In a small town in South Africa, Ajani and his friends outwit the local bullies and play the game they love. Young children will appreciate the univerIn a small town in South Africa, Ajani and his friends outwit the local bullies and play the game they love. Young children will appreciate the universality of the game of soccer. While the dangerous conditions are indirectly addressed, they are appropriately handled for young readers....more
Roland Smith is a master of edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting adventures. Peak has climbing in his blood-- no surprise as the son of two world-renowned mRoland Smith is a master of edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting adventures. Peak has climbing in his blood-- no surprise as the son of two world-renowned mountain climbers. But living in New York City, he doesn't have many opportunities to climb mountains, and out of boredom, he's been scaling skyscrapers instead. The police catch him at it, and are not amused. It's looking like he might be spending the next 3 years in juvenile detention-- but then his father, who hasn't been around in years, shows up and convinces the judge to let him take Peak overseas with him. Suddenly, Peak is at the foot of Mount Everest, getting ready to embark on the greatest adventure of his life with a dad he doesn't really know. But the more he gets to know Josh, the more Peak is convinced that the climb isn't about their relationship, but about how the publicity of having the youngest person ever reach the summit of Everest is going to benefit Josh's company. Of course, motives may be a moot point, since there's a very good chance that neither of them will survive the climb. ...more
Grades 5-7 Welcome to Miss Loupe's 6th grade classroom. Bo and his friends aren't quite sure what to make of Miss Loupe on the first day of school whenGrades 5-7 Welcome to Miss Loupe's 6th grade classroom. Bo and his friends aren't quite sure what to make of Miss Loupe on the first day of school when they meet the tattoo'd, multi-pierced, and energetic teacher who crawls around on the floor making a rectangle out of masking tape. Even the reluctant learners are quickly drawn in as she uses improvisational theatre to help her students see the world in different ways. Bo, whose base commander father doesn't appreciate the number of scrapes his son gets into at school, finds himself paying attention and learning. When Miss Loupe's brother, who is stationed in Afganistan, is reported missing and then sent home with serious injuries, Miss Loupe seems to fade to a shadow of her former self. It's up to Bo, his cousin Gari, and his fellow students at Young Oaks Elementary to remind her of what she taught them: that the cracks in things are how the light gets in. With the Air Force Base setting and the majority of the characters being part of military families, this is an inspiring and important story....more
The extent to which Ida Mae Jones will go to be a WASP during World War II brings to life a fascinating piece of history. During the war years, it wasThe extent to which Ida Mae Jones will go to be a WASP during World War II brings to life a fascinating piece of history. During the war years, it was almost impossible to earn the opportunity to be a pilot as a white woman. And if you were not white... well, the doors were pretty firmly shut against you. Unless the US Army didn't know that you weren't white. A great piece of historical fiction, although I think the present-tense narration weakened it some....more
Grades 5-8 If John Grogan billed Marley as the world's worst dog, Bulu's owners definitely believe he was one of the best. And with good cause: Anna anGrades 5-8 If John Grogan billed Marley as the world's worst dog, Bulu's owners definitely believe he was one of the best. And with good cause: Anna and Steve Tolan, a British couple who relocated to Africa in the late 1990s to start a wildlife education center, adopted Bulu when he was a puppy. Friends told them they were crazy to own a pet-- that the lions and elephants and hyenas that made Zambia's Luangwa Valley their home would snatch the dog as prey. But they persevered, and in time, came to realize what a blessing Bulu was to their wildlife center: he became a "big brother" to countless orphaned baby animals that were brought to the center to be raised until they could be returned to the wild. Students will be fascinated not only with Bulu's courage and dedication, but with the up-close look at day to day life in the African bush....more
When mama chicken Moosh asks retired search-and-rescue dog J.J. Tully to solve the case of her two missing chicks, hilarity ensues. J.J. Tully comes aWhen mama chicken Moosh asks retired search-and-rescue dog J.J. Tully to solve the case of her two missing chicks, hilarity ensues. J.J. Tully comes across as the best 1940s noir-style detective, and his nemesis Vince the Funnel oozes New York gangster. Add in the zany chicks who both help and hinder the investigation, and you've got a chapter book that begs to be read aloud. This first in a series has plenty of quirky illustrations that make it a great choice for beginning chapter readers....more
Grades 4-7 Lily has been invisible for the past two years. She doesn't talk, she won't look people in the eyes, and the townspeople think that she's brGrades 4-7 Lily has been invisible for the past two years. She doesn't talk, she won't look people in the eyes, and the townspeople think that she's brain-damaged. She's not, but she's content to have them think that and leave her alone. She sits unresponsively in school, but when nobody is around, she loses herself in Nancy Drew mysteries. Tinny, the new girl in town, unexpectedly stumbles across the fact that Lily can read, and makes it her mission to torment Lily with the knowledge. But Tinny has some secrets of her own, and Lily is determined to discover them before Tinny can hurt her great aunt Fern. When a strange man comes to town, Lily realizes that Tinny's secrets are dangerous ones. Interwoven in the story of Lily and Tinny are flashbacks to Lily's brother Pete, slowly revealing more about their relationship and the reason that Lily hasn't spoken for the last two years. Andrea Beaty mixes in just enough mystery and suspense to make this a very hard book to put down. Don't be fooled by the rather bland title and cover... this is a page-turner....more
Grades 3-4 After Emily is orphaned, the kindly neighbor ladies (Mrs. Ready, Mrs. Aim, and Mrs. Fire) help her plan her journey to Aunt Hilda in Redbud-Grades 3-4 After Emily is orphaned, the kindly neighbor ladies (Mrs. Ready, Mrs. Aim, and Mrs. Fire) help her plan her journey to Aunt Hilda in Redbud-- and just in the nick of time, for the Catchum Child-Catching Services is hot on her heels. Mrs. Catchum doesn't care if she has a loving aunt in Redbud who wants her; she gets a "super-duper-dinger-zinger bonus" if she gets Emily to her closest living blood relative. That would be evil Uncle Victor, and Emily does NOT want to live with him. While she is on her perilous stagecoach journey to Redbud, she is befriended by another orphan, Jackson. Emily also finds out that the reason that Uncle Victor is so set on finding her is that she is the sole heir to the $10 million left by her mother's employer. It's a rootin' tootin' Wild West adventure as Emily and Jackson try to outrun, then outsmart, Uncle Victor and make it safely to Aunt Hilda's....more
Grades 3-5 This quick read is a charmer. Ellie and her mom have lived in a shelter for several months, ever since a hurricane destroyed their old life.Grades 3-5 This quick read is a charmer. Ellie and her mom have lived in a shelter for several months, ever since a hurricane destroyed their old life. They are not homeless, but "tweenies," as her mom puts it-- between houses. Ellie's dad, who died in the hurricane trying to rescue others, was a farrier, and her mom hopes to follow in this career path. She gets the opportunity when she is offered a job caring for horses in Virginia horse country. Ellie is offered a full scholarship to the local prep school. When she first arrives, many of the girls in her class are snobbish and make her feel unwelcome. But after a schoolmate sees Ellie get off the bus in front of the huge mansion owned by her mother's employer, a rumor starts at school that not only is Ellie "mega rich," but she's a princess. Ellie overhears the whispers, and knows she ought to stop the rumors, but suddenly all the other girls like her... what harm can a rumor that SHE didn't start do? Patty Weise's lovely illustrations complement the story. While the cover art looks a little juvenile, booktalking the story will make this an easy sell to middle grade girls in search of friendship stories sprinkled with a dash of horsiness. ...more
Reminiscent of David Wiesner's Flotsam, a young Inuit girl out ice-fishing begins to discover treasures from the sea. First she pulls up a little woodReminiscent of David Wiesner's Flotsam, a young Inuit girl out ice-fishing begins to discover treasures from the sea. First she pulls up a little wooden bird, then later a red flower, an orange starfish, a green leaf, and other beautiful items. She uses them to decorate her igloo, and the beauty of the bright items against the world of white snow attracts friends who come for a visit-- polar bears, rabbits, foxes. When the ice begins to melt and it's time for Immi to move on, she drops her white bear necklace into the ice-fishing hole before she leaves. Across the world, a boy finds it and hangs it around his neck-- where he once wore his little wooden bird. While this is a sweet story of unspoken friendship, it is the vibrant watercolor and gouache illustrations that make it something special. ...more
Rat-a-tat-tat! When a fox is running after him one evening, Bunny barely makes it safely to his home. As he's getting ready for bed, a duck, a mouse, Rat-a-tat-tat! When a fox is running after him one evening, Bunny barely makes it safely to his home. As he's getting ready for bed, a duck, a mouse, and a sheep all come knocking, tryign to escape the same fox. Will the fox get them? Lots of good opportunities for predictions, and the sweet rhymes will appeal to younger primary students. ...more
Kindergartners and the younger set will enjoy seeing little Dinosaur take on the challenges of the world around him: a pile of leaves, a big slide, a Kindergartners and the younger set will enjoy seeing little Dinosaur take on the challenges of the world around him: a pile of leaves, a big slide, a plate of spaghetti, even grown-ups-- nothing can stand in the way of his boundless energy. But as the day winds down and he takes on the bath and the toothbrush, that energy starts to wane, and when it's time to face his biggest challenge of the day-- bedtime-- well, you can't win them all....more
Minimal text combines with dramatic illustrations to introduce the Underground Railroad to young readers. Pairs nicely with Henry's Freedom Box for a Minimal text combines with dramatic illustrations to introduce the Underground Railroad to young readers. Pairs nicely with Henry's Freedom Box for a story time that helps children understand this period in our history....more
Grades 4-7 When Daniel moves to the little town of Noble's Green, PA so that his parents can help care for his sick grandmother, he quickly realizes thGrades 4-7 When Daniel moves to the little town of Noble's Green, PA so that his parents can help care for his sick grandmother, he quickly realizes there's something a little odd about the kids he meets: a secretiveness, and evidence of skills that far surpass normal human abilities. After one of his new friends saves Daniel from a terrible multi-story fall, the group admits that they have superhero powers. But on their 13th birthday, they lose those powers and any memory of them, not even remembering their former friendships. Wanting to learn more about why the powers are lost on their 13th birthday, the group solicits Daniel's help: he sleeps over with one of the boys who is turning 13, and to his horror, he discovers that the powers are being sucked from the sleeping superhero by a villainous figure. Daniel has always loved detective stories, and by putting some of his detective skills to use, he discovers that The Shroud is trying to suck up the abilities of the Noble's Green children in order to increase his own power. Since he's the only one with no powers for The Shroud to steal, Daniel is determined to help find a way to put a stop to the villain's treachery. Along the way, Daniel learns that, even if he can't fly or lift up cars with superhuman strength, he has what it takes to be a hero. This fast-paced celebration of superheroes and friendship has a few twists and turns that will keep kids turning the pages and cheering the whole way....more
This powerful novel-in-verse is told through the eyes of 12-year-old Matt, who was airlifted out of Vietnam and adopted by an American family. He is cThis powerful novel-in-verse is told through the eyes of 12-year-old Matt, who was airlifted out of Vietnam and adopted by an American family. He is close to his new mom and new dad, but can't forget the family he left behind, especially his younger brother. As he tries to assimilate through baseball and music, he faces hatred and prejudice from some of his classmates. While I did not find Matt's poetic voice to be entirely authentic, Burg's choice to write his story in this style adds a depth and an intensity. Students who do not know much about the Vietnam War will be captivated by Matt's resilience....more
Grades 3-6 This biography of a little-known hero will enthrall children. Although parts of it read like a tall tale, Nelson emphasizes that she has staGrades 3-6 This biography of a little-known hero will enthrall children. Although parts of it read like a tall tale, Nelson emphasizes that she has stayed true to the facts in an informative authors note. ...more
Grades 2-5 Even if kids aren't familiar with all the allusions to Indiana Jones, this hybrid graphic novel has a lot of guy appeal. Franklin Lorenzo PiGrades 2-5 Even if kids aren't familiar with all the allusions to Indiana Jones, this hybrid graphic novel has a lot of guy appeal. Franklin Lorenzo Piccolini (aka Frankie Pickle) finds himself in lots of life-or-death tight spots with his trusty sidekick Argyle... even if they are mostly in his imagination. One of the banes of his existence is his mom's requirement that he keep his room clean. When she finally concedes defeat and tells him that she will no longer get on him about his room, he couldn't be happier: justice has prevailed! But as time goes by and his room gets more and more disgusting, he finds himself facing his biggest challenge yet-- the CLOSET OF DOOM. A fun quick read....more
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory goes space-age. When a high tech company offers four fathers and their children the adventure of a lifetime, Liam DiCharlie and the Chocolate Factory goes space-age. When a high tech company offers four fathers and their children the adventure of a lifetime, Liam Digby (tall for this age and sprouting premature facial hair) and his friend Florida find themselves in China training for a trip into space. Repeatedly mistaken for an adult, Liam is competing with the other dads to accompany the four children on the rocket. And his outlandish journey allows him to truly appreciate is own dad. A humorous and heartfelt adventure....more
Grades 3-6 Owen Jester, newly moved in with his grandfather after his father lost his job, has just caught the biggest, greenest, slimiest bullfrog inGrades 3-6 Owen Jester, newly moved in with his grandfather after his father lost his job, has just caught the biggest, greenest, slimiest bullfrog in all of Carter, Georgia. He has all sorts of big plans for Tooley Graham. But Tooley's not cooperating. Instead of enjoying the indoor and outdoor frog houses that Owen has designed especially for him, Tooley just sits there. Owen hates to admit it, but his annoying, know-it-all neighbor Viola may be onto something when she says that Tooley just wants to be free. Interwoven with Owen's quandary over what to do about Tooley is the mysterious thud and tumble, tumble, tumble sound that he heard the other night when the train went through. He just knows that something amazing has fallen off the train, and he is determined to comb the woods behind his grandfather's house until he finds it. This story of summertime adventures and friendships in unlikely places has lots of kid appeal....more
Grades K-2 In a tale that's a little reminiscent of "Monsters, Inc.," Ethan has just discovered that the monster that inhabits the area underneath his Grades K-2 In a tale that's a little reminiscent of "Monsters, Inc.," Ethan has just discovered that the monster that inhabits the area underneath his bed has taken off for a week's vacation. How is he supposed to get to sleep without his monster there? What's to keep him in bed if there's no threat of sharp claws and equally sharp teeth and oozy slime? Several replacement monsters show up over the course of the evening, but there's something wrong with each one: no sharp claws on one; nail polish on the claws of the second; a bow on the tail of the third. Ethan is starting to despair of ever getting to sleep when his own monster Gabe returns. Kids will enjoy how the author turns scary monster stories on their ear, and will wish for their own monster under the bed....more
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