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!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Wednesday Wars
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.
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.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Breadcrumbs
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.
Wonderstruck
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.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
One Crazy Summer
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.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
A Curious Collection of Cats
A Curious Collection of Cats by Betsy FrancoMy 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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Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Case of the Lost Boy
The Case of the Lost Boy by Dori Hillestad ButlerMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a great mystery chapter book for children who are just beginning to read longer books. Butler uses the lovable Buddy (or King) the dog as the mystery-solving protagonist and narrator. This should be a fun series.
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Saturday, September 10, 2011
Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie
Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie SternbergMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a wonderful book! I hope Julie Sternberg is busy writing more books about Eleanor because I would love to read more. Eleanor's voice is so authentic and the plot and characters are engaging as well. I can't wait to recommend this one to my students and their parents. Matthew Cordell's black and white illustrations are a great match for the story.
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The Dunderheads
The Dunderheads by Paul FleischmanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a fun book this is! I can think of so many so many students (especially boys) at my school who will appreciate this book. Fleischman's plot and characters combined with Robert's illustrations will attract both advanced and reluctant readers.
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The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity
The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity by Mac BarnettMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mac Barnett's mystery novel is a quick, exciting read. Kids will enjoy this book for its humor and protagonist Steve Brixton's sense of adventure. I love a chapter book with illustrations, so I was happy to see the retro (and kind of creepy) drawings by Adam Rex. This one is perfect for boys, but I think that girls would enjoy it, too. Reading this book aloud to a class or small group would be fun as well.
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Amazing Faces
Amazing Faces by Lee Bennett HopkinsMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lee Bennett Hopkins has done a wonderful job choosing poems for this book. The style of poetry is varied, as are the subjects discussed and cultures represented. The vibrant and detailed illustrations by Chris Soentpiet make the poems even better. I read a five selections aloud to my fifth grade classes yesterday, and both the poems and illustrations were met with approval.
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Frankly, Frannie
Frankly, Frannie by AJ SternMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is a fun early chapter book that will especially appeal to girls. I enjoyed the story and black and white illustrations. Frannie is a smart and curious little girl who is ready to be all grown up. I think children will enjoy this one, and it would make a good read aloud, especially between parent and child. At times, Frannie is a bit too precocious (as kid-characters can sometimes be), but in the end, she is likable and entertaining.
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Saturday, September 3, 2011
The Shadows
The Shadows by Jacqueline WestMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading Jacqueline West's first novel. Although I'm not usually a fan of magic and creepy houses, this book captivated me. I love the main character, Olive Dunwoody, and her nerdy parents. The setting of a big, old house is also great. And, of course, I appreciate the presence of three talking cats. I think the kids will love this one, especially those who enjoy a creepiness factor in their books. I look forward to reading the next Book of Elsewhere.
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Friday, August 5, 2011
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom AnglebergerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is lots of fun and has instant appeal for most young boys on looks alone. However, I think if they give it a chance, many girls would enjoy it, too. Angleberger has written a clever novel with an array of characters, narrators, and sketches. With humor and a bit of mystery, I think this novel is sure to please many young readers.
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Turtle in Paradise
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. HolmMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a fun read that I think many kids will enjoy. The setting - Key West - is vivid as are the characters Holm creates. I was intrigued by the plot and by the historic details which make the story even more lively. Holm also achieved a nice blend of humor and drama that readers will appreciate.
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Thursday, August 4, 2011
Out of My Mind
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. DraperMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book from start to finish. It is a late elementary chapter book which tackles themes of family and friend relationships and seeing past differences. Draper is such a wonderful writer and captures the humor and heartache of the characters. It has short chapter and a captivating plot, so I feel many children will enjoy this book.
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Mockingjay
Mockingjay by Suzanne CollinsMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was not my favorite book of the series. Some of the images were pretty graphic and violent. Maybe I made a mistake by reading at bedtime, but I even had a few bad dreams! So, Collins did a great job painting the disturbing images, yet I enjoyed the first two books more - more about the characters, less violence. I'm glad I read it and finished the series, but I wouldn't want to read it again.
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Catching Fire
Catching Fire by Suzanne CollinsMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
By the time I read this book in the Hunger Games trilogy, I was already hooked by the storyline and plot. I wanted to keep reading to see what became of the characters I felt that I knew so well. Therefore, I read this one as quickly as I could. Collins certainly knows how to write a captivating story. I definitely enjoyed this one.
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The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a wonderful book for young adults and adults as well. Although this is not the type of book I would normally go for, I was won over by the plot and characters.
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