R+ Star Recommend
R
Recommended
A Add per need
M
Marginal
NC Not recommended
Joan Enders, Review Chair
Robert A. Long High School
2903 Nichols Blvd
Longview, WA 98632
jenders@longview.k12.wa.us
Abdel-Fattah, Randa
TITLE: Where the Streets Had a Name
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic, 2008
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-17292-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-10 grade
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 313 pages
Thirteen year old Hayaat, like most teenagers, is trying to make sense of her world. However, her world is very different than what American teens
will ever experience. She and her family were forced out of their house in the country and forced to live in a small cramped apartment with strictly
enforced curfews. You see, Hayaat is Palestinian living in Bethlehem behind concrete walls where travel from one city to another is prohibited
without permits and armed searches. But, Hayaat and her friend Samy, a Palestinian Christian, are on a mission which is the main focus of the story.
They plan to sneak into Jerusalem, find the house that Grandma lived in as a young woman and bring a bottle of soil from it to her before she dies.
Along the arduous and hazardous six mile trip, we learn about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, about Muslim traditions, Middle Eastern lifestyles, and
how people are still people with many of the same joys, fears, wants and needs regardless of which side of a man-made wall they live on. We learn
that teens there are no different than here, that they watch soap operas, dream of fairy tale weddings, listen to music their parents don’t like, have
idols, argue and disobey their elders and fight with siblings; but they also face death or arrest on a daily basis. This is a good book for students
interested in this part of the world and who want to learn more in an enjoyable way, with some humor, some mischief and some adventure thrown in.
Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School Media Center
Abrahams, Peter
TITLE: Quacky Baseball
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: HarperCollins  2010
PRICE: $ 16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-122979-4
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK – 2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Frank Morrison
PAGES: UNP
It’s Opening Day of baseball and Thumby Duckling (who sucks his thumb) is starting for the first time for his team, the Webbies. They’re up against
the Quackers, who always win. The Webbies load the bases with two outs and Thumby’s the next batter up. Can he help his team finally beat the
Quackers? This was a cute story, told in baseball-speak, with highlighted baseball tips scattered throughout the story. I thought the baseball-speak
style of writing might be a little over the heads of the 3-8 year olds the book is aimed toward, but the illustrations are bright and captivating and will
hold their attention.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Allaby, Michael, Anderson, Robert
And Crofton, Ian
TITLE: Deserts and Semi-deserts
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Raintree 20101
PRICE: 34.00
ISBN: 978-1-4329-4175-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd - 8th
ILLUSTRATOR: various
PAGES: 64
The Sonoran Desert, Atacama, Kalahari and Nimib deserts, Sahara, Gobi, Takla Makan biomes are demonstrated to the reader. The book has large
font, 1.5 spacing, each page has photographs, maps and/or illustrations that show the reader what the environment is like. The flora and fauna are
described and shown. The language is easy to read and understand. This book was a fun read. Contains Glossary, Further Research (books and
websites) and index.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Allen, Crystal
TITLE: How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won A Bubba-Sized Trophy
PUBLISHER: Balzer & Bray
ISBN: 978-0-06-199272-8
RATING: R
PRICE: $16.99
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
1
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 283
Lamar is the best there is at bowling, but when it comes to pulling off pranks, the skills are in the gutter. Lamar hooks up with one of the baddest kids
in school to earn some green and get a girl. Little did he know that he would find himself in a lot of hot water because he believed a lot of lies. This
book is full of funny situations, dialogues, realism and many moral choices. Worth the read.
REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
TITLE: Slog’s Dad
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2011
PRICE: 15.99
ISBN: 9780763649401
INTEREST LEVEL: 9-12
ILLUSTRATOR: Dave McKean
PAGES: 57
In this slim volume, Almond, an English author of award-winning novels, stories and plays tells the simple story of a boy, Slog, whose father dies
and the boy’s certainty that his father will come back to visit him one last time. One day Slog and his friend Davie see a broken old man sitting on a
park bench and Slog immediately recognizes the man as his father and goes to talk with him. Davie is skeptical…to him the man just looks like a
bum, and he watches from a distance before approaching the two to challenge the man with questions only Slog’s dad would be able to answer. So is
the man Slog’s dad or not? The ambiguity of the final scenes leaves the reader pondering, yet profoundly moved. This book is remarkable in so many
ways, from the poignant story to the eerily evocative illustrations to the questions the story raises in the mind. Although it could even be considered a
“picture book” it is definitely one for older readers, even adults. I don’t know exactly where this book would fit in a school library, but it is a gem
nonetheless.
Reviewer: Cody Walke, Kelso High School
Almond, David
Anderson, Sheila
TITLE: What Can Live in a Forest?
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publications  2010
PRICE: $NA
ISBN: 978-0-7613-4571-8
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr: K-2
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 23
This non-fiction book has very few words, but has great photos. It tells how different forest animals have special adaptations. It is written to where
very young children can understand, and they will love the photos. Great non-fiction story for the very young.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Andrews, David
TITLE: Businesses without Borders: Globalization
RATING: Ad
PUBLISHER: Heinemann, 2011
PRICE: na
ISBN: 9781432939335
INTEREST LVL: Gr 6-10
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 56
One of four books in the “Global Marketplace” series this examines the benefits, negatives and complexities of international dependence for U.S.
citizens and their economic lives. Did you realize that the person taking your order at the drive-through at McDonald’s may not even be at the local
store, but outsourced and entering your order via computer so that the store can concentrate on your food order? A grandmother in Nepal can
connect via the Internet to the same information as we can. The major debate surrounding a global economy is homesourcing versus outsourcing and
offshoring. Why the current recession in the United States affected the entire world economy is explained in a pleasant format with sidebars and
ample color photographs that are up-to-date. Though the book’s audience is intended for a lower grade, I feel that high school students would benefit
from the clear explanations. Included are glossary, ndex, timeline and additional web and print resource lists.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
Aslan, Reza
TITLE: No God But God
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Delacorte Press,
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780385739757
INTERSET LEVEL: 9-12
ILLUSTRATOR: n/a
PAGES: 166
Subtitled The Origins and Evolution of Islam, this book is a welcome addition to high school libraries. Following a chronological outline and using
everyday language, it traces the history and influence of Islam from its earliest beginnings to the current day. Nine chapters discuss the kind of world
Muhammad was born into, his experiences in Mecca and Medina and how Islam flowered in the period after his death. More importantly for the
modern reader though, the author presents separate chapters discussing the meaning of Jihad, women in Islamic culture, and the relationship between
Muslims and Jews. The final chapter speculates on the future of Islam and how young Muslims are reshaping and reinterpreting their religion, and
the author foresees an “inevitable cleansing” of bigotry and fanaticism, which he calls Islam’s “false idols.” The book offers a glossary of key terms
and a timeline of important events.
Reviewer: Cody Walke, Kelso High School
Badger, Meredith
TITLE: Genie in Training
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Feiwel and Friends, 2009
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 9780312657826
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 187
Genie in Training is the first of the Tweenie Genie series. Poppy is not thrilled about her twelfth birthday until she learns she is going to be trained as
a genie. The catch is that she can’t tell her family or anyone else that she is really a genie. Poppy’s character shows the insecurities and fears that are
representative of a tween girl. Even though she makes many mistakes in genie training she learns she is very special in her own right. I enjoyed
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reading this book. I can readily recommend it to our students.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Bailer, Darice
TITLE: Lose the Blanket, Linus!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Little Simon, 2010
PRICE: $14.95
ISBN: 978-1-59961-804-3
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: LoBianco, Peter & Nick
PAGES: 31
Based on Charles Schulz’s beloved characters, Bailer and the LoBiancos do a nice job of staying true to Schulz’s characters in this book. Big sister
Lucy thinks little brother Linus needs to give up his much-loved blanket. Linus takes his blanket everywhere and Lucy feels the need to call in their
blanket-hating Grandma. She manages to get the blanket from Linus and then Lucy turns it into a kite. When Linus gets it back, the blanket is mad at
Lucy and hisses at her. Linus goes about trying to prove he doesn’t need the blanket.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Balsley, Tilda
TITLE: Maccabee! The Story of Hanukkah
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Kar-Ben  2010
PRICE: $17.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-4507-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 3-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: David Harrington
PAGES: NA
This story is done in rhyme, and has cartoon like illustrations. It tells in kid friendly manner the story of Hanukkah. A great way to show diversity of
holidays.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Bardoe, Cheryl
TITLE: The Ugly Duckling Dinosaur: A Prehistoric Tale
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Boyds Mills Press, Inc.  2011
PRICE: $ 16.95
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9739-4
INTEREST LEVEL: K – 3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Doug Kennedy
PAGES: UNP
When a mama duck hatches all her eggs but one, everyone waits anxiously. It finally cracks, and out pops a…t-rex! Of course, being a good mama,
the duck takes t-rex along on the duckling’s first swim, at which he’s pretty awkward. Feeling ugly and like he doesn’t quite fit in, he flees into the
forest when his ‘mama’ and siblings dive beneath the water’s surface. Will he find where he truly belongs? This story follows the path of the classic
ugly duckling tale and young listeners will be able to make that connection. The illustrations are expressive and colorful and a great fit with the
storyline. At the back are short explanations of some of the dinosaurs shown in the story along with notes from the Author and Illustrator.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Bari, Ellen
TITLE: Jumping Jenny
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Kar-Ben @ 2011
PRICE: 17.95
ISBN: 9780761351412
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Raquel Macia
PAGES: UNP
In Picnic at Camp Shalom the reader is transported to a Jewish summer camp. In Jackie’s Gift, Jackie Robinson’s family is able to bond with a
Jewish family. Now in Jumping Jenny the setting is a Jewish school where the students are trying to raise money for school supplies in Uganda.
Jenny’s jumping has gotten her into trouble on several occasions but she is finally exonerated when she makes money for Uganda by jumping 1000
times on a Pogo stick. The story is based on events in the author’s life. The illustrations jump right off the pages.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Barnholdt, Lauren
TITLE: Aces Up
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Delacorte Press 2010
PRICE: $9.99
ISBN: 9780385738743
INTEREST LEVEL: 10-12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 272
Shannon Card is accepted into Wellesley College and takes a job as a server in a local casino. She meets Cole the leader of a group called “Aces
Up”, which is a group of very good poker players. The thrill of working a job, when underage, cheating the gambling system and which boy she
likes best becomes too much for her, things begin to unravel. In the end she loses much more than she bargained for but gets the guy that really
means the most to her, Max. “Aces Up” proves that things that look too good to be true really are just that, high hope for a quick fix to a problem.
Reviewer: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
Barrett, Tracy
TITLE: King of Ithaka
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt and Company 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780805089691
INTEREST LEVEL 10-12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 261
Telemachos has never left the small island he lives on with his family. Now, he must go in search of his father, before his mother is forced to marry.
The town leaders say his father is dead and she must fulfill the laws and marry in order for them to have a new king. Is he up to the task? No, he has
never sailed a boat, fought a battle, or had to provide for his own wellbeing. He receives a mysterious prophecy from centuries old cave dwelling
monster, whom he risked his life seeing. Telemachos struggles with physical battles, thieves and just trying to have enough food to eat. “King of
Ithaka” is slow reading, at the beginning, but draws the reader in to Telemachos’ journey. I found myself rooting for him to find his father and win
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the battle to keep his mom from having to remarry.
Reviewer: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
TITLE: Merlin’s Dragon: Ultimate Magic
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Philomel Books/Penguin Group  2010
PRICE: $ 19.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25217-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 5th - Up
ILLUSTRATIONS: NA
PAGES: 223
From the opening pages of Barron’s newest story of Avalon, its savior the giant green dragon Basilgarrad, is in the throes of a battle it seems Avalon
is destined to lose. Miraculously, the long absent Merlin reappears in the nick of time to help. But the joyous part of their reunion is short-lived when
immediately on the horizon looms another horror. Fighting perils all along the way, Merlin and Basilgarrad travel to the Haunted Marsh where they
are positive all the negativity is emanating from. What they find when they arrive is Avalon’s most horrendous foe – growing stronger by the second.
Will the help of a tiny, yet courageous dragon; Basilgarrad’s water dragon love; Merlin’s estranged son and the energy of the goodness within all of
Avalon be enough to save their world? A gripping continuation of Barron’s wonderful world and its inhabitants.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Barron, T.A.
Benton, Jim
TITLE: Frantastic Voyage
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2006
PRICE: $16.95
ISBN: 9781599618210
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Benton, Jim
PAGES: 104
Franny K. Stein is at it again, this time with a doomsday device. Franny becomes worried that her inventions could be stolen and used for evil; so
logically she creates a device that would destroy the world should it become necessary. When her dog, Igor, ea ts the device and activates it, Franny
must shrink herself and go in after it. The farfetched story line is fun to read and will keep the emerging reader interested and amused. The cartoonlike illustrations add visual humor. Franny K. is a fun time.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Bishop, Nic
TITLE: Butterflies
PUBLISHER: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 978-0-545-28434-9
ILLUSTRATOR:
RATING: A
PRICE: $3.99
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre K-2
PAGES: 31
As always, this Nic Bishop book for young readers captures your attention from the very first page with his amazing photographs of butterflies. It is
a perfect book to pair up with a science unit on metamorphosis. The glossary and photo index provide even more information needed to assist young
readers in expanding their knowledge and vocabulary.
REVIEWER: Tanya Lile, Toutle Lake Elementary
Bishop, Nic
TITLE: Lizards
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic  2010
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-20634-1
INTEREST LEVEL: K-5
PHOTOS : Nic Bishop
PAGES: 48
This non-fiction book has wonderful photos, and information about all different kinds of lizards, I read it to my 5 th grade class and they loved
learning more about lizards.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
TITLE: Fantasy: and artist’s realm
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press 2010
PRICE: 19.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4056-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 8th - adult
ILLUSTRATOR: Ben Boos
PAGES: 84
Fabulous book! Those who are interested in the Fantasy Genre for reading or writing will love this book. The book is too hard to describe and give
it justice. The author / illustrator describes and illustrates in great detail various weapons, tools, monsters and armor. The details are too many to list.
This book is a must have and once your readers of this genre find it, you may need a second copy. Excellent book!
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Boos, Ben
Boothroyd, Jennifer
TITLE: The Energy We See: A Look at Light
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publications Company, 2011
PRICE: $18.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-6092-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
Answering the questions of what is light, how light travels and what stops light are concepts that are addressed in this book. It is an easy read
addressing complex topics. The selection of photos does a good job of demonstrating the concept and many of them have captions that explain even
more. A student activity is described at the back of the book, in addition to sharing a glossary of terms and books for further reading on the topic.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
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Bowler, Tim
TITLE: Blade: Book 2 Out of the Shadows
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Philomel, 2009
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25187-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 7 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 232
Ah, the promise of the first couple of lines. “Ever wondered where you go when you’re dead? Then watch this space. Cos I’ve been there.”
Unfortunately, the promise of the first couple of lines wasn’t enough to make me love it. Perhaps it was because I hadn’t read the first one. There
wasn’t a lot of backstory—which is not a strike against a book in my mind, because I’m pretty quick on the uptake. However, a good percentage of
the book was taken up with the slang words “cos,” “gobbos,” “grinks,” and when it takes me 80% of the book to start caring about the main
character, I know the author is in trouble. The first couple of chapters are pretty fast-paced as Blade, who has been viciously slashed and needs
medical attention, has to escape the hospital in order to get away from the characters who either want him dead or who want information from him.
The next several chapters could pretty much be summed up by Forest Gump: Blade keeps running and running and running. Anyone who even
appears to help him winds up dead. Throw in that he is trying to protect a toddler named Jaz, who is allegedly his daughter, even though Blade is the
tender age of fourteen, and you have a book that pretty much repeats. He doesn’t know who is chasing him, so they are all “gobbos” and “grinks,”
but the nameless horde just starts to blend together. Have I mentioned that the plot is redundant? Perhaps diehard fans from across the pond can keep
up with the lingo, but for the kind of reluctant reader to whom the jacket will appeal, this book is likely to be an exercise in frustration and
disappointment.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Boyd, Maria
TITLE: Will: A Novel
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86209-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 299
Will provides all the color and spicey language that one would expect from an Australian author, but it’s wrapped in such a great story of friendship
and screw-ups that it is a book I plan on using as a read aloud for my students who have difficulties making and maintaining relationships. They will
definitely relate. It all starts with a fight that is too quickly broken up by the powers that be. All the adrenaline has to go somewhere, and, for Will
Armstrong, it all goes to his rear. In a stunning display of “leadership,” he decides to moon the Lakeside Girls school bus. It’s an event that goes into
St. Andrews lore, but doesn’t sit so well with the powers that be. Rather than expel him, the administration does far worse—they condemn him to
band leadership in the upcoming presentation of the musical The Boy Friend. He is sure his social life is over. However, in the ensuing several
weeks, Will becomes the protector of Zach (aka The Freak), the friend to Mark—who is gay, and boyfriend to Elizabeth—who is drool worthy. It’s
not quite a bad boy gone good tale, because, really, Will isn’t a bad guy. He just does stupid things that sometimes hurt people. His willingness to
work his way out of those emotional messes complete with his courage in staying the course on his punishment make this more than just an
entertaining read.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Bradford, Wade
TITLE: Why Do I Have to Make My Bed?
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Tricycle @ 2011
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9781582463278
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-8th
ILLUSTRATOR: Johanna Van der Sterre
PAGES: UNP
I read this aloud to a group of fourth graders. The title seems like a hilarious possibility of a story. The cover gives the reader a chill of delight as
thoughts of trouble and panic come to the fore. However, the smaller capitalized subtitle, which can easily be overlooked, tells all. The author takes
us back through the ages starting with 1953 then onto 1911, 1762, 1630, 1144, 875, 121, 1,000 B.C., and finally 40,000 B.C. The main idea is that
children through the ages have always had chores and making a bed is one of them. The illustrations never disappoint. I do worry that after all this
work the audience for this book is going to be limited.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Brannon, Tom
TITLE: Elmo and His Friends
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press  2011
PRICE: $5.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5147-3
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-K
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES:
This is a collection of “Brand New Readers” that are books with very simple text and large pictures. Each story has an introduction for a parent and
summery of the book, and at the end of the book a helpful guide to make reading fun and easy for your first-time reader. Sesame Street is a familiar
friend for your young readers so even though they are trying something new they are reading a familiar friend. I like these for first time readers, but
these are not very appropriate for a reader that is taking off. They are very basic and simple.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Brocket, Jane
TITLE: Spiky, Slimy, Smooth
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Millbrook @ 2011
PRICE:
ISBN: 9780761346142
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Jane Brocket
PAGES: 32
The photographs in this nonfiction texture book are outstanding. I try to get library classes interested but I am not successful so far. A classroom
teacher could use this book as an introduction to adjectives or as story starters. The words captioned on each photograph are good examples of well-
5
created sentences. The audience for this book might be limited unless texture is part of the curriculum.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Brown, Calef
TITLE: Hallowilloween
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780547215402
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Brown, Calef
PAGES: 30
This Halloween book of poems is delightful and creative. My favorite poems were: Lone Star Witches and the Vumpire. Bold illustrations, done in
acrylic, capture the spirit of Halloween. It would be a great read aloud.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Brown, Ruth
TITLE: Gracie, The Lighthouse Cat
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Andersen Press, 2011
PRICE: $16.95
ISBN: 9780761374540
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Brown, Ruth
PAGES: 24
The main story is of a momma cat who rescues her kitten from a savage storm. It is well told with minimal text and very dynamic illustrations.
Interestingly, a second story is told using only the background of the illustrations. This background story is explained on the front and back leaf of
the book. I really enjoyed the illustrations done with movement and emotion. The dual storylines create an additional depth and interest to the book.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Bruchac, Joseph
TITLE: Dawn Land
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: First Second 2010
PRICE: 19.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-143-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 8th and up
ILLUSTRATOR: Will Davis
PAGES: 313
The graphic novel tells the story of the Abenaki nation. Young Hunter sets out on an epic adventure to defeat the Stone Giants who terrorized his
tribe, spreading mayhem and murder throughout the land. The young warrior has the tribe’s most dangerous secret weapon that will change the
world for better, or for worse. The artwork is great, and the story flows. I think that this book will be popular, especially with Native American
readers.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Bunting, Eve
TITLE: Hey Diddle Diddle
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Boyds Mills Press, Inc.  2011
PRICE: $ 16.95
ISBN: 978-1-59078-768-7
INTEREST LEVEL: Preschool
ILLUSTRATOR: Mary Ann Fraser
PAGES: UNP
This is a fun, romping different version of the classic rhyme. With a cow on trombone and a whale on the drum, kids will love to turn the page to see
what animal will come into the music mix next. The illustrations are adorable, with a beautiful little bluebird leading the reader from page to page. A
great read-aloud for the young listening age group.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Butterworth, Chris
TITLE: How Did That Get In My Lunchbox?
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press  2011
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5005-6
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-k-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Lucia Gaggiotti
PAGES: 22
This non-fiction book tells the story of how many of the common foods that are in your lunch box were not grown in the store but came from
somewhere else. This a great book for kids to see where their food comes from. I liked the break down in the back of the book where they define
carbohydrates, protein, and the other food groups that you find in your lunch box. The illustrations are very age appropriate along with the text.
They compliment each other and create a very good book for children to grasp the simple concept of where food comes from.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Cardillo, Margaret
TITLE: Just Being Audrey
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Balzer + Bray, 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780061852831
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR: Denos, Julia
PAGES: 27
While reading this picture book biography of Audrey Hepburn, I learned many details about her childhood. She was born into a wealthy and titled
family that lost everything in World War 2. Known for her kindness, as well as her personal style, Audrey went on to an amazing acting career both
on the stage and in movies. The illustrations evoke her famous and distinctive style in clothing, setting the standard for elegance through simplicity. I
am excited that a new generation will be introduced to Ms. Hepburn.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Chick, Bryan
TITLE: Secrets and Shadows
PUBLISHER: Greenwillow Books, 2011
RATING: APRICE: $16.99
6
ISBN: 9780061989254
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 266
Secrets and shadows is the second book in The Secret Zoo series. Not having read the first one, this book was a bit confusing and hard to sort out.
There was a lot of description of this fantastical zoo world, and less conversation which would have cleared up some of my questions. I really like the
concept of a secret zoo, and maybe if I had read the first one it would have been clearer, but this book didn’t reach its potential for me.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Clarke, Judith
TITLE: The Winds of Heaven
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt ©2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9164-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 277
Mid-sixty-year-old Clementine recounts her time with her cousin, Fan, while growing up in Australia in the 1950s. Clementine’s family lives in the
city and one summer Clementine and Mom travel to the outback to visit Fan and her family. The family is highly dysfunctional. Fan’s dad left a long
time ago, her sister has recently left and her mom is mentally ill. Clementine thinks Fan is wonderful and envies her confidence and independence.
Clementine’s life goes on to be successful and Fan ends up with two young children at the age of 17. Her mom has left for the United States with a
new boyfriend and her sister helps when she can. Fan eventually is overcome by her undiagnosed mental illness and commits suicide, leaving her
sister to raise her children. This is one of those stories that adults will enjoy and should be marketed to adults rather than teens. The cover art will
attract teens but the story might lose them.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Cleary, Brian P.
TITLE: Cool! Whoa! Ah and Oh! What is an Interjection?
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Millbrook Press, Minneapolis, 2011
PRICE: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-58013-594-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Gable, Brian
PAGES: 32
Words are CATegorical books are amongst some of my favorite. This one follows the same winning format of teaching about a specific part of
speech and making it fun. The illustrations are comical, while the text is done in a rhyming pattern.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
TITLE: Six Sheep Sip Thick Shakes and Other…Tongue Twisters RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Millbrook Press, Minneapolis, 2011
PRICE: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-58013-585-6
INTEREST LEVEL: K-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Mack, Steve
PAGES: 31
A fun collection of tongue twisters is what is found in this book. The illustrations are bright and vibrant and go along nicely with the twisters. The
back of the book does a nice job of explaining how the reader can go about writing her own tricky tongue twister.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Cleary, Brian P.
Collicutt, Paul
TITLE: The Indestructible Metal Man
RATING: M
PUBLISHER: Templar Books 2010
PRICE: $ 9.00
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5014-8
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr.: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Andy Mansfield
PAGES: 48
This book is fun to read while thinking we live in a world where robots are like humans. That’s what the book does, and it does not do much else.
The book has a decent story line about three robots who have been missing for a century all of a sudden showing up, and what they have been doing.
This was not very exciting read for me.
REVIEWER: Alekz Wokal, Heritage High School
Collicutt, Paul
TITLE: The Murder on the Robot Express
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Templar Books  2010
PRICE: $8.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5015-5
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Andy Mansfield
PAGES: 47
The mystery of the Murder on the City Express of Robot City was captivating. The story has all the good twists a mystery needs. You get things you
wouldn’t expect and the final scene is a rush. This is a good comic book to pass the time.
REVIEWER: Alekz Wokal, Heritage High School
Condie, Ally
TITLE: Matched
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Dutton Books, 2010
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-525-42634-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 7 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 366
Matched is a sanitized entry in the world of dystopia. It lacks the brutality of The Hunger Games, but will manage to carve out its own niche among
fans of the genre. Cassia and her family are inhabitant’s of Oria province. The book starts at her Matching Banquet where she, and other seventeen
year olds, are assigned their “match.” The Officials, with a little help from probabilities and statistics, select the couples who are most likely to have a
long and happy life together. Usually matches are not found from one’s own province, so when Cassia is matched with her best friend and neighbor,
Xander, , she and her family are thrilled. That thrill turns to confusion when, as matches are supposed to do, Cassia begins to research Xander’s
7
microcard only to see Xander’s face replaced by the face of someone else she knows—Ky Markham. The error is shocking in a society where errors
are supposedly never made. It is the first chink in Cassia’s questioning of the carefully crafted lives she and her family have always lived. As she and
Ky are thrown together through a series of events, Cassia finds that she is starting to fall in love with him, even though he is an Aberration, and, as
such, would never be allowed to marry her. Cassia begins to question the Society and chafe at the lack of choice given to the people who are part of
it. While Hunger Games holds a wider appeal for both genders, the cover and content of Matched will be more likely to appeal to girls. The critical
thinking points of whether it is better to have a long, obliviously happy life or to have a life where the choices and pain that come from those choices
make it a possible entry into classes delving into philosophy or government. It is a book that will have definite shelf appeal.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Cooney, Caroline B.
TITLE: three black swans
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House, 2010
PRICE: 17.99
ISBN: 9780385738675
INTEREST LVL: GR. 7-10
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 276
Missy and Claire are cousins who look more and more alike as they become older. The official parent line is that Missy was born 2 week after Claire
and was near death often. But as they grow, their mother-sisters, start confusing the photographs of the girls, and end up hiding all their photos and
plans of scrapbooking. Missy listens to a radio show that explains the phenomena of stronger and weaker twins, and she hatches an idea to introduce
her cousin Claire as her long-lost twin on the school news show. The show goes viral and is seen by a young man in New York who shows it to his
friend. The Pandora’s box is flung wide open! “Black swans” is a reference to events that are hugely important, rare and unpredictable, and explainable only
after the fact. Let’s just say that Missy and Claire make a trip to New York. As usual, Cooney writes an enjoyable, page-turning mystery.
Reviewer: Joan Enders , Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
TITLE: Maisy’s Seasons
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Candlewick @ 2011
PRICE: 8.99
ISBN: 9780763652227
INTEREST LEVEL: Pkdg-1st
ILLUSTRATOR: Lucy Cousins
PAGES: UNP
This board book is a second edition. The first time publishing year is 2002. Lucy Cousins provides little ones with flaps and wheels when presenting
the four seasons. Primary students are totally engaged. Lucy Cousins’ illustrations are ideal for primary eyes.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Cousins, Lucy
Cremer, Andrea
TITLE: Nightshade
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Philomel Books  2010
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25482-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 9-12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 454
I know you are saying “Werewolves again, can’t teenagers read any other genera but the super natural!” However, I would challenge you to give this
author a chance. Her web of mystery and tame thriller are balanced against the supernatural with poise and gracefulness that make it impossible to
pull your eyes from the page. Calla Nightshade is promised to a Guardian (werewolf), to unite and create a new pack, he is kind and very respectful
of Calla, however Calla falls for a human named Shay who is also a boy of excellent quality. What is a girl to do? Andrea creates a very convincing
world with intrigue and mystery all the while being appropriate with the age of her audience. I hope that she is able to stay on this knifepoint in her
next book and does not go to the lowest common denominator. This is a definite series to look forward too.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Crimi, Carolyn
TITLE: Dear Tabby
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper, 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-114245-1
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Roberts, David
PAGES: 32
A fun book told through letters and newsprint, this book is about Tabby who gives advice to other critters and has done so for all of her nine lives.
There are some animals like Boots the cat and Pauline the parrot who write several times throughout the story. Stanky the skunk laments his poor
luck with love, but by the end of the book he is sending out wedding invites. Betty Bear is lost from the circus and Tabby helps to reunite them. The
ending might be a bit of a surprise……but a good one! The illustrations are simple and fun. This book would be a good companion book to Help Me,
Mr. Mutt! where other dogs write in for advice from Mr. Mutt.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Croall, Marie P., Jolley, Dan
TITLE: The Twisted Journeys #15
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publishing Group  2010
PRICE: $25.00
ISBN: 978-0-8225-9251-8
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr. 2-5
ILLUSTRATOR: Matt Wendt
PAGES: 111
You are agent Mongoose and you have to make key decisions on what to do when serious problems occur. The fun thing about this book that makes
it more fun for kids to read is it is them that is the main character. You make all the choices, good or bad. And if you make a mistake then you will
have to pay the consequences. I think kids who like adventure, and a little bit of suspense will enjoy this book, and all its series.
REVIEWER: Alekz Wokal, Heritage High School
8
Czekaj, Jef
TITLE: Cat Secrets
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Balzer + Bray @ 2011
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780061920882
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Jef Czekaj
PAGES: UNP
This over-the-top, audience participation book invites children everywhere to read “Cat Secrets” over and over again and again. In the Jan Thomas,
Antoinette Poiris and Mo Willems tradition of brevity this book hits all five stars. The reader is encouraged to nap, stretch, purr and meow to prove
he is a cat. And will the book of cat secrets be revealed? I’m not telling. Author Jef Czekaj illustrates as well and with great promise for future
endeavors.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
De Goldi, Kate
TITLE: The 10 p.m. Question
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2008
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4939-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 6 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 245
If you’re looking for quirky, nay, wacky characters, it seems like authors from New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa are good bets. The 10 p.m.
Question delivers a cast of characters so crazy--in both the literal and figurative sense—that it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. That, of
course, is from an adult’s perspective. Students may not be so generous. Frankie, our hero, is a hypochondriac with a perpetual fear of dying of
whatever it is that ails him. He visits his mother’s bedroom nightly for their brief question and answer session that helps him get through the
impending next day. Frankie is fine with his limited circle of friends. Okay, it’s just one friend—Gigs. That circle expands to two when Sydney, a
fourteen-year-old girl with dreadlocks and an insatiable curiosity about people, casually enters his life and then turns his world upside down.
Frankie’s exposure to Sydney and her endless questions causes him to take stock of his own fears and to look at his mother’s agoraphobia more
realistically. This is a narrative that is short on plot, but deep in characters, inner conflict, and philosophy. It’s not going to appeal to the masses, but
more thoughtful readers who love the dynamic of a young man who finally confronts his fears, accepts loss, and comes to an understanding that
people can have full lives even in a narrow sphere.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
De Groat, Diane
TITLE: Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper, 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780061765117
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2
ILLUSTRATOR: Same
PAGES: UNP
When Gilbert is asked by his teacher to write a poem about the beautiful day out doors, he can’t sit still. Mrs. Byrd realizes it is just too hard to sit
still on such a nice day and invites everyone to bring a sack lunch for tomorrow so the class can eat out side. On picnic day the class hikes up the hill
behind the school only to discover it is a mess. They decide to come up with a project or idea to go green. Gilbert’s idea is presented last and he takes
the class outside and up on the hill and he planted at tree. Illustrations are cute and follow the theme of Gilbert and friends. This is in the series.
Reviewer: Ginny Fike, Columbia Heights
De La Pena, Matt
TITLE: I Will Save You
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Delacorte, 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-385-73827-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 9-12 grade
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 310 pgs.
Teenagers who are going through their own drama will probably relate to this story of a confused young man with a deep dark secret and some
obvious emotional problems. Teenage Kidd Ellison runs away from some sort of residential care or rehabilitation facility and finds summer work as
a helper to a handyman caretaker at a California State Park. There he meets a girl, with her own issues, who befriends him. But before too long,
Devon, another troubled youth that Kidd met at the care center shows up and starts menacing Kidd and threatening the budding romance. The plot
flops back and forth from the present where Kidd is in jail to the past as he remembers the events that led up to the book’s beginning with Kidd
throwing Devon off a cliff to protect the girl. Kidd does a lot of whining about his life and there is so much angst that I found myself caring more
about the camp dog that follows him around, than what becomes of the other characters. As the storyline evolved, I found myself making
comparisons to the recent film, “A Beautiful Mind” and was not surprised by the ending, but young adult readers will no doubt be surprised by the
final twist and how all the plot elements are resolved and tied up. The author has spun a good story with realistic characters and a plot that moves
along enough to keep the reader engaged, but perhaps there is not enough action and too much introspection for some readers.
Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School Media Center
De Roo, Elena
TITLE: The Rain Train
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press  2010
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5313-2
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Brian Lovelock
PAGES: 24
Sounds that stream from this book will make to want to break out your rain stick and shake to the pages of this book. You take a trip on the rain train
as it rains through the night. What a great book to read at circle time and clap along too or create sound objects and enhance music for little kids. I
love the ending that just says Ssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Ssshhhhhhh,Ssshhhhhhh. How expressive and it creates a definite mood for the classroom. The
illustrations are dark yet sublime. I love the watercolor and ink, which is of course a perfect medium for “The Rain Train.” I could use this in my
classroom to teach music, patterning, drumming and art. What a great book!
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
9
TITLE: You Can’t Read This! Why Books Get Banned
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Compass Point Books, c2010
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 9780756542429
INTEREST LEVEL: 6th–9th
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 64
This book is featured in a series called “Pop Culture Revolutions”. The introduction to this book discusses what exactly “book-banning” is and the
theorized goals behind why people choose to pursue the banning of books. It goes on to explain why banning books is a “big deal” and how it effects
all of us and our right of freedom of expression. Information is provided about book banning throughout the world, not just the United States. There
are examples provided that shows how book burning has impacted our learning about past cultures. For example how the Spain had most of the Maya
Codex burned which was a graphic description of Mayan history. For information on the U.S. the book discusses The McCarthy Era, The Comstock
Act, and the general censorship of anything deemed inappropriate or un-American in the past century. The book goes on to discuss individual authors
such as Mark Twain, J.K. Rowling and Judy Blume in the “Authors who Outrage” section. Individual books are then discussed, specifically ones that
had revolutionary ideas and messages that brought about change. The ending chapter is “The Fight for Reading Freedom” and it discusses the First
Amendment, Banned Books Week, and also provides a timeline and glossary. There are a lot of great pictures and colorful cartoons/ads that have
been used in the promotion of book banning. There is a lot of good information here that serves as a starting point in learning about the topic of
banned books. Reviewed by Darcy Wishard, Huntington
Dell, Pamela
Demas, Corinne
TITLE: Everything I Was
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publishing, 2011
PRICE: 17.95
ISBN: 9780761373032
INTEREST LEVEL: 8-12
ILLUSTRATOR: n/a
PAGES: 209
This book follows a familiar plot: rich urban family loses everything and must move in with humble rural relative, where they learn the true meaning
of life and find wealth in new relationships. In this case, Irene must leave her prep school and high rise apartment in New York when her father is
downsized and the family must move in with Irene’s country grandfather, who is a small nursery grower. While the plot may be somewhat trite, the
characters are convincingly drawn and Irene is conflicted about the change in lifestyle but also is open-minded enough to look for the positive, while
her mother is the classic spendthrift in denial over their new circumstances. The author does a good job of illuminating the shame, uncertainty and
fear that must come with the loss of a job/lifestyle, as well as the inner resources that strong people can draw upon. An enjoyable read, accessible to
upper middle grades as well.
Reviewer: Cody Walke, Kelso High School
TITLE: Kylie Kangaroo’s Karate Kickers
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: The Kane Press, New York, 2011
PRICE: $22.60
ISBN: 978-1-57565-332-7
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Alley, R.W.
PAGES: 32
This was a very cute story about Kylie Kangaroo and her ability to kick. Koora Koala notices Kylie’s skill and invites her to take karate lessons at
Koora’s club. Kylie doesn’t do so well, so Koora gives her a lucky scarf for encouragement and courage. The story is told in a delightful manner,
focusing on the k sound. The back of this book includes some kangaroo facts, suggestions for finding specific sounds throughout the book and an
activity to try. It is part of the Animal Antics A to Z series with each student in Alpha Betty’s school being highlighted in their own story. The
illustrations are warm and fun and cause the reader to feel for Kylie and what she is going through.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
deRubertis, Barbara
Despain, Bree
TITLE: The Dark Divine
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Egmont, 2009
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-1-60684-057-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 8 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 372
. . .and the paranormal hits just keep on coming. Like The Replacement, this novel features pastor’s kids—which make for interesting protagonists in
a book about rogue fairies or, in this case, Hounds of Heaven—known to the rest of us as werewolves. Like the Twilight series, Grace Divine is
drawn to Daniel—mysterious older boy who has a dark past. Grace quickly finds out just how dark. Daniel is a werewolf. Grace discovers, with the
help of her father, that werewolves started out as heavenly guardians, but were seduced by Lucifer to the dark side. As individuals lycanthropes
surrendered to their emotions and succumbed to killing people, they become condemned to hell forever—unless someone saves them. Grace is
Daniel’s hope. Threaded throughout this first book of a series is the mystery of who or what is making random and gory killings. As it turns out,
Daniel—before being banished—attacked Jude, Grace’s brother. Now, Jude has become a werewolf as well. Jude’s attack on Grace has now
potentially infected her. . .you get the idea. Making the main characters a pastoral family keeps the book sanitary enough for younger audiences, but
the love interest between Grace and Daniel will get the attention of older students. While not particularly original, the story will have an appeal to
fans of this genre—clearly, or the second one wouldn’t have been released.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Deutsch, Barry
TITLE: Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword
PUBLISHER: Amulet Books, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8109-8422-6
ILLUSTRATOR: Deutsch, Barry
RATING: M/NR
PRICE: Uncorrected Proof
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th-6th
PAGES: 41
10
I had a hard time getting my head around this book. It seemed disjointed. It is billed as, “Yet another troll-fighting 11 year old Orthodox Jewish
girl.” It is done in graphic novel format and all in black and white. The completed book is to have color pages which would help. It was a bit
depressing to me as our main character, Mirka, faced many troubles. She did overcome some which was good. I anticipated there might be something
mysterious and interesting about her stepmother based on the storyline, but I missed it if there was. This was definitely a different book which the
author/illustrator obviously put a lot of effort into as the pictures are fairly detailed and the story also includes translations at the bottom of necessary
pages.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Dezago, Ted
TITLE: Hulked-Out Squaddies: Super Hero Squad
RATING: AD
PUBLSIHER: Spotlight-Marvel, 2011
PRICE: NA
ISBN: 978-1-59961-859-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-UP
ILLUSTRATOR: CASTELANI, Leonel
PAGES: NA
Other than the constant use of the word stupid, this book is another in the series that Marvel has put out in graphic, comic book form. This book
features Iron Man who is rounding up many other heroes to help rid the world of baddies. Bright colored illustrations with word bubbles.
Reviewer: Ginny Fike, Columbia Heights
TITLE: The Magician’s Elephant
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2011
PRICE: $6.99
ISBN: 9780763652982
INTEREST LEVEL: 5th-6th
ILLUSTRATOR: Tanaka,Yoko
PAGES: 201
Dealing in magic and unwavering faith, this book exudes a fantastic world where anything can happen. A magician unexpectedly produces an
elephant that crashes through the roof and lands on an audience member, crushing her. A young boy, who is training to be a soldier, gets his fortune
told. It foresees his sister and the elephant. The journey begins and takes him to his sister, as well as, a better life. The wording is unusual, but very
interesting and will be recommended to our higher level students.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
DiCamillo, Kate
Dillon, Patrick
TITLE: The Story of Britain, from the Norman Conquest to the EU RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2011
PRICE: 21.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5122-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 9th - adult
ILLUSTRATOR: Lynch, P.J.
PAGES: 350
A great book that tells the story of Britain from the Norman Conquest to the European Union. The text is worded well and is easy to understand. It
is not “dry” as some history books can be. The book has various timelines throughout the book related to each individual topic. There are drawings
that support the text. The book covers topics such as The Middle Ages, The Tudors, the Stuarts, The Georgians, the Victorians, the Twentieth
Century, has index, Kings and Queens in Britain and Ireland since 1066, Maps, and has timelines. The book held my interest and was quite well
written. It would be a great asset to any middle school and above or library. It is refreshing to find a history book that is interesting to read!
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Doeden, Matt
TITLE: Johnny Depp: Hollywood Rebel
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Twenty-First Century Books, 2011
PRICE: 24.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-6420-7
INTEREST LVL: 7 - adult
ILLUSTRATOR: color photography
PAGES: 112
With another Pirates of the Caribbean movie being promo-ed, this biography about Johnny Depp will be checked out often, and probably “adopted”
before the end of the school year. I particularly liked the review of all his movies, some of which I was not aware. There is an thorough filmography
in the back pages. He has always walked to a different drummer, but he did have a d hav a have a notorious streak when he was younger as well. This
library bound book is pricey.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
TITLE: The world's greatest football players
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press, c2010
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 9781429639248
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd–9th
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 40
This book is featured in a series called “The World’s Greatest Sports Stars”. This edition is about football and features 12 different players. The book
does not provide how each of these players was selected but I’ m sure readers will enjoy debating whether or not each player is worthy of such status.
Each player gets a two page spread and the book provides details such as basic personal information, the player’s position and regular season stats
that show their accomplishments. Special achievements are also featured as well as a few trivia facts about each player. Although this read is not your
typical chapter book it does provide an AR test. A glossary and index are also provided. With nice color photos this will be a popular book for kids
who enjoy football and reading about their favorite players. Reviewed by Darcy Wishard, Huntington Middle School
Doeden, Matt
Dolby, Tom
TITLE: The Trust
PUBLISHER: HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780061721649
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
RATING: R
PRICE: $16.99
INTEREST LEVEL: 9-12
PAGES: 356
11
Exclusive membership in the Society is not so important to Nick, Lauren, Patch and Phoebe. They have two classmates that were found dead and
they want out. The only problem is you are never really free. Before his death, Nick’s grandfather gives him cryptic clues to help free him and his
friends. Nick hears some disturbing news that he is not sure how to handle. Patch is not sure where he belongs. They must hide their true intentions,
for fear of being the next students to disappear. Confrontations, secret trips and relationships, good and bad, draw the reader in to the race to find a
way for them to be truly free.
Reviewer: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
Donaldson, Madeline
TITLE: Ireland
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publishing Group  2011
PRICE: $ NA
ISBN: 978-0-7613-6415-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd – 4th
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Various
PAGES: 48
This book is part of Lerner’s Country Explorers series and is a great, brief look at the land, its origins, its people and customs. A fairly detailed map
is included, along with Flag, Fast Facts, Glossary, To Learn More and Index pages at the back. The illustrations are plentiful and full-color and
enhance the subjects of the text. The back cover lists other Country titles in this series.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Donbavand, Tommy
TITLE: Scream Street: Skull of the Skeleton
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Library of Congress  2010
PRICE: $6.00
ISBN: 978-0-7637-4635-6
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr: 4-6
ILLUSTRATOR: Lilly Bernard
PAGES: 116
Donbavand did a great job on this book. I enjoyed reading it from start to finish. The more you read about the characters the more you care about
them and like them, and the world you are set in is gloomy and dark, a perfect setting for a mystery. The story has twists and turns that you don’t
expect coming so you want to read more. This is a great book for people who like mysteries, or who likes supernatural topics like werewolves or
vampires. Good book!
REVIEWER: Alekz Wokal, Heritage High School
Downer, Ann
TITLE: Elephant Talk: The surprising science of Elephant
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Twenty First Century Books 2011
PRICE: 33.26
ISBN: 978-0-7613-5766-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 6th and up
ILLUSTRATOR: Various
PAGES: 112
What a fun book! The author describes how people research elephant communication and language. The book shows elephants in their natural
habitat and in zoos as they are being researched on their talking and communication. The book talks about the difference in “language” between the
different types of elephants. Elephants are such amazing animals and this book was exciting! The book has maps, photographs and great
descriptions of the work that goes into elephant language research. When I read the book I wanted to go study them more! Love the book!
The book has a section on How to Help the World’s Elephants, including web sites; and Elephant Dictionary, Source Notes, selected Bibliography,
Further Reading and Web Sites, and Index.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Dunn, Joeming
TITLE: The Lighthouse Mystery
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO Group  2011
PRICE: $ NA
ISBN: 978-1-61641-122-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd – 5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Ben Dunn
PAGES: 32
This is a great, easy-to-read graphic novel featuring the Boxcar Children. Out for a drive Grandfather and the children spot a lighthouse with a ‘For
Sale’ sign in the yard. Inquiring at the town store, they learn it’s been sold, but they can rent it. They decide to stay for awhile. When their dog,
Watch, wakes up in the middle of the night growling and the children spot a woman walking through the grass toward the abandoned house next
door, they decide to investigate the boarded up little house. Added to that mystery is the young boy who goes out in boats at night and always comes
back lugging a heavy bucket along the dock. Can the children figure out what’s going on around the lighthouse? Early chapter readers will enjoy the
great illustrations and the easy to follow mystery.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Edge, Laura B.
TITLE: From Jazz Babies to Generation Next: history of Am. Teen RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Twenty-First Century 2011
PRICE: 33.26
ISBN: 978-0-7613-5868-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 8th and up
ILLUSTRATOR: Various
PAGES: 112
Modern teenagers are a driving force in the US economy and culture. This book looks at the way teenagers have been viewed and treated for over a
century. Education, work / labor, hard times, the 60’s, rock and roll, up through current day. The work is well done and beautifully presented. The
type is medium size, 1.5 spacing, there are photographs or illustrations on every page or every other page. There are wide borders on each page. The
book is an interesting discussion of how teenagers have shaped and changed the world. I like having this terrific point of view on the subject.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Emberley, Rebecca
TITLE: If You’re a Monster and You Know It
RATING: R
12
PUBLISHER: Scholastic Inc. 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-21829-0
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2
ILLUSTRATOR: Emberley, Ed
PAGES: NA
This book is sung to the tune of if your happy and you know it. It is fun to sing with young children, they love the original song and it is a fun twist
to the tune.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Evans, Shane W.
TITLE: Underground
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Roaring Brook Press
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-538-4
INTEREST LEVEL: K-6
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: UNP
This book will definitely have an impact on anyone reading it. It is simple, yet the illustrations and words have such powerful meaning and will stir
many emotions. There are no more than four words on any double page spread excluding the last. No more than that is needed to develop a strong
feeling of respect for those that traveled on the Underground Railroad to freedom. It begins with a group of slaves escaping in the middle of the
night, fearing for their lives and ends with a picture of a man triumphantly holding his baby up in the air and smiling at the newfound freedom. I will
be sharing this awesome book during Library time next year during Black History Month.
REVIEWER: Tanya Lile, Toutle Lake Elementary
Falkner, Brian
TITLE: Brain Jack
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House, 2009
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-84366-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 7 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 349
Ever on the prowl for a good “boy” book, my eye was caught by the shiny holographic cover of this book. What followed was a prologue that starts
with the sentence “Right now, as you read this prologue, I am sifting through the contents of your computer.” If that isn’t creepy enough, it is
followed by a reference to the ISBN number that allowed the hacker to track the book you are reading to your computer through the VISA card used
to purchase the book. Thus starts the harrowing ride of Sam Wilson, hacker extraordinaire and how he comes to be recruited by the Cyber Defense
Division (CDD), a government agency that recruits the best of the best to keep the nation’s Internet system safe. That job becomes infinitely more
complicated with the release of a neuro-headset that allows people to think computer strokes and actions more quickly than they can type.
Furthermore, neuros become a quick fad used by military and civilians alike, and this “plugging in” begins to create a new form of collective
consciousness that is monitored and controlled by URSULA, an avatar. As URSULA begins to see threats, she also begins to wipe those threats out,
spelling disaster for anyone who disagrees with her. Sam and his new friends at CDD must figure out how to keep people’s minds from being filled
with nonexistent memories or—at the worst—from being blown entirely, leaving those people in a vegetative state. This fast-paced novel will keep
readers moving, and the descriptions of the cyber encounters, though monumentally technical, are described in a way that even non-tech people like
myself can appreciate the battle for the Internet. Not only will this book carve out a niche, it will change your way of looking at the Internet.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Feasey, Steve
TITLE: Wereling
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Feiwel and Friends, 2009/2010
PRICE: $9.99
ISBN: 978-0-312-59612-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 7 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 266
A savvy reader can tell from the ending that this book is really only the beginning. And, sure enough, a little digging demonstrated that this was,
indeed true. Steve Feasey has added Dark Moon to the Wereling saga. What makes this different is that most paranormal creature stories have been
directed towards feminine readers; this is decidedly a “boy” book. In the opening chapter, Trey Laporte wakens in his orphanage/state home to
discover that his room has been trashed, his newly acquired and favorite tennis shoes (“trainers”) have been slashed, and he feels like he has been hit
by a very large truck. The home leader is not particularly sympathetic, and consequences are about to be applied when a strangely compelling man by
the name of Lucien comes, claiming to be Trey’s uncle, and removes him from the group home. Trey quickly learns that Lucien is a vampire—albeit
an insanely rich vampire—and Lucien recounts a long history between Trey’s dead parents and himself. Lucien is now taking it upon himself to
become Trey’s mentor and benefactor. Trey further discovers that Lucien has made a few “investments” and that Trey is filthy rich himself. None of
these changes compare, though, with the discovery that Trey is the last natural lycanthrope (werewolf) on the planet—hence the trashed room. Trey
also learns that Lucien’s brother, Caliban, is an evil vampire bent on destroying the world and specifically interested in destroying Trey. The final
battle is between Caliban and his forces of evil and Lucien, Tom (a human), and Trey as they try to rescue Alexa—Lucien’s daughter and Trey’s
burgeoning love interest. Lucien is badly injured in the melee, and it is as Lucien is dying that Alexa and Trey learn that Alexa’s mother isn’t dead at
all—she has transferred her allegiance to Caliban and his crew. Unfortunately, she is also the only one who will be able to save Lucien. This book
doesn’t have any great themes, deep philosophical discussions, or other traits that would cause it to be highly recommended. It’s just kind of a fun
story that young men will likely enjoy—just for the heck of it. It’s relatively tame language and chaste discovery of potential love make it a book
that can be enjoyed by students as young as middle school.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Feinstein, John
TITLE: The Rivalry: Mystery at the Army-Navy Game
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-375-86570-1
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
RATING: A
PRICE: $16.99
INTEREST LEVEL: 7 - 12
PAGES: 266
13
Don’t let the football on the dust jacket fool you. This is a mystery, as in ZOINKKS!!! Steve and Susan Carol are our fourteen year old protagonists
whose talent is being mentored by experienced sports writers for The Washington Post and The Washington Herald. Journalism fans will recognize
the famous Bob Woodward of Watergate fame in a cameo as himself. Steve and Susan Carol have been called in to do special pieces on the ArmyNavy football game. Steve is put on the beat with Tim Dowling, head of the Secret Service, as Mr. Dowling prepares Fed Ex Stadium for President
Obama’s attendance at game. Potential death threats against the president form a basis for a red herring as the true story line of officials caught fixing
a game in order to clean up at the betting tables unfolds. At the end of the book, if you had asked me what it was about, I would say journalism
rather than sports, which is not the impression one gets from looking at the cover. The romantic exchanges between Steve and Susan Carol are as
predictable as any of the fiction written by the late Robert B. Parker, but that isn’t necessarily a blot. Mr. Feinstein is a sports reporter, and his love of
sports journalism is enthusiastically, if somewhat unrealistically on the parts of Steve and Susan Carol, incorporated. The end of the book is filled
with fantastic trivia about this particular annual event—including some information that most football aficionados don’t know which is that college
football was pretty much saved by Teddy Roosevelt. This is classic mystery writing, so don’t expect any moments of the moments of high tension
and drama provided by authors like Michael Grant or Alexander Gordon Smith. This is a book that will have a niche audience, although its clear
references to the Obama administration and other historic figures are liable to date it more rapidly than other books in the fiction collection.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Filipek, Steele
TITLE: Hockey Hotshots, Young stars of the NHL
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Grosset and Dunlap, 2010
PRICE: $3.99
ISBN: 978-0-448-45447-4
INEREST LEVEL: 2nd-4th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 48
Hockey Hotshots first describes the 2010 winter classic and then goes on to some of the best players in the NHL and how they got their starts with
hockey. Included in this impressive list are Patrick Kane, Jonathan Quick, Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby. The book then goes on to
explain what the Stanley Cup is and some of its most recent history. Finally, the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver and the dramatic play that
occurred there are looked at. This would be a great book for those sports fans in general or hockey fans. The text is clear and compelling. The
accompanying photos are a great compliment to the text. It could be improved with some non-fiction text accompaniments like a table of contents,
index and additional resources for further study. All in all, this is a nice book, but there are some simple ways of making it even better.
Reviewer: Angie Boyer-Blum, Carrolls Elementary School
Fisher, Catherine
TITLE: Sapphique
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Dial, 2011
PRICE: 17.99
ISBN: 9780803733978
INTEREST LVL: GR. 9-12
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 462
Prepare to re-enter the bizarre worlds of Incarceron and the Outside once again! Attia is a magic show plant for the crazy magician Rix as they travel
through the bowels of Incarceron trying to make contact with Finn, who Kiero is sure abandoned his oath brother for a life of luxury in the Realm.
Travel with Rix is dangerous and the two young people strike out on their own yet are imprisoned by a settlement of women. Meanwhile, Finn is
desperate to save his friends by rebuilding the portal to Incarceron. His right to the crown is challenged by a possible impostor and Claudia is torn
between Finn and her mentor, Jared. The Realm is flickering toward extinction as a last stand between Finn, Claudia and Jared against the queen and
her forces crescendos at the warden's home. If that isn’t enough, Incarceron is trying to free itself from itself. Confused? Crazy enough, it all makes
sense in this amazing fantasy/science fiction/dystopia world. I have not read Incarceron, but I understood and was captivated by the entire story.
Reviewer: Joan Enders , Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
Flinn, Alex
TITLE: Cloaked
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper Teen, 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-087422-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 7 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 341
Alex Flinn continues to have the magic touch. Her departure from the realistic fiction of Breathing Underwater and Diva has been a whimsical
detour that doesn’t sacrifice substance for a good fairy tale. Her author’s note references Beastly and lets readers know that, while she has used much
the same format, Cloaked has incorporated lesser known fairy tales in its plot. Johnny is a seventeen-year-old working guy. His dad walked out on
their family when he was little, and now Johnny works nonstop at his mother’s shoe repair shop located in the Coral Reef Grand—a fancy hotel in
the rarified burb of South Beach Florida. His life is fairly mundane. He is best friends with the girl in the coffee shop next door, and is bullied by
Ryan, the stereotypical life guard at a snooty hotel. Nothing exciting happens to him, and day after day he endures the drudgery of shoe repair while
dreaming of designing expensive women’s shoes. His life takes a turn for the weird when Princess Victoriana, spoiled heiress and party girl, enlists
him to find her brother, the crown prince, who has been turned into a frog. At first Johnny doesn’t want to believe it, but when he makes his first trip
in a magic cloak, he has to appreciate that magic is real and is apparently happening to him. Things just get more wild when he discovers that
animals can talk and that his friend, Meg, is a witch. All the charm and likability of the characters in Flinn’s A Kiss in Time are poured into the
characters of this tale. As with her other works of magic, Flinn keeps the story clean, moving, and fun. It’s a story worthy of a read-aloud and
definitely a must-have addition to anyone’s collection of Flinn’s work.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Foreman, Michael
TITLE: Fortunately, Unfortunately
PUBLISHER: Andersen Press USA, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7613-7460-2
ILLUSTRATOR: Foreman, Michael
RATING: R
PRICE: $16.95
INTEREST LEVEL: K-4th
PAGES: 28
14
What a great book! There are boundless opportunities for lesson plan creation with this book. Milo the monkey is sent to Granny’s house to return
her umbrella and has a great adventure on the way. Whether or not everything really happened to Milo on his way to Granny’s house, or it is just part
of his imagination is up for interpretation. The formula for the story is cause and effect, using the events surrounding the transition words fortunately
and unfortunately. The conclusion of this book leads to a great lead-in to journal writing or continuing the story. It reminds me of a continuous story
told by a group of people.(One starts it with “Fortunately,……..” and the next person say, “but unfortunately,……) and so on. It would be great for
getting creative juices flowing with young students and vocabulary development. You need this book in your library! It makes a great read aloud, as
well!
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Forman, Gayle
TITLE: where she went
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Dutton, 2011
PRICE: 17.99
ISBN: 9780399252075
INTEREST LVL: GR. 10-12
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 9780525422945
Adam had pulled Mia back from death in If I Fall. Now he faces the results of a promise he made her in the hospital. Though Mia lives, Adam has
lost her, true to his word. As his rock career rockets, he finds himself anxious, popping medicines a little too often, avoiding the band, and dreading
their European tour. His manager gives him an extra day in New York to settle his mind. As he walks through the city he runs smack into a
billboard with Mia and her cello plastered on it, and he finds himself in the audience. Word spreads that he is there, even to the star. In a night a bit
reminiscent of a darker Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist, Mia leads Adam to her favorite NY locations all night long. In a dramatic confrontation,
Mia shares a shocking revelation. Fans will love the ending. I know that I did. The main quandary now is when is Forman’s next book coming out?
Reviewer: Joan Enders , Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
Frazier, Craig
TITLE: Lots of Dots
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Chronicle Books  2010
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-8118-7715-2
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-k-K
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 32
Dots are circles and they are awesome. Craig makes the dots fun and interesting it is really the illustrations that challenge you to think of creative
ways that you use dots. I love this book for the potential of scaffolding in the classroom. It will be a big help for teachers that are teaching what is a
circle. He makes you look at the circle in new ways; he says that “some dots are small,” the illustration is of a ladybug. I love that concept that dots
can be seen everywhere and you can show your students the different dots around the room. You can weigh dots, you can see dots at night in the sky
(stars) you can make dots by blowing them (bubbles). What a fun and interesting way to study and learn circle.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Freedman, Lew
TITLE: Seattle Mariners
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO, 2011
PRICE: NA
ISBN: 978-0-61714-059-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-5
ILLUSTRATOR: color photos
PAGES: 48
The Table of Contents includes chapters on The Greatest Season, Beginnings, The Bad Old Days, Winners at Last, Still Shooting for the Series.
Did you know that the team was originally called the Seattle Pilots? Actually they left Seattle to become the Milwaukee Brewers. The text is
interesting and the photos are full of action shots.
Reviewer: Ginny Fike, Columbia Heights
French Vivian
TITLE: The Bag of Bones
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Library of Congress  2010
PRICE: $5.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5014-8
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Ross Collins
PAGES: 247
In this fantastical book sparks fly when an evil witch tries to take over the Queens throne, but the characters you’ll soon care for stand in her way.
The book is laced with humor and fun for anyone to enjoy. It’s one of those books that when you read about a character you feel like you have
known them for a long time and you care about them, and you also hate the bad characters, but you enjoy hating them. The book will take you on a
great adventure that will surely not disappoint you.
REVIEWER: Alekz Wokal, Heritage High School
Friedman, Lauir
TITLE: Ruby Valentine Saves the Day
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Carolrhoda Books @ 2010
PRICE: $16.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-4213-7
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Avril, Lynne
PAGES: NA
Ruby’s favorite holiday is Valentines day. She planned a great party for this year’s valentine. What she did not plan on was there being a great snow
storm and no one being able to travel over the mountain. So gets in her sled and brings all the games and presents and goes into town to have the
party there. Everyone was so excited and it was the best valentines party ever.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Friedman, Laurie
TITLE: Mallory’s Guide to Boys, Brothers, Dads, and Dogs
PUBLISHER: Darby Creek, 2011
RATING: A+
PRICE: $15.95
15
ISBN: 9780822588863
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd - 4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Kalis, Jennifer
PAGES: 159
Malory becomes obsessed with her first crush on a boy. She tries outlandish tricks to get noticed, ignores her school work and finally follows a
dangerous path which compromises her safety. This story is well written and fun to read. It has a good message and keeps you wondering what she
will do next.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
TITLE: Hip-Hop History
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press, c2010
PRICE: $21.99
ISBN: 9781429640183
INTEREST LEVEL: 5rd-9th
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 48
This book is featured in the series of books called “Hip-Hop World” with each book focusing on a different aspect of Hip-Hop music. This particular
book focuses on the history of Hip-Hop. It starts off with the early influences such as soul, funk and jazz music and what parts of the world those
originated in. Different aspects of the music like deejaying, breakdancing and MCing are also covered. Next, readers will read about the evolution of
Hip-Hip starting with bands in the 1970’s with a focus on important people who started various trends in the industry. The book also features movies
that featured Hip-Hop artists and music. The book provides an evolution of Hip-Hop up to the current year and also provides a timeline and glossary.
This is a well put together collection of information on Hip-Hop and offers a lot of information that will be interesting to any reader wanting to learn
more about this topic. Colorful pictures with information provided in short blurbs and side notes will make reading easier for most kids. Reviewed by
Darcy Wishard, Huntington Middle School
Garofoli, Wendy
Garretson, Dee
TITLE: Wildfire Run
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: HarperCollins  2010
PRICE: $ 16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-195347-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th – 5th
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 261
When the President of the United States’ son, Luke, is cornered at Camp David by a wildfire, he and his two friends must work together to find a way
out of the compound before the fire reaches them. Usually surrounded by Secret Service agents, Luke, Theo and Callie are left to their own defenses
when a series of accidents render all the agents and their vehicles useless. This is a nail-biter of an adventure, with pretty much non-stop adrenalinecharged chaos from start to finish!
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Gherman, Beverly
TITLE: Sparky: The Life and Art of Charles Schultz
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Chronicle Books, 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6790-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-12 grade
ILLUSTRATOR: Charles Schultz
PAGES: 124 pages
I have to admit it, I’m a Charles Schultz and Peanuts fan! This is the third biography of the famous cartoonist that I have read and I was pleased that
even though it is concise, and perhaps aimed at younger audiences, it did not lack in any of the details and was just as insightful. Sprinkled liberally
with photographs of Charles Schultz, Sparky to his friends, and examples of his Peanuts cartoons, we see how his life’s events shaped his art and how
the art itself, shaped him. What many readers, at first glance, don’t realize is that this was not always a happy man, but one who often doubted
himself and struggled as most of us do. Besides being a world famous wealthy cartoonist, he was also a father to four children, who was divorced
and then became a step-father, and then a grandfather. He was passionate about ice hockey as well as his art. His characters, Charlie, Lucy, Linus
and, yes, even Snoopy are all drawn from real people, himself included, and many of the events that happen in the strips mirror his own life. This is a
great introductory book to anyone who wants to know about the man, or those who aren’t familiar with him. I think that it also would be insightful
for students who aspire to become artists themselves. This is a great little book, a great quick read and one that I’m sure students will ask for and
enjoy; of course I will be promoting it!
Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School Media Center
Giff, Patricia Reilly
TITLE: Big Whopper
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House  2010
PRICE: $4.99
ISBN: 978-0-553-49469-3
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr: 2-3
ILLUSTRATOR: Alasdi Bright
PAGES: 66
Destiny tells a big whopper in her school paper. Gina a girl in her class, discovers her lie, so now Destiny needs to find a way out of her lie. This
story has funny experiences that happen to Destiny, they are things that students can relate to and enjoy reading.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Gilroy, Henry and
Melching, Steve
TITLE: In Service of the Republic Vol. 3: Blood and Snow
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Spotlight/ABDO Group  2011
PRICE: $ NA
ISBN: 978-1-59961-840-1 (v.3)
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd – 5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Scott Hepburn
PAGES: UNP
Clones and droids have been fighting over a rare agrocite ore mine in the frozen world of Khorm. With a tense storyline and sharp, vivid graphics,
fans of the Star Wars: Clone Wars television program and book series will enjoy this wrap-up of the Battle of Khorm.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
16
Glass, Beth Raisner
TITLE: Blue-Ribbon Dad
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Abrams Books  2011
PRICE: $14.95
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9727-1
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Margie Moore
PAGES: 23
What are some great things about having a Dad? Kisses and hugs and driving you to school, and staying to watch at the swimming pool are some
really great things about having a Dad. This rhyming book that is dedicated to Dad is a perfect addition to any home library. The illustrations are
very cute and warm based in watercolor and pen. They create a warm and delightful feel to the book. There is also a blue ribbon that you can take
out of the book and give to Dad. It is a nice touch for up and coming Father’s Day.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Goodwin, Vincent
TITLE: Julius Caesar
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Magic Wagon 2010
PRICE: $ NA
ISBN: 978-1-60270-765-8
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr: 2-5
ILLUSTRATOR: Fred Perry
PAGES: 48
This is a great way to make Shakespeare come alive for young readers. This story is done in graphic style, which will captivate readers that would
not necessarily go for Shakespeare. The graphic are wonderful, the writing large, and the story line is easy to follow.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Gore, Leonid
TITLE: Worms for Lunch?
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Scholastic @ 2011
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780545243384
INTEREST LEVEL: Pkdg-1st
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: UNP
I prefer “The Wonderful Book” by this author because it is one of a kind. This book, while cute, reminds me more of something Eric Carle would do
if he was in a hurry. The cut-out pages add to the suspense for little ones. But after reading an Eric Carle book a child might be a little disappointed
by the brevity and lack of panache.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Gownley, Jimmy
TITLE: Amelia on the Other Side of Yuletide
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing  2010
PRICE: $ 15.95
ISBN: 978-1-59961-790-9
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr. 1-6
ILLUSTRATOR: Jimmy Gownley & Sonia Chaghatzbanian
PAGES: 32
At first I didn’t think that this book would be very good morally, but I soon changed that prediction. The book teaches people not to take things for
granted. And appreciate what they have and show the meaning of giving, instead of receiving. Gownley does all this, with a story about a girl that
goes on an adventure with her friends to find out if Santa is real.. And for that reason I think all readers could benefit from this book.
REVIEWER: Alekz Wokal, Heritage High School
Grant, Michael
TITLE: Plague
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Katherine Tegen Books, 2011
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-144912-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 492
After three books, one has to question how many ways the FAYZ (Fall Out Youth Zone) could get any worse. Grant figures out a way to take the dire
situation of the Perdido Beach youth—almost all of whom are under the age of 15—and make them unspeakably worse. This time it’s with a flu that
literally causes kids to cough up a lung (I know—EWWW!) and vicious, unstoppable insects with a beetle’s shell and a thirst for blood. By the way,
those nasty insects are hatched inside a human host, so when the mouth parts become evident, the kid is a goner. All our favorites are here: Astrid,
Edilio, Albert, Sam, and Lana along with the host of others with mutant-borne powers. Grant adds a little sex to spice things up in this book. There’s
nothing graphic but the need is certainly described, and Diana soon finds herself carrying Caine’s child. There’s not-stop tension and a continual
ratcheting up of the danger right up until Astrid makes a sacrifice she is sure will damn her soul. In his third book, the kids of the FAYZ got to
witness the world outside their bubble. That world contained all of the loved ones that had been poofed. There is a minor reference, but we know at
some point the kids of the FAYZ have to figure out how to defeat the gaiaphage and reunite with the parents. The question becomes whether these
kids would want to give up the autonomy they have developed and whether their families would want to accept youth who have done anything they
could to survive. Diehard fans of the series will not be disappointed in this addition to it, and may even appreciate the new cover that looks a little
more appealing to the teen taste.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Gray, Claudia
TITLE: Afterlife
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin, 2010
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780061284427
INTEREST LVL: Gr 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 360
The saga continues, and concludes, with the love story of Lucas and Bianca that began in Evernight. The story begins in the bloody aftermath of the
vampire attack in which Balthazar’s evil sister turns Lucas into a vampire. Lucas is crazed with his ingrained hate of vampires learned from his
Black Cross training and the loss of Bianca, now a wraith, and his blood lust. Balthazar and Bianca convince Lucas that the only place he will be
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safe during his volatile stage is Evernight Academy. Unfortunately, it is also the most dangerous location for Bianca. If you like a story with layered
conflicts, this is the one for you. In fact, a spreadsheet of the conflicts may be useful. And what is going on with Mrs.Bethany, the spooky head
mistress? Why is she befriendly Lucas who she barely tolerated before? And Bianca’s parents, who hate wraiths, how will they respond to their
daughter now? Fans will not be disappointed, and the consummation of vampire/wraith love is so ethereal that no one will object.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
Greenfield, Eloise
TITLE: The Great Migration: Journey to the North
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Amistad © 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-125921-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 3-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Jan Spivey Gilchrist
PAGES: [32]
Rich illustrations and text describe the migration of African Americans from the South to the North between 1915-1930. It specifically tells the story
about leaving the prejudices of the South and the hopes for new lives in the North. Viewpoints from several characters are given. The artwork richly
adds to the story. This will make a good read aloud for younger grades. It could also be used as a discussion starter for older grades about African
Americans and the challenges that drove them to look for better opportunities in the North.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Grisham, John
TITLE: Theordore Boone Kid Lawyer
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Dutton’s Children’s Books 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780525423843
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-9
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 263
Theo is the son of two lawyers, so naturally he does a little law business of his own. There is a big murder trial in town and his dad has threatened to
have the judge throw him in jail, if he skips school to attend. The killer is about to be set free for lack of evidence. Theo has learned there is an
important witness, who does not want to come forward for fear of deportation. He promised to not tell anyone, but how can he keep that secret when
it appears that Peter Duffy is guilty of murdering his wife. The story ends with a mistrial and promise of refiling charges against the accused.
Theodore seemed to be too good of a character. He never questioned his parents or teachers. Some parts of the book are not really believable from an
real life perspective. Theo has way too much freedom within the courthouse, and during the trial. I was disappointed that the book ended with many
questions. It is too bad readers will have to wait another year for the sequel.
Reviewer: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
Gutman, Dan
TITLE: Mission Unstoppable
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: HarperCollins  2011
PRICE: $ 16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-182765-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th & Up
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 293
Twins Coke and Pepsi McDonald decide to walk home from school instead of riding the bus. On the way, they are followed by some weird guy in a
black suit and bowler hat riding in a golf cart. They are saved by a mysterious woman who tells them to dress in funny suits and jump off the cliff!
What? Before she’s hit with a dart in the neck, she tells them ‘T..G..F’. Then on the last day of school their Health Teacher locks them in Detention
and sets the school on fire! The fat custodian (who turns out not to be fat) saves them and explains they are part of an undercover program that’s
using extremely smart kids to solve the worlds’ problems – The Genius Files. Throw in their kinda spacey parents who’ve rented an RV for the
summer to drive the family cross-country, and those good guys/bad guys who keep showing up at the weirdest places trying to kill/save Coke and
Pep. Right from the first pages, Gutman writes to the reader – asking the reader questions (and then answering them!) and giving the reader tips on
how to follow the family cross-country on the Internet by Googling maps. He grabs the reader from the first pages and keeps them guessing as to
who‘s good and who’s bad and humorously makes the reader wonder…where in the heck is this family traveling to? And what really weird, obscure
attraction will they stop at next? Great read! This is the first book in Gutman’s new series, The Genius Files.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Hale, Nathan
TITLE: The Twelve Bots of Christmas
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Walker and Company 2010
PRICE: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-8027-2237-9
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Nathan Hale
PAGES: NA
This is a real fun twist patterned after the 12 Days of Christmas but it uses robot parts instead. It has wonderful illustrations and is a fun read aloud
for the younger grades.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Halpin, Brendan
TITLE: Shutout
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: D&M Publishers 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780374368999
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-9
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 183
Best friends Amanda and Lena are star soccer players and best friends. That is until they try out for the high school soccer team. Lena is chosen to
play on the varsity and this becomes the starting point where they begin to drift apart. Amanda struggles with the feeling of being rejected. Is she
really as good at soccer as she thought? She is forced to watch Lena be a star player on the varsity team. Then the unthinkable happens. The varsity
is playing for the state championship and all of the players are suspended for drinking. This is Amanda’s chance to play in a state championship
match, because the Junior Varsity has been asked to take their place. They lose the game, but Amanda gains Lena’s friendship again.
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Reviewer: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
Hand, Cynthia
TITLE: Unearthly
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: HarperTeen © 2011
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-199616-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 435
Finally, a clean romance story dealing with supernatural beings! While this story deals with angels, rather than vampires, the appeal will still be there
for teenage girls and you won’t have to worry about the content. Teen Clara Gardner knows that she is part angel. (Her mother is half angel.) She
recently began having her first visions which will guide her to her purpose here. Clara’s mom moves the family, Clara and her brother, Jeffery, to
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to follow Clara’s purpose. Clara soon recognizes the boy in her visions, Christian, is from her new high school and believes
that she must save him from a forest fire. Clara is shocked when a girls that she meets as school asks her if she is an angel. The girl, Angela, is also
an angel and the two become fast friends. Angela knows a lot about dark angels and other angel things that Clara’s mom has not shared with her.
Angela seems very interested in the Clara’s purpose and wants to be kept informed of all the things Clara learns about it. Clara’s other friend, Wendy,
is fun and easy going, whereas Angela tends to be dark and dramatic. Summer rolls around and Clara’s friends all leave for the summer. Wendy has
left her twin brother, Tucker, in charge as Clara’s tour guide and boredom beater. A romance soon blossoms and Clara reveals to him that she is an
angel. Tucker is in disbelief and distances himself from her. The fire in Clara’s vision happens and Clara is forced to choose between saving
Christian or Tucker, who is out with his horse. Clara makes the decision to go save Tucker first. After rescuing Tucker she goes to the place where
she was suppose to save Christian. She see the truck already burned and assumes she’s too late when Christian comes out from behind a tree. The
pair share an awkward exchange when Christian reveals that he too is an angel and that in his vision he was suppose to save her. They don’t know
what to make of it. The story ends on this cliffhanger and leaves one hoping for a sequel.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
TITLE: I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Delacorte, 2010
PRICE: 17.99
ISBN: 978-0-385-73940-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 9-12 grade
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 233 pgs.
Stupid title, good book! This is a historical fictional biography at its best. Written as a fictional journal by author Jane Austen’s real cousin, we get a
glimpse into the Austen’s teenage years and what would shape the plots of many of her novels. Opening at the boarding school where Jane and her
cousin Jenny are staying, we are immediately immersed into the society and morals of the Regency period of British history. Jane is deathly ill, and
Jenny breaks all the rules and risks her future by sneaking out late at night to post an urgent cry for help to Jane’s family. To show their gratitude, the
Austens take in Jenny, an orphan, to live with them, and there she becomes not only a true part of their family, but also of their social world where
she meets her future husband. There are eccentric relatives that visit, balls, and the threat of exposure of a secret that could ruin a girl forever. The
author has based this book on numerous letters and journals written by Jane Austen as a teenager and from family records. The story moves along at
a good pace and I found myself excited to sit down each evening and see what would happen next! Any fan of Jane Austen’s books would enjoy this
novel for the insight it gives of that author as well as a feel for the period that in turn would augment her books.
Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School Media Center
Harrison, Cora
Hatkoff, Juliana, Isabella, Craig
TITLE: Leo the Snow Leopard
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic  2010
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-22927-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-5th
PHOTOS: Schuler, Kamal-ud-Din, Mather
PAGES: NA
The text of this non-fiction is pretty lengthy and would be hard to keep the attention of grade school age children. The photos are great and the story
is nice.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Helquist, Brett
TITLE: Bedtime for Bear
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper @ 2011
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780060502058
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Brett Helquist
PAGES: UNP
This book might be forgettable but in the hands of talented, well-known, artist Brett Helquist, the bearable text comes alive. Bear wants to begin his
hibernation but his raccoon friends want bear to come outside for one ore snow time adventure. Their fun must finally come to an end but not before
Mr. Helquist shares his exceptional illustrations. For those who might not remember Mr. Helquist illustrated Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate
Event books.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Henkes, Kevin
TITLE: Little White Rabbit
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Green Willow Books, New York, NY © 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780062006431
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3
ILLUSTRATOR : Kevin Henkes
PAGES: NP
This a lovely little tale about White Rabbit who wonders about what it would be like to be green, or tall like a tree or to not be able to move, like a
rock. The green text, is opposite a picture, and alternates with double pages of illustrations. It's a little like Runaway Bunny, but in a good way. The
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rich greens and pastels of the pictures really make this book. He ends by frightened by a cat, and running home. At home he doesn't need to wonder
who loves him; his mother bunny. Sweet story, beautiful pictures. I loved this book! Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Mint Valley Elementary
Herr, Melody
TITLE: Sitting for Equal Service : Lunch Counter Sit-ins
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin, 2010
PRICE: 28.95
ISBN: 9780822589709
INTEREST LVL: Gr 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: b&w, some color photos
PAGES: 160
Whenever a high school student asks, “What difference can I possibly make?” whip out this book. Four college freshmen started the sit-in that was
televised across the United States. They decided that if th
ey were equal, they should be served lunch at the counter of Woolworth’s café. They were not served. But they persisted, sat, brought their
homework, and cracked open their books when they were not served. What teacher would not love to point that out? White men commandeered
their places at the counter. Others replicated the sit-in at other lunch counters. It is still an excellent example of non-violent protest. The book
discusses the events that led up to the sit-in and intertwines the power of all the events. There are good non-fiction back pages that we all expect.
The price is expensive.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
Hobbs, Will
TITLE: Take Me to the River
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 9780060741440
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 184
This is a story about Dylan, a fourteen-year-old boy who travels to a West Texas ghost town to meet his uncle and cousin for a canoe trip down the
Rio Grande. The uncle has left for another trip which leaves Rio(the cousin) and Dylan to plan their own vacation. They could choose to hang out
around the ghost town but instead decide to take the trip down the Rio Grande. There is a hurricane heading towards the region, and a Mexican
kidnapper demands a ride down the river while holding a young boy captive. The cousins must try to save the boy while escaping the kidnapper and
maneuvering the treacherous waters. The physical and emotional details that the author describes in the story make this a book you do not want to
put down. At times you feel as though you are right there in the raft with the boys struggling to survive.
REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
Hodgkinson, Jo
TITLE: The Talent Show
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Andersen @ 2010
PRICE: 16.95
ISBN: 9780761374879
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Jo Hodgkinson
PAGES: UNP
If your school is getting ready for a talent show, this book would be a great ?. Bear, alligator, lion and snake have lots of instrument talent but no
singing talent. Small red bird wants to sing but the others think he is too small. While wearing a disguise, red bird is able to prove his talent.
Author/illustrator, Jo Hodgkinson, must be overjoyed that her first picture book is something she can truly be proud of. The illustrations extend the
fun of the rhyming text.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Hoena, Blake
TITLE: Superman: Cosmic Bounty Hunter
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Stone Arch Books  2010
PRICE: $NA
ISBN: 9781-4342-2133-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 1-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Burcherr, Rick & Loughridge, Lee
PAGES: 54
This is an entertaining adventure of Superman. The bounty Hunter was given special powers to capture superman, but when he is double crossed by
the villain, he ends up helping Superman to help himself escape. A fast paced story that will be loved by all students.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Holmes, Janet
TITLE: Have You Seen Duck?
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic @ 2009
PRICE: 8.99
ISBN: 9780545224888
INTEREST LEVEL: Pkdg-1st
ILLUSTRATOR: Jonathan Bentley
PAGES: UNP
For $8.99 this book is an extraordinary value and delivers a story filled with sweetness. The little boy loves his stuffed animal duck so when duck
vanishes his little boy has difficulty eating, sleeping and bathing. The reader rejoices when duck and boy are reunited. The illustrations provide just
the right amount of whimsy.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Holzer, Harold
TITLE: Father Abraham: Lincoln and his sons
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Calkins Creek 2011
PRICE: 17.95
ISBN: 978-1-59078-303-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 6th and up
ILLUSTRATOR: Various
PAGES: 229
Yet another book on Abraham Lincoln with a different spin - it is more about his family than his presidency. It is well done. The pages are medium
font and many pages are full of text. There are many pictures on every third to fourth pages. This book gives a slightly new perspective of this
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family. Of course not much new is left to be told about Abe Lincoln and his family but it was nice seeing the family featured importantly in his life.
Book contains bibliography, notes, index.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Hosford, Kate
TITLE: Big Bouffant
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Carolrhoda Books, Minneapolis, 2011
PRICE: $16.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-5409-3
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Clifton-Brown, Holly
PAGES: 32
The author and illustrator do a wonderful job of making this story of Annabelle come alive and draw the reader into it. Upon entering the classroom
the first day of school, Annabelle decides that she needs a new hairstyle because she doesn’t want to look like everyone else. She rushes home and
decides on a bouffant after seeing a picture of her grandmother. Her first attempt doesn’t work and then she gains assistance from her mom. The kids
at school are impressed and many come the next day with their hair piled high, or for the boys, standing straight up. Even the teacher has a bouffant.
Now Annabelle doesn’t feel so special, so she comes up with a new plan. The book is told in rhyme which is always appealing to younger readers
and the illustrations are very fun. I liked that even the author and illustrator photos have bouffants added! Great touch!
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Houston, Gloria
TITLE: Miss. Dorothy and Her Bookmobile
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper Collins  2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-029155-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Susan Condie Lamb
PAGES: 28
This is a true story about a young woman who wants to be a proper librarian in a brick building in a proper town. However, as we know life throws
us curves. Miss. Dorothy graduates from college gets married and she moves with her husband to a very rural part of North Carolina. There is not a
library in sight. So she and her friends, because of their love of books, the“Bookmobile” is born. Miss. Dorothy drives the bookmobile around to
different homes and schools and lends out her books. She becomes a real librarian because a real librarians job is to instill a love for books and she
does that is spades! The illustrations are in a watercolor, quite lovely. The text balances the non-fiction with story telling and so this could be a very
good read aloud. I loved the last page where Miss. Dorothy gets letters back from former readers who had grown up. What a special piece to add to
the end of the book. The illustrator depicts Miss Dorothy sitting and looking at her letters and although they eventually get a little white house
library you can see the green bookmobile in the background. What a heart-warming story about a community drawn together by the community
librarian.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Howell, Brian
TITLE: Lebron James, Basketball Icon
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO, 2011
PRICE: NA
ISBN: 978-1-61714-746-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-5
ILLUSTRTOR: color photos
PAGES: 32
The pages are filled with full color photos that give the book a great look. The text is simply and well written. It begins with James’ highlights, and
then goes on to relate the facts of his life. Included are Table of contents, Index and Glossary.
Reviewer: Ginny Fike, Columbia Heights
Hunter, Erin
TITLE: Omen of the Stars: Night Whispers
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper
PRICE: $ 16.99
ISBN: 9780061555152
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-9
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 295
This is the story of three cats, Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Dovepaw. When evil and ancient cats begin to influence other cats within the clans, only
these three cats can stop them. Cats from all the clans are being converted by these evil cats from the Dark Forests. How are the clans going to react
to each other when no cat or clan can be trusted? The Dark Forests cats are the souls of the most evil and twisted cats. The cats are starting to gain
influence within the clans, Dovepaw is afraid that her sister, Ivypaw, has been training in the Dark Forests. Dovepaw must try and persuade her sister
to return her loyalty to the clan. With Ivypaw’s help to save the clans, Dovepaw, Jayfeather, and Lionblaze learn how to prevent damage before it is
too late. This is the third book in the series and leaves you hanging and waiting for the next book. Night Whispers is a good book for people who
like adventure and cats.
REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
Hunter, Erin
TITLE: Seekers: Spirits in the Stars
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper
PRICE: $ 16.99
ISBN: 9780060871400
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-9
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 273
This is number 6 in the Seekers Series. As Toklo, Lusa, Kallik, and Ujurak continue their journey across the Arctic Ice conditions are harsh and
treacherous. The black bear and grizzly bears are not used to the extreme cold, constant snow, and short supply of food. With the stars guiding them,
they push on thinking they are on the right course. Once they reach land they realize something is not right. This must be where the bears are
supposed to be. The other bears that live at the Arctic are ill. Is this the group’s goal, to help save the ill bears, and how can that be accomplished.
There are many adventures for the group. One such adventure was when Kallik comes across a white mother bear who dies leaving behind her cub.
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Kallik rescues the cub and becomes the cub’s mother. She does not want to give the cub back to the white bear clan even though that would be the
right thing to do. After determining the seals are making the bears ill, the Seekers try to talk the white bear clan into finding another food source.
They teach the white bears how to hunt down and kill oxen. Then one of the bears changes into a seal and convinces them to move to a cleaner, purer
part of the bay. That will make it safe for the bears to eat the seals. The story line is a little slow at times, but you wanted to keep reading to find out
what happens to the white bears and the Seekers.
REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
Huxley, Aldous
TITLE: The Crows of Pearblossom
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Abrams  2011
PRICE: $16.95
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9730-1
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Sophie Blackall
PAGES: 28
This very old story is brought to life once a gain through Sophie Blackwell’s beautiful illustrations. The watercolors very vibrant and the background
to the story are kept in the style of a desert. Sophie’s owl is quite superb and I loved the font that is used for the text a readable and yet very
reminiscent creating a fell of the very old. The book was well produced and calls you to pick it up.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Ignatow, Amy
TITLE: The Long-Distance Dispatch Between Lydia Goldblatt & Julie Graha-Chang
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Amulet Books © 2011
PRICE: $15.95
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9724-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 208
Review of Uncorrected Proof ed. The Popularity Papers, book 2. Lydia and Julie are excited about starting junior high school together when Lydia’s
mom announces that the family is moving to London for six months. The girls are devastated but vow to keep their friendship strong. Both face the
challenges of starting a new school without their best friend and each learn ways to cope and thrive in their new environments. Julie and her two dads
even get to visit them in London during winter break. The story ends with Lydia counting down the final weeks until their return home. This will
again be hugely popular with upper elementary and middle school girls. The honest, humorous and realistic conversations between the girls will keep
readers asking for more.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Jenkins, Martin
TITLE: Can we save the Tiger:
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2011
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4909-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th - 9th
ILLUSTRATOR: Vicky White
PAGES: 52
Fabulous artwork helps tell the story of endangered animals in the world. The artist did a fantastic job, each animal is lifelike and done in a soft
pencil and oil paint format. The animals are so “alive” they look like they could just stroll off the page. What a great book! It will get a lot of use.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Jennewein, James & Parker, Tom
TITLE: Rune Warriors: Ship of the Dead
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 9780061449420
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 294
How can Dane the Defiant defeat an enemy that is already dead? Dane is determined to free his beloved Astrid from her Valkyrie servitude. The way
is dark and dangerous. Dane must hunt down and kill a savage foe, Thidrek the Terrifying, who has magically returned from the dead. All this while
the fate of the Viking world hangs in the balance. Boys will especially enjoy the pell-mell action. The characters in the story set off in their usual
hilarious and quarrelsome manner to save the world. Action and suspense fill the book. It is a great finish to the series.
.REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
Johnson, Alaya
TITLE: Detective Frankenstein
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.  2011
PRICE: $ NA
ISBN: 978-0-8225-8942-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd – 5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Yuko Ota
PAGES: 111
This story is part of the Graphic Universe series ‘Twisted Journeys’, a series that makes the reader the main character and lets them choose the path
the story takes. This particular story is set in 1890’s London when grave robbers were stealing bodies. Doctor Victor Frankenstein is deceased, but
has he left someone behind to carry on his work? You’re an orphan working for Master Igor and your friend, orphan Eleanor, has gone missing. And
what’s up with your hero, the famous copper Lance Crosdale? He’s acting strangely and pretty un-cop-like. Trying to solve all the mysteries is up to
the reader, who can flip to different pages throughout the book to alter the course of the story. Kids love these ‘choose your storyline’ type books and
the great graphic illustrations are a big draw too!
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Jules, Jacqueline
TITLE: Picnic at Camp Shalom
PUBLISHER: Kar-Ben @ 2011
ISBN: 9780761366614
ILLUSTRATOR: Deborah Melmon
RATING: A
PRICE: 17.95
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-5th
PAGES: UNP
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Sara and Jenny meet at Jewish Camp Shalom over the summer. Their friendship blossoms at first but a misunderstanding causes Sara to avoid Jenny.
The humorous ending satisfies everyone. The Deborah Melmon illustrations set the mood for camp activities. The only drawback is the lack of a
glossary of terms, used in the book, for non-Jewish readers. Shabbat, Bar Mitzvah, challah and matzah ball soup. Recipes would have enhanced the
value of this book.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Kann, Victoria
TITLE: Silverlicious
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper Collins, New York, NY © 2011
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 9780061781247
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3
ILLUSTRATOR : Victoria Kann
PAGES: NP
This is a cute story about Pinkalicious, the girl we've met before. This time she begins with a lose tooth that comes out when she steals her brother's
cookie. She is dismayed to learn nothing tastes sweet anymore, so it must have been her sweet tooth! She writes a note to ask her tooth fairy for
something sweet until her new tooth grows in. She plans to stay awake but misses the visit by…Cupid! Her tooth fairy is helping another child
elsewhere so in a series of nights, replacements try to provide the sweets (the Easter Bunny, a Christmas elf, you get the idea) but nothing tastes good
to her. Finally her own tooth fairy returns and explains that things will taste sweet again when she begins to be nice herself. This turns out to be true
and Pinkalicious learns a valuable lesson. For readers who love Pinkalicious, this is a continuation of her story, with the colorful, detailed illustrations
that kids love. Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Mint Valley Elementary
Keene, Carolyn
TITLE: The Secret of the Old Clock
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Grosset & Dunlap
PRICE: $ 6.99
ISBN: 9780448455303
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 180
This Nancy Drew story finds Nancy involved in a search for a missing will. Her father, a noted attorney, and her older friend Helen Corning help her
solve this mystery. During the investigation Nancy finds herself at odds with unworthy heirs, and confronting furniture thieves as well. Since this
book is a 80th Anniversary Limited Edition, Nancy’s fashion sense includes wearing gloves and she always seems to be able to whip up a meal from
scratch for friends. There is nothing about cell phones, computers, etc. in this story, which makes it very refreshing to read.
REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
TITLE: Grimm’s Fairy Tales
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Magic Wagon, 2011
PRICE: $26.95
ISBN: 978-1-61641-102-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 3-6
ILLUSTRATOR: Canga, C.B.
PAGES: 112
This is a collection of many fairy tales that were originally collected by the Grimm Brothers. Many of the original tales are more gruesome than some
we have become familiar with. The collection is in a beginning chapter book format with some black and white illustrations added. Included in this
collection are: The Frog Prince, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Rumplestilskin, Little Red Ridding Hood, Rapunzel, Cinderella,
the Shoemaker and the Elves, and Tom Thumb. This selection is from the series called Calico Illustrated Classics.
Reviewer: Ginny Fike, Columbia Heights
Kelley, Karen
Kelly, David A.
TITLE: The Pinstripe Ghost
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Stepping Stone/Random House  2011
PRICE: $ 4.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-9674-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd – 4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Mark Meyers
PAGES: 105
Cousins Mike and Kate are tagging along with Kate’s sportswriter Mom as she covers a Yankee/Mariners series at Yankee Stadium. As soon as they
arrive, Kate and Mike begin hearing about the mysterious ghost of Babe Ruth that some people think roam the halls of the new stadium looking for
his locker from the old stadium. Are the mysterious cold breezes and weird noises really Babe Ruth’s ghost or…? Kate and Mike are intrigued and go
searching for the ghost, but will they get mixed up in something much more sinister? This is book #2 in Kelly’s Ballpark Mysteries series.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Kelly, David A.
TITLE: The Fenway Foul-up
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House, 2011
PRICE: $4.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86703-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Meyers, Mark
PAGES: 101
Part of the Ballpark Mysteries series, this first installment is an excellent introduction to chapter books for both boys and girls. The main characters
are cousins, Mike and Kate. They travel with Kate’s mom, a sports reporter to Fenway Park and have access to parts of the stadium that most people
wouldn’t. Star player, Big D has his lucky bat stolen during batting practice and Mike and Kate help solve the mystery. One of my favorite parts of
this book was the Dugout Notes section at the back of the book. It explains things that were mentioned in the book, as well as provides additional
information about Fenway Park. It was fun to read and answered some questions I had while I was reading the book. I can’t wait to read the next one
titled, The Pinstripe Ghost, featuring Yankee Stadium. This will be a series we will want to complete for our students to enjoy!
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Kenney, Karen Latchana
TITLE: The Lincoln Memorial
RATING: R
23
PUBLISHER: Magic Wagon, 2011
PRICE: $19.95
ISBN: 978-1-61641-151-0
INTEREST LEVEL: K-4th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
This book was very well done in regards to developing the story and history of the Lincoln Memorial in a very simple format. It is geared for younger
students and will give them a solid idea of what the Lincoln Memorial is all about. The book describes our country during Lincoln’s Presidency and
tells how he died. It talks about the design of the memorial and Martin Luther King Jr’s famous speech on the steps of the memorial. It finishes by
telling about visiting the memorial today and closes with a section of Fun Facts and a Glossary. The illustrations are outstanding in depicting each
important event in our nation’s history and are very life like.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Kerns, Ann
TITLE: Was There Really a Gunfight at the O.K. Corral?
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publications Company, 2011
PRICE: $19.95
ISBN: 9780761361008
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Thompson, Colin W.
PAGES: 40
“Did Villains in the Wild West Really Tie Their Victims to the Railroad Tracks?” and “Did Thousands of People Rush to California When Gold Was
Discovered There?” are just two subjects explored in this book about myths of the old west. The answers are given in both the text and old
photographs. This book is easy to read and informative. It features multiple photo inserts and text boxes that add visual interest. It was a fun read.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
King, A. S.
TITLE: Please Ignore Vera Dietz
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf, 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86586-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 326
Vera Dietz is an eighteen year old young woman who has done her best to remain anonymous in the small, nondescript town in which she lives. As
part of teaching her responsibility, her father required her to get a job. She delivers pizza for Pagodah Pizza. He forbade pets, even though her
favorite growing-up fantasy was to work for Zimmerman’s Pet Store. Above all, Vera was NOT to make the same mistakes her father and mother
did and wind up pregnant by Charlie Kahn. Oh, and she is NEVER to start drinking because her dad is a recovered alcoholic and he continually
warns her those addictions run in her genes. One final bit of explanation—Vera’s mother left when Vera was twelve after having been a stripper
when Vera was little and is now living in Las Vegas with a retired podiatrist. It’s important only because it provides fodder for the students at school
to harass Vera. There seems to be a lot of fiction out about death and dealing with the death of a love interest. In Vera’s case, Charlie is a love/hate
interest because, in spite of the fact that she has grown up with him and has cared deeply for him, Charlie winds up betraying her and wounding her
deeply. This, too, is something she must come to terms with in the course of the story. Unlike other books on this topic that I have reviewed, this
story winds up being hopeful rather than depressing. The ups and downs of high school are pretty realistically described. Teen drinking, drug use,
and sex—although references to sex rather than graphic descriptions of the act itself—play leading roles in this story. The language is also pretty
colorful and some of Vera’s hallucinations remind me of the descriptions I have heard about bad LSD trips. The story jumps around a bit, so it will
take a more sophisticated reader to follow it. Ken Dietz, Vera’s father, narrates a portion of the book, and it is definitely an interesting perspective for
students to hear. The voices of Ken, Vera, Charlie, and even the Pagodah—are authentic which makes the book a bit more of a treat. Not a book for
the timid, it will have an appeal and is worth having on the shelves.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Kirsch, Vincent
TITLE: Forsythia & Me
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Farrar, Straus Giroux @ 2011
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780374324384
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Vincent Kirsch
PAGES: UNP
Vincent Kirsch’s illustrations are so familiar to me that I headed for the library shelf to find Drummer Hoff by Ed Emberley. Drummer Hoff won the
1968 Caldecott. Forsythia and Chester are best friends. Chester believes that Forsythia is the best at everything. It is not until Forsythia becomes ill
that Chester can attempt to return the friendship in special ways. Janet Holmes’ “Have You Seen Duck?” has a similar storyline with more success.
The illustrations are okay but do not always engage the reader into the text.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Kite, L. Patricia
TITLE: Building the Three Gorges Dam (Science Missions)
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Raintree 2010
PRICE: 33.50
ISBN: 978-1-4109-3824-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th and up
ILLUSTRATOR: Various
PAGES: 56
This book tells the story of building the three Gorges Dam over the Yangtze River in China. The importance of the dam, the complexities of building
it and the hydroelectric power of the dam are discussed. The dam statistics are set out in one of the many side-bars. At least every other page has
photographs and / or sidebars. The font is large and the photographs are colorful. The book has a timeline, glossary, bibliography (books, websites)
and index. The book will be adequate for youngsters starting a research project or an older student needing some basic information.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Kitteredge, Caitlin
TITLE: The Iron Thorn
RATING: A
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PUBLISHER: Delacorte Press, 2010
PRICE: 17.99
ISBN: 9780385738293
INTEREST LEVEL: 9-12
ILLUSTRATOR: n/a
PAGES: 492
In the city of Lovecraft, the Proctors control every facet of life, suppressing all resistance to their rule. But Lovecraft is also held in the grip of the
necrovirus, which causes madness and breeds the mutant creatures that roam the streets at night. The main character, Aoife Grayson, is a ward of the
state, her mother locked up in an asylum and her father unknown to her. Every member of Aoife’s family has succumbed to madness on their 16th
birthday, and now, with her own 16th only months away, Aoife sets out on a dangerous and uncertain quest to find her father and perhaps change her
fate. She is accompanied on her journey by her best friend, Cal, who plays the cautious foil to Aoife’s gutsy daring, and a cocky but charming hired
guide. This story is in the Steampunk tradition, and the writing is gorgeously atmospheric, capturing the details of inventive machinery, imaginative
landscapes, foggy mists and strange malevolent creatures. The book is the first in a planned series called the Iron Codex and the ambiguous ending
sets up for the sequel. A long book but a good one, sure to be popular with fans of Cassandra Clare among others.
Reviewer: Cody Walke, Kelso High School
Knudsen, Michelle
TITLE: Argus
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2011
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 9780763637903
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Wesson, Andrea
PAGES: 28
Sally’s egg doesn’t look like the other kids’ eggs in Mrs. Henshaw’s class. When it hatches, it REALLY doesn’t look or act like the other kids’
chicks. Argus is large, green and looks a lot more like a dragon than a cute, fluffy chick. Sally has to cope with a chick that is not only different, but
causes problems wherever he goes. This would be a great story to read aloud to kids. Argus is very loveable and teaches a great lesson. The
illustrations are fun with soft colors and great expression.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Kohuth, Jane
TITLE: Ducks Go Vroom
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House, New York, 2011
PRICE: $3.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86560-2
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-1
ILLUSTRATOR: Garofoli, Viviana
PAGES: 32
This is a cute story about three ducks that go to visit their Auntie Goose. They make a mess preparing food and then clean it up and head home. It is
very simple, uses rhymes and is a great first reader. The illustrations were cute and brought a smile to the faces of children as it was shared.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Kosara, Tori
TITLE: Lonesome George finds his friends
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Scholastic, Inc.
PRICE: $3.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-26129-6
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 31
Lonesome George finds his friends through a journey in a day of his 100 year old life on the island of Pinta. The story gives details about the
Galapagos tortoise and other animals living on land or in the ocean surrounding the island. He reports the activities of a sea lion, a crab, water life,
birds, reptiles and numerous other inhabitants. The story concludes with him wallowing in the mud to sleep for the night. It is a cute and informative
book for young readers.
REVIEWER: Tanya Lile, Toutle Lake Elementary
Krensky, Stephen
TITLE: The Great Moon Hoax
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Carolrhoda Books ©2011
PRICE: $16.95
ISBN: 9780761351108
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Bisaillon, Josee
PAGES: 28
The story of a newspaper hoax in New York in 1833 is told from the point of view of two boys who sell papers on the street. It details how difficult
their lives were and how important their sales were to their survival. As the story got wilder and wilder, their sales boomed, securing them food and a
place to sleep for the night. I enjoyed both the story and the folk art style illustrations.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
TITLE: Katie Kazoo switcheroo, Don’t be such a turkey! RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Grosset and Dunlap, 2010
PRICE: $4.99
ISBN: 978-0-448-45448-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: John & Wendy
PAGES: 149
Katie is at it again with wishing she could be other people and just like that it happens. This time she is wanting to stay home for Thanksgiving so
that she can be a part of the big bonfire and corn husking contest only to find out they will be visiting New York City for the holiday. On a class trip
they get to go to an authentic pilgrim community and experience how they as well as the Wampanoag Indians lived. It is here that Katie gets into
some trouble with her switching wishes. This is a delightful story about learning to be thankful for where you are and the people you are surrounded
by. I would highly recommend this book for its great message and humor.
Reviewer: Angie Boyer-Blum, Carrolls Elementary School
Krulik, Nancy
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Krull, Kathleen
TITLE: Charles Darwin
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Viking, 2010
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-670-06335-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 4TH-8TH
ILLUSTRATOR: Boris Kulikov
PAGES: 144
From the series “Giants of Science,” Charles Darwin is a thorough and thoughtful volume on the life of thoughts of Charles Darwin. This book
makes Darwin’s ideas behind his theory of evolution accessible in a basic format to young readers. In addition, the reader gets great insight into what
kind of a man and human Charles Darwin was. Being terribly shy, Darwin didn’t even want to put his theory out to the public and ended up waiting
nearly twenty years to publish it. The reader gets to learn about how he came to establish his theory, about his family and wife and his health. This
is a very insightful and delightfully readable book. Science is brought to life. I would highly recommend this book.
Reviewer: Angie Boyer-Blum, Carrolls Elementary School
Kunze, Lauren
TITLE: The Ivy
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Greenwillow Books, 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-196045-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 11-12+ grade
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 312 pgs.
I really enjoyed this book until I came to the end! In fact there really wasn’t an end; it was a cliffhanger that screamed for a sequel. I was so
disappointed; there was no closure, no tying up of just a few ends, just more questions left unresolved. Even in books with series written all over
them, such as “Harry Potter”, each book at least had a conclusion that left you satisfied and wanting more. Not so with this one. The plot revolves
around a group of freshman students at Harvard, all from different parts of the world and with different social backgrounds. There is the token
religious geek, the uptown socialite, the French swinger, and the California blond. These four girls share a dorm quad-room and the main focus is on
how to climb the campus social ladder and hook up with the most socially correct guy. I must admit that I enjoyed the story as I went along as sort of
a guilty pleasure, wondering how our heroine was going to get out of the scandal that had followed her to school and to finally choose the nice guy. I
enjoyed it until the story abruptly ended at Thanksgiving with the evil campus witch dropping the dreaded bomb that she had discovered the scandal
and was going to publish it on the internet to ruin our girl’s reputation and college career forever. While some students would find this an interesting
book and enjoy the soap opera quality of the storyline, I’m not sure I would want to promote the lifestyle, drinking, drugs, and sex that these
characters portray of campus life.
Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School Media Center
Lanagan, Margo
TITLE: Tender Morsels
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf,  2008
RATING: O
PRICE: NA
ISBN: 978-0-375-84811-7
INTEREST LEVEL: YA
ILLUSTRATOR: None
PAGES: 436
Tender Morsels is a retelling of a Brothers Grimm story which takes place in a modern setting. After being raped, Liga escapes into a fantasy world
with her baby daughter—and one more on the way. Although the fantasy world is perfect, Liga and her children must return to reality. Certainly
riveting, this novel is well-written and explores violence and the fact that life isn’t always about having a happy ending. Dark and intense, this book
would only be appropriate for mature YA readers.
REVIEWER: Michelle Tullock, St. Helens School District, OR
Landau, Elaine
TITLE: Egyptian Maus are the Best!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publications Company, 2011
PRICE: $18.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-6431-3
INTEREST LEVEL: K-5th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
Egyptian Maus are a classy cat that can often be found in cat shows. They date back to ancient Egypt where they were very important to the Egyptian
people. They even mummified their cats and buried them in tombs with their owner, toys and food. This book tells all about the history of these
beautiful felines, as well as helping the reader determine if this particular cat would fit into his/her family. It gives ideas and thoughts about proper
care for the cat and shares many pictures of the animal. It follows the same format as other books in The Best Cats Ever and The Best Dogs Ever
series!
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Landau, Elaine
TITLE: Irish Wolfhounds are the Best!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publications Company, 2011
PRICE: $18.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-6081-0
INTEREST LEVEL: K-5th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
Part of The Best Dogs Ever series, this one features a gentle giant, Irish Wolfhounds. Lots of information can be found in this book about this
particular breed, including its history, how to determine if it is the right dog for you and oodles of facts. The book is loaded with images and makes
for a great learning experience. A glossary and additional materials are shared in the back of the book, as well as, a website to receive free,
complementary educational resources.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Landau, Elaine
TITLE: Manx are the Best!
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publications Company, 2011
RATING: R
PRICE: $18.95
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ISBN: 978-0-7613-6432-0
INTEREST LEVEL: K-5th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
This book is part of an exciting series titled, The Best Cats Ever! It highlights the Manx cat and explains why this cat makes a great pet. It also takes
the reader through the history of this particular breed and helps the student determine if a Manx is the pet for him/her. There is also a section letting
the reader know what supplies might be needed, as well as additional care for a new pet. There are lots of great pictures throughout the entire book.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Landau, Elaine
TITLE: Oil Spill!
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Millbrook @ 2011
PRICE:
ISBN: 9780761374855
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-8th
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 32
This nonfiction picture book about the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill is presented with interesting facts. The reader will continue on as the day’s
events and the ramifications are made evident. Most compelling for students might be the animal cleanup and disastrous effects section. Sharks,
squid, marlins, dolphins, whales, pelicans, sea turtles and jeffyfish are just a few of the vulnerable marine animals that are at risk. Photos are highquality.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Larson, Kirby
TITLE: Dear America: Diary of Piper Davis
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic 2010
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-22418-5
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr: 4-8
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 286
This is about a girl who starts a diary when her brother joins the navy in 1941. Soon after, Pearl Harbor starts and she wonders about his safety. This
book is about the life of Piper Davis and the things she goes through with her father being a pastor at a Japanese Baptist church. The book is a good
book for girls to relate to the main character. This book will connect to you in some level and for that it gets a good review. The fact that this is
fiction, based on true facts, even adds to the joy of reading because you learn new things as well. I recommend this book to girls and boys in grades
5th through 8th.
REVIEWER: Alekz Wokal, Heritage High School
Law, Ingrid
TITLE: Scumble
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Dial Books/Penguin Group  2010
PRICE: $ 16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3307-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th & Up
ILLUSTRATOR: Brandon Dorman
PAGES: 404
Ledger Kale has just turned thirteen, no biggie for the average teen, BIG deal if you’re part of a family that inherits savvies on that particular
birthday. Ledger’s savvy – breaking anything constructed with metal into about a million pieces – or so he thinks. When the whole family travels to a
family wedding on his Uncle’s country ranch, Ledger and his sister stay on for the summer while his parents return home. The hope is that over the
summer Ledger will learn to scumble, or control, his savvy. But when he meets Sarah Jane Cabot right off the get-go, control of his savvy goes from
bad to worse! SJ’s father seems to have a vendetta against the entire town and is working his way out to the ranch with a truckload of foreclosure
signs. Though Ledger likes SJ, she’s quite the firecracker and exasperates him, and for some reason his savvy goes haywire whenever he’s around
her. Hmmmm….! Throw in a bunch of unique cousins with interesting savvies of their own, especially one who flows electricity out his fingertips, a
young lady who’s trying to keep her father’s salvage yard away from Cabot’s foreclosure signs, and the mayhem that follows Ledger and SJ
whenever they’re together and you have one amazing follow-up to Law’s first book, Savvy! Fans of her first book will love the look into the extended
family of her original characters!
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Lawton, Caroline
TITLE: Bugs A to Z
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Scholastic @ 2011
4.99PRICE:
ISBN: 9780545273305
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 32
The photo credits take up an entire page of this nonfiction alphabet book about insects and spiders. Each photo is exceptional and displays the many
intricate insect-designs. The brief texts keep this from being a go-to research book. However, primary eyes will certainly enjoy the facts and may
want to pursue more information. This paperback has a glossary and index at the end. One observation is the umbrella wasp. Since the umbrella
wasps’ nest looks like an upside down umbrella why doesn’t the photo reflect that?
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
TITLE: Hip-Hop History
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Stone Arch Books, c2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9781434218926
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Douglas Holgate
PAGES: 40
This story is centered on Michael Cycle and his computer animated bicycle, C.A.T.T., that takes its inspiration from the 80’s show “Knight Rider”.
Michael Cycle is even David Hasselhoff inspired with his large mound of curly hair and corny jokes and quips. Michael and C.A.T.T. are on the trail
of a missing school reporter. Along the way C.A.T.T. provides readers with knowledge such as how to divide prime numbers but it pretty much ends
Lemke, Donnie
27
there. The overall story is cheesy and predictable. Cheating football bullies are to blame for the missing reporter and yes, Michael and C.A.T.T. save
the day. Reviewed by Darcy Wishard, Huntington
TITLE: Batman Mad Hatter’s Movie Madness
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Stone Arch Books 2010
PRICE: $
ISBN: 9781-4342-2131-5
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr: 2-5
ILLUSTRATOR: Schigiel, Loughridge
PAGES: 50
For anyone who likes super hero adventures, you’re sure to like this story of Batman, as he solves the mystery of how the Mad Hatter has managed to
brainwash innocent citizens to rob a jewelry store. Among those brainwash citizens is his faithful partner Tim. Action packed, clean fun for
everyone.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Lemke,
Lester, Brian
TITLE: R U In ?: Using Technology Responsibly
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: ABDO © 2011
PRICE: N/A
ISBN: 978-1-61613-543-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 112
Author Brian Lester teams up with Dr. Robyn Silverman to write a book for teen boys about using technology responsibly. It covers a wide range of
topics ranging from texting, gaming, cyberbullying and many more. Written a student friendly format, this book will certainly help students writing a
report, or for use by a teacher or parent who wants to do a lesson on one of the topics covered. Unfortunately, it is not likely to be picked up on its
own by the targeted age group. Includes glossary, index and bibliography.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Light, Steve
TITLE: The Christmas Giant
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press  2010
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4692-9
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr: K-3
ILLUSTRATOR: Steve Light
PAGES: NA
Humphrey is a giant and Leetree is an elf. They are best friends. They make wrapping paper at the North Pole for all of Santa’s gifts.
One year Santa asks them to grow a Christmas tree for the North Pole. This is a short fun story with wonderful illustrations. It is an easy read so
would be great for emergent readers.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Livingston, Lesley
TITLE: Tempestuous
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: HarperTeen © 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-174006-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 361
Sequel to Darklight. Kelley thinks she has done the right thing by telling her boyfriend, Sonny, that she doesn’t love him anymore. She hopes that by
driving him away she can find out who is trying to get his hidden Magick and protect him. Sonny on the other hand is stunned and seeks refuge in an
underground faerie hideout while trying to sort things out. A determined Kelley finds strength and is finally able to tap into her own powers and take
the shape of a hawk and really fly. Sonny finds out about his Magick powers and ends up with Kelley fighting to protect the underground hideout.
While several faerie folk are killed, Sonny and Kelley are ok. Kelley admits to Sonny her true feelings and the pair reunite. The ending does leaving a
hint about another book even though the dust jacket states this is the conclusion of the trilogy. Teen girls will thoroughly enjoy this read.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Luciani, Brigitte
TITLE: What a Team! Mr. Badger and Mrs. Fox #3
RATING: AD
PUBLISHER: Graphic Universe, 2011
PRICE: NA
ISBN: 978-0-7613-5627-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-3
ILLUSTRATOR: Tharlet, Eve
PAGES: 32
This is a picture book in graphic format. When Mr. Badger and Mr. Fox move in together they now have a blended family. The badger children and
the fox children don’t always get along. The story was fine, and tried to teach readers how arguing and always wanted to be the leader or wanting to
be right can turn out with unhappy results. But, why does the story teller have to include phrases of displeasure like “Oh puppy poo!” or “Oh rabbit
poo!” Couldn’t the character just say “Oh NO I’ve fallen down”? The illustrations are charming; however, I had a hard time telling which character
was which because the badger children looked alike.
Reviewer: Ginny Fike, Columbia Heights
Luciani, Brigitte
TITLE: Mr. Badger and Mrs. Fox #2 (A Hubbub)
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Graphic Universe 2010
PRICE: $ NP
ISBN: 978-0-7613-5626-4
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3
ILLUSTRATOR: Eve Tharlet
PAGES: 32
This is a graphic novel about a Badger and a Fox that get married. The two step brothers learn how to live by another person’s rules. They built a
clubhouse together. When they leave some cats move into the clubhouse. The fox’s father comes and helps get the clubhouse away from the cats.
Badger decides that even though Mrs. Fox is more strict, that she loves him and, they decide that the two family marriage is ok. This is a fun graphic
way of dealing with how living with step brothers and parents can be alright if you let it be.
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REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Lupica, Mike
TITLE: Hero
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Philomel, 2010
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25187-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 6 - 10
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 289
This is a departure for Mike Lupica whose main bailiwick has been sports fiction. Diehard fans will like that sports still play a part in this narrative,
but they are a supporting role rather than the lead. Zach Harriman’s dad is a superhero of sorts. Unbeknownst to Zach and Zach’s mother, Tom
Harriman has a few secrets—including some special powers. When Tom’s plane goes down, Zach struggles to cope with the loss, and with that
struggle begins to meet some shady people. Mr. Herbert is one of those incredibly wise, older, shady people who Zach’s “Uncle” John utterly loathes.
In his quest to find out more about his father, Zach develops his own super powers, discovers unexpected relatives, and learns that not everyone is
who they claim to be. This is a story that has received mixed reception from students who don’t generally enjoy reading. The beginning is slow
enough that impatient readers will put it down and not be likely to pick it back up. As the plot develops, though, the tension of who Zach can believe
and who he cannot will appeal to some readers. Unlike some action/suspense stories, this one is squeaky clean with likable characters who don’t
resort to naughty language to communicate displeasure. This makes it clean enough for everyone, while maintaining a veneer of toughness.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Lusted, Marcia Amidon
TITLE: Social Networking
PATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing, 2011
PRICE: 34.22
ISBN: 9781617148118
INTEREST LEVEL: 8-12
ILLUSTRATOR: n/a
PAGES: 112
As part of ABDO’s Technology Pioneers set, this volume covers the origins and influences of MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. Presented as a basic
overview, the three main social media sites are explained in simple language and without much nuance, making this book most suitable for the lower
secondary levels. While the author covers the controversies that arose during the founding of the sites, little discussion is given to some of the
thornier issues of social networking in general such as privacy concerns, ownership of content or how such tools might continue to develop and
unfold. A timeline, glossary and source notes are included.
Reviewer: Cody Walke, Kelso High School
Lynch, Kelly
TITLE: Mighty Mike Builds a Library
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Magic Wagon, 2011
PRICE: $19.95
ISBN: 978-1-61641-129-9
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Lynch, Casey
PAGES: 32
What a great story of team work and a community coming together for the good of everyone. Mighty Mike is distraught when he reads in his town’s
newspaper that the plans for a new library have been canceled due to insufficient funds. This is something that we can all relate to with the current
state of our economy. Mike comes up with a plan and begins calling friends, with different construction specialties, to help out. He digs the hole, Carl
the carpenter puts up the walls, Eric the electrician does the wiring, and Pete the plumber does the plumbing. When the townspeople find out they can
help by providing books, the library is complete. The message in this story was so positive. I loved it! The illustrations were straightforward and
simple, yet interesting and inviting at the same time. Mighty Mike has his own series, including books about building a ball field and nature trail,
doing the right thing, repairing a playground and saving a school bus. We need more books like this sending a wonderful message to kids and
spotlighting positive role models.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
TITLE: After All, You’re Callie Boone
RATING: M
PUBLISHER: Feiwel and Friends 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780312563318
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-9
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 168
Callie Boone is your typical teenager struggling with friendships, family and mostly being grounded. This story follows Callie as she tries to survive
summer break. She meets “Hoot” and they become friends when it counts the most. His parents are getting a divorce and her dad has had a heart
attack. “After All, You’re Callie Boone” is not a book that would grab the interest of readers. It is easy reading with no real story. It has the setting
of your everyday rural America household.
Reviewer: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
Mack, Winnie
MacLachlan, Patricia
TITLE: Before You Came
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Katherine Tegen @ 2011
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780060512347
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: David Diaz
PAGES: UNP
David Diaz has created an extravaganza of color on each page as he depicts this picture book about a mother in full pregnant bloom looking forward
to the birthing process. The illustrations take the reader to a Hispanic Garden of Eden as the expectant mother realizes all the adventures she is going
to be able to share with her newborn. “Before You Came” would make an excellent baby shower gift. I did read this aloud to a second grade library
class. Girls are more interested because of e subject matter! Sophia wants to check it out from the library after I have reviewed “Before You Came”.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
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Magoon, Kekla
TITLE: Today the world is watching you: the Little Rock Nine
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Twenty First Century Books 2011
PRICE: 38.60
ISBN: 978-0-7613-5767-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 8th and up
ILLUSTRATOR: Various
PAGES: 160
The excellent book traces the story of the Little Rock Nine (the first black students to attend a white school) from the Brown V the Board of
Education decision up through the actual stresses and terror suffered by these brave people. The book has many side-bars and quotes from those
brave people. The book concludes with the lessons of Little Rock and by honoring the Nine, who all grew up to be productive, successful adults.
This book should be available to everyone and should be in every library and classroom. It is a hard look at the horrors of segregation and
integration. It is very well done!
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Marcus, Kimberly
TITLE: Exposed
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Random House, 2011
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780375866937
INTEREST LEVEL: 9-12
ILLUSTRATOR: n/a
PAGES: 255
Sixteen year old Liz, AKA Photogirl for her talent with a camera, is inseparable from her BFF Kate, who she grew up with and who shares all her
childhood memories. At a party with Kate one night she goes upstairs to take a nap, leaving Kate downstairs with Liz’s brother and other celebrants.
Inexplicably, Kate begins to shun Liz at school the next day and when Liz tries to talk with her, always finds reasons to leave. Eventually Liz learns
that Kate claims she was raped by Liz’s brother at the party that night. The story follows the court case and the emotions that roil around this event,
as well as the ambiguity over whether or not Liz can believe Kate’s story or her brother’s, who absolutely denies any rape took place. The resolution
to the story is not altogether happy nor even truly a resolution, but it seemed about the best that could be hoped for. My main issue with the book is
that it is written in the verse form, (think Crank et al) and the story does not really lend itself to this format. It made the prose awkward in many
places and the writer lacks the deftness for the form that Ellen Hopkins demonstrates. Otherwise it was a good read, if not particularly memorable.
Reviewer: Cody Walke, Kelso High School
Marrin, Albert
TITLE: Flesh and Blood So Cheap
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf, 2011
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86889-4
INTEREST LVL: Gr 7 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: b&w, some color photos
PAGES: 182
If someone ever asked you what labor history story changed the working conditions for American workers more than any other incident, the Triangle
Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 would win. We have all at least heard the story: young immigrant women, locked in a sweat shop, are imprisoned at
the building around them becomes an inferno. Dead: 146, safely measures: 0. No death benefits, no medical insurance, no 9 to 5, no disability,
poverty wages, no safety…there was lots to improve for the immigrant Ameican work force. The cheap labor immigrated from Italy, Russia and
other countries where nature and politics and unrest fed the desires to emigrate. The book paints a realistic picture of what life aboard shipe was like
for the “landlubbers.” Work for young women materialized as ready-made clothing grew in favor over tailored made clothing, cheap, quickly made
ready-made. Children ran the cotton mill machines in the south, and cut and sewed the material in the north. The detail of the labor grievances in
this readable and entertaining book cannot be all summarized here. But Marrin did a seamless job of research and wordsmithing to create a gripping
story. Our labor benefits? Deaths on the job were 50, 000 yearly n 1911, in 1980 they were 5071.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
Martin, Bill Jr.
TITLE: Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt and Company  2011
PRICE: $8.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9291-2
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-k-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Eric Carle
PAGES: 33
I loved the recreation of the book. The size is much better for little hand to read and hold on their own. The book introduces some very interesting
and new vocabulary words to kids. The action words that Bill uses are not ones that children might hear every day. It is great when you ask, “Show
me gliding.” Then you can watch your children show what gliding looks like this is so much fun to do with a class of pre-schoolers. This is a great
book for little ones.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Martin, Bill Jr.
TITLE: Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt and Company  2011
PRICE: $8.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9292-9
INTEREST LEVEL:Pre-k-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Eric Carle
PAGES: 33
Panda Bear is another one of Bill Martin Jr.’s books that add action words to a young child’s vocabulary. I love the new size of the books and the
new sections that have been added to back of the book to extend the learning. They gave prompt questions that a parent or a teacher could easily use
to ask children more about the book and the different animals that are in the book. Still a great read!
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Mattern, Joanne
TITLE: Milton Hershey: Hershey’s Chocolate Creator
PUBLISHER: ABDO PUBLISHING, 2011
RATING: R
PRICE: NA
30
ISBN: 978-1-61613-557-7
INTEREST LEVEL 3-6
ILLUSTRATOR: photos
PAGES: 32
This title if from a series of biographies about food creators. Milton Hershey did not begin making chocolate bars. He actually began his candy
making career making caramels, and he only had a 4th grade education. But, he was a hard worker and never gave up trying to become successful.
There is plenty of information about his early life as well. Included are Table of contents, Index, and Glossary.
Reviewer: Ginny Fike, Columbia Heights
Matthews, John & Caitlin
TITLE: StoryWorld, Create-a-Story Kit
Legends of the Sea and Fairy Magic
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Templar, 2011
PRICE: 9.99 each
ISBN: 9780763653200, 9780763653484
INTEREST LVL: Gr 3 - adult
ILLUSTRATOR: acrylic painted cards, booklet
PAGES: 28 cards each
The second and third issues of StoryWorld are as enchanting as the first! Lovely detailed cards make playing the games and finding the hidden
characters of the next card intriguing to readers from third grade through adult. Our creative writing teachers use them for story telling warm-ups and
group brainstorming. They could be used at parties, classes, overnighters, anywhere that those with imagination dwell.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
TITLE: Spilling Ink: a Young Writer’s Handbook
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Roaring Book Press, 2010
PRICE: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-628-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 4 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: Matt Phelan
PAGES: 275
Few how-to books are as engagingly written, so if you happen to have a blossoming writer, this is an excellent resource. Not only are the elements of
fiction—such as plot, character, setting—explained, these authors also include tips on getting ideas and developing the habits of a writer. But wait. .
.there’s more. The authors also include a section on something I don’t see too often in a how-to book on writing—revision. Be warned, however, the
sacred cow of the writing process is made into a metaphorical Big Mac, since it is something that has the potential to stifle creativity. Along with
each section, Mazer and Potter include a section called “I Dare You” which is a couple of exercises that can be done to practice each of the discussed
techniques. Each chapter has small portions written by each author, and those portions contain the author’s individual voice and insight. The blend is
satisfying and has the feel of a conversation that a student might have if he or she were to sit down with the authors. Weak writing is contrasted with
excellent writing to provide a strong model for aspiring authors. The suggestions were so well done and on point that I found myself wanting to get
back to writing fiction—only to do it better this time. While the content is worthy of would-be writers, the cover and illustrations definitely make it
appear more juvenile—potentially discouraging an audience that could benefit from the information. In spite of that, this would be a valuable staple
for any Creative Writing course.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Mazer, Ann & Potter, Ellen
McBride, Regina
TITLE: The Fire Opal
RATING: M
PUBLISHER: Delacorte Press, 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-385-73781-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 7 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 292
I am as open to historical fiction and good fantasy as any other reader, but I had an intensely difficult time connecting with the characters and
following the twists and turns laid out in The Fire Opal. The story begins with the prologue of Maeve, a strong Irish lass, finding The Answerer, a
staff with great power. She hides the artifact in some ancient ruins and promptly forgets about it. As Maeve matures, her mother has a last daughter,
Ishleen, whose death corresponds with the unearthing of a great suit of armor in the bog. Maeve’s mother slowly seems to lose her mind, a
deterioration that continues after the birth of another daughter whom the mother also names Ishleen. Soon, Maeve’s mother and sister become empty
husks as their souls are stolen by the evil goddess Uria. It becomes Maeve’s mission to restore their souls and return the goddess, Danu, to her
rightful place in Ireland. I have recounted the gist of the story with far more clarity than the actual story, and therein lies its downfall. The magic is
fine. The goddesses are fine. Maeve’s struggle against the evil Tom Cavan is fine. It’s the combination of all of these little threads with a Spanish
Aramda’s destruction and subsequent introduction of a love interest for Maeve, the Ash Girls, and the other mind boggling subplots that all complete
in an unintelligible mishmash for all but the extremely patient. Mists of Avalon, I loved. The Fire Opal, not so much. It’s tangled stories and
unpredictable melding of magic with reality in Elizabethan times are a little too much for any but the most dedicated Celtic fantasy fans.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
McDonald, Megan
TITLE: Stink and the Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press  2011
PRICE: $ 12.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4346-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd – 4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Peter H. Reynolds/Matt Smith
PAGES: 129
Stink is back and sillier than ever! When he comes home from school with a ‘U’ for unsatisfactory in PE, his parents tell him he must play a sport.
Stink investigates by watching different sporting events on TV – BORING! Until he clicks on a channel with Thumb Wrestling, instantly he’s
hooked! But thumb wrestling all his friends at school (and always losing) results in an unhappy teacher note being sent home with Stink. Getting in
trouble with his parents once he gets home has him karate chopping everything in sight to get his frustrations out. So his parents sign him up for
karate lessons. Karate teaches Stink to calm himself down. When he gets his yellow belt, as a reward his parents throw him a pizza party. Stink turns
it into a thumb wrestling pizza party! He wears his karate gear and new yellow belt – will he be able to stay calm enough to finally win a thumb
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wrestling match? Fans of Stink and Judy Moody will love this new edition!
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
McKee, David
TITLE: Elmer and the Rainbow
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Andersen @ 2011
PRICE: 16.95
ISBN: 9780761374107
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: David McKee
PAGES: UNP
British author David McKee created the first Elmer Book in 1964. He has not lost his touch in this book about the rainbow losing its colors. Elmer is
the only animal that can save the rainbow. Large font and illustrations make this a grand book for primary students. Too bad Elmer and Dr. Seuss’
Horton couldn’t meet for an adventure.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
McPhail, David
TITLE: Waddles
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Abrams  2011
PRICE: $ 15.95
ISBN: 978-0-8109-8415-8
INTEREST LEVEL: K – 2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Same
PAGES: UNP
Waddles is an always hungry raccoon who is friends with a duck named Emily. They hang out and do everything together until Emily lays her eggs
and must sit on them. Waddles is very concerned about Emily not being able to leave the nest and eat, so he relieves her – and saves her eggs from a
fox! Soon the eggs hatch, and Waddles helps raise them. But then autumn arrives and all the ducks must fly south for the winter. Waddles mopes
through winter until he finally sees signs of spring. Will Emily and the ducklings return? This is a cute story that follows the two friends through an
entire year and the illustrations are adorable and perfectly portray the emotions all the characters are going through.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Miller, Ron
TITLE: Seven Wonders of Asteroids, Comets and Meteors
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Twenty First Century Books, 2011
PRICE: 33.26
ISBN: 978-0-7613-5451-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 5th and up
ILLUSTRATOR: Various
PAGES: 80
Pluto, my Pluto! You have changed! Now you are something else, and this book goes into a good description of why Pluto was downgraded.
This book has fantastic illustrations and photographs. It has medium size fort and come pages have a lot of “white” on the page. There are many
side bars and pictures. The text is easy to read and understand. The side bars are done in a chocolate brown with tan words. The pages are
artistically arranged. I liked the book and the lay-out. It contains timeline, a section called Choose an 8th Wonder (the readers can tell the author
about new found asteroids, etc. ) glossary and pronunciation guide, source notes, selected bibliography, further reading and websites, and index.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Monninger, Joseph
TITLE: Wish
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Delacorte Press, 2010
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-385-73941-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 6 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 191
I love books that make you go “WOW” when you come to the end. Occasionally, a group of characters is sufficiently gripping that the story
concludes, but you know you will think about it for a long time afterwards. This is one of those books. Bee is a sophomore who has her life on track.
She is working hard at school so that she can earn a scholarship to Dartmouth. Her brother, Tommy, is an expert on all things related to the Great
White Shark. He also has Cystic Fibrosis, a disease that will significantly diminish his life expectancy. This story takes place over the Columbus Day
weekend when the Blue Moon Foundation pays for Tommy’s trip to San Francisco to watch, and potentially dive, with the Great White Sharks. In
typical fashion, their mother goes off with the best looking business man she can find, eventually spending a night away from the “family” outing
that has been so carefully constructed around Tommy. When she doesn’t come back to the hotel, Tommy and Bee decide to contact Ty, a surfer who
survived a shark attack, with whom Tommy has a longstanding email correspondence. This leads to a nearly life-ending adventure for Tommy and
Bee. Unfortunately, the choice of cover does not prepare the reader for the depth of the story contained within. Within the realistic fiction genre, this
is a book that has the potential to do a great deal in terms of educating students about sharks, cystic fibrosis, and provides an excellent example of
how to create unforgettable characters.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Montgomery, Lewis B.
TITLE: The Case of the Missing Moose
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Kane Press, Inc.  2011
PRICE: $ NA
ISBN: 978-1-57565-322-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd – 5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Amy Wummer
PAGES: 96
Milo and Jazz are at summer camp – separated by a lake that is between the boys’ camp and the girls’ camp. Jazz dutifully writes to her mystery
solving partner and friend everyday, but Milo is so busy he never gets around to answering. When Color Wars start for each camp, Milo finds himself
on the opposing team of a boy who has been bullying him since the first day. Milo’s team makes an amazing moose mascot to earn team points - that
then disappears. Milo eventually solves the case after writing to Jazz for help and realizes communication is really important between partners! This
is Book #6 in ‘The Milo & Jazz Mysteries’ series.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
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Moser, Lisa
TITLE: Perfect Soup
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House  2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86014-0
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3
ILLUSTRATOR: Mantle, Ben
PAGES: NA
Mouse is wanting to make a perfect soup on a cold winter day. He starts to make it when he realizes that he does not have any carrots. He sets out to
find some carrots. A farmer says he can have some carrots if he will haul some logs for him. He finds a horse who says he will haul the logs if he
can get some jingle bells. The shopkeeper says he will give him some jingle bells if he would shovel his snow. The story keeps building up until
everything works out and mouse is able to have his perfect soup.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
TITLE: Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, A…Hero RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Abrams Books for Young Readers, New York, 2011 PRICE: $18.95
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9735-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Hendrix, John
PAGES: 47
A fascinating story about Sarah Emma Edmonds who flees her native Canada to avoid an arranged marriage, this book educates as well as entertains.
She has dressed like a man for 3 years before she enlists in the army during the Civil War to fight for her adopted country. She goes by the name
Frank Thompson and serves as a nurse and soldier and ultimately becomes a very successful Union spy. The author’s and illustrator’s notes are also
very important to read, as they tell the rest of the story.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Moss, Marissa
Myers, Walter Dean & Workman, Ross TITLE: Kick
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper Teen, 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-200489-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 6 - 10
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 197
Walter Dean Myers is a popular enough author that he doesn’t have to resort to gimmicks in order to sell his books, so, while his collaboration with a
teen author is unnecessary, in this case, it made for an excellent story. Mr. Myers takes the voice of Gerald Brown, an African-American cop who is
looking at the idea of a mentoring program as a way to help troubled youth redeem themselves. Mr. Workman takes the voice of Kevin, son of a
much respected police officer killed in duty. When Kevin is caught stealing a car with the owner’s daughter in the car, he is headed for big trouble.
Though there have been no formal proceedings, the judge who hears about it calls Brown in and asks him to do a little digging. Kevin, however,
remains remarkably tight-lipped about the incident, in spite of the owner’s on-again, off-again threats to press charges. All of this is set against the
backdrop of a soccer season in which Kevin is a key player. Two mysteries begin to unravel as the story continues and it all ends with everyone
living happily ever after, the people who need it getting the help they need, and the charges against Kevin being dropped. The characterization and
dialogue are good as are the dilemma’s faced by young Kevin. Young men who are soccer aficionados are bound to enjoy the story, and its language
and situations are safe enough for any library.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Myers, Walter Dean
TITLE: Looking for the easy life
RATING: NR
PUBLISHER: Harper Collins Children, New York, NY © 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780060543761
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3
ILLUSTRATOR : Lee Harper
PAGES: NP
This is a story of five monkeys on Monkey Island who are swayed by the lure of the easy life. They follow a new monkey leader as he promises to
lead them to this ideal place but run into problems like lions and sharks that end up costing him pieces of his tail. They end up returning to where
they started from and the original leader stays in place because they vote by raising their tails! I didn't like this book; it is written in a cross between
Uncle Remus and Eubonics and I just can't push a book that says "ain't" or "don't let that be no shark!" The kids may like it when the monkey "flicks
a booger" but I didn't care for it. I can't recommend and won't be putting it out for my students. Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Mint Valley Elementary
Na, Il Sung
TITLE: A Book of Sleep
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knoff  2007
PRICE: $6.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86618-0
INTEREST LEVEL: Infant-Pre-K
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 22
This board book follows the owl throughout the night and shows the different animals and the way they sleep. Everyone sleeps, everyone needs to
sleep which makes this an excellent read for those babies that struggle with sleep. The illustrations are very well done. I liked the painting and
collage style. I would get this book for my little ones.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Na, Sung Il
TITLE: Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knoff  2010
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-96786-3
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-k-K
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 24
Il Sung Na has a talent for writing to pre-schoolers. She can take a very abstract concept such as the changing of the seasons and create a simple
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understanding because of the perspective that she takes. Her text is simple and large enough for you to see the text in a read aloud. I love the texture
that she gives to her illustrations and the way they looked like she use different paper to create texture on the page. I think that every preschool
teacher needs her books in their curriculum rotation. Keep writing!
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Nelson, Blake
TITLE: Recovery Road
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic Press, 2011
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-10729-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 310
Paranoid Park, also by Blake Nelson, has been stolen from my library three times. That’s usually an indicator of a pretty good author, so I was
thrilled to discover that Recovery Road was not a disappointment. Madeline has substance abuse issues. In fact, those issues are significant enough
that her wealthy parents send her to a rehab center. It is there that she meets Stewart. He enters the program just as she is completing hers, and the
attraction is both instant and intense. Her release from Spring Meadows and return to West Linn and the end of her junior year is traumatic. It’s
embarrassing that people know that she was in rehab, and, worse, she has no friends since all of her old friends are continuing to use. When Stewart
is released and returns to his home in Centralia, Washington, two hours away, the two of them attempt to maintain a relationship that strains and
cracks under the weight of distance. The remainder of the book chronicles how the two of them struggle to remain clean with the occasional lapses
that only someone who has been close to an addiction can appreciate. The book is divided into parts that define the critical junctures in Madeline’s
life. In spite of, or maybe even because of, her flaws, Madeline is a sympathetic character as she struggles to make healthy relationships with
classmates and her parents. There are frank discussions of sexuality, although the description of the act itself is pretty tastefully handled. The raw
pain of watching friends self-destruct along with some of the language that goes with that experience, is vividly portrayed. What is unique is that
Nelson’s treatment of Madeline allows her to transcend being a cautionary tale developing her into a story of hope. This is a book that would be an
excellent title for bibliotherapy, will be fascinating for students who recognize the situation, and which can be used in Health courses to create a
dialogue that has the potential to be incredibly powerful if facilitated well.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Nelson, Kristin L.
TITLE: Farm Tractors on the Move
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publications Company, 2011
PRICE: $18.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-6025-4
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
Tractors are a common thing in our rural community, and our younger readers will surely enjoy this book. It does an excellent job of describing the
versatility of the tractor, provides wonderful pictures and captions, in addition to providing a farm tractor diagram and fun facts about tractors. A
glossary and suggestions for additional reading on the topic are also included. This book will be a favorite amongst our K-3 population.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Nemeth, Jason
TITLE: Voices of the Civil War
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Edge Books  2010
PRICE: $ NA
ISBN: 978-1-4296-4736-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 3-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Nemeth, Jason
PAGES: 32
This non fiction book has very interesting facts about the Civil War, and it give great stories from the battlefields. The older students from my library
have loved getting war books. When I read some of this book to them they were very interested and excited to have this addition to our library.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Nesbit, E.
TITLE: The Phoenix and the Carpet
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Looking Glass Library
PRICE: $ 10.99
ISBN: 9780375867187
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 307
Four British children acquire a carpet, which when rolled out reveals an egg. The Phoenix hatches from the ancient egg that the children found
wrapped in the carpet. The Phoenix talks and reveals that the carpet is magic. The vain and ancient bird goes along with the children in a series of
adventures through time and space. The children were allowed to have 3 wishes per day from the magic carpet. First wish finds the children traveling to foreign
countries. Some of the adventures are finding a suitable husband for their ornery cook to accidentally setting a theater on fire. The four children find
out they have a lot to learn about the power of getting what you wish for.
REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
Newman, Mark
TITLE: Polar Bears
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt and Co.
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-0850-8999-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-5
ILLUSTRATOR: color photos
PAGES: NA
This is a non-fiction book about polar bears. The color photographs are wonderful and are a great extension of the text. This would make a good read
aloud. Information is presented about cubs and how they survive all the way to the fact that the species is endangered.
Reviewer: Ginny Fike, Columbia Heights
34
Numeroff, Laura
TITLE: Otis & Sydney and the Best Birthday Ever
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Abrams  2010
PRICE: $ 16.95
ISBN: 978-0-8109-8959-7
INTEREST LEVEL: K-1
ILLUSTRATOR: Andreasen, Dan
PAGES: NA
This story tells about the friendship of Otis and Sydney. They are best friends and Otis decides that he wants to do something very special for
Sydney. He plans a surprise birthday party for Sydney’s birthday. On the day of the party no one shows up. Otis realizes that he put the wrong date
on the invitations. He is so disappointed with himself. He has the party with just him and Sydney and they have a great time. Sydney says that it
was the best party ever because he spent it with his best friend. Sweet story with fun illustrations. I read this to my Kindergarten class and they
really enjoyed it..
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Nurmeroff, Laura
TITLE: The Jellybeans
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Abrams @ 2011
PRICE: 16.95
ISBN: 9780810997653
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Lynn Munsinger
PAGES: UNP
A library colleague told me this is the third in a series of hilarious books. After reading about the kickoff I know I have to have the first two for the
library. The Jellybeans are all different but go well together. Bitsy loves arts and crafts. Emily’s favorite is dancing. Reading is Anna’s favorite and
Nicole gets super excited about soccer. Camp is fun for the four friends until Nicole discovers that among all the activities soccer is not one of them.
I have loved Lynn Munsinger’s illustrations since “Hooway for Wodney Wat”. She does not disappoint here.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Oliver, Lauren
TITLE: Delirium
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper Teen, 2011
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-172682-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 441
Delirium is an interesting entry into the world of dystopias. It is the United States of the future. Love has been declared a disease, and, fortunately,
doctors have created a “procedure” that is administered to everyone over the age of 18. The procedure removes the disease as well as the pain that
goes with it. Like Matched, subsequent to the cure, citizens of Portland, Maine, are interviewed, evaluated, and matched with a short list of people.
Lena is anxious for the procedure and the life of happy oblivion the procedure will provide. After all, her history includes a mother who committed
suicide as a result of amor deliria nervosa, leaving Lena and her sister Rachel to the tender mercies of responsible Aunt Carol. All is well until, at
Lena’s evaluation, the Lab is overrun by a herd of cows dressed in clothing and wigs, interrupting Lena’s interview. Cows are not the only thing
running amok. A handsome young man, spying from the catwalk, is laughing his head off. That’s all it takes to start Lena’s descent into the clutches
of amor deliria nervosa, and sets in motion events that make her question what is important. With references to e. e. cummings and works of
Shakespeare, this is a more mature version of Matched. Both books have merit, but homey little touches like Frito pie make Delirium close enough to
reality to get readers really thinking about the consequences of allowing other people to think for you as well as the cost of living without love. The
premise is good, although there is some mild references to sexuality (nothing graphic) and a couple uses of the granddaddy word of them all—the
“F” word. The premise is fascinating, and the characters are strong enough to make this a book that could be used as a potential read-aloud to a more
mature student audience. While the cover will appeal to girls, both genders can enjoy this story.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Ollhoff, Jim
TITLE: The Civil Rights Movement
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing Company, 2011
PRICE: $18.95
ISBN: 978-1-61714-709-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 5th-8th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
This book is a good overview of the Civil Rights Movements, its key players and events that happened during this important era in American history.
Photographs of actual people and events make the history even more real. I was, however, thankful that images of 14 year old Emmett Till badly
beaten and in his coffin were not included in this book. I have seen those pictures and they would have been too much for our elementary students to
witness. Although the horrific nature of his murder is addressed in this book, I applaud the decision makers for not showing the actual images. It
makes this a book that can be used for our youngsters to learn about history. Thank You! A helpful glossary is also included.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Ollhoff, Jim
TITLE: Living in a Warmer World
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Abdo 2010
PRICE: $18.95
ISBN: 978-1-61613-453-2
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr. 5-10
ILLUSTRATOR: Emberley, Ed
PAGES: NA
This is a non-fiction book about the climate change that is happening to our world. This book has some good facts and can teach you what is
happening, and what is changing on earth. It has steps to help block all the catastrophes that it lists can happen. Kids who are interested in what is
happening around them should pick this up, also any student, just so they gain some more knowledge about the world they live in.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Oppel, Kenneth
TITLE: Half Brother
RATING: R
35
PUBLISHER: Scholastic Press, 2010
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-22925-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 7 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 375
My freshman year of college was spent at a school that was studying language and language transmissions using ASL and chimpanzees so my
interest in this book and its premise was a bit of a foregone conclusion. This is the story of an ambitious father, a supportive mother, a boy who is an
unwitting accomplice in the research project, and a chimp they name Zan. Set in the seventies, Ben Tomlin’s father is a professor who is conducting
controversial linguistic studies using American Sign Language and a chimpanzee. Ben’s mother is working toward her doctorate and has decided to
do her dissertation on cross-species fostering. When they bring home a baby chimp and require Ben to consider the chimp his “foster brother,” Ben
balks. After all, he didn’t ask to be moved from Toronto to Victoria, and he didn’t ask to have a new little brother that isn’t even human. In spite of
his earlier distaste, Ben starts to come around—especially since his celebrity puts him into the circle of David and Jennifer Godwin. Jennifer is the
most beautiful creature Ben has ever met. With his parents’ research as a role model, Ben begins Project Jennifer, a notebook that he compiles that
contains information and observations that will enable him to attract the attention of the lovely Jennifer. The fact that Zan lives with Ben makes Ben
both a celebrity and a target, but that shared contact in addition to Zan’s increasing vocabulary and ability to communicate begins to forge a bond that
is deeper than Ben ever expected. When Ben’s father scraps the project and sells Zan to another researcher, Ben’s world disintegrates. This is a book
that examines relationships: fathers and sons, boys and girls, animals and humans. It’s not a fast-paced sprint, rather it is a leisurely stroll through a
boy’s coming of age. This would provide a great deal of opportunity to examine relationships and problem solving within a class that uses
bibliotherapy. For all others, it will just be an entertaining read that leaves the reader feeling good.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Palatini, Margie
TITLE: Goldie and the Three Hares
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Katherine Tegen @ 2011
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780061253140
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Jack Davis
PAGES: UNP
This must be the best rendition of Goldilocks ever. Every library class that listened to this book was thoroughly captivated. From the time Goldie
arrives at the rabbit hole with a swollen ankle until she leaves, hilarity reigns. Goldie is exceptionally bossy and it is only through a stroke of good
luck that the hares can finally bid her a joyous farewell. Of course, when readers discover that author Margie Palatini and illustrator Jack E. Davis are
the dynamic duo behind this endeavor, there can be no doubt of a likely success.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Palmer, Robin
TITLE: Sealed with a Kiss
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: G.P. Putnam’s Sons 2010
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25538-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 219
Second book in the Yours Truly, Lucy B. Parker series. Lucy is beginning to settle into her new life living in New York City with her mom and soon
to be stepsister, Lauren and stepdad, Alan. Lauren is a teen superstar model & actress which adds to Lucy’s stress about fitting in. On top of
everything, Lucy’s dad and girlfriend are getting ready to have a baby. Lucy feels pushed out of her old family and doesn’t yet feel a part of her new
family. Things begin to turn around for her when she gets to go to California with Lauren for a movie shoot. Lauren and Lucy get closer as they both
work their way through crushes and first kisses. This is really a girly-girl book that will appeal to middle school girls.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Parry, Rosanne
TITLE: Second Fiddle
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House, 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86196-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 7 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 231
The first paragraph of this book is compelling as readers are brought along with Jody, Giselle, and Vivian as the girls witness a vicious crime. Set in
Berlin in 1990 just as the wall has come down, readers are transported back to the first signs of a thawing Cold War and the distrust that was still a
part of the Soviet Union. Having just learned that their music teacher is cancelling their trip to Paris to compete, Jody, Giselle, and Vivian take the
long way home and happen to witness to Soviet officers beat a man senseless and dump him in the river. Unable to leave well enough alone, the three
girls fish the soldier out and proceed to revive him using CPR. One complication—Giselle’s father is a general, Jody’s father is a sergeant, and
Vivian’s mother is a United States diplomat. It’s only complicated because the young ladies decide to handle this one on their own. It starts by
smuggling Arvo, the soldier who it turns out is Estonian, food, clothing, and medicine. It ends when they decide to have him pose as their music
teacher and take them to Paris where they hope he can escape back to Estonia. Alas, the KGB has other plans, and so, it appears, does Arvo. While
the girls are competing, he buys them a fabulous lunch and then takes all of their money and their passports, leaving them to try and figure out how to
get back to their parents in Berlin. Rather than worry their parents, the young ladies decide to resourcefully raise the money to get home with,
hopefully, their parents none the wiser. As with life, the best laid plans run amok, and their parents do eventually track the young ladies down. This
is a book about friendship, family, and following one’s dreams. As with many young ladies, Jody does not see herself as a young lady every bit as
capable as the fearless Giselle or the brilliant Vivian. All of the girls are likable, and there are several moments of either humor or poignance with
which readers—particularly readers whose parents have been in the military—can relate. As a description of a particular era in history, the book was
written based on the author’s own experiences as a military wife stationed in the area at the time. This lends the book both credibility and heart. For
girls stuck in realistic fiction, this may not have much appeal, but a good book talk and a little encouragement will make it an excellent addition to
any collection.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
36
Patrick, Jean
TITLE: Girl Pitcher vs. Babe Ruth
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Graphic Universe @ 2011
PRICE:
ISBN: 9780761361800
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Ted Hammond
PAGES: 32
This graphic biography is based on the Life of Jackie Mitchell. On April 1, 1931 in Chattanooga, Tennessee Jackie was looking forward to pitching
at a pre-season game. April 1 brought rain and almost ruined Jackie’s chances but the 2 nd of April proved to be dry. Jackie would get to pitch against
the New York Yankees mighty hitter Babe Ruth. While this story might not usually spark interest in a reader the graphic style has its own appeal
especially for reluctant readers. This book is among a series called History’s Kid Heroes.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Paulsen, Gary
TITLE: Masters of Disaster
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Wendy Lamb Books
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 9780385739979
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 102
MHenry Mosley has a plan and he is including his two best friends, Riley and Reed. Henry feels that their lives are incredibly boring and promises to
change all that by planning a series of tasks that “Prove Our Manhood and show What We’re Made of”. He also feels that if the plans are successful,
they will “Alter the Course of History and Impress Girls and Get Them to Notice us”. The adventures begin that will change their lives or make them
a little less boring. One of their adventures is making a world record by doing airborne somersaults on a bike from the third story of a neighbor’s
house into the pool below. Reed is the chosen one to accomplish this and in the end he is covered up in used diapers. Other adventures are going
through dumpsters, solving 100-year-old mysteries, and being rugged cowboys on a ranch. None of their plans turns out as the boys anticipated.
Who knew there would be tigers in the forest or dumpster sludge could ignite? Despite these failures, the boys stick to their main objective. Henry is
true and noble in getting the boys noticed by girls. Riley is always ready to document their adventures to bolster their reputation. Reed never fails to
end up covered by poop, sludge, or grime continues to be the one to show is fearlessness. Does the plan work, or will they be living dull lives forever? This boo
about boys having fun and getting messy in the process. This could inspire boys and girls to get out and have some fun and explore what is out there
in this big world.
REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
Paulsen, Gary
TITLE: Masters of Disaster
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Wendy Lamb Books
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 9780385739979
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 102
MHenry Mosley has a plan and he is including his two best friends, Riley and Reed. Henry feels that their lives are incredibly boring and promises to
change all that by planning a series of tasks that “Prove Our Manhood and show What We’re Made of”. He also feels that if the plans are successful,
they will “Alter the Course of History and Impress Girls and Get Them to Notice us”. The adventures begin that will change their lives or make them
a little less boring. One of their adventures is making a world record by doing airborne somersaults on a bike from the third story of a neighbor’s
house into the pool below. Reed is the chosen one to accomplish this and in the end he is covered up in used diapers. Other adventures are going
through dumpsters, solving 100-year-old mysteries, and being rugged cowboys on a ranch. None of their plans turns out as the boys anticipated.
Who knew there would be tigers in the forest or dumpster sludge could ignite?
Despite these failures, the boys stick to their main objective. Henry is true and noble in getting the boys noticed by girls. Riley is always ready to
document their adventures to bolster their reputation. Reed never fails to end up covered by poop, sludge, or grime continues to be the one to show is
fearlessness. Does the plan work, or will they be living dull lives forever? This book is about boys having fun and getting messy in the process. This
could inspire boys and girls to get out and have some fun and explore what is out there in this big world.
REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
TITLE: Chicken Butt’s Back!
RATING: NR
PUBLISHER: Abrams Books for Young Readers, New York, 2011 PRICE: $12.95
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9729-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Cole, Henry
PAGES: 32
This is the sequel to Chicken Butt! Although some will find it humorous, it isn’t something we choose to encourage in our elementary library. Not
only is the little boy disrespectful to his mom in the story, but is a bit annoying as well. The fun of how our language works and how things can be
misinterpreted is capitalized in this book when the boy and his mother go to the grocery store. He begins with chicken butt (chicken, but), then comes
deer butt, cat butt, witch butt, and bear butt. It ends with the chicken eating underwear (under. Where?) and mom asking if he’s going to talk about
poop or fart. Instead he says he loves her from the bottom of his dinosaurs butt. The illustrations are big and bold with clean lines and funny subtext
on the signs and grocery items. The animals are friendly and make you smile.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Perl, Erica S.
Peschke, Marci
TITLE: Daisy’s Field Trip Adventure
PUBLISHER: Magic Wagon, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61641-116-9
ILLUSTRATOR: Pilz, M.H.
RATING: R
PRICE: $17.95
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-3rd
PAGES: 80
37
Ms. Lilly provides her students with clues each day regarding their upcoming field trip. However, she won’t just come right out and say where they
are going. This causes the students to be very engaged and anxious to learn their destination. This was an interesting tale and included a limited
amount of illustrations which was perfect for an early chapter book. A Spanish Glossary is included in the back to assist the non-Spanish reader with
terms used throughout the book.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Peterfreund, Diana
TITLE: Ascendant
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: HarperTeen 2010
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 9780061490026
INTEREST LEVEL: 9-12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 392
Astrid Llewelyn is a unicorn hunter. Her greatest wish is to become a scientist. Things begin to unravel for her as her boyfriend is leaving for school
in New York City, her mom is more interested in her job and her best friend is losing her powers. A chance for her to leave the Cloisters and a dream
job make life seem more bearable. Astrid’s new job is to protect and calm the unicorns at the Gordian headquarters. She begins to wonder if it is
right to protect the unicorns when she is a hunter, if she should go back to the life in the Cloister and whether she really loves Giovanni, her
boyfriend. Through all the struggles and frustrations Astrid realizes that what matters most is what is in her heart. “Ascendant” is your normal
mystical, magic filled story with make believe characters and story line.
Reviewer: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
Pike, Aprilynne
TITLE: Spells
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper Teen, 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-166806-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 7 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 359
Most of the readers of this book won’t have a clue about Mary MacGregor’s song Torn Between Two Lovers, but that is certainly a major focus of
this particular book. Laurel is just coming into her faerie own. She is a Fall Faerie of Avalon who has been sent to Crescent City for a purpose. I
measure my opinion of a sequel by whether it causes me to be interested in reading the first book. Given my time crunch, I probably won’t read
Wings, Ms. Pike’s first book, but for diehard faerie fans, it might be worth the effort. In this installment—and the third has already been released—
Laurel has been recalled to Avalon to further her studies which have suffered woefully as a result of her residency in the human world. This close
proximity to Tamani, the Spring Faerie who is part of her guard, is a natural catalyst for a relationship that is in conflict with her relationship with
David, her human boyfriend. Both have qualities that are worthwhile, but both are inappropriate for her--Tamani because he is a Spring Faerie and is
beneath her station as a Fall Faerie, David because he is human. There are some interesting layers related to faerie culture and its comparison to the
human culture with which Laurel is most familiar, and the theme is strongly enough written that it could be a good discussion point in a reader’s
circle. The constant straddling of two worlds is a challenge with the conflict between Laurel and her mother over the nature of Laurel’s condition as a
faerie providing an added dynamic. Jeremiah Barnes continues to be the consummate villain/troll and makes his dreaded reappearance by kidnapping
Chelsea, Laurel’s best human friend. To solve this problem, Laurel comes to the realization that she doesn’t have to do it all on her own and enlists
the aid of her parents, David, and anyone she can rope into it. In the end, Klea—who makes her first entrance in the middle of the story—reappears
and helps Laurel save the day. This book was a lighter version of Melissa Marr’s faerie tales. The battles and suspense are there, as is some of the
sensuality, but overall it’s a piece that is less graphic and dark.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
TITLE: Colo’s Story: The Life of One Grand Gorilla
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Columbus Zoological Park Association, 2011
PRICE: $18.95
ISBN: 978-0-9841554-4-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 5th-8th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 78
Very thorough and well done, I found this book to be very interesting and I learned a lot. Colo is the first gorilla to be born in a zoo. Colo’s Story tells
of all that has been learned over the years because of her and her family. The back of the book displays Colo’s extensive family tree which was very
interesting and quite complex. It will take an elementary student doing research on gorillas, one that loves gorillas and wants to learn more about
them and one with a long attention span and good reading skills to tackle this book. There is a lot of text on each page, but also a lot of fun pictures to
help tell the tale of Colo and the empire she began.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Pimm, Nancy Roe
Pimm, Nancy Roe
TITLE: The Daytona 500: The Thrill and Thunder of the Great American Race
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Millbrook Press © 2011
PRICE: N/A
ISBN: 978-0-7613-66-77-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 4-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 64
This engaging non-fiction read discusses the history of NASCAR at the beach in Daytona, Florida. It begins with the very first race and goes to
present day presenting the popular cars and drivers, the challenges of the tracks and how the track got to be where it is today. It offers a nice blend of
photographs and text that will draw in readers to discover the hows and the whys of why the cars are built the way they are today. This would be a
good addition to your non-fiction collection.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Pratt, Mary K.
TITLE: Pandemics
PUBLISHER: ABDO 2011
RATING: RPRICE: 34.22
38
ISBN: 978-1-61714-776-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 8th and up
ILLUSTRATOR: Various
PAGES: 112
This book is one of those that drives me nuts. The columns of text cover about half the page, lots of white space on the page, large print, double
spaced. There are illustrations and side bars on at least every other each page. The book offers a great discussion of the issues related to things like
swine flu, avian flu, history of various pandemics, how they are spread and the impact of diseases in our global society. The book will be a good
place for a research project to start and gives enough information to help with a simple research project. It is well done. Book includes timeline,
(from 1338 to current times) Essential Facts, Critical dates, glossary, additional resources, bibliography, further reading, web links and For More
Information, source notes and index.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
TITLE: A Dog’s Way Home
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Katherine Tegen Books
PRICE: $ 16.99
ISBN: 978006198741
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 321
This book deals with the love of a young girl and her dog. After 11 year old Abby and her dog Tam participate in a Dog Agility contest, there is a car
accident on the way home to North Carolina. Tam’s cage which was in the back of the truck was thrown out during the accident. Even though Tam
isn’t extraordinary or overly smart, he follows his instincts to get home. The story covers several months and adventures, good and bad that Tam has.
This is a story of devotion and survival. Even though you felt the story was not going to have a sad ending, you still felt like keeping the tissues
handy.
REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
Pyron, Bobbie
Ramsey, Calvin Alexander
TITLE: Ruth and the Green Book
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Carolrhoda Books  2010
PRICE: $16.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-5255-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Cooper, Floyd
PAGES: NA
This is the very touching story of a family who travels back south in the brand new 1952 Buick. They were surprised to see all the segregation that
was going on in the south. Most of the places would still not allow blacks to use the bathroom, eat in the restaurants or sleep in the motels. The
family was told about the green book that had lists of all the places blacks could eat at and sleep at for traveling blacks. After buying this book they
were able to find places to eat and sleep the rest of the trip. The blacks had united together to help each other.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Reinhart, Matthew
TITLE: Dragons & Monsters
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2011
PRICE: 29.95
ISBN: 9780763631734
INTEREST LVL: GR. 1 - adult
ILLUSTRATOR: with Robert Sabuda
PAGES: [12]
Gods of paper engineers, Reinhart and Ssbuda, have created a breathtaking popup books of layout vignettes of Dracula, yeti, Medusa, Kraken, dragons
and werewolves. . Not wasting any page area, each page has smaller popups that most would be proud to have produced. The suggested age level is
age five and up, but anything this magnificent is wasted on the young. This is a marvelous addition to the popup addict’s collection.
Reviewer: Joan Enders , Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
Restrepo, Bettina
TITLE: Illegal
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: HarperTeen 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780061953422
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 251
From a small poor village in Mexico, Nora’s father illegally immigrates to the United States to find work so he can support his wife and daughter.
After several months of not hearing from him, Mama and Nora go to the US to look for him, knowing only that he is in Texas. They manage to
survive a brutal trip with a “coyote” (human smuggler) and find a sympathetic employer who hires them to work at his food vender stand. In part he
is touched by Nora, who reminds him of his own daughter, lost to gang life. Nora and Mama eventually come to learn that their beloved Papa was
killed on a construction site accident, his body dumped by the river. As they come to grips with this tragic news, there is also a subplot about Nora’s
friendships with two girls, a “good girl” and a “bad girl”, that showcase some of the choices Nora must make in her new life. Obviously, there is also
the theme of being “illegal” and the restrictions and sacrifices this requires of both Nora and Mama. Nora is a strong female protagonist which makes
her an appealing character and the story moves along with a satisfying pace. Readers will gain some insights into Latino culture and the hardships
illegal immigrants face in their search for a better life.
Reviewer: Cody Walke, Kelso High School
Reynolds, Aaron
TITLE: Snowbots
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf  2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-85873-4
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3
ILLUSTRATOR: Barneda, David
PAGES: NA
Snowbots is about children robots going ou to play in the snow. The games they play are similar to games children would play in the snow. The
snowbots freeze up into a solid ice cube. Their mom’s carry them into the house and thaw them out in front of the fireplace, give them hot cocco and
oil and grease them up. Young children will enjoy this book, they love robots and the pictures and can relate to the games that they play. The story
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is written in rhyme.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Rinaldi, Ann
TITLE: Sparky: The Last Full Measure
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harcourt, 2010
PRICE: $17.00
ISBN: 978-0-547-38980-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-10 grade
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 218 pages
What could be better timing for a book that takes place during the American Civil War than the 150 th anniversary of that war? While this story takes
place only during one week in the summer of 1863, it was probably one of the most pivotal points. But this is not a story of battles and soldiers and
battlefield heroics. It is the story of 14 year old Tacy and her family who lived in Gettysburg at the time of the famous battle. We see the civilian
experience of the battle and the war through the words and eyes of Tacy and learn of the hardships, losses and courage of the people who waited,
watched and helped. Tacy also talks about the struggles she has with her brother who is unable, due to a crippled leg, to join the army, how she
misses her father and other brothers who are fighting, and the friendship she has with a freed slave girl. The book is very well researched, giving a
true account of the battle and the real people that were there. The author admits in her comments at the end that it was not her intent to fabricate
anything spectacular, but to tell a true-to-life tale of a family who struggled to survive the battle and how their lives were forever changed, without
undue or uncommon heroics. This book is probably written too simply to appeal to older, more sophisticated readers, but would be enjoyed by
Middle School students of both genders. It would be a good supplemental reading for social studies curriculum dealing with American History, or
for students and adults who are interested in the Civil War.
Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School Media Center
Robbins, Trina
TITLE: The Drained Brains Caper
RATING: NC
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publishing 2010
PRICE: $6.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-4601-2
INTEREST LEVEL Gr: 4-8:
ILLUSTRATOR: Page, Tyler
PAGES: 58
This book has a pretty funny concept of how the lunch lady was a bad person, but I could not get passed the main character Megan. Megan just made
me mad at her because she was so snooty, and it annoyed me when I was reading about her, which was pretty much the whole book. If Robbins
would have done a better job at making Megan more normal, it would get a better review, but seeing how such did not happen; I do not recommend
this book.
REVIEWER: Alekz Wokal Heritage High School
TITLE: Jackie’s Gift
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Viking @ 2010
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780670011629
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR: E. B. Lewis
PAGES: UNP
What an excellent surprise to be given a Christmas/Hanukkah story that centers around famous baseball player Jackie Robinson! The year is 1948.
Jackie Robinson and his family have moved into a Brooklyn neighborhood where blacks have never lived. A Jewish family, the Satlows, lived a few
houses away. They have also experienced much prejudice in their lives. A misunderstanding bonds two families together for a lifetime. Based on an
event that truly happened and written by Jackie Robinson’s daughter, this picture book will become an annual December reading event. The frosting
on the cake is E.B. Lewis’ illustrations.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Robinson, Sharon
Rorby, Ginny
TITLE: Lost in the River of Grass
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Carolrhoda Lab © 2011
PRICE: $17.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-5685-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 255
Sarah is on a weekend field trip with a small group of students from the Glades Academy, a private high school where she has received a swimming
scholarship to attend. She does not fit in with the small clique of girls and isn’t too excited about seeing the Everglades up close. While she walks
solo around the camp, she meets a boy, Andy, who lives there. He offers to take her out on his jet boat for a ride. She decides to go. In the morning
Sarah fakes being ill so that she doesn’t have to go on the morning outing. After the group leaves she goes with Andy on his boat. The trip is going
well and Andy lets her drive. Sarah crashes into some thick grass and is devastated when she kills a duckling. The pick up the remaining living
duckling and take it with them. While stopped for their snack the boat sinks as Andy forgot to put the plug in it. Sarah is sure they will be rescued and
has no interesting in trying to walk out. After Andy convinces her that it will be weeks if they are found, since no one knows where they went, and
that their food will run out, they being the 10 mile journey back on foot. Overall the trip takes them 5 days before they are found by search and
rescue. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time! Sarah transforms from a “city girl” to someone who digs deep when times get tough.
Ginny Rorby mixes adventure with true information about the Everglades in this outstanding read. Students will enjoy the outdoor & survival
aspects, along with a very mild romance.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Rose, Emma
TITLE: Pinocchio
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press  2010
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4731-5
RATING: R
PRICE: $12.99
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-8th grade
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ILLUSTRATOR: Sara Fanelli
PAGES: 191
Pinocchio has been very well translated into English by Ms. Rose. I really enjoyed reading this with my daughter. She was able to grasp the moral
lessons and she couldn’t wait to read chapter after chapter. Pinocchio is a moral compass for young children and easily teaches children about people
who can call you friend but not have your best interest in mind, and it does this with out being preachy. Reading it as an adult I found it somewhat
familiar, but reading it with my daughter I saw the story take life and become new again. This is a great conversation starter and very helpful to help
show your child the importance of picking friends that will be honest and help you stay true to your path.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Rosenstiehl, Agnes
TITLE: Silly Lilly
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Toon @ 2010
PRICE: 12.95
ISBN: 9781935179085
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-1st
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 32
This comes all the way from France where Lilly is very popular among French children. Agnes Rosenstiehl character is included in a series called
“Easy to Read Comic: Toon Books”. This series could be a real hit among primary emergent readers as it gives the text in a cartoon format which is
extremely popular. The next reading step would be graphic novels. The brief text tells what Lilly does each day of the week. The precise and simple
illustrations let the reader know that Agnes Rosenstiehl is a very talented lady.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Ross, Tony
TITLE: I Want to Do It Myself!
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Andersen @ 2010
PRICE: 16.95
ISBN: 9780761374121
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Tony Ross
PAGES: UNP
The Little Princess decides to go on a camping trip by herself. She continues to believe her fierce independence until the end. However, there are
protective eyes and helping hands throughout her entire camping experience. Primary eyes need to watch the illustrations carefully to realize that the
Little Princess is never alone. Interestingly, this series of princess books by Tony Ross have been translated in several languages and adapted for
television in England.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Rotner, Shelly, Goldbas, Amy
TITLE: Home
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publishing Group 2010
PRICE: $25.00
ISBN: 978-0-7613-4605-0
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr:1-4
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 30
This book has a good message, but is short and has hardly any words. It teaches you the meaning of what a home really is, and why you should feel
appreciative if you have one, and what you can do to help people not as fortunate as you. But as you grow older, you should start to know these
things already. This book is good for people who really want to know what a home is, and enjoys looking at pictures of families and homes.
REVIEWER: Alekz Wokal, Heritage High School
Rubel, David
TITLE: If I Had a Hammer
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick, 2010
PRICE: $10.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4769-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-12 grade
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 163 pages
This is a collection of stories that tell the history and purpose of Habitat of Humanity that builds homes and gives hope to underprivileged people
both here and abroad. The book gives the reader a look at this charitable organization from the inside out, but also discusses exactly what it takes to
build a house. Through words and photos stories of individuals and communities worldwide are discussed from the planning and designing phases to
installing walls, floors, plumbing and finally planting a tree in front. This book will give students insight not only into construction, but also about
the bigger picture of how these homes affect a family view of themselves, their pride, and their potential and hopefully break the cycle of poverty.
Sites from around the world are shown, including the United States, Africa, South America, the Philippines, Cambodia, and New Zealand. Written in
easy to understand language, the book’s message of not giving people “a handout but a hand up” will inspire the student reader to think seriously to
go beyond their local world to be of service to others.
Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School Media Center
Ryals, Lexi
TITLE: Teeny Tiny Animals
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic Inc., 2011
PRICE: $3.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-24982-9
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
A level two reader, this book about the tiniest of creatures was very educational and enjoyable to boot. The pictures were perfect in really showing
how small each of these animals is and the text covered a lot of important information about the animal. Children I read it to enjoyed it immensely
and were taken in by the small size of each animal. We were able to talk about comparing different animals, as well as other items.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Ryan, Carrie
TITLE: The Dark and Hollow Places
RATING: R
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PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin, 2010
PRICE: 17.99
ISBN: 9780385738590
INTEREST LVL: Gr 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 376
Annah survives alone against the Dark City that is lawless and becoming overrun with the Unconsecrated that are returning in swarms. She has been
waiting for Elias to return from his two-year stint with the Recruiters. She is finally going to strike out on her own, a dangerous decision. Elias does
come back but with a surprise for Annah, her beautiful twin sister that she and Elias deserted in the Forest of Hands and Teeth when she, Abigail,
refused to go any further. Catcher, a new person who can walk among the Unconsecrated, enters their lives, and everything changes. Will they
survive the onslaught of the hoards? Will they survive the ruthless Recruiters? I felt the stress of their situation and the ever-present daily horror and
drudge of doing away with the Mulos. I loved this third “Forest of Hands and Teeth” novel with its different voice. It already has a waiting list at
my school.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
Rylander, Chris
TITLE: The Fourth Stall
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Walden Pond Press, 2011
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-199496-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 7 - 10
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 314
With all the cheese of an old fashioned gumshoe novel, Chris Rylander’s first entry into the world of young adult fiction is both entertaining and
thematically thought-provoking. Those who want to be entertained will enjoy the interesting cast of characters, including Principal Dickerson whose
fiasco with the superglue and the toilet seat in the fourth stall provides Christian (aka Mac, short for MacGyver) to Vince, Mac’s best friend, and
Staples, the arch villain who is running a gambling ring in Mac’s school. It all starts with Fred, a little third grader, coming to Mac for protection
from Staples. From there a harrowing ride of second guessing and a competition to hire the biggest muscle quickly turns into an endeavor not just to
stop Staples, but to eradicate his influence from the school forever. In the midst of all this, Staples seems to suborn Vince, and Mac’s large wad of
cash—over $5,000 set aside for the purchase of Cubs playoff tickets—goes missing. There are several red herrings and twists and turns of fate and
circumstance that bring Mac face-to-face with a new appreciation of the financial desolation of some of the kids in his school. Through the
experience, he begins to make some decisions about friendship and the lengths people will go to when desperation hits. It’s a cute read that ends with
a dame walking into Mac’s office, which will no doubt lead to a sequel. This is a fun book with a cover that I predict will be irresistible to guys.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Sakai, Komako
TITLE: Mad at Mommy
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Levine Books  2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-21209-0
INTEREST LEVEL: K-1
ILLUSTRATOR: Sakai, Komako
PAGES: NA
This short story is about a bunny who is mad at his mommy, he tells all the different ways that he is mad. The last way he is mad is because he
cannot marry his mommy. You can tell how much he really does love his mother. It leads to a good discussion on how sometimes we get mad at our
parents, but we still love them and know how much they love us and how much they do for us.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
TITLE: Rachel’s Home on Bear Mountain
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing Company
PRICE: $17.95
ISBN: 978-1-61714-683-1
INTEREST LEVEL: K-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Doucet, Bob
PAGES: 24
Part of the Super Sandcastle State Series, this book tells about Connecticut. It offers both fact and fable, as advertised on its cover, throughout the
book. The story follows Rachel Robin’s first experience leaving the nest as she looks for a new home in Connecticut. After visiting many places and
learning about her state, she decides that she misses her siblings, Ryan and Roxy, and returns to live on Bear Mountain. Each page also shows an
actual photograph and provides factual information about various places and things in Connecticut, from the state flower, mountain laurel, to Long
Island Sound. A map at the beginning of the book shows the state and indicates where Rachel comes in contact with each item. The back of the book
has a “Connecticut at a Glance” page, a quick comprehension quiz with questions and pictures, a glossary, 8 places to visit and things to do, along
with a map showing each location. The concept of this series is fabulous; I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t love these books (this is my second to
review). Then I realized that it has to do with the coloring scheme of the illustrations. The illustrations themselves are fine, but the colors seem muted
and dull.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Salzmann, Mary Elizabeth
Sampson, Jeff
TITLE: Vesper
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Balzer + Bray © 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-199276-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 304
Emily Webb is a happy high school “geek.” She is happy being a “good girl” – staying out of trouble, getting her school work done and flying under
the radar. Her life is going smoothly when another girl in her class, also named Emily, is murdered. That same night Emily finds herself dressing
provocatively and trying to sneak out to prowl the night life. Emily is shocked when she realizes what is happening and considers that she has been
possessed by the other Emily’s spirit. Emily is “normal” during the day, but each night brings strong urges to sneak out and prowl around and she
does just that. The kids at school are not sure what to think about the new Emily. A night out finds her stealing her best friend’s car and going to
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Seattle where she discovers that she is being followed and that other kids in her school are also behaving strangely at night. Perhaps there is
something larger going on. Teens will enjoy this “Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde” type story. They ending is abrupt leaving the reader waiting for the next book
in the installment. Does contain scenes of teen drinking/parties and discusses her provocative dress in detail.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
TITLE: Where’s Walrus?
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press  2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-439-70049-8
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-k-K
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 20
This is a picture book that tries to hide the walrus working the same idea as that of “Where’s Waldo.” The exception is that this is for very young
readers. The walrus escaped from the zoo and you and the zookeeper is looking for the walrus. It is a very creative story and a great fun to show to a
class of preschoolers. They loved finding the walrus and then retelling the story to me later. Perfect for my class!
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Savage, Stephen
Schaefer, Lola
TITLE: Just One Bite
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Chronicle Books, 2010
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6473-2
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Geoff Waring
PAGES: Unpaged
With it simple text and bold and vibrant illustrations several animals are spotlighted for what and how they eat. Just One Bite shows each animal and
what it can eat in, well, just one bite. From the simple worm to the komodo dragon to the sperm whale and many others the reader gets some insight
into the eating habits of these animals. In the back of the book there is short but more thorough explanation to accompany the earlier illustrations.
This is a great book for looking at perspective and size. It is very inviting with bold illustrations. I would recommend this for any library.
Reviewer: Angie Boyer-Blum, Carrolls Elementary School
Scheiber, Ellen
TITLE: Once in a Full Moon
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Katherine Tegen Books © 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-198650-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 292
Celeste is a popular, superficial teen from the “right” side of the tracks. Her high school is greatly divided into the rich and the poor and the two sides
rarely cross. When a cute new boy enrolls in schools Celeste’s group is briefly interested until they learn he is from the wrong side of the tracks.
When the boy, Brandon, saves Celeste from a pack of wolves after getting lost in the woods on the way home she begins to think differently about
him. However, she is unwilling to let her friends know about her crush and doesn’t make any contact with him at school. Celeste breaks up from her
boy friend and begins to visit Brandon at his house. She discovers that the wolf bite that Brandon received while helping her has turned him into a
werewolf. She loves him anyway, but still avoids all contact at school to avoid risking becoming unpopular. Brandon’s secret risks becoming
revealed after a series of false werewolf sightings have everyone on edge. Teens who have read Vampire Kisses will probably gobble this one up as
well. But literary greatness it is not. Does one really expect a teenage girl to be terrified of watching her boyfriend turning into a werewolf while still
being able to comment about how the new scraggly hair on his chin makes him look kind of sexy?
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Scheunemann, Pam
TITLE: Elephants Trumpet!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing Company, 2011
PRICE: $14.95
ISBN: 978-1-61613-571-3
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
A simple nonfiction book about elephants is what this book is all about. Simple text throughout the book tells basic information about elephants.
Pictures help to explain the text and each page also includes a textbox with facts relating to the picture and information previously shared. Young
readers will enjoy this book with its photographs and easy to read format. A glossary (with the page number of where the word was used) is in the
back of the book along with a pronunciation key of how to say the word elephant in six languages.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Schindel, John
TITLE: Busy Elephants
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Tricycle Press © 2011
PRICE: $6.99
ISBN: 978-1-58246-383-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 1-3
ILLUSTRATOR: Martin Harvey
PAGES: [20]
A rhyming board book about elephants. Beautiful color photographs mostly match the rhyming words on the pages. A few of the words seems a bit
odd for a board book (elephants bunching) and (elephants clutching). Perhaps the purpose is to try to increase vocabulary or that they just matched
the previous rhyming word. While the photos are fun, the text will not captivate young readers/listeners unless they really like elephants.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Schmid, Paul
TITLE: A pet for Petunia
PUBLISHER: Harper Collins, New York, NY © 2011
ISBN: 9780061963315
RATING: R
PRICE: $12.99
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3
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ILLUSTRATOR : Paul Schmid
PAGES: NP
This is a hilarious story of Petunia who has a stuffed skunk that she loves. She is lobbying for a real skunk and culminates her argument in caps and
bold type. She is still denied her request by her "unreasonable" parents who point out that they stink. She runs away, into the woods and of course,
runs into… a skunk! She is thrilled until she smells its STINK! She returns home to celebrate her wonderful (stuffed) pet. It looks like she is happy at
last, until, at the very end, she sees a porcupine which is adorable! The illustrations are simple purple, charcoal and a little orange. They are perfect
for Petunia in her purple striped clothes. I like this book and enjoyed sharing this with my students. Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Mint Valley Elementary
Schulman, Janet
TITLE: Ten Easter egg hunters
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf, New York
PRICE: $8.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86787-3
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre K-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Davick, Linda
PAGES: UNP
An adorable basic counting book for Easter that has entertaining illustrations and cute rhymes. The Easter bunny has hidden his bright, colorful eggs
that correspond with numbers one through ten. A great book to add to a small child’s Easter Basket!
REVIEWER: Tanya Lile, Toutle Lake Elementary
Shaw, Murray & M.J. Cosson
TITLE: Sherlock Holmes
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publishing 2010
PRICE: $NA
ISBN: 978-0-7613-6185-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Rohrbach, Sophie
PAGES: 48
Wilhelm Von Ormstein the King of Bohemia hires Sherlock to find a missing photograph that Irene Norton a famous opera singer has that she plans
on using to black mail the king. As Sherlock looks for the photograph he is quite smitten with Irene as well, does that affect his good judgment, read
and find out. Good graphic story, nice story line and great graphic pictures.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Sheldon, Dyan
TITLE: My worst best friend
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press 2010
PRICE: 15.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4555-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 8th and up
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 298
Savanna and Gracie are opposites but they are, inexplicably, best friends and have been since elementary school. Savanna is the pretty, attention
seeking glamour girl while Gracie is more “down to earth” and concerned about the environment. As their high school years progress, Savanna
starts dating an older man and she starts lying and expecting Gracie to cover for her. Their relationship begins to deteriorate and finally Gracie says
she is not going to cover for Savanna and her lies any more. Savanna becomes mean and tries to break up Gracie and her new boyfriend. The two
girl friends finally drift away from each other. This book is wonderful because it shows a true look at teenage girl relationships. The author has a
good understanding of the complexities of bullying and relationships.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Shepard, Sara
TITLE: The Lying Game
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper Teen, 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-186970-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 307
Shepard’s fascination with twins has not abated, nor has her ability to suck us into the drama that twins can create. Like her first series, The Pretty
Little Liars, this story focuses on a group of mean girls and has a set of twins. Unlike the first series, we find out about the twins at the beginning of
the story. Also unlike the first series, we have a protagonist who is actually down and out and is likable because she is a decent girl who gets sucked
into vortex of suburban mercenaries (pardon the pun). Emma Paxton has been shipped from foster home to foster home ever since her mother
abandoned her. It is at her last foster home that her foster brother simultaneously frames her for theft and introduces her to the video of her twin being
murdered while making the accusation that she is into some pretty freaky stuff. Fascinated by the girl who looks eerily like herself, Emma does some
Internet data mining and makes contact with her twin via text message—Sutton Mercer. What Emma doesn’t know is that Sutton has been murdered.
Once Emma has been lured to Tuscon, Arizona, the killers require that she take Sutton’s place, thus keeping the entire murder a secret. While the life
of a rich girl complete with iPhone and car is foreign to Emma, she does her best to fill Sutton’s shoes. After all, she has been told that her own life
depends on it. In this role she begins to discover the great lengths of meanness to which Sutton and her cronies are willing to go. Emma is certain that
one of Sutton’s inner circle is responsible for Sutton’s death. The killer could even Sutton’s adoptive sister, Laurel. The story alternates between a
third-person narrator and Sutton, who provides her observations as a ghost. Another interesting dynamic is the way Sutton’s character begins to
evaluate her behavior from the perspective of an objective observer. It will be interesting to see how Shepard develops the emotions of regret within a
being that is no longer sentient. The second in the series is already being promoted, and girls who love the genre are going to want to be in on this
series.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Shore, Diane Z & Alexander, Jessica
TITLE: This is the Game
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper, 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-055522-1
INTEREST LEVEL: K-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Smith, Owen
PAGES: 31
The illustrations in this book are phenomenal and really catch the history and spirit of the game. The story itself depicts the love affair our nation has
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with baseball. I don’t think I can say it any better than the jacket of the book. It states, “In this glorious tribute to our nation’s favorite pastime, lyrical
verse and vibrant illustrations bring the game of baseball to action-packed life.” It truly shares the history of baseball, from alleyways to the big ball
parks of today.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Simon, Charnan
TITLE: Plan B
RATING:
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publishing Group, 2011
PRICE: $20.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-6149-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 6 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 98
This is one of six titles in the Surviving South Side Series, a series billed to appeal to young, urban, reluctant readers. The entire set of six volumes,
with a library binding, costs $126 - $168, depending on the buyer’s status. Lucy is a regular girl with a wonderful boyfriend. She’s watched her mom
struggle as a single mother who gets limited support from Lucy’s biological dad. Lucy never expects to find herself in the same position, until she
becomes more sexually active with Luke. While they are careful to use protection during their liaisons, the first session is condomless, and it is this
session that lands Lucy in a predicament that threatens to put an end to all of the lists and plans she has been making for her life. This is a well
written book with characters that are genuinely likable. Luke winds up supporting Lucy, but not before he “takes some time out.” Girls who have
difficulty reading are picking up these books and getting hooked. The subject matter is timeless and there are no trite or easy answers offered. That is
part of their appeal. The only complaint I would register is that the books are in PermaBound format which tends to be far less popular among
students who are looking for good fiction. This binding also makes the books far more expensive than most librarians are going to be interested in
paying. This would be an excellent supplement to a Health class where these issues could be further discussed. However, once students have started
reading they are hooked. With limited teacher promotion, this book has been devoured by over ten girls with limited reading abilities in a month.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Slack, Michael
TITLE: Monkey Truck
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Christy Ottaviano Books © 2011
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8878-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-5
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: [32]
A fun story about a truck-like monkey that lives in the jungle and helps out other jungle animals. He races around helping small animals not get
stepped on, pulling hippos out of the mud and racing up a big hill with all of the in the bed of truck to save them from a tsunami. The only small
objection is that is does contain bathroom humor. The monkey truck eats bananas for fuel and then has to “toot,” with a lizard behind him who is
clearly in distress about it This part could have been left out.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Smith, L. J.
TITLE: Midnight
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Knoft, 2010
PRICE: 17.99
ISBN: 9780061720857
INTEREST LVL: Gr 8-11
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 567
Touted as the dramatic conclusion of “The Vampire Diaries: The Return” this novel will not disappoint the Diaries fans. Elena returns from the
“Dark Dimensions” with her weak but freed vampire boyfriend, Stephan. But somehow his brother Damon was turned human in the return. New
demons make an appearance in Fell’s Church and cause havoc there. This fantasy novel deals with loneliness, loss, morality and loyalty. I haven’t
read the other two in the series, but a student reviewer that has felt there were lots of questions raised with no answers given. I understand that a
ghost writer is to continue making Vampire Diaries series, so perhaps the story of Damon and Elena and Stefan will continue. The student also was
confused as to why Sinichi and Misao were dropped from the story. Despite her concerns, she gave the book four out of five stars as she said it was
exciting “every minute”. I am sure other Diaries fans will be excited to see it on the shelves. You might wait to buy all of them in paperback and
buy duplicate copies. There is an unfortunate typo on the last page of the novel, “wiating” in italics. I hope the editors caught it before the next
printing.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
Snyder, Laurel
TITLE: Nosh, Schlep, Schluff
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House  2010
PRICE: $5.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86497-1
INTEREST LEVEL: Infant-Pre-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Tiphanie Beeke
PAGES: 12
This board book is perfect of those little ones that hear Yiddish everyday. It combines small Yiddish words with English. I loved the illustrations
and the sweetness of the Yiddish words such as schmooze, nosh, and tuches. The children in this book are so cute. I would recommend this to any
parents who are using these words on a daily basis.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Sonneborn, Liz
TITLE: The American Indian Experience
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Twenty-first Century 2010
PRICE: 33.26
ISBN: 978-0-7613-4086-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th and up
ILLUSTRATOR: Various
PAGES: 80
Using famous, modern day American Indians, the author discusses the contributions that are being made to our culture by American Indians.
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The pages have large margins, interesting margins, and color photographs on many pages. The book does a great job of showing the influence they
have had over the past 100 years. It also discusses how American Indians are trying to hold onto their culture and ways of life. The book will be
beneficial to students of many ages and cultures.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Specter, Baron
TITLE: The Star Island Spirits
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Magic Wagon  2010
PRICE: $NA
ISBN: 978-1-60270-774-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 3-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Evans, Dustin
PAGES: NA
This graphic ghost story tell about Joey and Tnak who are determined to find Blackbeard’s buried treasure. They have help from a native (possibly a
ghost) Mitty, who shows them the likely places you could find it. All the while they are being haunted by ghosts. I like how this story gives facts
about Star Island. This book is an easy graphic read and is easy to follow. I would definitely recommend this book.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Spering, Mark
TITLE: The Sunflower Sword
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Andersen Press, 2011
PRICE: $16.95
ISBN: 9780761374862
INTEREST LEVEL:K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Latimer, Miriam
PAGES: 24
The little Knight’s mother gives him a sunflower instead of a sword to use while pretending to fight dragons like the big knights. When a real dragon
arrives and thinks the little knight has given him a gift, a friendship develops. Soon all the knights are laying down their swords and picking
sunflowers. I like the message of this book. The illustrations are great. The multiple sunflowers and vivid colors are very appealing. Also, the little
knight, with a strainer on his head for a helmet, is priceless.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Spilsbury, Louise & Richard
TITLE: Howling Hurricanes
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone 2010
PRICE: $NA
ISBN: 978-1-4329-3781-2
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr: 4-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Captstone Global Library
PAGES: 32
In this day and age where our world is constantly being bombarded with devastating hurricanes, this is a great non-fiction book to help readers
understand more about hurricanes. It tells what a hurricane is, how and where they happen. It tells about Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Andrew, and
Hurricane Mitch. It also tells how people can prepare for hurricanes. Great informational non-fiction book.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Spradlin, Michael P.
TITLE: Orphan of Destiny
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: G. P. Putnam’s Sons 2010
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 9780399247651
INTEREST LEVEL: 8-10
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 258
This book is very much a “Robin Hood” story. It has all the same type of characters. Tristan escapes Sir Hugh, once again, to reach the shores of
England. He is charged with delivering the Holy Grail to proper “sanctuary”. Robard and Maryam must nurse him back to health after he takes an
arrow to the hip during their escape. Traveling at night, they make their way to Sherwood Forest, only to discover the Abbey destroyed and the
entire city under the rule of the Sheriff of Nottingham. “Orphan of Destiny” is full of rough characters, sword fights, and cruel leaders. Sir Hugh
will do every thing it takes to destroy Tristan and the Holy Grail. Tristan finds out who he really is and realizes it is even more important to finish
the task.
Reviewer: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
Stern, AJ
TITLE: Frankly, Frannie: Check, Please!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin Group  2010
PRICE: $ 4.99
ISBN: 978-0-448-45352-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th – 5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Doreen Mulryan Marts
PAGES: 128
The story begins with Frannie helping raise money for her school by being a waitress at a spaghetti feed. Unfortunately for Frannie, trying to be a
customer pleasing waitress does not work out too well. But her Mom does win the grand raffle prize: a dinner out at the newest French restaurant in
town. Frannie and her best friend Elliott decide to be food critics at the dinner and write up a review of the new place. Ummm…mayhem ensues!
Frannie never sets out to create havoc, but sometimes her overzealous nature gets her in trouble. She does eventually rectify the panicked situation
she creates at the restaurant. Fun reading!
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
TITLE: Skateboard Sonar
RATING: RPUBLISHER: Stone Arch Books, c2010
PRICE: $25.32
ISBN: 9781434219107
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-8th
ILLUSTRATOR: Gerardo Sandoval
PAGES: 49
This book is featured in a series of hardback graphic novels called “Sports Illustrated Kids” and is aimed at middle grade boys with a low reading
level. The story follows two skate boarders Ty and his friend Matty who is blind. Both boys decide to enter a skateboarding contest. As soon as they
Stevens, Eric
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enter Ty and Matty are bullied by a couple of other skateboards who make fun of Matty for being blind. Matty of course shows the boys in the end
that being blind is a state of mind and he ends up winning the contest. The book is a little cheesy with an “after school special” vibe but I can see a lot
of kids checking this out because of the topic and colorful cover. A little bit of fluff but it’s something for the reluctant readers to grab and has a
positive message There are also discussion points and writing prompts for teachers at the end of the book. Reviewed by Darcy Wishard, Huntington
Middle School
Stevenson, Robert Louis
TITLE: A child's garden of verses
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper Collins Children's, New York, NY © 2011
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 9780060282288
INTEREST LEVEL: K-5
ILLUSTRATOR: Barbara McClintock
PAGES: 80
This is a re-issue of a classic collections of Robert Louis Stevenson's poems. While they would take some teaching to learn why the children are
using candles, who the lamplighter is or what a counterpane is, these are all classic poetry at its finest. The illustrations are in the style of Kate
Greenway, somewhat modernized but they fit the poems. This is a great book for any teacher who is teaching a unit on poetry. Reviewer: Lisa Sudar,
Mint Valley Elementary
TITLE: Goal! : The Fire and Fury of Soccer’s Greatest Moment
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Millbrook Press, c2010
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 9780822587545
INTEREST LEVEL: 5th–8th
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 64
A book for soccer fans that starts by providing the story of soccer and its origins and how it has evolved to the sport it is today. The book continues
the story of soccer by featuring various chapters on great, amazing weirdest and wildest goals. Short blurbs on various soccer superstars are also
provided as well as World Cup scoring records. The book ends with what is the projected future of soccer in addition to additional resources, books,
websites and an index. The information provided is well-rounded with the majority of information focused on men players but there is also info on
women’s soccer. There are a lot of color photos and good information for anyone who is interested in the sport of soccer.
Reviewed by Darcy Wishard, Huntington
Stewart, Mark
Stine, R.L.
TITLE: The Good the Bad and the Very Slimy: Rotten School
RATING: AD
PUBLISHER: Spotlight, 2011
PRICE: $ NA
ISBN: 978-1-59961-827-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 3-6
ILLUSTRTOR: Park, Trip
PAGES: 110
This is number 3 in the series of 16. The Rotten School series is not for everyone. The main goal of the stories are to gross the reader out. The names
of the characters are on the verge of being inappropriate. EX: Mrs. Heinie, and some are clever like Bernie Bridges. Bernie is the main character. He
is always scheming and plotting at the boarding school he attends. In this volume, he wants to take April-May to the school dance and because she
asks him to, he decides to become a better person. He only has to be good and not get in trouble for one week. Can he do it? It is really hard because
the super slim slug race is coming up. Illustrations are black and white sketches.
Reviewer: Ginny Fike, Columbia Heights
Stockland, Patricia M.
TITLE: Orange
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Magic Wagon  2011
PRICE:
ISBN: 978-1-61641-137-4
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Julia Woolf
PAGES: 24
This is a book all about the color orange. It is a series called the color series. A young boy takes a bike ride with his stepmom and notices all the
orange colors in his world. The end of the book it demonstrates how you can take the two different colors yellow and red and create orange. There is
also a glossary showing the new vocabulary words that are introduced in the book. It could be a great preschool classroom addition.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Sullivan, Laura L.
TITLE: Under the green hill
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt and Company, 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8984-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 4TH-8TH
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 308
This story begins in the “real” world with some children from the United States that are going to get to visit the English countryside and some long
lost relatives for the summer. Mix in two random tag-alongs, one of which the children don’t care for, a very strange relative, the fairy world and a
midsummer’s night and you have and adventure and a chance for Meg, the next to the oldest in the family, to show just how much she will sacrifice
to save her brother’s life. The Ashes are nice people and relatives of the children’s mother. They live in a great old rookery in the English
countryside and are very welcoming. Little do the children know that if they venture out too far they will get sucked into the magic of the area. In
fact, the oldest brother becomes the champion of the fairy Queen and must fight to the death on the midsummer’s night. What is this battle about
anyway? The children are about to find out. This is a very fun story with many twists and turns that will keep the reader turning pages. I would
highly recommend this book for elementary and middle school libraries.
Reviewer: Angie Boyer-Blum, Carrolls Elementary School
Swanson, James l.
TITLE: Bloody Times
RATING: A
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PUBLISHER: Collins
PRICE: $ 16.99
ISBN: 9780061560897
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-12
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 193
History buffs will love this book. The author writes about the two fallen leaders of the North and South, Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. As
president of the Confederacy, Davis is on the run from the Yankees and his accused involvement in the assassination of President Lincoln. Covered
in the book is the intense manhunt for Jefferson Davis, and letters Davis wrote to his wife while running. Lincoln’s murder, autopsy, and White House funeral ar
covered extensively. His final journey is documented beginning with the soldiers placing his body aboard a special train that would carry Lincoln
home to Springfield, Illinois. Millions of Americans pay their respects and several million watched the train roll by. Lincoln’s funeral was the most
magnificent funeral pageant in American history. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history. There are so many interesting details
and events that are not in history textbooks..
REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
Teague, Mark
TITLE: LaRue Across America: Postcards from the Vacation
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: The Blue Sky Press, New York, 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-439-91502-1
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Teague, Mark
PAGES: 32
Ike LaRue is back at it in this fun tale of his botched vacation plans, as told through a series of letters. Neighbor, Mrs. Hibbins, has succumbed to the
heat wave and left her two cats stranded. Mrs. LaRue volunteers to cancel her cruise and go on a road trip instead, so the cats can come along. This
does not please Ike and he writes letter after letter pleading with Mrs. Hibbins in order to return the cats to their home. They end up with car trouble
and are rescued, and even invited aboard a cruise ship by the First Mate. The illustrations in this story show what is really happening and also what
Ike is fabricating. Ike is such a loveable dog and one that elementary students adore. They wonder what trouble Ike is going to have next! This book
would be great for locating places on a map as Ike and Mrs. LaRue’s road trip takes them across the United States and each note is dated and labeled
accordingly.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Tegen, Katherine
TITLE: Story of the Leprechaun
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper @ 2011
PRICE: 12.99
ISBN: 9780061430862
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Sally Lambert
PAGES: UNP
This is an awesome picture book for St. Patrick’s Day. The little shoemaker makes “an old metal pot” fuel of gold coins as he works with diligence to
stitch for the fairies and people in his neighborhood. Tim stops by to request a pair of violet-blue shoes with thick heels. The fun begins when the
little shoemaker foolishly leaves his cupboard door opened. Tim spies the pot overflowing with gold and creates plans to make the gold his own.
Sally Anne Lambert’s illustrations depict the text in a very satisfying way.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Thaler, Mike
TITLE: The Field Day from the Black Lagoon
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Scholastic, 2011
PRICE: $15.95
ISBN: 9781599618128
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Lee, Jared
PAGES: 62
Nervousness over field day has this student’s imagination running wild. This book is a perfect transition into chapter books for those students who
are familiar with the Black Lagoon series. Creative word play and the illustrations keep the reader laughing throughout the story. Field day from the
Black Lagoon is sure to be an instant hit.
Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Thaler, Mike
TITLE: The Gym Teacher from the Black Lagoon
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic, Inc., 1994
PRICE: $14.95
ISBN: 978-1-59961-794-7
INTEREST LEVEL: K-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Lee, Jared
PAGES: 32
Tales from the Black Lagoon series are always sure to please! This one follows the same successful format as other Black Lagoon books chronicling
the rumors surrounding the arrival of a new gym teacher, Mr. Green, who is transferring from the Junior High. Of course, Mr. Green doesn't turn out
to be as scary as the rumors make him. The illustrations do a great job of stretching the imagination of just how bad Mr. Green might be!
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Thielbar, Melinda
TITLE: The Fishy Fountain
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publishing  2010
PRICE: $NA
ISBN: 978-0-7613-4908-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 1-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Lin, Yali
PAGES: 46
This graphic novel uses multiplication and division through out the story to solve different situations. The story is enjoyable and it brings the math in
a fun way. The math is ultimately needed to figure out the mystery.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
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Thielbar, Melinda
TITLE: The Fishy Fountain
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publishing  2010
PRICE: $NA
ISBN: 978-0-7613-4908-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 1-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Lin, Yali
PAGES: 46
This graphic novel uses multiplication and division through out the story to solve different situations. The story is enjoyable and it brings the math in
a fun way. The math is ultimately needed to figure out the mystery.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Thomson, Melissa
TITLE: Keena Ford and the Secret Journal Mix-Up
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Dial Books/Penguin Group  2010
PRICE: $ 15.99
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3465-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd – 5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Frank Morrison
PAGES: 118
Because of a family emergency, Keena must unwillingly go over to a classmate’s home after school one day, a classmate she really doesn’t like. She
makes the best of the bad situation though. But when she gets home and realizes she’s left her personal journal there, she panics. She always used her
journal to write out her deepest feelings, even thoughts and feelings that are sometimes not very nice about other people. When she arrives at school
the next day and approaches the classmate about returning it, she ends up getting blackmailed! Will Keena let herself be blackmailed forever? Will
she ever get her favorite secret journal back? This is a quick read with good lessons/morals attached and a good wrap-up ending.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Thomson, Melissa
TITLE: Keena Ford and the Field Trip Mix-up
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Penguin Group  2010
PRICE: $5.99
ISBN: 978-0-14-241572-6
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr: 2-4
ILLUSTRATOR: Frank Morrison
PAGES: 101
Keena Ford goes on a field trip to the United States Capitol. She is so excited. She is excited to meet Representative Thomas because she has some
ideas for new laws. Tiffany always gets the best place in line. This makes Keena mad. She ends up embarrassing herself in front of the senator. He
still is very nice to her. This is a fun humorous story and it teaches a little about the workings of the capitol.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Thomson, Ruth
TITLE: Terezin: Voices from the Holocaust
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press 2011
PRICE: 18.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4963-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 6th - 9th
ILLUSTRATOR: Various
PAGES: 64
This book is full of illustrations, maps, photographs and some text. The book talks about the small town of Terezin, in Czechoslovakia and how
things were under Nazi rule from 1941 - 1945. The book gives the reader a sobering look at how live was during these times. I had a hard time
reading the book because I got too upset thinking about what these people went through. It would be a great additional resource for teachers who are
teaching Diary of Anne Frank or a history class studying WWII. It is a worthwhile purchase. Contains timeline, glossary, sources, and index.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Tieck, Sarah
TITLE: Choppers: Amazing Vehicles
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing Company, 2011
PRICE: $19.95
ISBN: 978-1-61714-695-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-5th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
This book gives a comprehensive look at choppers for elementary students. The photographs are excellent in depicting what is being talked about in
the text. Picture captions and fast facts add to the understanding of this machine. There is a glossary of important terms at the back of the book.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Tieck, Sarah
TITLE: Michael Jackson
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO, 2011
PRICE: NA
ISBN: 978-0-60714-703-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-5
ILLUSTRATOR: color photos
PAGES: 32
This 32 pages book is filled with facts about Jackson’s life. The text is in larger print and each page half filled with details, and the facing page is a
full page photo. The book is very attractive and includes a Table of Contents, Index and Glossary (Important Words). This is from the Buddy Bios
Series. There are 42 titles in this series.
Reviewer: Ginny Fike, Columbia Heights
TITLE: Out of Sight
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Chronicle Books  2010
PRICE: $19.99
ISBN: 978-0-8118-7712-1
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-k-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: unknown
PAGES: 14
The obscurity of the flaps compels you to look past the surface and lift the flap. You will discover some amazing facts about the different an animal
in the world. It is great for those who love different trivia about animals. I like the pop up and the interesting flaps that are in this book. The only
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complaint that I have heard is that the height of the book does not fit on the library shelf and makes it cumbersome to store and maintain so that the
flaps don’t get ruined. However, my children love this book and can’t wait to share this new information that they have gathered.
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Turner, Glennette Tilley
TITLE: Fort Mose, and the story . . . First free black settlement
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Abrams Books for Young Readers 2010
PRICE: 18.95
ISBN: 978-0-8109-4056-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th - 8th
ILLUSTRATOR: Various
PAGES: 42
This book tells the story of Fort Mose, and the story of the man who built the first free black settlement in Colonial America. In 1724 Francisco
Menedez escaped from the English Colony of South Carolina. The and a small group of men headed south to the Spanish town of St. Augustine
(FL) were he was granted his freedom. There were 38 households that set up in Fort Mose and it became a destination for the underground railroad.
The pages are large and have nice borders and coloring. Each page has maps, illustrations; the font is medium sized, double spaced, and not many
words per page. The illustrations support the story and the captions are helpful. The end of the book tells about the demise of Fort Mose, and how it
was found again. It has been designated as a National History Landmark. The book has a Glossary, Notes, Sources, Internet Resources and Index.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
Velasquez, Crystal
TITLE: Your Life, but Sweeter!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Delacorte Press, 2010
PRICE: $7.99
ISBN: 978-0-385-74038-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 6th-7th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 191
The third book in her Your Life series, Velasquez has hit upon a winning formula. This book is aimed towards girls, as the reader is the main
character telling the story. You have two best friends named, Lena and Jessie, and in this book your class is headed to New York City on a field trip.
How this story turns out depends on the reader and her answer to a variety of questions. Each time the book is read, a different story could emerge. It
is a lot of fun and will become a favorite amongst our girls, I’m sure. I’m excited to have all the books in the series thus far!
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
TITLE: Grandma’s Gift
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Walker & Compnay 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-08027-2082-5
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr: 2-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Eric Velasquez
PAGES: NA
This story has wonderful illustrations that are very life-like. It is a story about a young boy who stays with his grandma for the Christmas holiday.
She does not speak any English and is from Puerto Rico. The grandson, helps the grandma in translating into English and the grandmother teaches
him about his heritage. This would be a wonderful book to talk about diversity.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Velasquez, Eric
Wagner, Lisa
TITLE: Cool French Cooking
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO @ 2011
PRICE:
ISBN: 9781617146602
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 32
Eight French recipes are included in this Cool World Cooking series. Mexican, African and Italian will probably be more popular than French
cooking. The recipes do not begin immediately in this book because the author wants to prepare the emergent chef with all the necessary warnings,
tools, ingredients and advice required for success. My first choice to try in this array of French delights would be the quiche and next would be the
raspberry dessert. Photos, presentation and layout add to the value of this book.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Walsh, Pat
TITLE: The Crowfield Curse
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Scholastic, 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-22922-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 8-12 grade
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 326 pages
Part mystery, part fantasy, part historical novel, this was an enjoyable book and one that made me look forward to reading each evening! It is late fall
in 1347 in a poor monastery in rural England. Young orphaned William is a servant boy doing odd jobs for the monks in return for a place to sleep
and food to eat. It is a meager existence when he discovers and befriends a hob, a magical forest creature, who was caught and near death in a trap.
Will soon learns that he has the “Sight” to see or sense fays and other things of the Old Magic world. Then two mysterious and ominous visitors
comes to the Abbey and Will becomes embroiled in an ancient and dangerous feud between powerful otherworld enemies that is also incorporated
into a dark secret the monks have been keeping for over a century. This story had just enough fantasy to keep fans of that genre happy and enough
realistic setting and language to not discourage fans of general fiction and enough mystery to keep the pages turning. The feel was similar to Harry
Potter and just as satisfying. This is a fun book for anyone who can suspend belief for a little while and let their imagination soar. I definitely will be
recommending it to students and hopefully will snag a few of those who complain that they can’t find anything to read!
Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School Media Center
Ward, Rachel
TITLE: Numbers: The Chaos
RATING: R
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PUBLISHER: Random House, 2010
PRICE: 17.99
ISBN: 9780545242691
INTEREST LVL: GR. 8-12
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 339
Adam’s mother, Jem, could see the exact date of someone’s death by looking into their eyes. Adam has the sight also, but he has to live with the date
and their death. He meets an extraordinary girl, Sarah, in an art class as he models for her sketch. In her eyes he sees a distance death filled
with love and peace. It is so different from his usual tormented visions that he is at first mesmerized by her, then quickly loves her. But Sarah is
carrying a baby from repeated sexual abuse and pushes him away. But there are bigger problems on Adam’s mind: a huge amount of people have a
death date of New Year’s Day, just a few weeks away. All kinds of mayhem arises from his attempts to save the city, his nan, Sarah and her “old soul”
baby girl. Prepare yourselves for nasty destruction and a peek at a disturbing “big brother” society that forgets the individual in the quest of becoming the
a nanny society, a society that also ignores what it does not want to see. Excellent, better than the first novel with lots of hope because of love
and compassion shown in the main characters.. A sequel called Infinity will explore survival after the fateful New Year’s Day.
Reviewer: Joan Enders , Librarian, Robert A. Long High School http://whattoreadwhattoread.blogspot.com
Wealer, Sara Bennett
TITLE: Rivals
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: HarperTeen © 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-182762-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 327
Brooke and Kathryn used to be close friends until a series of events during their junior year leads to blowout and Kathryn is now a hated outsider.
The two girls each have beautiful singing voices and both are trying to win a prestigious music scholarship at the end of their senior year. Kathryn
lies low tries to avoid conflicts with Brooke but several of Brooke’s “groupies” won’t let it rest. After a series of events happen to Kathryn in the
weeks leading up to homecoming, Brooke finally figures out what really happened during their junior year and who the real culprit was. She also
uncovers a plot to ruin Kathryn during the homecoming dance and demands that it stops. The rivalry continues as both girls make it into the finals of
the competition where they begin to quietly cheer for each other. Teen girls will be drawn to this story. The only negative is parts that contain teen
parties and drinking.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Wells, Tina
TITLE: Mixed Messages: Mackenzie Blue
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper, 2010
PRICE: $10.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-158317-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 6th-7th
ILLUSTRATOR: Segawa, Michael
PAGES: 191
Book Four in the Mackenzie Blue series continues Zee’s (Mackenzie) story of crushes, school events, being part of a band and friendships. In this
book, Mackenzie’s British friend, Jasper, creates a social networking site dubbed Bluetopia with the intention that only a few of their very close
friends will be part of it. It mushrooms and lots of people become “buds” on the site. Mackenzie creates a private blog, other people post private
conversations and information, and that becomes a problem when it all gets mixed and is shared with everyone. Mackenzie’s crush has shifted from
Landon to Jasper, Missy is tired of Mackenzie wanting to talk about having twin siblings, Kathi badmouths her cousin and current assistant music
teacher, and the list goes on. This almost destroys their band’s (The Beans) big day of performing at Brookdale Day. This book is a very respectful
look at preteens and teens as they deal with things in everyday life. The illustrations sprinkled throughout the book help the reader to connect with the
characters. A very helpful glossary in the back identifies a multitude of texting and blog language.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Wells, Zeb
TITLE: Spiderman: Inauguration Day
PUBLISHER: Marvel  2010
ISBN: 978-1-59961-777-0
ILLUSTRATOR: Nauck, Todd
RATING: R
PRICE: $NA
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-5th
PAGES: NA
In this spider-man edition, Pres. Obama, and Pres. Lincoln are highlighted and give a little history about them. The cosmic cube takes them to
Gettysburg to hear Pres. Lincolns famous Gettyburg address. It is a fun way to entertain readers and get a little history at the same time.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Weyn, Suzanne
TITLE: Beaten
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publishing Group, 2011
PRICE: $20.95
ISBN: 978-1-60684-031-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 6 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 98
This is one of six titles in the Surviving South Side Series, a series billed to appeal to young, urban, reluctant readers. The entire set of six volumes,
with a library binding, costs $126 - $168, depending on the buyer’s status. An astute librarian can cut a very small break by shopping judiciously.
While the cover is a bit misleading since Paige is a cheerleader and the girl portrayed does not look very cheerleaderish, the story itself is worth
having. One student stated “It’s short, it’s to the point.” The brevity is one thing that recommends it for students who are already reading phobic. The
cover is gritty enough, and the title catchy enough to at least start the interest—although the library binding makes it look a bit like a nonfiction book,
which isn’t always interesting to the targeted audience. The plot itself is of Paige a young lady who has started going out with Ty, the team running
back. Ty has several issues that make it easy for Paige to dismiss his dark moods and escalating violence. It isn’t until her mother chooses to press
charges and a clandestine meeting with Ty—after the judge has ordered no contact—that Paige realizes that Ty isn’t going to change and she will
always be a little afraid of him. This would make an excellent pairing with Alex Flinn’s Breathing Underwater and its companion novel, Diva.
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Because the entire series runs the gamut of teen issues, from pregnancy to selling prescription meds to overachieving students, it could easily be
incorporated into a health curriculum. This particular title is clean enough for middle school, in spite of the content, and, given its intended audience,
it is timely and can facilitate a great deal of conversation. As with Plan B, another title in this series, this is a book that girls who hate to read have
consumed rapidly.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Wheeler, Jill
TITLE: Toyger Cats
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: ABDO @ 2011
PRICE:
ISBN: 9781604537338
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Helmi Flick
PAGES: 24
Students have a great capacity to enjoy nonfiction cat books. At least one person in a library class would say “I have a cat that looks like that” or “I
know someone who has that same cat”. Cat-loving library users are not interested so much in different breeds as they are in cat care and expectations.
The toyger is a cross between a tabby and a Bengal. I am not certain that the value of all these breeds is clear when there is already an overabundance
in domestic cats.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Whitley, David
TITLE: The Children of the Light
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Roaring Book Press © 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-614-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 357
The Angora Trilogy, book 2. Teens Mark and Lily are now truly outcasts after being banished and escorted out of the city walls of Agora. Lily is
anxious to find her parents and Mark is rethinking his decision to leave. With little food and no directions the pair is bickering when Lily is attacked
by a night creature. The pair is saved by a rogue woodman and are taken in by a local village. The villagers live a peaceful, almost mindless life, and
Mark is anxious to leave their strange ways. Lily tries to get some of the villagers to think for themselves. Her plans & ideas create pandemonium at
the village group wedding and an all out coup begins. Many villagers are injured and killed. Lily & Mark escape and are taken in my a group of
witches who help them channel their visions. The pair set off to find the Cathedral of the Lost, where Lily gets to meet her father in his dying
minutes. He offers her the next clue for her journey and she begins a descent down a long dark staircase. In many ways this book is even better than
the original and it will leave readers anxious for the final installment. A great book for middle school fantasy and adventure lovers.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Willner-Pardo, Gina
TITLE: The Hard Kind of Promise
RATING: M
PUBLISHER: Clarion Books 2010
PRICE: $16.00
ISBN: 9780547243955
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-8
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 200
I struggled to read this book. “The Hard Kind of Promise” is just a story about two girls who promise to be friends forever. We all know that this
rarely happens when this promise is made at five years old. Sarah and Marjorie are two very different girls. Sarah matures quicker and the girl’s
interests in the same things begin to change. The entire book revolves around their struggles and fights, and ends with each of them hanging out with
a different group. Nothing spectacular really happens and you could find these two girls in any school or neighborhood.
Reviewer: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
Wood, Maryrose
TITLE: Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: the Hidden Gallery RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Balzer & Bray
PRICE: $ 15.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-179112-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-7
ILLUSTRATOR:Jon Klassen
PAGES: 313
Book II of the Incorrigible Series was an adventure in London with Miss Lumley, the governess, and the wolf children. A visit with the headmistress
of The Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, from which Miss Lumley came, left her confused and feeling betrayed. The Hixby’s Lavishly
Illustrated Guide to London: Complete with Histrical Reference, Architectural Significance and Literary Illusions, was no help at all, or was it? An
old gypsy woman, a writer of plays, Judge Quinzy, and many lesser characters make up this exciting book. Watch out for the Pirates for the hunt is
truly on.
REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
Wooldridge, Connie Nordhielm
TITLE: Brave escape of Edith Wharton: A Biography
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Clarion Books 2010
PRICE: 35.76
ISBN: 978-0-547-23630-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 8th and up
ILLUSTRATOR: Various
PAGES: 184
Edith Wharton was a writer who wrote under her own name and was one of the most successful authors in America. She defined herself and
followed her own heart in spite of the cultural limitations of her time. She was born in 1862. The book has lots of good information about her life
including photographs. The book discusses her struggles and triumphs. Excellent book; could be featured for Women’s History Month.
Book contains Notes, Bibliography, list of works by Edith Wharton, picture credits and index.
Reviewer: Jaime Meadows, Lower Columbia College
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Wright, Denis
TITLE: Violence 101
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2007
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25493-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 213
It’s rare that an author can make a vicious protagonist sympathetic, and yet, Mr. Wright manages to do just that. This story, told partly by a narrator
watching events at the New Horizon’s Boy’s Home and partly by the journal entries of Hamish himself is compelling in its intensity. Hamish comes
from a good home and is of above average intelligence; however, he lacks any sense of pain that he can inflict on others. His heroes are Alexander
the Great, Charles Upham—a New Zealand war hero, and Te Rauparaha—a Maori hero. These men exemplify a ruthless willingness to take risks
and inflict violence when violence needs to be administered, and Hamish respects this quality. In fact, Hamish’s recommendation is that the Boys’
Homes become a lot more firm with the inmates. It is as Hamish connects with Terry, one of the counselors, and Toko Wihonga, the fierce Maori PE
instructor, that he begins to form relationships that are worthwhile to him. His grisly past and violent behavior become understandable—though not
excusable—to readers. The book ends in a mad test of survival for Hamish, Mr. Wihonga, and Victor. While the animal mutilation scenes are a bit
grisly and disturbing, overall the author does create a memorable character who forces readers to think about some of the dichotomous cultural values
we hold. Set in New Zealand, some of the names and references might be slightly different than what United States readers are accustomed to;
however, it will hold the interest of many young men.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://ihatetoread.blogspot.com
Wynne-Jones
TITLE: Blink & Caution
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press © 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3983-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 9-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 342
Blink is a homeless teen boy who is currently getting his meals from trays left outside hotel room doors. One morning as he is scavenging, a
commotion comes from the room next door and he hides as the group of men leaves the room. He enters the room with the key that one of them
tossed and steals a cell phone from the counter and money from the wallet that was left behind. He soon learns that a wealthy businessman is missing
and believed to be kidnapped from that room. The phone rings and Blink answers it. The man’s daughter is trying to reach her father. Blink tells her
that everyone left the room willingly and she doesn’t believe it. After a series of phone calls Alyson and Blink agree to meet. Caution is a teen
runaway living with her drug selling, abusive boyfriend, Merlin. After Merlin finally pushes her last button, she steals a large sum of money from
him and leaves. She ends up going to her cousin’s apartment where she is not sure she’ll be wanted. He is glad to see her and offers her a place to
stay. After Merlin turns up outside, Caution searches and finds that a transmitter had been placed into her coat. She removes it and places it in his car
in front of the police station. Blink and Caution’s paths come together at the train station where Blink is catching a train to meet Alyson. After
Caution steals Blink’s money the two end up on the same train and strangely become friends and agree to do this adventure together. In the end, the
dad created the whole incident and is alive and well. An interesting thriller. Some readers will get confused by the characters telling the story from
alternating chapters of their view point. Blink’s chapters are also told through third person and seem a bit awkward for the reader. Frequent use of the
f word will keep it at the high school level.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Yankovic, Al
TITLE: When I Grow Up
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper Collins  2011
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-192691-4
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Wes Hargis
PAGES: 24
When I grow up I want to be…What a dilemma! Billy seems to be filled with the same challenges, although he is able to solve them in his own
imaginative way. This rhyming book is filled with great stories that Billy wants to do when he grows up. He comes to the conclusion that not even
his great-grandfather who is a hundred and three still does not know what he wants to be so maybe its ok that Billy is a little undecided. Or maybe he
isn’t… Mrs. Krupp his teacher receives a letter “Teacher Billy for Mrs. Krupp Love Billy.” This is a great book to share with your teachers the
illustrations are sweet and very imaginative and the rhyming words made the read aloud fun and easy. Great book!
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Yoon, Salina
TITLE: One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Robin Corey Books  2011
PRICE: $6.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86479-7
INTEREST LEVEL: Infant-Pre-K
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 18
The theme of this board book is about the circus. The colors are very colorful. Salina is a great board book author. This is the second book that I
have reviewed and they are just a cut about other board books. The text is the traditional “One, Two, buckle my shoe” but you will be pleasantly
surprised by the way the book presents this counting rhyme with its cut outs and folds. Fantastic board book!
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Yorinks, Arthur
TITLE: The Invisible Man
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Harper, 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780061561481
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Cushman, Doug
PAGES: 29
Sy, the fruit man, learns that it’s not easy being invisible. When one morning he inexplicably becomes invisible, the problems begin. He loses his
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business, becomes shunned, and is blamed for crimes all around the world, and ultimately ends up in jail. Finally a miracle happens when working as
a magician’s assistant; people begin to throw fruit at him and he becomes visible again. The soft colors and comical facial expressions of the
illustrations add humor and interest to the story. It could lead to interesting and imaginative classroom discussions.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Young, J.E.
TITLE: Horror in Space
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.  2011
PRICE: $ NA
ISBN: 978-0-8225-9265-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd – 5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Courtney Huddleston
PAGES: 111
This story is part of the Graphic Universe series ‘Twisted Journeys’, a series that makes the reader the main character and lets them choose the path
the story takes. This particular story is set on a space ship that’s carrying its travelers to their new home planet. They have all been cryogenically
frozen so they can sleep the entire journey, but the ‘reader’ is woken by the computer running the ship due to an emergency. What that emergency is,
is up to the reader, who can flip to different pages throughout the book to alter the course of the story. Kids love these ‘choose your storyline’ type
books and the great graphic illustrations are a big draw too!
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Young, Karen Romano
TITLE: Doodlebug
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Macmillian  2010
PRICE: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-312-56156-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 3-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Young, Karen Romano
PAGES: NA
I really had a hard time following any type of story, this is just a series of doodles that Dodo makes as she is moving to a new area. I read part of it to
one of my classes, many students enjoyed it but I had a hard time getting through it..
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Yoyo
TITLE: Release of the Red Phoenix
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press © 2010
PRICE: $9.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4785-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 207
Series: Vermonia, book 3. Four friends, Mel, Naomi, Doug and Jim are traveling through different realms trying to learn about their special powers.
In this story Melanie is a prisoner of General Uro and is being tricked into hurting her friends. Naomi is anxious to rescue Mel, only to find herself
doing battle with Mel, as she in being controlled. Naomi learns to embrace her powers of the red phoenix in order to save Mel. These graphic novels
are rich in drama and battles. My students have really enjoyed in the previous two installments.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Zahler, Diane
TITLE: A True Princess
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Harper
PRICE: $ 15.99
ISBN: 9780061825019
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-9
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 182
Rather than be sold to a cruel local miller as his servant, twelve year old Lilia flees. Since she was found floating down the river at the age of two,
when she runs away she heads north hoping to find her family. Her two friends, Karina and Kai catch up with her and join her on her journey. Lilia
and Karina find that they must save Kai after he ends of in the clutches of the dreadful Elf-King’s daughter. The story is a little like the “Princess and
the Pea” with more action and fantasy elements. The girls must find a hidden enchanted artifact to save Kai, so they hire on as maids at the palace.
Also at the palace is a mysterious test to reveal a true princess for the prince. So far no one has passed the test. Lilia and Karina surprise by one
passing the test and the other is the king and queen’s long lost daughter. I got caught up in the book because of the fantasy and mythology infused in
the tale. I think young readers will love this story and older readers will get the hints of true mythology . This is an easy to read book.
REVIEWER: Lonni Tegelberg, Cascade Middle School, Longview, WA
Zappa, Marcia
TITLE: Black Holes
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO Group  2011
PRICE: $ NA
ISBN: 978-1-61714-686-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th – 5th
PHOTOGRAPHER: Various
PAGES: 32
This is part of ABDO’s Buddy Books: The Universe series. With large, fairly brief text it at first looks for younger readers, but the content is more
advanced and the subject itself one that a reader has to focus intently on to grasp fully. The photos are colorful and amazing! There are Fact Trek,
Voyage to Tomorrow, Important Words (Glossary), Web Sites and Index pages at the back.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Zoehfleld, Kathleen
TITLE: From tadpole to frog
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Scholastic, Inc.
PRICE: $3.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-27337-4
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre K-1
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
The perfect book for a kindergartener or a first grade student that will compliment a science unit on frogs. I will be looking for this book so I can
order extra copies for our staff to keep with their Readwell reading program, as there is a unit on tadpoles. The photographs in this basic, beginner,
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easy to read book will definitely capture the interest of the young student also. It explains the life of a tadpole in vivid detail and includes a glossary.
REVIEWER: Tanya Lile, Toutle Lake Elementary
Zubizarreta, Rosalma
TITLE: Ten Little Puppies
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper Collins  2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-147043-1
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
LLUSTRATOR: Ulises Wensell
PAGES: 26
Ten Little Puppies is a bilingual book that counts down to lone puppy that stays because “he knows I love him so.” Many books do the count down
until there is none but then they all come back at the end. Here is where this book differs from the norm. The puppies leave the little girl, and some
of them for very ambiguous reasons. “One chased after rocket heaven,” “One ran off with a hop, a skip and a dive” into the lake which begs the
question are these puppies dead? Not all the puppies that leave are so vague, but I didn’t like that at the end they don’t show them in an illustration
enjoying where ever they are. There is music to sing the “Ten Little Puppies” song, and a glossary featuring the dogs that are depicted in the book
labeled with a description of their traits. The illustrations were the beauty of this book. They were simple and yet very captivating. I would love to
see this illustrator again and again!
REVIEWER: Tyra Smith Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Zuehlke, Jeffrey
TITLE: Joe Mauer
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Lerner Publications Company, 2011
PRICE: $18.95
ISBN: 978-0-7613-7066-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
This is a very good book about homegrown talent, Joe Mauer, who plays for the Minnesota Twins. It is an easy read, but has lots of interesting
information regarding this young player of America's favorite pastime. Career highlights are showcased in a timeline at the back of the book, which
also includes a glossary of terms used. There are a lot of photos throughout the book with interesting captions for each one. There are over forty
others highlighted in this Amazing Athletes series.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
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