The Case of the Lost Boy

The Case of the Lost Boy by Dori Hillestad Butler

My 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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Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie

Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Sternberg

My 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 Fleischman

My 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 Barnett

My 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 Hopkins

My 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 Stern

My 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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The Shadows

The Shadows by Jacqueline West

My 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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