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.