Camo Girl

Camo Girl by Kekla Magoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I'm excited to share it with older students at my school. I found the characters in this contemporary, realistic fiction book believable and interesting. The theme of friendship and family and differences will ring true for many readers I think. Also, Magoon's writing style is easy to read and poignant - a combination that is not always easy to achieve.

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Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this humorous story that is sure to appeal to kids who like to read funny stories or who don't particularly like to read at all. Although protagonist Charlie Joe prides himself on never reading a book, I couldn't resist this likeable character and his cast of friends and foes. I hope that students who are drawn to the cover and title will ultimately find a lot to like about this book!

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The Wednesday Wars

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Parents who will never understand.
Middle school brand humiliation.
Complicated sibling relationships.
Late 1960's unrest.
A teacher who emerges as a real person.
An authentic narrative voice.
Here are a few reasons to read Schmidt's novel. It is written for a middle grade audience, but I believe readers of all ages will enjoy this one. I loved this book for its plot, interesting characters, and beautiful writing.

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Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Breadcrumbs is an entertaining and imaginative fantasy tale. I think readers, young and old, will appreciate Ursu's main characters, the challenges they face, and the adventures they seek. I really look forward to recommending this one to students in the library, especially those who are fans of fantasy.

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Wonderstruck

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Selznick has created a pair of wonderful stories with narrative and illustrations. I was so excited to read this novel, and I'm just excited to tell others about it now that I've finished the book. Not only is the format unique and memorable, but so is the story and the characters. I love the way Selznick switches back and forth between story lines, using both his pictures and his words so well. The suspense he creates in Wonderstruck makes it difficult to put this book down. I look forward to finding out what younger readers think of this one.

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One Crazy Summer

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book from the cover art to the last page. Reading historical fiction is something I usually enjoy, so I'm not surprised I liked this novel. I found myself wanting to know more about life in the 1960's, especially regarding the Black Panthers. I think that kids interested in history will enjoy that aspect; however, the characters and plot are strong enough to pull in readers who aren't that into the historical details. Like Christopher Paul Curtis, Williams-Garcia has a talent for putting history into her stories that makes the period interesting and accessible.

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A Curious Collection of Cats

A Curious Collection of Cats by Betsy Franco

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Betsy Franco and Michael Wertz have created a fun, colorful, lovely book of poetry. The illustrations and text work together in such a clever way that kids and adults will surely enjoy this one. I read a few selections to my second grade classes, and they were rushing to check out the book next! As a cat lover I was excited about the subject matter, but even dog-people will appreciate the humor here.



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