Mogo, The Third Warthog by Donna Jo Napoli

This book takes you into the mind of a warthog growing up on the African savanna. Mogo is the third warthog in his litter and he dutifully follows his brothers on their daily forages to eat and drink. The sounder (group of warthogs) is constantly on the lookout for predators including lions and especially a pack of wild dogs. Once Mogo's mother gives birth to her most recent litter, Mogo and his brothers are cast out on their own to survive, which hightens the danger. He encounters giraffees, baboons, and has several narrow escapes with the wild dogs that prowl the savanna. The book gives a good introduction into the variety of life on the savanna although it is a bit too anthropomorphic in its depiction of the animals. Still it would be an enjoyable book for children who enjoy animal stories. Mogo, The Third Warthog by Donna Jo Napoli. Illustrated by Lita Judge. Hyperion Books for Children, 2008.

Tadpole Rex by Kurt Cyrus

A young tadpole is born in the time of dinosaurs and grows up into a frog with huge dinosaurs surrounding it. Then the dinosaurs go, but frogs survive. There isn't much to the plot, but the illustrations are what makes this book shine. The end note states they were created in scratchboard and colored digitally, and those digital colors shine. The larger than life illustrations pop off the page. It is a visual treat and a likely contender for the Caldecott Award next year. Tadpole Rex by Kurt Cyrus. Harcourt, Inc., 2008.

The Magic Pillow by Demi

Once again, Demi mines the rich culture of China to present a tale of a young boy who learns that fame and riches aren't everything. Based on a short story by Shen Jiji from around 700 A.D., the story tells of a poor young boy who is caught in a blizzard while collecting firewood and seeks shelter at a local inn. While there he meets a magician who is staying there who dazzles him with tricks. The magician later loans him a "magic pillow" to sleep on that gives him dreams about a possible future allowing him to make a better decision of what he wants to do with his life. The textured, traditional illustrations leap off the page making this a visual treat as well. The Magic Pillow by Demi. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2008.

We're going on a book hunt by Pat Miller

This lovely picture book borrows from the classic "going on a bear hunt" rhyme substituting books for bears. A group of young bears with their teacher goes to the library for a just right book hunt. Along the way, they learn to go quietly, use shelf markers, pick a just right book (count to five!), and treat books kindly. With catchy rhymes and up to date illustrations (the library features computers and a scanner for check-out) it covers basic library routines and experiences for young kindergartners and first graders. The book includes a Teachers Guide with lessons related to the book (including movements to go along with the rhymes). It was written by a school librarian from Texas to help her teach library lessons, and we will all benefit. The watercolor illustrations of animals in the library are fun and detailed. Students will enjoy looking at them. We're going on a Book Hunt by Pat Miller. Pictures by Nadine Bernard Westcott. Upstart Books, 2008.

Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

The sequel to Stargirl finds her in a new state far from Arizona. The book is a long letter to her former boyfriend, Leo, about her new life, the people she meets and things she experiences in her day-to-day life. Stargirl befriends an energetic six year old named Dootsie, meets an agorophibic named Betty Lou, and is intrigued by a mysterious boy named Perry who has been seen around town stealing things. The book leads up to a Winter Solstice celebration Stargirl puts together. There are observations about small town life, humor, especially from Dootsie, and reflections on the people she meets and their experiences. The audio book is narrated well by Mandy Seigried. Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. Listening Library, 2007.

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

This book provides a fascinating look into life in 12th Century Korea. While in some ways life was as primative as in Dark Ages Europe, there were fine craftsmen and a well-developed culture. The book's hero, Tree Ear, is an orphan, which made him somewhat of a second class citizen in a culture where crafts and vocations are passed from Father to Son. Tree Ear wants to be a potter, as many of the men in his village are, so when the opportunity presents itself, he begins to work for one of the expert potters in the village. When the news comes that an emissary from the King was coming to order pottery for the Palace, Tree Ear must help his master prepare, then later take a long and dangerous journey to take samples of his work to the Capital. Will his effort succeed in helping his master receive a royal commission? The audiobook is well narrated by Graeme Malcolm. A Newbery Award Winner. A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. Listening Library, 2001.

The Dangerous Alphabet

This creepy, gross A-Z follows a girl and boy on a trip through a netherworld of monsters and evil creatures. There is a rhyme for each letter that elaborates on the perils and problems they encounter as illustrated by Gris Grimley. Young lovers of monsters and mayhem will shiver with delight. The Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Gris Grimly. HarperCollinsPublishers, 2008.

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff

Every summer, Lily goes with her family to their summer house in Rockaway. It's a special time she looks forward to every year, but in the summer of 1944, things are changing. There's a war on and her best friend Margaret is moving far away so her father can work in a wartime factory. And, she soon discovers her father is leaving, too. He's joining the Army to help the war effort. Angry and alone, Lily soon meets a newcomer, a boy named Albert, who is a refugee from Hungary staying with relatives in Rockaway. Albert's sister has been left behind in France, and he is trying to figure out a way to get back to her. A touching slice of life about a challenging time in American history. The audiobook is ably narrated by Mia Dillon. It includes musical interludes and sound effects. A Newbery Honor Book. Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff. Listening Library, Random House, 1998.

The Grey King by Susan Cooper

The fourth volume of The Dark is Rising Sequence finds Will Stanton recovering from a serious illness at his Aunt and Uncles farm in Wales. There he learns of a malevolent force in the local mountains, known as the Grey King, who is working with the Dark. With the help of a local boy, Bran, he finds the next relic in his quest to help the Light win the long battle with the dark, which leads to a showdown with the forces of the Dark and the Grey King. The book is full of Welsh expression, facts and information. The author notes that while that characters are fictional, the places are real. The book is enjoyable and suspenseful, but I would recommend it be read in after the others in the series for greatest appreciation and understanding. The Grey King by Susan Cooper. Aladdin Paperbacks, 1975.

The Killing Sea by Richard Lewis

Subtitled, a novel about the tsunami that stunned the world, The Killing Sea was written by a American son of missionary parents who lives in Bali, Indonesia. He volunteered in Aceh after the 2004 tsunami and wrote this novel. I was concerned it would be too graphic for elementary students, but although it describes vividly the destruction and loss of life, a mature fifth grader could handle it. The story opens with a teen age Indonesian boy, Ruslan, who lives in a seaside village with his father, a mechanic. An American family who is sailing the world on vacation comes ashore for help with the engine on their sailboat. They have a teen-aged daughter Sarah and a younger son Peter. When the tsunami hits, the American children manage to escape the waves by hanging on to a tree. Ruslan escapes by breaking through the roof of a house. Then they both begin a journey to get help, eventually meeting up and traveling with a small group of survivors, Ruslan looking for his father, and Sarah seeking help for her brother who fell ill after swallowing dirty water in the disaster. The adventures and experiences are real, heartbreaking, and, in the end, hopeful. There is an interesting side plot near the end of the book of the Press Corps that arrive and are more interested in the Americans' story than the suffering of the native peoples. Overall it is a powerful book. The Killing Sea: a novel about the tsunami that changed the world by Richard Lewis. Simon and Shuster Books for Young Readers, 2006.

Magyk by Angie Sage Septimus Heap Book One

In this enjoyable fantasy, Silas Heap, an ordinary wizard, discovers a newborn baby girl on his way home to his own wife and newborn son. When he arrives, the midwife is leaving with his son, who she says is dead. Ten years later, having raised the girl as their daughter, they discover she is the princess who barely escaped death when her mother was killed by the forces of the Supreme Custodian, who now rules the Castle. With the help of the ExtraOrdinary Wizard and a friendly ghost, they escape temporarily, but are pursued by the hunter, who is charged with finding the princess and killing her. With magic, good and evil, and even a dragon boat, there is excitement and several fun plot twists. A great story for fantasy lovers. The audiobook version is narrated by Allan Corduner, who distinguishes between the many characters with ease. Magyk by Angie Sage. Septimus Heap Book One. Recorded Books, 2005.

The Boggart by Susan Cooper

A Boggart is a mischevious spirit that likes to play tricks in this delightful tale by Susan Cooper. It has lived for generations in an old castle in Scotland playing tricks on the various occupants of the castle. When the current occupant, an old man, dies, the castle is inherited by relatives in Canada. After they travel to Scotland to look at the castle and decide what to do about it, the boggart gets trapped in a desk being sent to Canada with some of the castle furniture. Once in Canada, the Boggart begins to play its tricks on the Volkert family, including Emily and Jessup, the two children. When a psychologist begins to blame all the mysterious happenings on Emily creating a poltergiest with psychokinetic energy, things get tricky. It's up to Emily and Jessup to figure out what is going on and how to solve the problem of the Boggart with a decidedly modern day solution. The Boggart by Susan Cooper. Aladdin Paperbacks, 1993.

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

The Willoughbys is a delightful parody of an "old-fashioned" story that features cruel parents, plucky children and a resourceful nanny. The four children of the Willoughby family wish they were orphans as their parents ignore and mistreat them so. When the parents decide to take a world trip and sell the house out from under the children, they have to use their resourcefulness to work things out. The book is full of references to "old-fashioned" children and stories a la Anne of Green Gables, Pollyanna, etc. After the obligitory happy ending, Lowry provides a bibliography of "books of the past that are heavy on piteous but appealing orphans, ill-tempered and stingy relative, magnanimous benefactors, and transformations wrought by winsome children." Although I enjoyed it greatly, I felt like I might have missed some of the references to some of said books. A Glossary hilariously defines words that frequently show up in such works like auspicious, irascible, lugubrious, and many more. The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2008.

The Talented Clementine by Sara Pennypacker

Impulsive third-grader Clementine faces a challenge when her school decides to put on a talent show as a fund-raiser. Clementine doesn't believe she has any "talents," at least not ones she can do on stage. She knows her very talented neighbor, Margaret, will have lots of talents to choose from and implores her to help her come up with one. Alas, her efforts, while funny, aren't successful. It isn't until that last minute that Clementine discovers what her "talent" is. The audiobook version features narration by Jessica Almay who gets the irrepressible Clementine down pat. Readers who enjoyed the first Clementine book will enjoy the second book in the series. The Talented Clementine by Sara Pennypacker. Recorded Books, 2007.

Oliver's Travels: An Ohio Adventure by Cynthia Furlong Reynoldss

In this somewhat contrived tale, an intrepid mouse goes exploring the State of Ohio armed with a map on which symbols of the state are drawn. In his adventures, Oliver the mouse runs into ladybugs, a cardinal, and other symbols of Ohio. He travels to Cedar Point and Canton where he explores the Pro Football Hall of Fame and more, then heads through Columbus and all the way to the Ohio River. Along the way he learns many historical facts about Ohio, which he shares with the reader. The book ends with him traveling towards Indiana presumably to learn its symbols. While the book has merit as a tie in to Ohio History, I have trouble seeing students chosing to read this. It could work as a read aloud as a supplemental/enrichment type activity during an Ohio History unit. Oliver's Travels: an Ohio Adventure by Cynthia Furling Reynolds, Illustrations by Bruce Langton. Mitten Press, 2008.

Frankenstein Takes the Cake by Adam Rex

The first Frankenstein book by Adam Rex (Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich) has been tremendously popular, so when the new book came out I brought it home to read immediately. It adds a few comic touches to the franchise, one that intermediate students are more likely to "get" than younger ones. The main theme is Frankenstein preparing to marry, with the bride's mother complaining about her marrying "someone green." Different poems take on the various famous monsters that are guests or part of the wedding party (Dracula has a problem with food allergies). Posted throughout the book are entries in the Headless Horseman's blog and a series of poems about Edgar Allen Poe with a wisecracking raven. Should be great for Halloween themed read alouds. Lots of fun. Frankenstein Takes the Cake by Adam Rex. Harcourt, 2008.

Our Library by Eve Bunting

The importance of libraries and their fragility is portrayed in this picture book by Eve Bunting. Illustrations by Maggie Smith show cute animals in their neighborhood library finding out that it may have to close because money isn't available for repairs. So, they check out books and learn how to repair roofs, paint and much more. When new problems come up they read books and work to solve them one by one while illustrating the benefits they receive from the library. While the illustrations are charming, the text is a bit heavy-handed. I'm not sure primary students would get the message, which seems more directed to adults. While we certainly need more advocacy for libraries, public and school, this book didn't really work for me. Our Library by Eve Bunting. Illustrated by Maggie Smith. Clarion Books, 2008.

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

A delightful prequel to Peter Pan, this story creates a credible backstory for how Peter became forever young and the assortment of characters populating Neverland. The story starts with orphan Peter being sent with four other orphans on a sea voyage after which they will serve as indentured servants/slaves for the King of Rundoon. While on board, Peter befriends Molly, who is guarding an important secret about a treasure being transported on the ship. When pirates come after the treasure, adventure ensues, and they all end up on a mysterious island in the ocean. Full of close escapes and funny scenes, it is an enjoyable read (or listen). The audiobook narration is handled superbly by Jim Dale, of Harry Potter fame. Great fun. Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Brilliance Audio, 2004.

How to steal a dog by Barbara O'Conner

Georgina is miserable. After her father leaves the family and her mother loses her apartment, she and her mother and brother are living in their car. In hopes of finding a way to get enough money for her mother to afford the deposit and rent on an apartment, she devises a scheme to steal a dog after seeing a sign requesting a reward for a lost pet. With her little brother, Toby, helping her, they look for a good dog to steal in hopes of getting a reward from its owner. When she finally finds what she thinks is the right dog and goes through with it, she finds that things don't work out the way she planned. Sad and touching, the book does a good job of describing the shame, frustration and other emotions a child would feel in such a situation. How to steal a dog by Barbara O'Conner. Frances Foster Books, 2007.

eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff

Sam has always been afraid of the number eleven. When he turns eleven, he discovers a newspaper clipping that shows him as missing. Unfortunately, Sam struggles with reading and can't find out what it says. Sam begins to wonder if his grandfather, who he lives with, is really who he says he is. So he turns to a new girl in school, Caroline, to help him. Flashes from the past keep cropping up in his dreams, a castle, a sailboat and an accident. With Caroline's help, he pieces together part of the puzzle and eventually sits down with his grandfather to get the rest of the answers. An intriguing mystery and touching story of an unusual family. eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff. Wendy Lamb Books, 2008.

Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park

Growing up in Brooklyn in the early 1950s, Maggie is a devoted Dodgers fan. She likes to go to the local firehouse, where her father used to work, and listen to the games with the firemen there. When she befriends a new fireman, Jim, who is a New York Giants fan, he teaches her how to score games. Later, when Jim is drafted and sent to Korea, she writes to him faithfully until one day he stops writing back. What happened to Jim? Maggie eventually finds out, and has to find a way to help him. Baseball fans will enjoy this picture of life in the 1950s, and how the love of a baseball team knit together a community. An author's note gives background on the Brooklyn Dodgers, the New York Giants, their moves to the West Coast and the Korean Conflict. Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park. Clarion Books, 2008.

George and Marsha Round and Round by James Marshall

Three short easy-read stories about two hippos, George and Marsha, feature illustrationg by James Marshall. In the first, George gives Marsha a cuckoo clock, but the ticking bothers her.She finds a way to make George happy about the gift though. The second story features an imagination filled boat trip, and in the third the friends discover they have very different tastes in art. Originally published in 1988, the stories will give beginning readers a lot of enjoyment. George and Marsha Round and Round by James Marshall. Houghton Mifflin, 1988, 2000.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

The classic fairy tale, Cinderella, is retold charmingly in this story by Gail Carson Levine. Ella, a young girl, lives happily until her mother dies of an illness. Cursed by a fairy at her birth to always be obedient, she is protected by her mother and cook/fairy godmother from being forced to do anything unreasonable. A spunky, fun-loving girl, Ella chafes at the finishing school her widowed father sends her too. Unfortunately, one of the girls there, Hattie, figures out Ella's secret and uses her obedience to control her. Meanwhile, she makes acquaintance with the prince and charms him. When Ella's father marries Hattie's mother the leaves for a long business trip, the mother and sisters force her into the servant role of the traditional story. Then she and the prince fall in love, but Ella realizes she can't marry him because she could endanger him if someone ordered her to do something that would put him in danger. What to do? Fun, full of delightful characters--elves, centaurs and more, this is a wonderful story for those who dream of happily ever after endings. The audiobook is voiced by Eden Riegel in an appropriately childlike voice. A Newberry Honor Book. Ella Enchanted by Gale Carson Levine. Listening Library, Random House, 1997, 1998.

Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Stewart

If you like gross creatures, fabulous monsters, and nick of time rescues the story of Twig's adventures in the Deepwoods is for you. Sent away from his wood troll family to stay with his cousin, he "strays off the path" and is surrounded by danger. He is attacked by flesh eating trees, captured by various kinds of goblins and befriended by a giant bear. The adventure is never ending, and the descriptions of the various beasts are filled with slime, large fangs, and other threats. The first in The Edge Chronicles series, it is sure to interest fantasy fans who like excitement and outlandish creatures. The audiobook version is narrated by Clive Mantle. Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Steward. Illustrations by Chris Riddell. Listening Library, Random House, 2005.

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies: Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz

A wonderful addition to the tools for studying the Middle Ages, plus an enjoyable read. Schlitz has written 22 short monologues designed for students to perform featuring different characters from a typical Medieval Village. Tradesman, peasants, the lord's children all have their moment in the sun. Several of the monologues include elements that emphasize the "grossness" factor of dark ages life such as descriptions of the materials used to tan leather (urine and ashes). Background notes give additional information about such things as the Crusades, Falconry and other relevant topics. 2008 Newbery Award winner. Good Masters, Sweet Ladies: Voices from a Midieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz. Illustrated by Robert Byrd. Candlewick Press, 2007.

The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett

Jan Brett tackles the Inuit Culture with her latest retelling of The Three Bears. Three polar bears live in an igloo in Inuit Territory. When baby bears' soup is too hot, they go for a walk until it cools off. Meanwhile, Aloo-ki, a local girl has a problem. Her sled dogs have drifted away on an ice floe. Stuck, she wanders until she finds the igloo, she then tries the soup, the boots and the "just right" bed to take a nap in. The side illustrations Brett is known for show the bears discovering the floating dogs and bringing them back to land. All ends well when Aloo-ki reconnects with her sled dogs and is able to head for home. The illustrations are wonderful and employ traditional Inuit designs in the patterns on the parkas and other clothes the bears and Aloo-ki wear. The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett. G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2007.

A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban

Zoe Elias longs to play the piano. She envisions elegant concerts at Carnegie Hall. But her agoraphobic father, who gets nervous whenever he leaves the house, buys her an organ instead. So, she gamely starts learning, even though her teacher gives her TV show themes from the 70s to play instead of classical music. Meanwhile her Dad spends his time taking correspondence courses in cooking, and visiting with this strange boy from school, Wheeler, who follows her home one day. Then she is invited to perform in an organ Perform-A-Rama. But her mom, who is always busy at work, has a crisis and can't drive her, so she has to rely on her anxious father to get her there. In her first novel, Urban gets the longing of the 10 year old just right in facing pages describing 1) what a piano recital would be like and 2) what an organ Perform-A Rama is like. A touching story about an odd family that comes together to support Zoe when she needs it most. A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban. Harcourt, Inc., 2007.

Grace for President by Kelly Dipucchio

In this timely picture book, two elementary school classes hold an election. After finding out that there has never been a woman president, Grace decides to run for President. Her competitor, Thomas, is the star soccer player and the champion of the spelling bee. Each student is designated as a State and assigned a certain number of electoral college votes (so one student's vote could count more than another's, which could be hard for younger readers to understand). Then the campaigning begins, all the usual speeches and promises. Throughout Grace discovers that campaigning is hard work, and readers come away with a much better understanding of the process. Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio. Pictures by LeUyen Pham. Hyperion Books for Children, 2008.

Greenwitch by Susan Cooper

The Dark is Rising saga continues bringing the protagonists of the first two books (Over Sea, Under Stone, The Dark is Rising) together. The Drew Children are dismayed when the ancient grail they discovered on holiday in Trewissick is stolen. They are invited to go back to the town on the Cornwall coast for the spring holiday with their Great-Uncle Merry. Joining them is Will Stanton, the old one from the second book. During their visit, the locals create a Greenwitch--a sculputure made from greens and twigs that is given to the sea. Searching for the missing grail and the manuscript that will unlock its secrets becomes intertwined with the mystical Greenwitch setting the stage for the fourth book. The audiobook is well-read by Alex Jennings, who easily switches between American, and a variety of English accents for the characters. Greenwitch by Susan Cooper. Listening Library, 2001.

Nory Ryan's Song by Patricia Reilly Giff

What if all you had to eat suddenly disappeared? Nory Ryan, a 12 year old girl in Ireland in 1845, discovers what it’s like to have to live on grass, birds eggs and anything her family can scrounge after a mysterious blight causes the potato crop to rot in the ground. Neighbors and relatives are leaving for America, and Nory is often on her own helping take care of her baby brother, Patch. All around her she sees people being forced off the land because they can’t pay the rent required to the English Landlords. Author Giff researched family history and the story of the Irish potato famine for this heartwarming story of determination, the will to survive, and what it sometimes takes to stay alive. Nory Ryan’s Song by Patricia Reilly Giff. Delacorte Press, 2000.

LaRue for Mayor by Mark Teague

With owner Mrs. LaRue in the hospital because of mysterious accident with a hot dog cart, dog Ike starts sending his usual upbeat letters while the pictures tell quite another story. When the dogs running wild angers the local political candidate, Ike decides to run for Mayor. What follows is hilarity. The picture format book requires reading between the lines and looking closely at the pictures. Great fun. LaRue for Mayor. Written and Illustrated by Mark Teague. The Blue Sky Press, 2008.

The Wolves are Back by Jean Craighead George

This book is stunning in its simplicity. By describing what happened when wolves were returned to the ecosystem of Yellowstone National Park, it clearly explains the concept of ecological balance to young students. The paintings by Wendell Minor are luminous. The book starts with a young wolf pup and his father going to feed from an elk carcass killed by their pack. It then traces back how the wolves were destroyed by man, and their successful return beginning with 10 adult wolves in 1995. Each page spread of the book shows a different part of the ecosystem that has begun to recover since the wolves have been back. Songbirds have returned, beavers have returned, and the elk and bison are no longer overgrazing the land. The Wolves Are Back. A similar theme to Wolf Island by Celia Godkin. The Wolves are Back by Jean Craighead George. Paintings by Wendell Minor. Dutton Children's Books, 2008.

When Dinosaurs Came With Everything by Elise Broach

Friday is errand day and the young boy isn't looking forward to the usual round of shopping, haircuts, and doctor's appointments that make up the usual routine. Until mom and son stop at the bakery and see the sign "Buy a dozen Get a Dinosaur." They walk out with donuts and a triceratops! At the next stop they acquire a stegosaurus and encounter more kids and dinosaurs as they stroll through town. David Small's watercolor illustrations show dinosaurs looking through windows, following their humans like dogs, and somehow fitting into the cityscape. Eventually, mom adjusts and dinosaurs and boy live happily every after. Sure to please those dinosaur lovers in every crowd. When Dinosaurs came with Everything by Elise Broach. Illustrated by David Small. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2007.

Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm

May Amelia Jackson is growing up in the wilderness of Washington State in 1899. Her family is Finnish, one of many who emigrated to the area. She is the youngest child with seven older brothers and the only girl in the area. So, acting ladylike is not something that comes naturally to her. At age 12, she struggles against the restrictions placed on her to act like a lady, and she vigorously experiences life. The descriptions of life in a pioneer farm settlement from the logs rushing down the Nasell River to the day to day backbreaking work routines transport the reader back to another time. The audiobook, read in a suitably childlike voice by Emmy Rossum, captures the spirit of May Amelia. An author's note explains that May Amelia was based on her Great Aunt Alice. When Holm found her diary, she was inspired to bring her story to life. A Newbery Honor Book (Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm. Random House Audio, 1999.)

Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt

This classic has been sitting on my bookshelf for a while and I finally picked it up. I'm very glad I did. It tells the story of Jethro Creighton, who is nine years old when the Civil War breaks out. Jethro lives with his family on a farm in Southern Illinois and one by one, brothers, friends and other relatives go away to fight, some on the Southern side. Jethro studies the papers and follows the battles anxiously, then matches people and places as letters come from far away soldiers telling of their experiences in battle. Eventually the war ends and friends and family return, but the vivid descriptions of life on the farm and coming of age in such a turbulent time stay with you. In a note, the author states the book is based on stories told by her Grandfather. We are fortunate that she listened so closely. A Newbery Honor Book (Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt. Berkley Jam Books, 1964.)

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos

Joey Pigza is excited. He is going to visit the father he hardly remembers. When he meets him, he is amazed. His dad is as hyperactive as he used to be before he started taking his medicine! Joey's Dad Carter is coaching a Police Athletic League baseball team, and he wants Joey to pitch for the team. Things go well until in a sudden turn of heart, Carter decides that Joey no longer needs to take his medicine. Slowly things begin to careen out of control. Funny, sad, and filled with action, the book really helped me understand what its like to be "out of control." The audiobook is narrated by the author. (Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos. Listening Library, 2000)

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems

That crazy pigeon is at it again! This time he really, really wants a puppy. Maybe. Willems always manages to put a twist into his pigeon stories even though some of the story is predictable. Pigeon fans won't care though. The usual cartoonlike artwork captivates and the story is fun. A solid addition to the series. (The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems. Hyperion, 2008).

What To Do About Alice?: How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy! by Barbara Kerley

Alice Roosevelt Longworth was a fascinating historical figure: independent, intelligent, ahead of her time. Kerley describes her impetuous childhood, the frustrations her father felt trying to get her to behave, and how she scandalized many in society at the time who felt she was too forward, doing things no young lady should be doing. The typeface and illustrations scream fun. Alice is shown sliding down the White House stairs on trays, driving in an early automobile, hanging out with her pet snake and more. While primarily focusing on her childhood and teens, an Author's Note at the end describes her life long interest in politics and statemanship. She continued to advise her husband, Congressman Nicholas Longworth for years. A worthy introduction to an early independent woman. (What To Do About Alice? How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy! by Barbara Kerley. Illustrations by Edwin Fotheringham. Scholastic Press, 2008)

Half-Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer

Harking back in style to the pulp mystery genre (the audio book even starts with some appropriately Film Noir background music), Half-Moon Investigations features a 12 year old Irish detective, Fletcher Moon, solving mysteries in his elementary school. When he is hired to find a missing celebrity souvenir by the school's most "popular" girl, things begin to heat up. Suddenly, there are a lot of other suspicious cases and his prime suspect, a local boy whose family has a reputation for trouble, becomes his partner in solving the crimes. Funny, smart, with a touch of Irish wit, Half-Moon Investigations is great fun. The crimes and action fit the upper elementary/middle school audience it is aimed at. The audiobook narrator, Sean Patrick Reilly, reads in a strong Irish brogue using a wide variety of characterizations, including a pretty good Elvis impersonation. (Half-Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer. Read by Sean Patrick Reilly. Listening Library, 2006.)

First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

This lush picture book illustrates beginnings. First the egg, then the chicken it begins. It goes on to show tadpoles and frogs, seeds and flowers and more. The book then ties all the concepts together at the end. I read the book on a new e-book site, Lookybook, so I didn't experience the illustrations that won a Caldecott Honor Award first hand, but they were still vibrant and detailed. However, the book includes die cuts that didn't translate well on the computer screen. The site shows picture books, but doesn't allow you to enlarge them. There are links to buy the books from Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and an Independent Book Store network. It's a good way to preview books for purchase. To check it out go to: http://www.lookybook.com/index.php . (First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger. Roaring Brook Press, 2007.)

Iron Thunder by Avi

Subtitled The Battle Between the Monitor and the Merrimac, Iron Thunder creates a fictional character, Tom Carroll, out of several who actually worked on the first iron-clad ship. The story starts with young Tom, who goes to work in the shipyard after his father is killed early in the Civil War. He runs errands for the designer of the boat and is approached by a rebel spy to reveal secrets of the ships design. When the Monitor sailed, Tom went with it, and he describes barely surviving a storm at sea while sailing to Chesapeake Bay (the majority of the ship was below water, only 18" of it and the turret were above water). Then onto the great battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac, the south's iron clad ship. The book is full of actual illustrations of the time and details of the ship and how it was designed. There is also a glossary and a historical note. Sure to interest boys and Civil War fans. Iron Thunder: The Battle Between the Monitor & the Merimac by Avi. Illustrations by C. B. Morgan. Hyperion Books for Children, 2007.

Marley a dog like no other by John Grogan

A dog like no other indeed. The children's version of the adult best-seller had me laughing out loud, shaking my head in recognition, and mourning the loss of the incomparable Marley. Groghan devotes chapters to such things as everything Marley eats (and dealing with what comes out the other end), the myriad efforts to train Marley (he was kicked out of obedience school), Marley's very brief movie career and much more. The audio version is performed by Neil Patrick Harris, who used a wide range of accents and inflections to differentiate the characters. Listen for the "surfer dude" pit bull owner at the Dog Beach! (Marley a dog like no other by John Grogan. Harper Children's Audio, 2007)

Zen Ties by Jon J. Muth

Stillwater the bear returns with his nephew Koo, who loves to speak in rhyme. Stillwater's three friends from Zen Shorts join them in helping out an older neighbor who is sick. While reluctant at first, Addy, Michael and Karl grow to appreciate their neighbor and find they have gained from the experience. The watercolor illustrations are a beautiful respite from our harried world. They exude peace and serenity. (Zen Ties by Jon J. Muth. Scholastic, 2008.)

Gimme Cracked Corn & I Will Share by Kevin O'Malley

This book is a Groaner. O'Malley finds every pun imaginable to tie together his story of Chicken and George looking for a treasure Chicken dreamed about. In his dream, the treasure was under a pink pig in a barn, so Chicken and George set off on a hunt, cracking jokes along the way like two old Vaudvillians. The illustrations are bright and crips, and the disclaimers funny. Great Read Aloud (especially if you have an audience that likes puns). (Gimme Cracked Corn & I Will Share by Kevin O'Malley. Walker & Co., 2007.)

Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson

There's another world beside the one we know about, at least according to Alcatraz Smedry. We live in the "Hushlands" which are controlled by Evil Librarians, and there is another world, conveniently left off our maps, known as the "Free Kingdoms." On Alcatraz's 13th Birthday, he discovers this when he was taken from his foster home by his grandfather. An epic battle at the downtown Library ensues (the Evil Librarian headquarters). A fun, light tone makes the reading enjoyable and Alcatraz takes time to comment on the structure of the book such as cliffhanger chapters and other literary conventions. If you enjoy fantasy, check it out! (Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson. Scholastic Press, 2007.)

Bessie Smith and the Night Riders by Sue Stauffacher

Delightful illustrations by John Holyfield grace this picture book about the great jazz singer Bessie Smith and her encounter with the Ku Klux Klan while performing in the South. Emmarene, a young girl, tells the story of Bessie's visit to her community in the rural south to perform. While peeking through the tent flap at the performance, Emmarene spots Night Riders coming and rushes in to warn Bessie and the crowd. What happens next is the stuff of legends. Based on a true story, the book concludes with an historical note about Bessie Smith and how she had to travel during the Jim Crow Era. (Bessie Smith and the Night Riders by Sue Stauffacher. Illustrated by John Holyfield. G. P. Putnam and Sons, 2006.)

Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper

The first book in The Dark is Rising sequence, Over Sea, Under Stone introduces us to the Drew Children who are on vacation on the Cornwall coast of England. While exploring the old house they are renting, they come upon a very old manuscript, which they eventually translate with the help of their Great Uncle "Merry." What follows is an exciting quest to find a valuable artifact before the suspicious visitors lurking in the area catch them or figure out where the manuscript leads them. The audiobook version is well read by Alex Jennings, who also narrates The Dark is Rising, the next book in the series. Jennings captures the various accents of Cornwall, the visiting children, and the ominous tones of the villain, Mr. Hastings. When the audio book I was listening to malfunctioned on the last CD, I headed straight to the library to get the book so I could finish it! (Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper. Random House Listening Library, 2007)

A Story for Bear by Dennis Haseley

A beautifully illustrated picture books tells the story of a bear who discovers a letter in the woods. He doesn't know what the tiny marks on the paper mean, but he soon discovers a woman reading near a cabin in the woods. He gradually approaches her, and she begins to read to him. A wonderful story to share with students just learning to read to show the enjoyment of reading and what it can mean. (A Story for Bear, Dennis Haseley, Jim Lamarche, ill. Silver Whistle Harcourt, Inc., 2002.)

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Elijah considers himself fra-gile. As the first freeborn child in the community of Buxton, Ontario, Elijah has a carefree life. He fishes, goes to school and helps his neighbors and family with the chores. He has heard about the horrors of slavery from his parents and elders in the community, but never experienced them. That changes when he goes to Michigan to help a neighbor try to retrieve money stolen from him he was going to use to buy his family out of slavery. In his search he comes across some runaway slaves that were captured and being taken back to the South, causing Elijah to confront the horrors of slavery. The story lovingly details life in a rural community in the 1850s. An afternote tells about the community of Buxton and how it came to be founded. A 2007 Newbery Honor Winner. (Elijah of Buxton, Christopher Paul Curtis, Scholastic Press, 2007.)

One Beastly Beast by Garth Nix

This book of short stories from fantasy writer Garth Nix has four stories with odd and goofy premises. The first, Blackbread the Pirate, finds a boy returning DVDs for his mother only to have them stolen by pirate rats that emerge from the sewer. Soon the rat navy comes to the rescue. Another, The Princess and the Beastly Beast, features a young princess who is attacked by a large, clockwork monster. Then there's the orphan boy who likes to invent things, who has to find a way to avoid being adopted by suspicious aliens, and the Know It All girl who is meant to be sacrificed to a sea serpent. I thoroughly enjoyed all four stories which were light, fun and out-of-this-world. (One Beastly Beast (Two aliens, Three Inventors, Four Fantastic Tales) by Garth Nix. Ill. by Brian Biggs. Eos, 2007)

Emlyn's Moon by Jenny Nimmo

"Nia can't do nothing!" is the taunt Nia Lloyd hears from her brothers. The middle child of a family of seven, she feels lost in the shuffle until she befriends Emlyn Llewelyn. But her parents don't want her to go to the Llewelyn home. "Something happened there" is all her brother will say. But Emlyn's cousin Gwyn is a magician with a magic snow spider when it spins a web for Emlyn to glimpse another world, danger threatens. By helping Gwyn and Emlyn, Nia finds a way to do something important. (Emlyn's Moon by Jenny Nimo. The Magician's Trilogy: Book Two. Read by John Keating. Scholastic Audiobooks, 2006.)

Mercy Watson Princess in Disguise by Kate DiCamillo

It's Halloween and Mr. and Mrs. Watson's favorite pig is going trick-or-treating! She likes the "treat" part so she's willing to dress as a princess. Of course, in Mercy's mind treats equal buttered toast so when she's offered Halloween candy--well--chaos ensues. Funny, lively with great illustrations. (Mercy Watson Princess in Disguise by Kate DiCamillo, ill. Chris Van Dusen. Candlewick Press, 2007).

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

Will Stanton got a very interesting present for his 11th Birthday in mid-December. He found out he is one of the “Old Ones” helping to protect the world from the Dark--a malevolent force. Over the course of the Twelve Days of Christmas with the help of his guide “Merriman” he hunts for six magical signs that when linked will force back the Dark. But the dark fights back with fierce blizzards, floods and other obstacles threatening Will’s family and the people of his village. The book combines ancient celtic legends with an exciting story. The second of five in the The Dark is Rising Sequence. The audiobook version was well read by Alex Jennings. (The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. Listening Library, 1999.)

No Talking by Andrew Clements

When 5th Grader Dave Packer learns about Mahatma Gandi while preparing a Social Studies Report on India, he is inspired to stop talking for a day. That leads to a confrontation with Lynsey Burgess in the cafeteria. By the end of lunch, the two have agreed to a contest--boys against girls, to see who can talk the least for two days. Suddenly things get very different at school and the perplexed teachers and principal have to try to figure out what’s going on. Fun, thought provoking, and lively, the contest takes some surprising twists and turns. The audio version, narrated by Keith Nobbs, had me smiling, laughing out loud and nodding in recognition at his description of elementary school life. (No Talking by Andrew Clements. Simon and Schuster Audio, 2007.)