragons, who in turn must learn how to fly first!

I was excited to see how this story would progress and now its looking like a 3^rd book is hinted at. This series has only grown on me more. It’s a perfect read for 2^nd graders! I would still really like to see some artwork that makes the story look more mysterious and intriguing, rather than adorably cheesy. At least at my school, books with similar artwork are not favored without some serious booktalking. 

EL  –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Muncle Trogg: Small Giant. Big Adventure! By Janet Foxley –ADVISABLE

Foxley, Janet and Illustrated by O’Kif Muncle Trogg: Small Giant. Big Adventure! 224 pgs. Chicken House, 2012. $11.69.  

Content: G.

Muncle Trogg is smart, resourceful, and brave but no matter what he accomplishes he just doesn’t quite fit in. You see, Muncle is a giant just like everyone else in many ways, but he is extra short. As in, really really short. This makes his life a challenge. When he discovers a wayward dragon and meets a real human girl, Emily, everything changes.

The plot of this book is pretty goofy but the writing is fantastic. (reminds me of Fablehaven in that way). I found myself totally enjoying this book! I think students will love this story as well. I would have rated it as essential but I think the artwork is going to be unappealing for students –looks slightly dated and corny. Apparently this story is going to be animated movie by Sony, so it might be a great one to add to your collection now!

EL - ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Pigs in Pajamas by Maggie Smith -- ESSENTIAL

Smith, Maggie Pigs in Pajamas 32 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012. $15.99. PICTURE BOOK. This colorful book celebrates the letter P, as a bunch of pigs get ready for a pajama party. Each page contains a number of references to the letter P, both in the text and in the illustrations. For example, on one page the visiting pigs give presents to the host, including posies, parmesan cheese, and a puzzle with a peacock on it.

Not only is it fun for children to find all instances of the letter P -- especially the ones hidden in the pictures -- but it's also a cute story in and of itself, as well as a good example of how to behave at a slumber party. I expected the rhymes to be forced, but they roll off the tongue, and the alliteration makes them fun to read aloud. For added fun, the last page contains a list of many of the P-words, so children can look back through the book to search for them. All in all a very nice blend of fun and learning. Pre-K, El (K-3) -- ESSENTIAL

Lucky Ducklings by Eva Moore -- ADVISABLE

Moore, Eva and Nancy Carpenter Lucky Ducklings. 32 pgs. Orchard Books, Feb. 2013. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK.

Early one morning a mama duck goes out walking with her adorable ducklings. But when they reach the nearby town, they run into trouble -- although the mother is big enough to walk right over a storm grate, all five tiny ducklings fall down the slots and into the drain. Luckily, someone sees and calls for help. Together, the townspeople rescue the ducklings.

A sweet story that nicely illustrates the importance of being nice to even the smallest of animals. According to a note at the beginning of the book, this is based on a true story, which adds a little extra weight to the tale.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by: Caryn

The Very Beary Tooth Fairy by Arthur A. Levine -- OPTIONAL

Levine, Arthur A. and Sarah S. Brannen The Very Beary Tooth Fairy. 32 pgs. Scholastic Press, Feb. 2013. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. All his life Zach has been warned to stay away from humans because they are dangerous and unpredictable, but one day he overhears a human boy with a loose tooth saying that the Tooth Fairy will visit soon. This makes Zach wonder just who will visit him when his own loose tooth falls out -- a human Tooth Fairy, or a bear one? It cannot possibly be a human, because humans are mean...but what if it is? What will he do then? When he finds out the Tooth Fairy is indeed a bear, he is very relieved, as his belief that bears are good and humans are not is confirmed.

This is a prettily-illustrated story about a popular topic, and one that addresses a question that many kids have: Who is the Tooth Fairy? Unfortunately, although the book claims to teach tolerance, the opposite is actually true. The resulting lesson is that it is okay to be biased against people who are different, and that such biases are rewarded. It was also frustrating that his sister, who was supposed to be a role model, acted superior, tricky, and downright mean throughout the story. Her one kind act at the end did little to redeem her. Pre-K, EL(K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Reviewed by: Caryn