Flora and Ulysses

Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure about this book at first. I have been so excited to get my hands on Kate DiCamillo's book, but as I began, I kept thinking this is a little odd, a bit quirky. And that is a pretty fair assessment of the book; however, the plot, characters, and themes move past quirky and into more depth and meaning as the book progresses. That is when I really started to appreciate it. I especially love the illustrations, the wonderful vocabulary, and - of course - the discussion that this book could inspire. I think Flora and Ulysses would make a fun and worthwhile read aloud. Lots of kids will get a kick out of this one. I can't wait to see what students and teachers at my school think!

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Bluffton

Bluffton by Matt Phelan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I know I shouldn't admit this as a librarian, but graphic novels are not really my thing. I admire the kids I know who can zip through them with appreciation and enthusiasm, but my brain does not work that way. I'm often overwhelmed by all the busyness on the page. However, just as he did in The Storm in the Barn, Matt Phelan has made me think twice. This time it's Bluffton which is just awesome. That one person can create the beautiful art, write convincing characters and plot, and do the research required for historical fiction is awesome. I'm interested to see what students will think of this one.

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The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I really say about this classic? It seems ridiculous to review it! I will say that am SO glad I finally made the time to read it - as it is considered a classic for good reason. I'm just beginning The Humming Room and I cannot wait to see how these two books relate to one another. My favorite parts of The Secret Garden were the beautiful, mysterious setting, the fascinating characters, and the hopeful theme.



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The Humming Room

The Humming Room by Ellen Potter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book and I think it will find an audience in the library as well. I especially liked reading it just after The Secret Garden. I'm not sure I would have liked it as much without the comparison. I love being able to recommend this book along with its classic counterpart to students reading TX Bluebonnets this year.

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Liar & Spy

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love Liar & Spy. It one that seems to fly right off the pages and feels real and quirky and truthful all at once. There's a bit of mystery here too that I think young readers will enjoy, but there are themes present that make the book special and wise. I love the ideas of friendship, change, fitting in (or not fitting in) and facing fears. For middle grade readers, there is a lot to like about this book. Stead's writing is awesome and the chapter "How to Land a Plane" blew me away.

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Igniting a Passion for Reading

Igniting a Passion for Reading: Successful Strategies for Building Lifetime Readers by Steven L. Layne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a great book for teachers and librarians! I'm so glad I bought it at our book fair last year and finally took the time to read it. It has definitely gotten me fired up to start a new school year. Layne's knowledge and advice for turning kids on to good books and reading is presented in a practical and accessible way. His message is a breath of fresh air.

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Laugh with the Moon

Laugh with the Moon by Shana Burg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Laugh with the Moon is a memorable story with a great message. I think kids will respond well to learning about life in Malawi. The main character Clare is often shocked by how different life is there compared to how she lived in the US. Her voice is authentic in regard to her new home, the people she meets, and her relationship with her father. Author Shana Burg achieved her purpose - taking children to Africa with her compelling story.

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