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
Abrahams, Peter
TITLE: Robbie Forester and the Outlaws of Sherwood St.
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Phiolmel Books © 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25502-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 294
Thirteen-year-old Robbie Forester leads a pretty typical city life until she receives a charm bracelet from a homeless woman. Robbie soon learns that
the bracelet has powers that come alive whenever she is near a situation where the underdog needs help. She and her friends soon discover a path of
corporate greed that is threatening their neighborhood by drastically raising rents on local businesses and the local soup kitchen and forcing them out
of business. With the help of the bracelet, Robbie and the Outlaws help the neighborhood and end the corporation’s plans. This is an exciting and
thrilling read for middle school students and perhaps the start of a new series. However, it could easily have done without out “bastards” p.209,
which will make an otherwise great book challenging to put in some school libraries.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Adams, Tom
TITLE: Matter Matters!
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Templar Books ©2012
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-6096-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Thomas Flintham
PAGES: [20]
This interactive pop-up book is jam packed with all kinds of interesting facts about chemistry. Covering such topics as elements, states of matter,
acids and bases, radioactivity and an assortment of others, this text will draw in a variety of students. Younger students will enjoy the interactive
flaps while older readers will learn from the content. The small text will challenge younger readers. The content of the book is great, but the flaps
make it challenging to put into a school library setting. (They will get destroyed.) It would make a great read aloud for middle and high school
science classes.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Adamson, Thomas
TITLE: Can You Guess What Estimations Is?
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone @ 2012
PRICE:
ISBN: 9781429675574
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-5th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
Bright colorful photographs help this nonfiction math book about estimation come alive. Presentation and layout are impressive as children have
multiple opportunities to practice their estimation skills. Answers to estimations are in the back as well as more estimation challenges.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Allegra, Mike
TITLE: Sarah Gives Thanks
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman @ 2012
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780807572399
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR: David Gardner
PAGES: UNP
If your elementary library shelf could use another Thanksgiving book, this nonfiction offering about Sarah Hole’s determination to establish
Thanksgiving as a national holiday fits the bill. Widowed with five children your Sarah plots ways to keep her family from starving. She decides on
writing as a career. Her fortitude and talent lead her to a career as a magazine editor. The illustrations add to the value of this book. Author’s notes
are helpful.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
1
Allen, Kathryn Madeline
TITLE: A Kiss I Love You
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman & Com.  2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-8075-4186-9
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
PHOTOGRAPHER: Eric Futran
PAGES: 28
The photographs in the book are very well done and are culturally diverse. The text is rhyming and very simple. This is a great read aloud for very
young children. The book helps young children to decipher people’s physical actions and make connection to meaning. This could be a great book
to pull out at the beginning of the year and discuss how other body language can be used in the classroom such as when we have to use the restroom,
or how to tell teacher something without interrupting class.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Allen, Kathy
TITLE: Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press ©2012
PRICE: $19.99
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7627-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 3-6
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 32
Ancient Egyptian Civilization series. This book discusses the discovery of the ancient Egyptian writing, hieroglyphs, and the painstaking task of
trying to decode them. It also talks about the Rosetta stone and the first scholars who worked at decoding it. It offers a small section on the alphabet
hieroglyphs and encourages readers to write their own name in symbols. This is an interesting book on the topic. Students at this age would enjoy a
bit shorter history section and a greatly expanded section of the actual hieroglyphs that they could use themselves.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Almond, David
TITLE: My Name is Mina
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Delacorte, 2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-385-74073-9
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr. 11-12
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 300
“Words should wander and meander.//They should fly like owls and flicker like bats and slip like cats./They should murmur and scream and dance
and sing.” “We stand dead still and we listen to the night. The city drones. An owl hoots and a cat howls and a dog barks and a siren wails.We let the
stars shine into us.” You know, everyone with good sense has to love David Almond’s gift of laying magic on hundreds of pages. My Name is
Mina is no exception as it introduces the reader to an exceptional, precocious little girl who loves birds and who is given the permission and the gift
to be herself by a sad and wise mother. School is a horror for Mina. Alternative schools are tolerable but not the right fit for her. As her mother told
the principal, Mina would have her as a teacher, a wonderful yard and her own tree. In that tree are the black birds to inspire, scold and teach Mina.
Almond shows he is a writer’s writer with this beautiful story that will be wasted on many.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Robert A. Long High School http://bookbevy.wordpress.com
Altbacker, EJ
TITLE: Kingdom of the Deep
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Razorbill ©2012
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1-59514-509-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 4-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 228
Shark Wars book 4. Megalodon Gray and his friends have just met another megalodon, Kaleth, the supreme ruler or Seazarein of the great oceans.
Gray hopes to learn about his family and past from her, but a new threat has arrived; Hokuu, a prehistoric frilled shark, bent on taking over the
oceans. Kaleth makes Gray her Aquisador (ambassador) and Gray begins to learn more about ruling as he must settle disputes between different
groups. Hokuu breaks the evil Valenka out of jail to help him and now the entire ocean is in peril as Hokuu asserts his strength. The first part of
Hokuu’s plan is put into action when he kills Kaleth, leaving Gray the new Seazarein. Readers will have to wait until the next installment in the series
to see if Hokuu’s plot is successful. This is a great read for upper elementary and younger middle school boys, especially those looking for something
different than the Warrior series by Erin Hunter.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Angleberger, Tom
TITLE: The Secret of the Fortune Wookie
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Amulet Books ©2012
PRICE: $12.95
ISBN: 978-1-4197-0392-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 4-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Tom Angleberger
PAGES: 190
Origami Yoda book 3. Tommy, Kellen, Harvey and the gang are doing their best to survive at McQuarrie Middle School without Dwight. Dwight has
been suspended for the rest of the semester because his origami and antics were disruptive. The gang has relied on Dwight’s advice, given through
Origami Yoda, and now is unsure of what to do. Harvey, the resident bad guy, is glad for the change. One day Sara comes with Fortune Wookiee
claiming Dwight made it and tossed out the window to her. Sara claims to be giving Dwight’s advice through the Fortune Wookiee. Meanwhile, it
appears that Dwight is becoming too normal at his new school and has lost the spark that makes him who he is. The final straw for the gang happens
when Sara is forced to admit that she made the Fortune Wookiee and has been giving out her own advice. Tommy visits Dwight and presents him
with the case file that gives evidence as to why they need him back and forces Dwight to take out the original Origami Yoda. Yoda tells of upcoming
trouble at McQuarrie and Dwight agrees to come back at semester. Includes directions on how to make Fortune Wookiee and Han Foldo. An
entertaining read that will hold wide appeal for upper elementary and middle school students. I’m looking forward to the next one.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
2
Armstrong, Alan
TITLE: Racing the Moon
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Random House© 2012
.
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-85889-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 4-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Tim Jessell
PAGES: 214
In 1947 eleven-year-old tomboy Alex and her sometimes criminal older brother, Chuck, dream of going to space and have gone so far as to build
their own space station in one of their trees. Chuck is really good at fixing and building anything to do with radios, but is not good at following the
directions of others or paying for the supplies they need. Captain Ebbs moves into their neighborhood and befriends Alex, who sells her plants for her
garden. Capt. Ebbs learns of their fascination about space and offers to help them. Chuck puts things into jeopardy after several brushes with the law
himself and getting Alex in trouble when she’s caught stealing for him. Capt. Ebbs hires them as crew for her sailboat and times their arrival when
the government is going to launch a rocket. They will be on a nearby island and able to see it go up. This isn’t close enough for Chuck and the
siblings sneak off and make their way to the restricted island. Once there they are captured by soldiers as treaspassers, but because they are kids are
treated kindly and even get to help when part of the launch is in jeopardy. Capt. Ebbs is furious, but still agrees to help Chuck get training he needs to
perhaps get into the space program. This story is filled with the wonder and amazement of kids who dreamed of going into space. Chuck gets out of
serious trouble a few too many times to remain believable, but upper elementary students will most enjoy Alex’s adventure.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Atwater-Rhodes, Amelia
TITLE: Poison Tree
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Delacorte Press© 2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-385-73754-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 219
This novel tells the tale of Sarik, a tiger shape-shifter, who now lives and works within the sanctuary of SingleEarth, a worldwide organization
dedicated to helping humans and other life forms to survive and get along. Sarik is finally beginning to settle into her new life with her vampire
boyfriend, Jason, when trouble comes. A human, Alysia, takes a new job at Single Earth and it’s soon discovered that someone has placed a bounty
on her. After an attack at SingleEarth, Alysia leaves hoping that whoever is after her will leave the others alone. Sarik’s father, the king, has been
trying to find Sarik after she left their village and wants to control her again. Sarik decides that it is time she declares her independence or face a
future on the run and never being truly free. While upper middle and high school girls who enjoy vampire related stories will enjoy this one, it lacks
depth to the characters. I am also left wondering where the title ties into the story.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Banks, Tyra
TITLE: Modelland
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Delacorte Press, 2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-385INTEREST LEVEL: 8 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 563
Confession time: My guilty pleasure is America’s Next Top Model, so it was with a great deal of anticipation that I grabbed Tyra Banks’s first toe-dip
into the world of writing instead of, well, being a gorgeous diva. Would the book be as fascinating if it weren’t written by such a renowned
supermodel? Probably not, though it is not a completely unprovoked poke at the fashion industry. . .and who better to take that poke than someone
who has seen it from its seamy inside. Our heroine, Tookie De La Crème is not conventionally beautiful. She doesn’t see herself as beautiful at all, so
when she is chosen by Ci-L, the most talented Intoxibella, on The Day of Discovery—fashionably shortened to T-DOD—and whisked away to
Modelland, no one is more surprised than she—except, maybe, her mother who has been grooming Tookie’s younger sister for the honor. Tookie is
joined in the adventure by three other misfits chosen by Ci-L to challenge the society’s definition of what is beautiful. Their arrival in Modelland is
disconcerting as they learn that Ci-L is being severely punished by Bella Donna, the ruler of Modelland. Rumors of human sacrifices and great
penalties for leaving Modelland are enough to raise the stakes for the young women who fit in to Modelland’s societies about as well as a warthog at
a ballet recital. The story is a very thinly veiled allegory wannabe with occasional digressions into hallucinogenic-type scenes with shades of Harry
Potter-like events, locations, and activities. At the end, the underdog triumphs, but not before she has had her heart mashed, her dignity trashed, and
her family loyalties utterly shredded by revelations of her mother’s past indiscretions. As a first attempt into suspense, intrigue, and a sophisticated
plot, it’s not a bad foray. A sequel is promised, and—having read this one—I would be sufficiently curious to see where the next one goes, but it’s
not really a book for the masses. It’s appeal will likely remain limited to those fans of the fashion industry in general and Tyra Banks’s persona
specifically.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Barton, Bethany
TITLE: This Monster Needs A Haircut
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Dial @ 2012
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780803737334
INTEREST LEVEL 1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: UNP
This could easily be read with Matthew McElligott’s “Even Monsters Need Haircuts”. Monster Stewart absolutely positively does not want a haircut
even though his dad and mom would love to see Stewart’s hair much shorter. Finally when Stewart’s hair stretches across the room with keys,
homework and eyeglasses hidden inside does Stewart agree to have a haircut. Not quite the appeal of Mr. McElligott’s book, it could be considered
for purchase for your elementary school library if you have a collection of monster books. I like the illustrations better than the story.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Bauer, Marion
TITLE: Dinosaur Thunder
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic @ 2012
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780590452960
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Margaret Chodos-Irvine
PAGES: UNP
Little brother Brannon is afraid of the thunder storm. Big brother Chad tries to reassure Brannon that the thunder is “a big cat purring” or the angels
bowling or maybe even the dinosaurs jumping. This final suggestion calms Brannon. Both illustrator and author should be proud of their efforts to
create a charming book.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
3
Beil, Michael
TITLE: Summer at Forsaken Lake
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-96742-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 5th-9th
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 322
Nicholas, a young boy from New York, and his twin sisters spend the summer with their great-uncle Nick at his house on Forsaken Lake. On arrival,
Nicholas meets a baseball playing, bicycle riding, and boat sailing girl named Charlie. Nicholas was told by his father, who is in Africa on a
Doctor’s Without Borders mission, that there were many mysteries to be solved at his uncle’s house. Right away, Nicolas and the twins find a secret
compartment in the floor of Nicholas’ bedroom. Biel has written the perfect mystery novel for tweens and teens. The characters are authentic and
developed. There are not “Andy Griffith” throwbacks but they hold a certain innocence that seem to be lacking in modern story telling. There is no
drama in the adult child relationship, Beil writes about young people in a way that creates a realistic picture of the world. While this book could
venture into the romantic, Beil steers away from that and develops more of a mystery around the past. Who was Nicholas’ father when he had spent
time at Uncle Nick’s cabin, and what type of relationship did he have with Charlie’s mother? There are many more surprises at forsaken lake; what a
great summer read.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Bell, Juliet
TITLE: Kepler’s Dream
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: G. P. Putnam’s & Sons  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25645-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 14 yrs.
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 256
Ella is an eleven-year-old girl whose mother is in the hospital undergoing treatment for leukemia. While her mother is hospitalized, Ella must go stay
in Albuquerque with her grandmother, who she has never met. Her grandmother is very stern and corrects Ella’s grammar constantly so Ella
nicknames her GM, for General Major. GM is more concerned about her peacocks and her prized book collection than Ella’s well being. Ella meets
a girl her age named Rosie and when one of grandma’s prized antique books comes up missing they form a detective agency. While looking for the
missing/stolen book, Ella discovers the family’s rocky history and hopes by finding the book she can help repair some of the damage from the past.
Ella writes letters to her mother that are funny and touching about her days at “Broken Family Camp”. When Ella’s dad comes to visit the past is
revisited and old hurts are mended. This is a touching story of forgiveness, hope and family.
REVIEWER: Vicki White, Cascade Middle School
Berger, Joe
TITLE: My Special One and Only
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Dial Books for Young Readers ©2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780803734104
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 30
When Bridget Fidget (love the name!) loses a tooth and gets a shiny coin under her pillow she decides to take it and her best friend Captain Cat to the
toy store. Captain Cat falls out of her backpack and is claimed by another child so Bridget has to make a choice about her best friend and her shiny
coin. It’s a really nice story about friendship. The illustrations are very expressive and fill the pages with visual treats. This book would be fun to read
to young children.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Blake, Jon
TITLE: The Last Free Cat
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Whitman, Albert & Co.  2012
PRICE: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-85699-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 6th-8th
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 268
Not too far in the future cat breeding will be controlled and only the rich will be allowed to have cats because of a human health epidemic. Jade, who
has always trusted authority, is now doubting society, especially when a cat shows up in her backyard. Jade falls in love with the calico cat that she
names Feela. Risking arrest Jade decides to keep Feela, which causes the enforcement officials to raid her house. Then Jade’s mother dies and Jade
confides in Kris, the school loser, about having Feela. Tragic events force Jade and Kris to take off with Feela to Ireland, which has a cat amnesty.
This is a book that one of our teachers wanted to check out immediately to read to her class of sixth-graders.
REVIEWER: Vicki White, Cascade Middle School
Brennan, Sarah Rees
TITLE: Unspoken
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House ©2012
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-87041-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 373
The Lynburn Legacy book 1. Kami Glass is a teen who’s had a lifelong imaginary friend named Jared. Her best friend, Angela, accepts that Kami is a
bit strange. Kami is the school journalist and is hot on the trail of a newsworthy story in their town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. The town has ancient history
involving the departed Lynburn family, but no one is interested in talking about it. The town is turned upside down when the Lynburns return.
Cousins Ash and Jared Lynburn enroll in the local high school and when Kami meets Jared she realizes that he is her imaginary friend. Kami and
Jared try to come to terms that each other is real but don’t disclose that they can mind read each other’s thoughts. Kami finds her story after
discovering an animal sacrifice and a murdered student. The townspeople know that a Lynburn is responsible, but still no one will talk. Kami finally
pushes her mom and learns that her mom and one of the Lynburn sisters did a spell together and that’s what responsible for her and Jared’s
connection. Jared learns his family is sorcerers and that someone is doing the killing to gain more power; something they deny. When Angela goes
missing, Kami and Jared know someone has taken her for a sacrifice and split up with the rest of the Lynburns to find her. Kami is shocked to find
his Cousin Ash and Uncle Rob with her. Ash and Angela get away and Rob convinces Kami to sever the tie she has with Jared. She ultimately ends
up severing their tie in hopes of saving Jared. Rob gets away, but the damage between Kami and Jared is done. Now they must try to learn to be two
separate people which leaves the storyline dangling for the next installment. This story was slow to start. It got much more interesting in the middle
after the true storyline begin to develop. Upper middle and high school students who stick with the shaky start will enjoy this fantasy mystery.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
4
Bryant, Megan E.
TITLE: Colorasaurus
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Chronicle Books  2012
PRICE: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-4521-0814-8
INTEREST LEVEL: Toddler-Pre-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Luciana Navarro Powell
PAGES: 20
When you introduce color names to children it can be in play. This board book introduces color name is a subtle way through dinosaurs. The
illustrations are true to traditional color, which is helpful when children are looking at color. This is a fun way to read and learn. So, if you have a
dino lover get this book and create reading fun.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Calame, Don
TITLE: Call the Shots
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5556-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 10 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 457
Swim the Fly was legend. Beat the Band was a bit of a slump. Call the Shots has returned Calame to the laugh out loud status of his first book. The
last in the companion books—not really sequels—focuses on the character of Sean. We first came to know and love Sean when he and his friends
raided his twin sister’s formerly pink clothes in an attempt to pass themselves off as girls in order to sneak into the women’s locker room—all in the
pursuit of the ultimate goal of seeing a girl naked. Call the Shots introduces a new family member to Sean’s crazy family made up of random rescued
animals—an infant. The news of their mother’s pregnancy sans an increase in parental income translates to Sean and his gothic, evil sister having to
share a room. Coop saves the day—sort of—by suggesting that they create and enter a horror film in a film contest and use the prize money to create
an add-on to the house. Add a crazy-stalker girlfriend with a brother who was a former Navy SEAL, a love interest who is showing interest, a sister’s
best friend who also turns out to be pretty incredible, and an insane, pot smoking uncle who is willing to partially bank roll the whole thing, and you
have the makings for hilarity at a completely inappropriate and politically incorrect level. This final book reflects the maturing of the young men in
the discussions about sexuality that they have as well as the more frequent use of the profanity/obscenity. The themes of friendship, loyalty, family,
and the reverence for the solid and wholesome girl-next-door continue to be themes that Calame values and promotes. A collection with one really
should be rounded out with this last work.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Carlton, Susan
TITLE: Love & Haight
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8097-1
INTEREST LVL: 9 -12 gr.
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 177 pgs.
The opening scene is of two teenage girls driving across the Golden Gate Bridge on their way to adventure in the big city during Christmas Break
1972 when San Francisco was the mecca of the Hippie Movement. However, we soon learn that Chloe is not going there for fun, but because she can
obtain a legal abortion and her friend, M.J., is coming along for moral support. Things don’t always work out as easily as they thought. Along the
way, things happen that they weren’t prepared for and tough decisions have to be made that can affect their friendship and future. Chloe finds that
secrets can lead to betrayal and destroy what is good. On the surface this could be mistaken as a fun period piece, but there are insights into the
moral aspects of abortion, the dark side of the free love/free drug Hippie culture and the impact of the Women’s Liberation movement. Some of
these issues will still resonant with teens today and some will amuse. I wonder, though, how many will understand the pun in the title or know much
about Haight-Ashbury going into the story. I do think, though, that this book gives a good picture of what was happening in the late 1960’s and early
1970’s and the reader of today will be able to gain a better understanding of the era while enjoying a good story.
Reviewer: Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School, Castle Rock, Washington
TITLE: A President from Hawai’i
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5230-2
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Zunon, Elizabeth
PAGES: 24
There were aspects of this story I really enjoyed, and other things that I feel could be improved. The illustrations were filled with different textures
and coupled with actual photographs. The colors utilized showed the beauty that is Hawai’i! Telling about President Obama growing up in Hawai’I
was the premise for sharing a lot of cultural information about Hawai’i. I loved this aspect. I strongly feel that there should have been a pronunciation
guide for the many Hawaiian words that were used in this book.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Carolan, Dr. Terry & Joanna
Casanova, Mary
TITLE: Some Cat!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Farrar Straus Giroux, New York, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-374-37123-4
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Hoyt, Ard
PAGES: 40
Violet the cat lived in a very unsavory environment before she landed at a rescue shelter. She knows she deserves more, but is often passed up for
younger, more attractive cats. Finally adopted, she comes to share a home with two dogs. They start as enemies, but after an incident, Violet softens
towards the two canines and all become friends. The cover of the book is what drew me to it, and I was not disappointed. The illustrations are very
inviting and compliment the excitement of the storyline.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
5
Castelluci, Cecil
TITLE: The Year of the Beasts
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Roaring Brook Press ©2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-686-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 8-12
ILLUSTRATOR: Nate Powell
PAGES: 175
Fifteen-year-old Tessa is thrilled to finally be able to attend the local carnival without her parents. The catch is that she must bring her thirteen-yearold sister, Lulu with her. Tessa has a secret crush on Charlie and hopes to spend time with him at the carnival. The girls do meet up with the group of
boys and to Tessa’s dismay Lulu becomes Charlie’s girlfriend by the end of the night. Although Lulu didn’t know about Tessa’s crush, her new
relationship creates much tension between the sisters. Tessa finds herself drawn to a boy, Jasper, and loner outside of her social group and becomes
his secret girlfriend. A day of swimming in a raging river ends tragically when Tessa’s best friend breaks her back, Tessa nearly drowns (she’s
dragged out of the water and revived by Jasper), and Lulu drowns. Tessa struggles with survivor’s guilt and has great difficulty dealing with the
tragedy, going as far to carve “I died” into her wrist. With the help of friends she starts to heal. The story told through alternating chapters of graphic
novel and text. The graphic novel is a bit abstract at first and takes a while to really tie into the story for the reader. After reading the book the graphic
novel makes more sense as it is about Tessa’s struggles, but this may be lost on some readers.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Catrow, David
TITLE: Monster Mash
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic @ 2012
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780545214797
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-Adult
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: UNP
The reader can tell that illustrator David Catrow had tons of fun completing the illustrations for Bobby Pickett’s 1962 smash hit. One
recommendation would be to have a copy of the song on CD included in the book. This would make a $16.99 package deal that would make a lot of
people happy.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Cerullo, Mary M.
TITLE: Giant Squid: Searching for a Sea Monster
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press ©2012
PRICE: $21.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7541-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-5
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 48
This engaging text discusses the elusive giant squid and the scientist, Clyde Roper, who studies them. It skillfully blends early stories that seemed
like myths with the true science of these squid. It discusses basics about squid in general and then goes into detail about what is known about the
giant squid. The story like text is balanced with large, colorful photographs that show many aspects of this amazing animal. One photo (p 19) may
make younger readers a bit squeamish as it shows Clyde dissecting a dead sperm whale to find out what it had been eating. Includes glossary, index
and references. It will make a great read for elementary students and for middle school students who need access to information at a lower reading
level.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Christensen, Bonnie
TITLE: I, Galileo
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Knopf @ 2012
PRICE: 17.99
ISBN: 9780375867538
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: UNP
This picture book biography could be used as part of a bibliography in writing a report about Galileo. Author/illustrator Bonnie Christensen has done
an excellent job of depicting the ups and downs in Galileo’s life. Galileo was imprisoned for the remainder of his life because he believed, like
Copernicus, the universe was sun-centered not earth-centered. Galileo, like Da Vinci, was an extremely intelligent man. As with many great men his
theories were not appreciated until long after his death. Illustrations bring to life the importance of Galileo’s life.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Clark, Claire
TITLE: How Long Is a Day?
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone  2012
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7591-8
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-1st
ILLUSTRATOR: Karon Dubke
PAGES: 24
This book was very helpful and perfect for young children. The photos were clear and large, and the text was simple and informational. It is easy to
read out loud and really simplifies so children can understand. This is a series that I would buy for my library for all my pre-school teachers. The
other books in this series are “How Long Is a Year?” “How Long Is a Week?” and “How Long Is a Month?”
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Cousins, Lucy
TITLE: Create with Maisy
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick @ 2012
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780763661229
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-5th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: UNP
Lucy Cousins, author and illustrator, keeps busy with her favorite character, Maisy. “Maisy loves making things.” You probably guessed this from
the title. Lucy Cousins has Maisy makes everything from beaded butterflies to a pasta necklace; a blossom tree to a button bowl. While some of these
activities are familiar, it is pleasant to have them all in one book. One tiny suggestion would be a table of contents at the beginning so the reader can
scan all the crafts at once.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
6
Covell, David
TITLE: Rat and Roach
RATING: M
PUBLISHER: Viking @ 2012
PRICE: 12.99
ISBN: 9780670014095
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: UNP
Rat and Roach are best friends until Rat lets a stink bomb or Roach makes their home too pretty. Then they give each other the silent treatment. A
little too creepy for the primary grades and too brief for upper elementary; I am not sure of the intended audience. The illustrations are great but I
don’t think Mr. Covell has found his niche. Perhaps, a cartoon strip with Rat and Roach as the main characters displaying their daily antics, would be
more productive and profitable.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Crockett, S. D.
TITLE: After The Snow
RATING: M
PUBLISHER: Macmillan 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780312641696
INTEREST: 9-12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 288
Ice and snow is the only world Willo has ever known. His family moved out of the city to avoid total government control. Willo has learned to live
off the land, hunting and trapping. He loves his life, until he returns home to find his family gone. Leaving all he knows, Willo loads supplies and
heads deep in the hills to try and figure out what to do next. “After the Snow” is a story of the struggle to survive, when the government and ruthless
bands of gangs are determined to destroy your life and make you dependent on them, or worse yet, kill you.
This was the most difficult book to read. It is written from Willo’s perspective, making him seem illiterate and unlearned.
REVIEWER: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
Dahl, Michael
TITLE: Frio, Mas Frio, Muy Frio/Cold, Colder, Coldest
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone  2012
PRICE:
ISBN: 978-1-4048-7316-2
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Brian Jensen
PAGES: 24
This book is part of series books that introduce students to the different extremes that animals can live in. In this book, we are shown the extreme
from cold to the coldest temperatures. This is book has been translated into Spanish making this book bi-lingual. I like the idea for cold to coldest
language for very young children and the temperature information for older children. In a classroom with very young children the thermometer would
have to be pre-taught. This would be a great addition to a temperature project or study. The illustrations are simple, great for young children.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Dashner, John
TITLE: The Kill Order
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Delacorte, 2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-385-74288-7
INTEREST LEVEL: Gr. 9-adult
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 329
Finally we have the answer to: How did Thomas get to The Glade? Like the rest of the series, no happy tale. It has been four years since The Maze
Runner was published, and to this day, all 12 of my library’s copies are checked out with “holds” on the book. The two sequels, The Scorch
Trials and The Death Cure, are going home with students whose purchase of antacids are leaving store owners perplexed. Such tension-filled books!
There is no relief in the prequel to the trilogy. Sun flares have scorched the earth and melted people. Our teen hero and heroine, Mark and Trina, are
surviving as best they can. They join forces with a no-nonsense military man, Alec, who saves their hides so many times that they will never repay
him. There are horrors everywhere in New York City, and they finally find a way to escape to the Appalachian Mountains hoping that the
countryside is cooler and calmer. Instead they land in the middle of the kill order that makes no sense, and that goes extremely wrong. Another nail
biter, and all my library’s copies are, ahem, checked out.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Robert A. Long High School http://bookbevy.wordpress.com
Deen, Marilyn
TITLE: Taking Shape
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press, 2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-1-4296-8631-0
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 18
Using items found in everyday life, this book discusses many different shapes. Pictures help to further the reader’s knowledge on the subject. A
glossary, extension activity and internet sites are also included in the back of the book. This book would be a great starting point in discussing shapes
with young children, and encourage them to look for shapes in their everyday lives also!
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
DeGezelle, Terri
TITLE: Exploring Winter
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7699-1
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-2
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
A perfect informational read for those who love winter and the snow! Colorful photographs and diagrams describe how the earth’s path around the
sun influences the seasons and creates the wonder of winter. Interesting facts about what the earth looks like in winter are written under bold
headings and teaches readers about why certain things happen in the winter. This book is a great non-fiction read to teach youngsters about the
season of winter.
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
7
Delaney, M.C.
TITLE: Obi: Gerbil on a Mission!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Dial/Penguin  2012
PRICE: $ 16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3727-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd – 5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Same
PAGES: 199
In Obi’s second book, she has some new competition for her human mother’s (Rachel) affections. It’s Rachel’s birthday and the present from her
parents is a…PUPPY! When Rachel spends more time with the new addition than with Obi, Obi devises a plan to rid the room of the pesky critter.
But her plan sets the puppy loose outside the house and he runs off. Rachel is miserable and sad, and Obi is too. She feels so bad for being the cause
of Rachel’s unhappiness and she is actually worried about pup Kenobi. But how can a little gerbil venture into the great outdoors and find a slobbery
lost puppy? Will Obi be able to survive her adventure, and will she be able to make things right for Rachel and Kenobi? This is a fun story from the
perspective of a gerbil. Fans of Delaney’s first book about Obi will enjoy revisiting her world.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
deMarin, Layne
TITLE: Desert Seasons
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press, 2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-1-4296-8635-8
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 20
There is a lot of information packed into this little book. It takes the reader throughout the year, using the Sonoran Desert as the example. There is a
nice follow-up activity which encourages the reader to go back and utilize the information in the book again. A glossary located in the back of the
book compliments the information and defines the bold-faced words from the book. Brightly colored pictures on each page give the reader a visual of
the information.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Dickmann, Nancy
TITLE: Fruits
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone  2012
PRICE: $16.49
ISBN: 978-1-4329-6973-8
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-K
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
Believe it or not fruit needs a definition for young children. They need to be able to recognize their different shapes, colors, and their ways of
growing. This book could be a great addition to a nutrition unit for the pre-schoolers or the kindergartener. The photos were well done and easy to
see. The size of this book is great for little hands, however a little small for a group read aloud.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Doeden, Matt
TITLE: Kevin Durant, Basketball Superstar
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press ©2012
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 9781429676823
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 23
This easy biography about Kevin Durant will please our younger sports fans. The text is 1 st to 2nd grade reading level although I can recommend this
book to our older reluctant readers. The large glossy pictures lend action and excitement to the book. It is a great addition to our shelves.
Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Donaldson, Julia
TITLE: A Gold Star For Zog
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Arthur Levine @ 2010
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780545417242
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Axel Scheffler
PAGES: UNP
Whenever I see Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s names on a picture I know I am ready for a delightful story and awesome illustrations. Zog is
an energetic student in dragon school. Zog wants to excel at every lesson taught by Madam Dragon. Fortunately, he has the help of a mysterious girl.
The ending has a philanthropic ending. From the British Isles, Ms. Donaldson and Mr. Scheffler have successfully created their magic again.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Donbavand, Tommy
TITLE: Scream Street: Fang of the Vampire
RATING:R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press
PRICE: $
ISBN: 978-1-59961-992-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 3-7
ILLUSTRATOR: Cartoon Saloon, LTD.
PAGES: 129
This looks like a great book for a young boy to read! It is about a boy, named Luke Watson, who keeps turning into a werewolf. He and his family
are moved to a strange place called Scream Street where other strange creatures/humans live in a different kind of world. The friends Luke make help
him find the relics that are needed to cancel the spell that keeps them all trapped on Scream Street. A sure win for a young adventure reader!
REVIEWER: Holly James, Barnes Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Dougherty, Terri
TITLE: The Worst Tornadoes of All Time
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press
PRICE: $20.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7660-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 3-9
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
This is a fascinating book about the worst tornadoes in history! With historical facts and captivating photographs, this story will capture the attention
of storm lovers and tornado chasers! Filled with maps, photographs, fact check boxes, a glossary, and a page that lists other book and internet
resources in which information about tornadoes can be found, this book is a great informational source for those who want to learn about tornadoes
and their destructive power.
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
8
DPiazza, Francesca Davis
TITLE: Friend Me!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Twenty-First Century Books 2012
PRICE: $33.00
ISBN: 9780761358695
INTEREST: 8-10
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 112
For someone born in 1994, there were only 634 websites on the Internet. By the time the student turned 18, there were over 200 million. Social
networks have advanced from strings of beads, hieroglyphics and printing presses to instant internet interactions. Early communications took longer
and were very time consuming. Many times the news was months old before the reader has access to it. Now, we are able to respond and interact
with friends and family with the click of a button. The downside is too many people are lost without their internet and messaging capabilities.
REVIEWER: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
Duke, Kate
TITLE: Ready for Pumpkins
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-87068-2
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2
ILLUSTRATOR: Kate Duke
PAGES: 31
Everyone loves pumpkins, even Herky, the guinea pig! This first grade class pet loves the students in his classroom but longs to have the freedom to
plant a garden. He finally gets that chance when the classroom teacher takes him home for summer vacation. With some clever thinking and a new
friend, Herky’s wishes become a reality! Youngsters will enjoy the adventures of this loveable guinea pig. A fun read for the fall season!
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
Dunn, Mary
TITLE: Piranhas
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7586-4
INTEREST LEVEL: K-4th
PHOTOS: Varies
PAGES: 24
This is an easy non-fiction book for the emergent reader. It gives simple facts about piranhas, and each fact has beautiful photos to go along with it.
This book would even be a great book for first time research paper.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
TITLE: The World in Your Lunch Box: The Wacky History and… RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Annick Press©2012
PRICE: $14.95
ISBN: 978-1-55451-392-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-12
ILLUSTRATOR: Sa Boothroyd
PAGES: 120
This fun and informative text takes a look at the history and other fun facts associated with common lunch items. Opening with a challenge from a
fictitious cooking teacher the reader is taken on journey through a common week of lunch items, broken into seven chapters, each associated with a
day of the week. Ranging from ham sandwiches to pizza the history of each food item is provided as well as facts about how it is processed, grown or
used. The colorful and humorous illustrations complement the text. Older readers will enjoy it in its entirety. This would make a good read aloud for
younger readers.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Eamer, Claire
TITLE: Mary Engelbreit’s Nutcracker
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Harper, 2011
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-088579-3
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-3
ILLUSTRATOR: Mary Engelbreit
PAGES:
This is a delightful rendition of the Nutcracker. I had just attended a Nutcracker a few days before with my 6 year old daughter when I received this
book. This book brought the storyline to light for her; it has all the magical mystery but is written in a way that children can follow and understand.
The illustrations are colorful and highly detailed in a way that brings more life to the story than typically illustrated. This was a delight to read and
really portrayed a sense of the holiday season.
REVIEWER: Holly James, Barnes Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Engelbreit, Mary
Engle, Margarita
TITLE: The Wild Book
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt  2012
PRICE: $ 16.99
ISBN: 978-0-547-58131-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 5th & Up
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 133
Fefa has what the doctor diagnoses as word-blindness, or dyslexia. She so wants to read, but the words don’t sit still on the page for her, they jumble
themselves up and frustrate her. When her mother gives her a book with blank pages to fill, she tells her, ‘Think of this little book as a garden, throw
wildflower seeds all over each page and let the words sprout like seedlings.’ She struggles not only with her word-blindness but also with the
uncertainness of life, as all families in her area are susceptible to wild bandits spiriting away children for ransom. This is an inspiring story of
individual and familial struggle and the perseverance to prevail. An Author’s Note at the back states that ‘The Wild Book’ is a work of fiction
inspired by stories from her maternal grandmother’s childhood.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
9
Etienne, Sara Wilson
TITLE: Harbinger
RATING: AD
PUBLISHER: G. P. Putnam/ Penguin, 2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 9780399256684
INTEREST: 9 up
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 309
In a not too distant future, diminishing natural resources, specifically, oil, have led to panic, riots, hording, laws, and pollution. 16 year-old Faye is
being sent to an educational facility which is something like a reform school prison for kids run by cruel and manipulative adults with a secret
agenda. The premise is great. The setting is creepy. The possibility of romance is there. However, just as the story gets going, it starts to break
apart. Faye has visions and hears voices. She and several other students wake up with red stained hands and nobody seems to know what happened
in the night. The title rather gives the story away so when Faye finally realizes she has special powers, it is not exactly an “ah, ha” moment for the
reader. However, what is confusing is the relationship the other “special” students have with her. This book had potential but needed a few more
edits by readers who didn’t have anyone to explain the plot to them before hand. Kids will pick this up for the cover which unfortunately, makes it
look like a different book than the one they start to read.
Reviewer: Patti Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School
Everett, J.H. & Scott-Waters, Marilyn TITLE: Creepy Castles, Dark Dungeons, and Powerful Places
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt and Co. ©2012
PRICE: $14.99
ISBN: 9780805089714
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 144
There were many things about this selection that I like and a few that confused me. The authors are obviously very knowledgeable about castles and
life in the middle ages and were able to convey a lot of information in a very palatable manner. I appreciate the artwork both on the cover and
throughout the book. The spine-tingling flavor will attract our reluctant readers. I especially enjoyed the many diagrams labeled with vocabulary
words. The titles confused me a bit. I was expecting more stories of haunting rather than concentrating on the buildings. I expected to hear directly
from the ghosts and even though it said that we did, I somehow missed it. My thought is that the series title Haunted Histories should be less
prominent on the cover so that the readers will understand that the book is less about the ghosts and more about castles, dungeons and palaces.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Fama, Elizabeth
TITLE: Monstrous Beauty
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-374-37366-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 295
Only those who listen to the audiobook version of this tale get the benefit of hearing the author discuss how carefully she researched the setting for
this uncommonly rich novel. The sea folk of this story are nothing like the benign character from the Disney movie. Although the name Syrenka is
attached to Polish folklore, this Syrenka of this tale is a mermaid of the immortal variety who gives up her immortality in order to be with the man
she loves. Syrenka’s story is told parallel to the story of Hester Goodwin, a beautiful young woman who has sworn off love entirely out of fear. The
women in her family die shortly after giving birth to daughters, and while Hester loves and respects her stepmother, she does not want to leave her
own daughter motherless. A series of unusual encounters with a minister, a childhood friend named Linnie, and a mysterious man named Ezra set
Hester on the trail of a mystery that is a tapestry of tangled threads. The town of Plymouth, Massachusetts provides the history that spans from the
1600s to the 1800s to the present, and the curse that only Hester can lift. Ancient lore and magic permeate this incredible story, and like those ancient
tales, rape and violence are a part of the telling. The intertwining of plot lines as well as the careful rendering of the dialects take what is
quantitatively not such difficult text (7.0 GE/780L) a qualitatively much more complex story. This is a sophisticated story that can easily cross the
barriers of YA fiction into adult reading. The book, in both print and audio formats, is a work of art, and is one that I will be nominating to YALSA
for best fiction and audiobook.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
TITLE: Rush for the Gold: Mystery at the Olympics
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf© 2012
.
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86963-1
\
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 314
Teen sports writers Susan Carol and her boyfriend Stevie, find themselves in an unusual position. Instead of writing about others at the upcoming
Olympics, Susan Carol will be swimming in them! Susan Carol has qualified for two events and her father has been nearly brainwashed by their
aggressive team of agents. The darker side of sports emerges as sponsors begin lining up other athletes who are also “marketable” and capable of
possible winning gold medals. After Susan Carol wins a silver medal, losing to a non-glamorous teammate, the agents get really busy, going so far as
to get her teammate disqualified after she wins the next event so that Susan Carol can win gold. Stevie unearths the shading dealings and the correct
medals are awarded. This is another great sport read from this author. His detailed and in-depth knowledge of the sport make it a fascinating and
realistic mystery.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School.
Feinstein, John
10
Fleming, Candace
TITLE: On the Day I Died: Stories From the Grave
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Schwarts & Wade, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0375867811
INTEREST: 6 up
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 199
After midnight, driving too fast, Mike has to slam on his brakes when he sees a girl in road. It’s a little obvious to the reader, but not to Mike, that
she is a ghost. He drops her off at her house and when he goes back to check on her, discovers she has been dead 56 years! This leads him to a
graveyard just for teens and as the night passes, a number of the dead residents tell the stories of their deaths. All of them are creepy. Several of
them are based on tradition horror, such as The Monkey’s Paw and The Yellow Wallpaper. At the back of the book, the author has extensive notes on
where she got the ideas for her stories, which make great starting points with student authors. My least favorite of the stories was probably one about
a Catholic school girl who earns the reputation as a liar and then no one believes her when she discovers who the arsonists is who burned down a
school. She is just an irritating character. On the other hand, the over-the-top science fiction story about “insta-pets” who become carnivorous
monsters, eating the neighbor’s dog, is hilarious. Dark and creepy are the stories of Edgar and Rich. If you enjoy audio, a full cast reads for the
Listening Library audio production of this book and they do an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Read one or read them all; an overall
above average collection of creepy!
Reviewer: Patti Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School
Ford, Christopher
TITLE: Stickman Odyssey: The Wrath of Zozimos
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Philomel Books© 2012
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25427-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Christopher Ford
PAGES: 228
Stickman Odyssey book 2. Zozimos continues his journey to reclaim the throne in Sticatha. His Uncle Nestor is determined to help him unseat his
evil stepmother and become King. Zozimos’ journey is difficult and his own ineptness adds to his problems. It turns out that his love interest, Alexa,
is actually his stepsister and as her penance she takes her eyes out. Zozimos reaches Sticatha and realizes his stepmother wasn’t the problem after all;
it was his evil Uncle Nestor who wants to become King himself. Nestor rounds up an army to try to take Sticatha. Zozimos unites the people of
Sticatha and they defeat Nestor. This humorous graphic novel is done in simple “stickman” black and white illustrations and will appeal to a broad
upper elementary and middle school audience.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Ford, Michael
TITLE: The Poisoned House
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman & Co.
PRICE: $8.99
ISBN: 978-0-8075-6590-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 13 -18 yrs.
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 319
The year is 1850 in London, almost a year since Abigail Tanner’s mother died. Abigail is now 15 years old and a house servant in the Greave Hall.
She must put up with Mrs. Cotton who is a harsh ruler of authority and makes Abigail’s life miserable, especially after Abigail tries to run away.
The whole household is troubled. The widowed master of the house stays in his room and has fits of madness. His son, Samuel, is coming home
from the war and has to have his leg cut off, but he has always treated Abigail like a little sister since they were raised together. Some of her fellow
servants are kind and others aren’t, but she has to trust some of them with her secrets, which turn out to not be a good idea. There are many
household secrets which a ghost presence is trying to reveal. Abigail thinks the ghost is her mother and she tries to find out what message her mother
has for her. This is a story of mystery, intrigue, and ghosts. The ending was unique and answered all the questions a reader would have.
REVIEWER: Vicki White, Cascade Middle School
Frederick, Shane
TITLE: Speed Training for Teen Athletes
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press
PRICE: $23.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7678-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-9
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 48
Do you want to increase your speed and agility? Then this book is for you! Filled with quick and easy exercises, this book will help athletes become
more fit and equipped to handle their sport. This book also offers nutrition tips to help athletes increase their strength and stamina. Geared towards
athletes, you don’t have to be one to benefit from this book. Anyone looking to increase their athleticism and nutrition will find this book useful and
informative.
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
Freeman, Tor
TITLE: Olive and the Big Secret
PUBLISHER: Templar Books ©2012
ISBN: 9780763661496
ILLUSTRATOR:
RATING: R
PRICE: $15.99
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
PAGES: 24
Sometimes secrets are really difficult to keep and once told they can spread like wildfire. This circuitous story gives the lesson of keeping secrets in a
fun and easy format. It is great for foreshadowing as your students can guess what is going to happen next. The illustrations are fun and the inside
cover gives hints to the ‘secret’. I enjoyed this read very much.
Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
11
Friend, Natasha
TITLE: My Life in Black and White
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Viking/Penguin, 2012
PRICE: $8.99
ISBN: 978-0670784943
INTEREST: 8 up
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 294
Lexi is known for her beauty. She’s invited to parties so boys will show up, just because she is so pretty. It seems like her life is set, all because of
her looks, good things happen for her. Then at a party, she finds her boyfriend, Ryan, and her best friend, Taylor, hooking up behind her back. In
shock she runs downstairs and gets a ride with Taylor’s brother who loses control of the car and Lexi goes through the windshield. Her face is a
mess with a skin graft and multiple scars. Her friends only seem to come visit to get the latest look for the gossip mill and she’s not speaking to
Taylor or Ryan. The story follows her anger and recovery, with the difficulty of returning to school part of her struggle. She meets Theo when she
tries to hide in the photo darkroom; he has his own story and he introduces her to boxing. There are so few books with girls boxing, that I wish that
this had been a bit bigger part of the story, however this allows Lexi to vent her anger, get back in shape and achieve self-esteem that doesn’t revolve
around her looks. She also begins to realize she doesn’t know her older sister at all. I loved the way she realizes that Ruthie really is more than a
band geek. The author has quite a few threads in this character driven story but she manages to tie them all together. Some girls may wonder at
Lexi’s decision to try to forgive Taylor, but their relationship is still rocky at the end of the book. A good look at how one small decision can change
lives. This is a first release in paperback.
Reviewer: Patti Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School
Gal, Susan
TITLE: Day by Day
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-96959-1
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 31
The pigs pack up and move west in a car similar to the Beverly Hillbillies car in the old TV show. What happens out west? Things that happened to
those that came by covered wagon to the west. They farmed, had house raisings, and dances. In the end, the repetitive day by day or brick by brick
in a singsong way is the best part of the book. The illustrations are not very kid friendly. There are chalky, pastels and the pigs are sweet but lack
intensity of color that draw young children in. Also, the designed time period is not easily identified nor very relatable. When I couple that with the
chuckles on the page that read, “Layer by layer, pigs shed their clothes,” I know I will not be using this as a read aloud very soon.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Geist, Ken
TITLE: Who’s Who?
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Feiwel @ 2012
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780312644376
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Henry Cole
PAGES: UNP
Illustrator Henry Cole’s unmistakable illustrations usually mean hilarity ahead. Mr. Cole’s fans will not be disappointed. Ken Geist’s retelling of the
poem :Over in the Meadow” by Olive Wordsworth is a hand-clapping foot-stomping sure fire treat for primary students. The only thing missing is the
music to the song in the back of the book.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Ghigna, Charles
TITLE: Recycling is Fun
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Picture Window Book  2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-1-4048-7229-5
INTEREST LEVEL: Toddlers-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Ag Jatkowska
PAGES: 24
This book is part of the “My Little Planet” sires. This is a rhyming book about recycling, where to put, and where it goes. At the end of the book, it
shows a great recycling project that you can make old sweaters into a toy. The illustrations are simple and have a certain recycled paper look about
them. It is a great book for preschoolers especially if you are starting a new recycling program at your school.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Giff, Patricia Reilly
TITLE: The Big Something
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Orchard Books, 2012
PRICE: $6.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-24459-6
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Palmisciano, Diane
PAGES: 40
Jill and Jim have quite an adventure in this emerging reader book. Part of the Fiercely & Friends series, the two kids are forced to follow canine
friend, Fiercely, into the new neighbor’s yard as part of a rescue mission. Spooky things seem to be happening next door, and their new neighbor
appears to be a witch………maybe the one from the Hansel and Gretel story. As it turns out, the new construction is a new schoolhouse and the
“witch” is a nice, new teacher, Ms. Berry. Illustrations are fun and convey the mystery that surrounds the new neighbor.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Gill, David Macinnis
TITLE: Invisible Sun
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Greenwillow Books, HarperCollins, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0062073327
INTEREST: 6+
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 370
This follow-up to Black Hole Sun (2010) returns to the post apocalyptic world of Mars which has been ruined by Earth. Durango and Vienne, the
two rebel Regulators, are trying to infiltrate a corrupt government compound to get data that will both reveal Durango’s past and help save the planet.
Unfortunately, as the romance has ramped up, Vienne is captured by the mentally unstable, Archibald, who has plans to turn Vienne into his own
personal fighting machine. The dialogue is snappy, especially the internal conversation Durango carries on with Mimi, his artificial intelligence
connected to his brain. The fast-action pacing is interrupted by several trips to Vienne’s Monastery childhood home, and although this flushes out
her character a bit more, they are a bit slow. I loved the character of Durango, who stands up for what he believes in and will do anything to save and
protect his friends. Although it seems quite amazing he could survive the wounds, breaks, beatings, and abuse his body receives, he will be a Han
Solo type of hero that kids will root for. The cliff-hanger ending will leave readers wanting the next book now!
Reviewer: Patti Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School
12
Gleitzman, Morris
TITLE: Now
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt and Company ©2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9378-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 184
Once Ttrilogy book 3. This final installment finds Holocaust survivor Felix Salinger, an eighty-year-old retired surgeon living in Australia. His
granddaughter, Zelda, has just come to live with him while her physician parents go on a mission in Africa. Zelda knows about her grandfather’s past
and that she was named after Felix’s friend that did not survive. Zelda learns how much guilt her grandfather has been carrying all these years as he
feels responsible for Zelda’s death; that he should have done more and could have prevented it. Together, they help Zelda deal with bullying at
school and survive a wild fire that wipes out their community. After seeing the carnage and ashes left after the fire, Zelda begins to truly understand
what the Holocaust must have been like for her grandfather. Felix finally comes to terms with the original Zelda and honors her with a memorial
service. This is an amazing and fitting conclusion to this series. I’m glad that Felix has finally found peace. This series tells about the Holocaust in
ways that middle and high school students can relate to. It is honest and direct, yet heartwarming. A truly outstanding series.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Goldstone, Bruce
TITLE: Awesome Autumn
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt and Com.  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9210-3
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: stock photo’s
PAGES: 47
This fall non-fiction book is perfect for a little chapter read to preschoolers or a sit down with older children. I could see using this book as a study
with young children and leaving it out as a reference in certain areas in the classroom. The book is divided in ways that make it very friendly to use
with young learners. One page is about the shape of autumn, and one is about the taste of autumn. This is a great resource for teachers and was a
great inspiration for teaching about autumn. The photos are appropriate for the text on the page and give information that drawing, or watercolor
would have been lacking. Photos were a great choice for this book and the landscapes were beautiful.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Green, Gail
TITLE: Projects for your Pet
RATING R
PUBLISHER: Capstone
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7662-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th
PHOTOS: Karon Dubke
PAGES: 32
This is a really fun book with step by step instructions of different items you can make for your pets. This should really interest children who love
crafts and their pets.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Gunderson, Jessica
TITLE: Your Life as a Cabin Boy
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone @ 2012
PRICE:
ISBN: 9781404871595
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR: Mike Burns
PAGES: 32
This awesome nonfiction book about pirates gives the reader many fascinating facts to tuck away for future use. Most of the two-page layouts have
three sections. Salty Sal welcoming you on the ship Red Doom and two other fact-laden sections. Parts of the pirate ship are provided on page 10 &
11 as well as how sea chanteys got started, weaponry and food. I am sure if the reader counted there would be well over 50 facts. I would like to
purchase the Titanic book in this series of five. Computer-generated illustrations depict the events well.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Hale, Nathan
TITLE: One Dead Spy
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Amulet @ 2012
PRICE: 12.95
ISBN: 9781419703966
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th-8th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 128
This is a Herculean effort by modern day Nathan Hale to describe events leading to 18th century hanging of spy Nathan Hale. I say Herculean
because of the detailed text and precise illustrations. Nathan Hale is about to be hanged as he looks back over the historic events that led to his
inevitable end. I enjoyed reading this graphic novel because of the historical content. I can think of no reason students will want to read this unless
they are doing a report on the American Revolution or they happen to be history buffs.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Hand, Elizabeth
TITLE: Radiant Days
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Viking, 2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-670-01135-3
INTEREST LVL: 11-12 gr.
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 287 pgs.
What started out as an interesting premise, I was intrigued to read a book about a time-warp connection between a 20th century American artist and a
19th century French poet. However, I was shocked to be reading about a lesbian relationship on page 5. The two main characters, Merle, the artist
and Arthur, the poet, follow their separate stories until they both meet a mysterious musician/fisherman. He sends the each of them to his old shack
along a river, where through a time-space portal Arthur is transported a hundred years to New York in 1977 to the same shack where Merle is
sleeping. The two become instant friends and after one night share a common bond of confusion, artistic temperament and discovery. Arthur returns
to his time, until Merle, months later joins him for one day in Paris during his time. I think that the emphasis on the gay relationship between Merle
and her instructor really distracts from the main story and the allusions to the Orpheus legend might be a little obscure for less mature readers. When
completely read, the story was intriguing and thought provoking. There was a good Author’s note at the end explaining about the historical events of
19th century France and the life of real-life Arthur Rimbaud. In addition, a complete bibliography for further reading was given. However, I feel that
this book would be most enjoyed by older teens or adults who want something somewhat intellectual with a science fiction twist.
Reviewer: Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School, Castle Rock, Washington
13
Hanson, Anders and Elissa Mann
TITLE: Beasts
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing Company
PRICE:
ISBN: 978-1-61783-404-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-5
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
Children will be enamored with the big, bad beasts in this book! If you want to learn which creatures are the biggest, most venomous, have the
biggest mouths, and are the ugliest, then this is the book for you. Photographs of these creatures are accompanied by descriptions under classifying
headings. This book also includes vocabulary in bold print which helps aid students in comprehension of the extremity of these beasts and a glossary
in the back of the book. Children who love the extremes will enjoy this book!
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
Harper, Carise
TITLE: Wedgieman: a Hero is Born
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Random House @ 2012
PRICE: 3.99
ISBN: 9780307930712
INTEREST LEVEL:1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Bob Shea
PAGES: 48
Actually, because of his love of vegetables Veggieman does not want to be called Wedgieman. However, due to the untimely placement of “V”
shaped twig, the children insist on Wedgieman. This is level 3 of a “Step into Reading”. The humor and energy of this story will definitely appeal to
reluctant readers. Computer generated illustrations add to the fun of this paperback.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Harper, Charise Mericle
TITLE: Just Grace and the double surprise
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin books for Children, 2012
PRICE: $14.99
ISBN: 9780547370262
INT. LEV: 3
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 167
Book number seven of Grace and her adventures reminds me of a Judy Moody or Junie B. Jones only with less mishaps or
misfortune. Just Grace was named by her teacher because there were three Graces in one class and each had to be distinctive.
Grace's best friend Mimi is expected to adopt a baby sister at any minute. One surprise is that the baby sister turns out to be a
three year old brother. Much to the dismay of Mimi, she is devastated. Grace believes it is her job to make Mimi believe
having a brother is better than a sister. Second surprise is that Grace gets a puppy that turns out to be her new best companion.
Both girls enjoy the newness and share with each other.
No, this character does not have the "punch" that Judy or Junie B have, but the plots are more realistic and will have followers
as Grace goes through life.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary, Kelso, WA
Hartman, Rachel
TITLE: Seraphina
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Random House, 2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0375866562
INTEREST: 7 up
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 465
The treaty between the human and dragons that has kept an uneasy peace for over 40 years is about to expire. Dragons, who take their human form
in the city, have been arriving for the anniversary of their king, Ardmagar Comonot’s rule. When human Prince Rufus is found murdered in what
looks like a death-by-dragon, his head has been bitten off, tensions escalate. Seraphina, is a musician with incredible talent, and a big secret. When
she is asked by Prince Lucian Kiggs to help with the murder investigation, she doesn’t really have a choice, but will she be able to keep her secret?
She’s a half-blood, part dragon, part human, and that could cause her all kinds of trouble if discovered. Layers of clothing help hide her scales, but
she has to learn to navigate the complex politics of court life. She also must learn to control and understand the odd dream world she enters which is
full of what she thinks are pieces of her personality, until one of them shows up, in the flesh, in court. Who are they, what are they doing in her head,
and what role do they have to play in saving the kingdom from rebellion or war? This is a well written story with a fleshed out world full of
interesting characters. The mystery and suspense is tightly written. I kept hoping the romance would ramp up a bit more than it does in the first
book. At first there seem to be too many characters with odd names to keep track of, but it doesn’t take long to know each of these characters and
understand they have a role to play. The questions always hover, “Is this a good guy or a bad guy? Can Seraphina trust them?” I hope readers are
not off-put by the cover which I think makes it look like it was published in 1950. I saw a different cover online and am wondering if they have rereleased with the new design. An original dragon, mystery, romance, yummy book. It is intended to be book one in a duo. Give to students who
like their fantasy full of political issues and a bit of romance, like The Seven Realms by Cinda Williams Chima or the Thief Errant series by Elizabeth
C. Bunce.
Reviewer: Patti Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School
Helfer, Ralph
TITLE: Lion
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Philomel @ 2012
PRICE: 17.99
ISBN: 9780399254178
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR: Ted Lewin
PAGES: UNP
This heart-felt nonfiction story from Zambia, Africa with the talented illustrations of Ted Lewin is bound to be a delight for children of all ages. Lion
cub Zamba is stranded when both his parents are killed by a ferocious lion intruder. Finally making his way to a wildlife ranch in California, Zamba
proves to be of great value to his owner Ralph. Zamba appears on television and in the movies. Zamba’s training helps save the other animals on the
ranch during a flash flood.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
14
Hemingway, Edward
TITLE: Bad apple, a tale of friendship
RATING: NR
PUBLISHER: G.P Putnam's Sons ,c 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780399251917
INT. LEV: 2
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: <29>
One would think that a book written by a Hemingway would be more serious and important. Not so.
This is a corny story about an apple who befriends a worm that has "wormed" his way into his apple body.
Yucko! They do everything together and become very good friends. Of course the other apples think this is disgusting and he
should be eliminated from the orchard because he "has worms." But they continue to be friends.
Now I am sure Edward Hemingway wanted to give a message that we need to accept all no matter our differences, but this is a
little far-fetched using an apple, MAC, and a worm. Skip this story.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary, Kelso, WA
Hernandez, Leeza
TITLE: Dog Gone!
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25447-5
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Hernandez, Leeza
PAGES: 32
Every page uses the term, dog, to tell the story of a canine friend. This dog starts out happy, but soon is in trouble when he chews a toy. He wanders
out into the world alone and seems lost. His boy looks for him and they are very happy to be reunited. This is a cute play on the phrase, “Dog gone!”
and repeats simple terms often. The young reader will enjoy this book.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Higgins, Melissa
TITLE: We all Look Different
RATING R
PUBLISHER: Capstone
PRICE: $ 18.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7576-5
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
PHOTOS: Karon Dubke
PAGES: 24
This is a very simple non-fiction book about how people are all different, and how that makes life interesting. “We are each one of a kind” This
would be a great book to introduce diversity to students. I love the photos of the different children.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
TITLE: Getting Ahead: Drugs, Technology, and Competitive….
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Heinemann-Raintree ©2012
PRICE: $25.50
ISBN: 978-1-4329-5978-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 64
Ethics of Sports series. This non-fiction text discusses multiple aspects of getting an advantage in sports. It looks at why athletes need or want
advantages and what might be consider by others as cheating. From state of the art technology to drug testing, many of the darker sides of sports are
examined. It does a good job of providing multiple sides and aspects for discussion, leaving the reader to come to his/her own conclusions. The
colorful photos are engaging and relative to the text. Includes glossary, sources and index. This is a great tool for upper middle school and high
school students researching this topic.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Hile, Lori
Hills, Tad
TITLE: Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House  2012
PRICE: $10.99
ISBN: 978-0-307-98155-4
INTEREST LEVEL: Toddler-Pre-K
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES:18
What a great board book for fall. Duck and Goose see a friend go by with a pumpkin. They want a pumpkin too, but where does one find a
pumpkin? They search until a friend gives them a hint. The oil painted illustrations is very well done and are perfect for the young readers.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Hills, Tad
TITLE: Rocket Writes a Story
RATING R
PUBLISHER: Schwartz & Wade
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-373-87086-6
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR Hills, Tad
PAGES: NA
Rocket wants to write a story so he travels all over finding words for his story. He finally decides to write about an owl. Everyday he would read
what he had written to his owl friend, This story has the same warmth and humor as Tads fir book How Rocket Learned to read.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Hoberman, Mary Ann
TITLE: I Like Old Clothes
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-96951-5
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Patrice Barton
PAGES: 22
Old clothes have a story to tell, and this little girl wants to listen to that story. What a breath of fresh air! This book doesn’t preach “green living”
but makes old clothes interesting and desirable. Hand me downs are clothes with a story. The poetry in the text makes this a great read aloud, and
the illustrations are developed in way that adds dimension and the pages themselves almost look like old clothes. This is a great reboot of an old text
and a great addition to any library.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
15
Hogan, Edward
TITLE: Daylight Saving
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Pres
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5913-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 10-16 yrs.
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 216
This is a gripping ghost/thriller story. Daniel is an overweight teen whose parents are separated, causing Daniel’s father to be depressed and drink.
Daniel’s father decides to take him on vacation to Leisure World Holiday Complex, which is a sports complex, and Daniel hates sports. Once there
the dad starts drinking and Daniel sees and meets a mysterious girl swimming in the lake. There is something strange about Lexi, her watch runs
backwards, she’s covered with bruises and cuts, and she is invisible to everyone but Daniel. Daniel discovers that Lexi is a ghost and was murdered
during the hour the clocks turn back for fall and the murder repeats itself every year. He is determined to break the cycle and free Lexis’s ghost. So
if he breaks the cycle, will Lexi be safe and able to go home? I found this book hooks you and the ending was not what I expected to happen.
REVIEWER: Vicki White, Cascade Middle School
Holm, Jennifer L.
TITLE: Babymouse for President
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Random House, New York, 2012
PRICE: $6.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86780-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Holm, Matthew
PAGES: 89
Being a first time reader of Babymouse, I struggled with this graphic novel at first. I was confused with the storyline, until I clued in that the pink
illustrations seemed to focus more on Babymouse’s daydreams rather than what was actually going on in her life. I liked that the ending was a bit of a
surprise with neither Babymouse nor mean girl, Felicia, winning. The underdog in the polls came out with the most votes and that was great! I love
that the author/illustrator is a sister/brother team! At the recent WLMA Conference, Matthew Holm was recommended as a superb guest speaker for
kids and he is fairly local (Portland). It is time to look grants or something to pay for a visit with him! The kids love these books!
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Holm, Jennifer
TITLE: Eighth Grade is Making Me Sick
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House ©2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86851-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Elicia Castaldi
PAGES: 121
Companion to Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf. Ginny is ready to conquer her list to accomplish in eighth grade. She is very excited after
making the cheerleading team and it seems like it will be the best year ever. Then her mom gets pregnant and quits her job, her older brother Henry
gets into trouble and her stepdad loses his job. This leads to much stress for Ginny and she is eventually diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. After her
baby brother is born her mom gets a job in California, meaning the family must get ready to move there from Pennsylvania. This powerful story is
told without traditional chapters. Rather it’s told through various notes, letters, text messages, and assorted memorabilia. A great read for girls,
especially reluctant readers.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Holub, Joan
TITLE: Ballet Stars
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Random House, New York, 2012
PRICE: $3.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86909-9
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-1st
ILLUSTRATOR: McNicholas, Shelagh
PAGES: 24
A cute rhyming story about young ballet friends preparing for a big show is what you’ll find in this book. My 5 year old girly-girl niece adored this
book! The pink tutus and little ballet stars make for a cute, simple read for Step 1 readers.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Holub, Joan
TITLE: Pumpkin Countdown
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman @ 2012
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780807566602
INTEREST LEVEL: Pkdg-1st
ILLUSTRATOR: Jan Smith
PAGES: 20
It’s time for Ms. Blue’s class to go on a field trip to the pumpkin patch. From nametags to the bus trip home there is a pumpkin countdown beginning
with 20. The bright illustrations add to the fun of the day. Facts fill the end papers. There are many opportunities for discussion. Pages 17 & 16 give
the children more thoughtful tasks. The reader will notice the numbered pages count backwards. All the details are appreciated.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Hoose, Phillip
TITLE: Moonbird: A Year On the Wind With the Great Survivor B95
RATING: R*
PUBLISHER: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2012
PRICE: $21.99
ISBN: 978-0374304683
INTEREST: 6 up
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 160
Focusing on one rufus red known as, B95, a tagged endangered bird, Hoose, follows his migration. From the winter home in Tierra del Fuego,
Argentina to their breeding grounds in the Canadian Arctic, the rufa red knots fly 9,000 miles each year. This bird, B95, weighs four ounces, and
has made this journey at least 18 times! This book is fascinating. The migration route is so specific that small changes in the environment along the
way can endanger whole flocks of birds. If their food source in the Chesapeake Bay is compromised, what will these birds eat to sustain them for the
next leg of their migration? By the end of the book you will be amazed any birds survive at all! And that is the problem. This endanger species has
dwindled from 150,000 birds to less than 25,000. There are maps, photographs, charts, and profiles of bird scientists to add to the overall view of the
situation. It is a story I will be sharing with my students.
Patti Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School
16
Horton, Joan
TITLE: Working Mummies
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Farrar, Straus, Giroux; New York, 2012
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 978-0-374-38524-8
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Kozjan, Drazen
PAGES: 32
A very cute story, this one is perfect gearing up for Halloween! The play-on words of the title about Mommy mummies that work is just the
beginning of the greatness found within! It describes in rhyme the many jobs these mummies hold, but ends with the best…. that they can’t unwind
until they’re home to hug their boys and ghouls! Cute, cute, cute! The pictures are great too with all kinds of different mummies and monsters.
Kozjan has a great imagination, and the kids are sure to be intrigued.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Howard, Melanie A.
TITLE: Copperheads
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press ©2012
PRICE: $20.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7663-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 3-7
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 32
Wild About Snakes series. The text opens with a Cherokee legend that tries to explain why Copperheads and humans don’t like each other. It then
goes into details about various types of Copperheads, their habitats, and reproduction. The text further discusses humans and their interactions with
snakes and the benefits that these snakes provide. It includes a glossary, index, and references. The large colorful photos balance the interesting text.
Anyone with an interest in snakes will enjoy this. It would also work well for older students who need access to information at a lower reading level.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Hunter, Nick
TITLE: Cyber Bullying
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Heinemann Library 2012
PRICE: $25.00
ISBN: 9781432948696
INTEREST: 8-10
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 56
Bullying is on the rise due to the advances in technology and the ability to hide behind anonymity on the internet. The top five types of cyber
bullying are: Hurtful text/voice messages, Hurtful comments on networking sites, Hurtful messages regarding someone else, Prank phone calls and
intimidating pictures to embarrass someone. Some students have felt so trapped by cyber bullying that they feel suicide is the only way out. There
are many laws now to combat this abuse. Students need to know that they don’t have to put up with bullying and have someone they can talk to
without reprecusions.
REVIEWER: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
Hunter-Gault, Charlayne
TITLE: To the Mountaintop
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Roaring Brook Press
PRICE: $22.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-605-3
INTEREST LVL: 9 -12 gr.
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 198 pgs.
As my daughter recently pointed out, young people today can hardly comprehend segregation and the racial tensions that existed two generations
ago. This book opens up with the inauguration of President Obama and then quickly takes us back to May 1958 when segregation in schools was
banned by the Supreme Court. This is the true narrative of a Black teenager at the time and through her memories of the times and the events, we are
given more than just a glimpse of the Civil Rights movement. Charlayne wasn’t just a bystander, but an active participant in this movement.
Covering the years of 1958-1965, we see her graduate from a newly segregated high school in Atlanta, Georgia and then was one of the first Black
students at University of Georgia. She worked and marched with James Meredith and Martin Luther King, Jr. and went on to become a nationally
recognized journalist and news reporter. This book is more than a biography; it is a first-person account of one of the main pivotal points of 20th
century America. It is full of newspaper headlines and clippings, contains a complete timeline and an appendix of extensive primary source articles.
It would make an excellent history and current event book to discuss in class or have as an outside reading assignment. It is readable non-fiction
history at its best and is highly recommended.
Reviewer: Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School, Castle Rock, Washington
Jackson III, Curtis
TITLE: Playground: The Mostly True Story of a Former Bully
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Razorbill, 2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-1-59514-434-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 7 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: Lizzi Akana
PAGES: 314
This is one of my recommendations for YALSA’s Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers. For those NOT in the know, Curtis Jackson, III is
known among hip hop buffs as 50 Cent, and the author alone is sufficient to draw young men to the book as relentlessly as if they were on the trail of
junk food. The fact that the book has merit may also come as a shock to those adults who wonder if any literate thought can come from a hip hop
artists’ naughty mouth. Jackson’s introduction alerts readers to the fact that this isn’t completely HIS story, but that it is drawn from his own life
experiences. Burton, aka Butterball, is a fat, black kid in a predominantly white suburb of New York. Dragged from the city and his father, Butterball
is hating life in Garden City. He’s relatively anonymous until he packs several D batteries into a sock and proceeds to belt a fellow student with it.
The ferocity of the attack lands Butterball on Liz’s radar. Liz is a social worker who is determined to help Butterball see life as it really is. With Liz’s
help, Butterball works through his idolism of his father, his anger towards his mother, and his understanding of his mother’s choice of a partner. Need
a little dramatic irony? Older readers will be able to recognize all of the signs that Butterball’s hero worship of his father is an adoration that his
father doesn’t deserve, as much as Butterball’s vilification of his mother and his perceptions that she doesn’t sacrifice anything for him is equally illfounded. The book is a well-crafted narrative, with descriptive language and a few vocabulary words that would make an English teacher smile. That
said, a review wouldn’t be complete without the observation that the story is laced with profanity, but not obscenity. Scatological references abound;
however, the story, itself, has several strong female characters of all ages who are smart enough to draw the line when it comes to abuse, and no
graphic descriptions of sexuality or use of the grand-daddy of all bad words, the F-bomb. The author’s street cred is enough that young men might
just consider meditating on the message of this book in spite of its positive and well-articulated message.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
17
Jarrow, Gail
TITLE: The Amazing Harry Kellar Great American Magician
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Calkins Creek © 2012
PRICE: $17.95
ISBN: 978-1-59078-865-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 96
This colorful biography depicts the life of magician Harry Kellar. Harry is one of America’s greatest, yet least known, magicians. He began as an
apprentice and worked his way up to the lead magician. There already was a popular magician in the United States with a similar name, Heller, so he
frequently toured outside of the United States and was famous on five continents. This oversized informative text is interesting and engaging. The
combination of black & white photographs and colorful copies of the original promotional posters keep the reader’s interest. Students seeking
information on magicians will enjoy this book.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Jensen, Melissa
TITLE: The Fine Art of Truth or Dare
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Speak, Penguin, 2012
PRICE: $8.99
ISBN: 978-0142420904
INTEREST: 7 up
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 380
Ella has two crushes and both seem out of reach. First, well, he’s a ghost at her exclusive private school, Edward Willing, a painter, whose aunt
founded the Willing School. (And yes, there are jokes about being “a Willing girl.”) The other, is unattainable, popular, Alex Bainbridge. No
surprises here, but the journey is sweet and fun. Alex is assigned as Ella’s French tutor and suddenly he seems a whole lot more human than Ella
imagined. However, Ella doesn’t have much self-confidence and begins to suspect that Alex would rather the kids at school don’t know about their
time together. The awkwardness of their relationship seems just like the kids at my school. Throw in her quirky best friends and a large Italian
family with a restaurant and you have a great, clean, romance.
Reviewer: Patti Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School
TITLE: Magritte’s Marvelous Hat
RATING: R++
PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 1-59354-006-X95
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 32
From the cover art to the decorated end papers to the delightful story, this is a must-buy picture book. Johnson celebrates one of the most
recognizable 20th century artists, René Magritte and his amazing floating hat. The art is in mixed media with a significant twist: acetate pages of
“Magritte” are interposed on each page as the story is told. One side of the transparent page has an illustration with caption. Turn that page and the
clear page interposes on the former paper page for with a new illustration drawn on the back of the previous with a new caption. René Magritte, a
cute dog version, is intrigued with a marvelous floating hat, and buys it as it does not muss his hair or pinch his ears. As the hat floats above him
throughout the story, Magritte’s interpretation of potted plants, wacky spatial relations, illusions and improbable scenery delight the reader. The hat
proves uncooperative while Magritte’s paints, and goes on the lam. Magritte hunts for it throughout the fantastical landscapes and finally resorts to
reverse psychology so the hat follows him home. This is a wonderful circle story that brings the complexity and awe of one of the world’s finest
surrealist artists to children. Students can hunt for the abnormal and delightful alternative realities. Showing an Internet tour of his art for students is
a must. Students could replicate Magritte’s or Johnson’s art, easier to more challenging.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Robert A. Long High School http://bookbevy.wordpress.com
Johnson, D. B.
Kalz, Jill
TITLE: My First Mandarin Chinese Phrases
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Picture Window Books  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-4048-7155-7
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Daniele Fabbri
PAGES: 32
The phrases are great to know, however if you do not have a Chinese teacher that is helping you learn different sounds don’t pick up this book. That
being said there are definite pluses to the lay out of this book. It is not in textbook format therefore it is more kid friendly and could be used by
young readers. There is a table of contents and help on how to use this book. The phrases are in English, Mandarin, and in pinyin which is the
pronunciation. There are pages that help with the pronunciation that can be very advanced and need to have a background or context. The cartoon
like illustrations makes the book more kid friendly. I would say that if your child is learning to speak Mandarin Chinese this phrase book could be
helpful, or if you have young children that speak Chinese the English.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Kelly, Lynne
TITLE: Chained
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Margaret Ferguson Books© 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-31237-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 4-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 248
Ten-year-old Hastin is sent to work as an elephant keeper to work off his family’s debt after his sister’s illness. At first Hastin is excited to get to
work with elephants until he realizes they are going to capture and train a baby that they’ll trap from the wild. Hastin even tries to help the baby,
Nandita, escape after she’s captured. His boss, Timir, punishes him by adding more to the debt. With the help of Ne Min, an elderly caretaker of the
camp, Hastin helps care for Nandita. Nandita is treated terribly by the keepers and Hastin helps here return to the wild and escapes back to his
village. Readers will be rooting for Hastin & Nandita. This is a heart-felt story that will appeal to a wide variety of elementary and middle school
students.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
18
Kenney, Sean
TITLE: Amazing ABC
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt and Company, LLC
PRICE: $7.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-K
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 27
This book is perfect for young boys! There is nothing more exciting for young boys than multiple LEGO creations in one book. This book teaches
the letters of the alphabet by creating each letter with LEGO blocks, as well as creating an item that begins with each letter sound. This book is a
great teaching tool that incorporates the alphabet with one of America’s most beloved toys.
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
King, Wesley
TITLE: The Vindico
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Penguin Group  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-256547
INTEREST LEVEL: 6th-8th
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 304
A group of supervillians have banded together under the name The Vindico. The Vindico has been fighting the League of Heroes forever and now
realize they aren’t getting any younger. They need to recruit some younger villains to take their place, so they devise a plan. The Vindico are going
to kidnap a group of teenagers to replace them after training them to be evil. It can’t be that hard! As the group of teens learns the truth about their
old lives and the Heroes they idolize, they are tested physically and mentally. Will they become villain or a hero? This book kept me reading with
the action of the teens using their powers against their villain mentors.
REVIEWER: Vicki White, Cascade Middle School
Kirsch, Vincent X.
TITLE: the Chandeliers
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Farrar, Straus, Giroux, New York, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-374-39898-9
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Kirsch, Vincent X.
PAGES: 33
The Chandeliers are a giraffe family who take the stage every night. Little Rufus doesn’t participate until one night when he seemingly saves the day
by helping out in many different situations. The rest of the family gives him the credit he is due, and he gets to bow before the audience for a change.
The illustrations are entertaining and convey the quirky personalities of the giraffes.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Klise, Kate
TITLE: The Phantom of the Post Office
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Pub. Co.  2012
PRICE: $ 17.99
ISBN: 978-0-547-51974-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th – 6th
ILLUSTRATOR: M. Sarah Klise
PAGES: 136
Klise’s main characters in Ghastly are back: Seymour, the young boy, and Ignatius, an elderly writer, who both live with ghost Olive. In this edition
they are joined by some interesting and exciting new characters, including a mysterious letter writer who sends them warnings by mail carrier. What
do the warnings mean? With the imminent closure of the local Post Office looming, will the trio be able to figure out the hidden message of the
warnings, solve the identity of the letter writer, and more importantly, save the Post Office and ‘snail mail’ in Ghastly? Told in written
correspondence between the many characters, newspaper articles, faxes, etc. this is a thoroughly fun read! This is the fourth installment in Klise’s ’43
Old Cemetery Road’ series.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Klise, Kate
TITLE: Grammy Lamby and the Secret Handshake
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt and Com.  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9313-1
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: M. Sarah Klise
PAGES: 21
This book tackles a tough subject, what if your child has a hard time connecting to their grandparents? What kind of kid were you? The kind that
embraces every family member or the kind that took a step back from the embrace. My uncle scared me to death, he was loud, demonstrative, but
everyone thought he was fun. Then as I grew older he became my hero in a matter of speaking. He can do anything. Little Lamby finds that
grandma is a little scary, but soon she becomes his hero and they share a little secret handshake that binds it all together. I think that this is a must
have for all your shy little ones and maybe even for those who have awesome family members that can be bigger than life.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Knudsen, Michelle
TITLE: Big Mean Mike
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick @ 2012
PRICE: 15.99
ISBN: 9780763649906
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Scott Magoon
PAGES: UNP
What a Dog! Big Mean Mike with his pointy claws, sharp teeth and big bark has a reputation throughout the neighborhood that friend and foe alike
had better give him a wide berth. All that changed one day when Mike found a fuzzy fluffy bunny in the trunk of his big mean car. Each day he found
another bunny until there were four. The bunnies want Mike for a best friend so they are not going to give up easily. Finally, at the Monster Truck
Show Mike is able to come to terms with his softer gentler side and no one better give him any lip. The illustration are over the top good.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Kohara, Kazuno
TITLE: Ghosts in the House!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Roaring Brook Press
PRICE: $7.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK
ILLUSTRATOR: Kazuno Kohara
PAGES: 25
What do you do when your new house is haunted!?! That is no problem for this young girl who is actually a witch! Children will delight in
discovering how this young witch turns ghosts into useful household items. The illustrations in this board book engage the reader in the witch’s
antics and draw youngsters into the story. The wording is simple and easy for toddlers through preschoolers to understand.
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
19
Koster, Gloria
TITLE: The Peanut-Free Café
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman & Co. ©2006
PRICE: $7.99
ISBN: 9780807563878
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Cocca-Leffler, Maryann
PAGES: 28
When Grant goes to a new school the children are shocked to learn that he can’t eat peanut butter. Simon really likes Grant and comes up with the
idea to create the Peanut Free Café to keep Grant safe. Can Simon give up his favorite food in the whole world for a new friend? A great way to teach
kids about students that may have food allergies in their school. Illustrations are lively and colorful and help make this a fun book to read.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
TITLE: King Arthur’s Very Great Grandson
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick @ 2012
PRICE: 15.99
ISBN: 9780763653118
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Kenneth Kragel
PAGES: UNP
On the day, the great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandson of King Arthur, Henry, turns six years old; he rides his horse Knuckles
over the horizon looking for an adventure. He meets a dragon, a Cyclops, a griffin and a leviathan. None want to have adventures they would much
rather play games. Illustrations hit the mark in depicting the text.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Kragel, Kenneth
Kuskowski, Alex
TITLE: A Streak of Tigers
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing  2012
PRICE:
ISBN: 978-1-61783-542-1
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: shutterstock
PAGES: 24
Children will love reading this non-fiction book. This book is simple, short, and does a great job at introducing different animal groups and their
names. This book is quite enlightening. There were many groupings that I did not know. A streak of tigers, a congress of lemurs, and a leap of
leopards are some new groupings that are introduced in this book. This is a great vocabulary for those teachers that are studying tropical jungles, rain
forests, or animal groups. My students loved this book and not only the interesting facts that are here, but also the size of the book fits in their hands.
The photos were very well done and while the size does not lend to a great read aloud it is great for a small group or reference book at a station in
your room.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Kyi, Tanya Lloyd
TITLE: Seeing Red: The True Story of Blood
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Annick Press© 2012
PRICE: $14.95
ISBN: 978-1-55451-384-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Steve Rolston
PAGES: 121
This paperback non-fiction book investigates the history and science of blood. From blood sacrifices and early horrific medical practices to modern
day technology and medicine, this story covers it all and many things in-between. The interesting text and black & red graphic novel style
illustrations will engage even reluctant readers, as long as they aren’t easily grossed out. Includes references and index. A fun and engaging read for
middle school students.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Lacey, Josh
TITLE: Island of Thieves
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin© 2011
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-547-76327-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 228
Tom has put himself into a bind by accidentally burning down the family’s shed. Now the family he’s supposed to stay with while his parents go on
vacation won’t take him and no one else in town will take him either. Just when the vacation seems doomed, Tom’s father contacts his brother,
Harvey, who agrees to take Tom. After getting dropped off by his parents, Uncle Harvey tells Tom that he’ll be staying in New York by himself as he
is flying to Peru on business. Tom protests enough and Harvey takes him along. Tom learns Harvey has found parts of a journal that will lead them
to treasure. Unfortunately, Harvey deals in shady business, like stolen/counterfeit artwork , and upon arriving in Peru they are taken captive by an
important criminal, whom Harvey has double crossed. Now they are forced to find the treasure to repay the debt and hope to escape with their lives.
This is a great action-packed adventure that will surely appeal to adventurous boys. There are many twists and turns and the final outcome isn’t
known until the end, which wraps up nicely.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
TITLE: It’s A Tiger!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Chronicle @ 2012
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780811869256
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Jeremy Tankard
PAGES: UNP
I think it is the brilliant hilarious illustrations that put me over the top the first time I read it. Or perhaps it is the way the print is displayed in many
sizes, fonts and colors. All elementary library classes that I shared this book with were on the edge of their seats full of anticipation where tiger
would show up next.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
LaRochelle, David
20
Laybourne, Emmy
TITLE: Monument 14
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Feiwel and Friends, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-312-56903-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 294
The Apocalyptic Monument 14 starts out with one hail of a storm (pun intended). One minute Dean is on his way to school chauffeured by an
irascible bus driver, and the next a hail storm on steroids creates massive destruction and only the no-nonsense Mrs. Wooly—driver of the elementary
school bus—is able to rescue the students. Crashes, explosions, and near-death experiences are enough to daunt the youngsters, but those experiences
will be nothing like their world once Mrs. Wooly crashes the bus into the fictional equivalent of a Wal-Mart, shuts the metal gate behind herself,
charges them to let no one in, and then goes off to get help. With remarkable resourcefulness, Dean proceeds to become a leader. The young
people—ranging in age from elementary to high school—are faced with the necessity of setting up their own microcosm of society. The plot is not
outstandingly original. After all, there have been a plethora of books that have melded survival with the end of the world combined with a little Lord
of the Flies action thrown in. Some of the characters step up, and their trial by fire refines them. Other characters choose debauchery and the slow,
emotional death that accompanies poor decision-making. The story’s appeal is augmented by an ordinary beginning that rapidly descends into a man
versus nature versus man conflict with very few down-times. If young readers expect a nice, tidy closure, they won’t be getting it in this tale. The
first novel ends with a clear set-up for a sequel.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Lester, Helen
TITLE: All For Me and None For All
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2012
PRICE: $
ISBN: 978-0-547-68834-3
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Munsinger, Lynn
PAGES: 30
This was a great book with compelling illustrations! Gruntly the pig is just that……….a real hog! He doesn’t like to share and always takes for
himself. When the Parks Department offers a treasure hunt, Gruntly is pleased. As he joins the others, he doesn’t even listen to the entire clue being
read before he is off to look. He eventually finds the treasure, but not before everyone else has already found it. Gruntly is touched and pleased that
they left his portion of the treasure intact. This is something that he would never have considered doing, but because of their example, he changes and
decides to share! This is a great opportunity to teach children about good manners!
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Levy, Janice
TITLE: Diva Duck Dreams
RATING: M
PUBLISHER: Magic Wagon  2012
PRICE:
ISBN: 978-1-61641-886-1
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Colleen Madden
PAGES: 30
This book is designed to encourage children to reach for their dreams and ignore the nay-sayers. The one issue that I have with the books concept is
that Diva Duck is striving to be famous and if fame in and of itself is something that can be achieved with hard work and arrogance. The text was
haughty and left me feeling cold. The Diva did not make the world a better place, but was self promoting. There are better books out there that help
children with self-confidence and strengthen their place in community to betterment of the world around them. The illustrations were digital and cold
just like the text. Am I the only one who doesn’t want “a piece of duck?”
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Lewis, J. Patrick and Yolen, Jane
TITLE: Take Two! A Celebration of Twins
RATING: M
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press ©2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 9780763637026
INTEREST LEVEL:
ILLUSTRATOR: Blackall, Sophie
PAGES: 71
At 71 pages you really get your money’s worth in this book all about twins. The poems are well done with humor and compassion and really focus on
some of the issues that are unique to twins. This book probably will not find its way to our shelves because of the frequent nude or in utero
illustrations. These would alert our ever diligent students on the watch for inappropriate pictures.
Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Lindeen, Mary
TITLE: The Story of Corn
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press, 2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-1-4296-8641-9
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 16
This non-fiction book shares with young reader how corn grows, its place in history, and ways it is used today. Lots of actual photographs help the
reader to visualize the information being shared, and there is an extension activity suggested at the back of the book.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Linenthal, Peter
TITLE: Look Look Outside!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Dial Books  2012
PRICE: $6.99
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3729-7
INTEREST LEVEL: infants-toddlers
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 18
Look at the negative and positive space designed just for babies. With the black and white and touch of green, this is bound to get your babies
attention. The green writing pops from the page and the contrast is perfect for young children. This is a great book for my library teachers are bound
to use this to extend learning in the inspiration of art for toddlers and paint play.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
21
Lord, Michelle
TITLE: The Quick Quarterback
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Stone Arch Books, 2012
PRICE: $17.49
ISBN: 978-1-4342-3281-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Harpster, Steve
PAGES: 32
Introducing kids to graphic novels using a story about football is the purpose of this book. Before the story begins, the reader receives a quick lesson
on how to go about reading a graphic novel. After the story, there are several extension activity suggestions. The illustrations are bright and focused!
In this book, Andre is excited to be on the football team. An unfortunate accident keeps him away for several weeks, and then he must regain his
strength and flexibility in order to play the game. An unexpected training regime helps him overcome some of his limitations from the accident.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Losure, Mary
TITLE: The fairy ring, or Elsie and Frances fool the world
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780763656706
INT. LEV: 5
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 184
This is a true story about a young girl who saw fairies in the waterfall behind her house. She told her cousin Elsie who suggested
they photograph them. The adults teased the girls about their sightings and they thought pictures would stop them. When the
photos were discovered by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle he wanted to see them. Word of the fairies and photos got to reporters and
an article was written in the London newspaper, the Westminster Gazette. Most folks believed that the photos were fake and
that Elsie had drawn the figures in the pictures. All became worse when other people tried to photograph the wee figures.
Then there seemed to be no more fairies. Each girl went on to live their lives always believing but keep mum about their past.
Such a fairy story makes one question real and imagination and what we want to believe. I hope there is the perfect reader
for this special story of innocence and hope.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary, Kelso, WA
Love, Maryann Cusimano
TITLE: You are my Wonders
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Penguin Group  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25293-8
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Satomi Ichikawa
PAGES: 30
I am your reader and you are my author. What a sweet author you are, too! This book has heart and it is a beautiful heart. The teacher in me sang
for joy and the words “I am your calm you are my thunder.” How many times have I been that over the years and how many times have I failed at
doing that in my home. The simplicity of the writing is leads to a quiet read aloud and sense of relationship once the story is finished. At the end of
the book I called them all my wonders and I think I will keep that up. This book could be used in so many ways in the classroom. The illustrations
are sweet and all of the characters look like homemade stuff animals so precious.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Low, William
TITLE: Machines Go to Work in the City
RATING R
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt
PRICE: $ 16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9050-5
INTEREST LEVEL:
ILLUSTRATOR: William Low
PAGES: NA
This book talks about various machines that work together helping everyone in a city, such as a garbage truck, vacumn truck, bucket truck, airplane,
etc. In the end of the book It shows each machine and gives a brief description of what they do.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Lusted, Marcia Amidon
TITLE: APPLE
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing 2012
PRICE: $25.00
ISBN: 9781617833311
INTEREST: 10-12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 112
Apple, a company that has introduced cutting edge technology to the world was founded by a man who struggled in a normal school setting and
dropped out of college his freshman year. Steve Wozniak was the brains behind building the computers and Steve Jobs saw them as a money maker.
Apple grew out of “Homebrew Computer Club” started in Menlo, California, on March 5, 1975. Apple Computer became the official name on April
1, 1976. Now, they needed to find customers to sell their circuit boards to for $50. Steve Jobs resigned from Apple on September 17, 1985, because
of conflicts with the new CEO. He returned on September 16, 1997, as the permanent CEO. Apple continues to grow and introduce new products to
keep up with the demand from its customers. Steve Jobs resigned from Apple in August 2011, due to poor health. He passed away October of that
year.
REVIEWER: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
22
Lyon, George Ella
TITLE: Holding on to Zoe
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-374-33264-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 166
How far will the mind go to protect the body? In Jules’ case, it will go as far as it needs to in order to protect her baby, Zoe. At sixteen, Jules knows
she is too young to be a mother. She sees how hard her own mother—raising Jules on her own—must go in order to keep food on the table and a roof
over their heads. When Jules discovers that her liaison with her “boyfriend” has ended in pregnancy, she makes the decision to keep her baby
regardless of how difficult the consequences of that decision may be. When a trip to the doctor’s office reveals that Jules’ pregnancy is an ectopic
pregnancy, Jules determines that she will keep her baby safe through the sheer force of her will. Jules doesn’t remember much about the delivery, but
she does name the baby “Zoe,” and finds a job at a Toyota factory that has employee housing and a day care. She misses her own mother, but she is
determined to do whatever it takes to keep Zoe safe and loved. When she quits the Toyota factory, Jules is mystified at her best friends’
determination not to see Zoe and her own mother’s seeming inability to accept Zoe’s presence. When Jules finally has a breakdown, she begins to get
help from a woman who, little by little, counsels Jules back to reality. The prose is sparsely written, and the emotions of the characters are genuinely
raw interspersed with a common thread of deep love—even amidst the exhaustion that Jules’ mother endures and that Jules’ endures vicariously
during her fantasy life in the Toyota factory, which readers eventually discover is a mental institution. Zoe is a figment of Jules’ imagination,
constructed in an effort to protect her from the memories of being sexually abused when she was much younger. The story is convincing and will be
compelling to young women who are drawn to books about teen mothers and mental illness. While the thinness of the book may be enticing to more
reluctant readers, Jules’ breaks with reality may prove challenging for less sophisticated or patient consumers.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Mack, Jeff
TITLE: Good News Bad News
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Chronicle Books  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-45521-0110-1
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-K
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 28
The only words you need to be able to read are “Good News, Bad News.” However, the illustrations are the star in this book. How do you view the
world? Is it through the lens of an optimism or pessimism? Rabbit and mouse define their personalities through their illustrated experiences. Is it
good news…or is it bad news. Well…yes I am going to type the age-old saying “It all depends on your point of view.”
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
TITLE: Let’s Play Football!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-8244-2
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-2
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
This book is for youngsters with a love of football! Filled with facts about football rules, safety, and equipment, this book shares the basic
fundamentals of one of America’s most beloved sports. Colorful illustrations and bilingual text will help second language learners comprehend the
information, as well as a glossary in the back. Perfect for those with a love of sports!
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
Mader, Jan
Malaspina, Ann
TITLE: Heart on Fire, Susan B. Anthony Votes for President
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman & Co. ©2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780807531884
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: James, Steve
PAGES: 28
This is a simple biography using free verse that clearly underscores the sentiment of the time towards the rights of women. It portrays Susan B.
Anthony’s determination as well as her bravery in exercising her right to vote. I feel that this book can be the prompt for classroom discussions on
many and varied topics.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Maning, Maurie
TITLE: Laundry Day
RATING R
PUBLISHER: Clarion Books
PRICE: $
ISBN: 978-0-547-24196-8
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR Maning, Maurie
PAGES: NA
This picture has beautiful pictures and can tell a story without hardly any words. A young boy finds a red blanket and travels all over the city trying
to find out who the blanket belongs to. He finally finds the owner She thanks him but then gives the boy the blanket for himself.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Manning, Jane
TITLE: Millie Fierce
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Philomel Books  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25642-4
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 29
All the wallflowers stand up and be identified! Yeah right! Millie the wallflower had her chalk flower trampled by a number of girls who didn’t
even notice. She had it, so instead of a wallflower she becomes MILLIE the FIERCE! She compels you to give her attention through outright
determination until her antics begin to exclude her from the group. Everyone then begins to purposely ignore her behavior. Finally she does the
unspeakable act of taking the birthday boy’s piece of cake for herself and she becomes the outcast of the class. Her shame compels her to turn back
into Millie once again. The illustrations are a perfect fit and Millie’s hair is it’s own character. Must read for all your children, but especially for
your wallflowers and your ferrous beasts that are in your classroom. However, the last page is most apropos because we can never give up the little
goddess that cries to be noticed, but we learn to control her and lead her to compassion.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
23
Marillier, Juliet
TITLE: Shadowfell
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Knopf/Random, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0375869549
INTEREST: 6 up
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 410
Neryn and her father are constantly on the move, hoping that the King and his soldiers don’t find her, because she has a special ability that few have,
the ability to call the fey. When her father is enticed by the gambling on a river boat, and when he loses all their money, puts his daughter up for the
bet. When he loses, a stranger, Flint, buys her for three silver pieces. On the trail afterward, the soldiers arrive, burning the boat and killing
townspeople. Neryn wants to help her father, but knows it is useless. Even though Flint tells her he is not interested in her, she decides to take off on
her own and try to get to Shadowfell, where it is rumored a rebel force is growing. Her path keeps intersecting that of Flint, who comes after her,
rescuing her at several points. She keeps her ability to see the fey from him since she isn’t sure he can be trusted. He seems to be hiding something,
but then so is she. Politics, romance, intrigue and fey, with a protagonist who isn’t sure who to trust except herself make for a satisfying first book in
a new series. There is a flavor of Tamora Pierce about Marillier’s book, so direct those readers to this one.
Reviewer: Patti Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School
Marks, Jennifer L.
TITLE: Sorting Money
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press
PRICE: $19.99
ISBN: 978-1-4296-8255-8
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-2
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
This bilingual read teaches youngsters about classifying money and challenges them to come up with different ways to sort a set of items. This is an
important math skill that is taught throughout and accentuated by photographs of coins and different groupings of money. The use of Spanish and
English will aid in the comprehension of second language learners and help readers identify different coins and bills.
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
Mass, Wendy
TITLE: Beauty and the Beast
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic Press
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-31018-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12 yrs.
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 282
This is a story of Beauty and the Beast that has never been heard before. Beauty, in this story, is not beautiful, graceful or even stylish. She likes to
read and search for different items that people have dropped or lost. Beauty has a large nose, likes to wear pants and has an older sister who is
stunning, graceful, and almost perfect! The Beast in the story is actually a prince named Riley who was turned into several different kinds of animals
by a witch. Although Riley is the prince, he doesn’t act like one. He would rather play the bagpipes, study the stars, and do all kinds of experiments
with different chemicals. Riley is trying to invent the Forever Young potion. Riley has an older brother who would make a better prince. Since
Riley was turned into the Beast and his family became invisible, he must find someone who loves him or the curse will be with him and his family
forever. Beauty’s life is suddenly turned upside down by a fire and her father’s bad fortune. When she travels to the castle to meet the Beast she is
treated like a princess, much to her surprise. Beauty thought she would be a servant. After meeting the Beast and getting to know him, Beauty finds
herself caring for him and the Beast cares for her. Together they trick the witch and free the witch’s kingdom and everyone lives happily ever after.
REVIEWER: Vicki White, Cascade Middle School
Matheis, Mickie
TITLE: Bedtime for Boo
RATING R
PUBLISHER: Random House
PRICE: $10.99
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7662-5
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Bonnie Leick
PAGES: NA
Boo was a young ghost. He finally was old enough to stay up late and go exploring with the other ghosts. When he came home he was too excited to
go to bed. Momma ghost had him lay down and listen to all the sounds he heard in the house, and then he fell asleep. Good bedtime story, the
ghosts are not scary, and the illustrations are beautiful.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
McCaughrean, Geraldine
TITLE: Nutcracker
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Chronicle @ 2012
PRICE: 19.99
ISBN: 9781452106694
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg
ILLUSTRATOR: Kristina Swarner
PAGES: UNP
This version of Nutcracker would not be considered a pop-up but a coming together of images on a stage. Ms. Swarner uses linoleum prints,
watercolor and colored pencils to reach her desired creations. Her intricately cut figures, that travel back and forth across the page, deserve a standing
ovation. Not meant to be a library book; this rendition makes an excellent Christmas gift or a librarian’s favorite to share with students over the
holidays. The text is well-written.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
McCurry, Kristen
TITLE: Look and Compare
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7551-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 1-5th
PHOTOS: Varies
PAGES: 32
This is a wonderful analogy book It has you decide what goes with what. For example Bat is to ball as hockey stick is to? Then it gives three
choices and you are to choose which answer is correct. This is a great way to learn analogies, and to have students come up with their own.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
24
McDaniel, Lurlene
TITLE: Red Heart Tattoo
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Delacorte Press 2012
PRICE: $16.00
ISBN: 9780385734622
INTEREST: 9-12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 216
This could be the scenario at many high schools. Students at the top of the “social chain” having no desire to communicate with those out of their
circle. The “Nerds”, “Techies” and anyone else not fortunate enough to be popular are left to defend themselves and forever be on the outside.
Morgan Frierson and her boyfriend Trent Caparella have no need to seek out popularity. They are at the top. Morgan intrigues Stuart Rothman and
her boyfriend doesn’t like it. Everything changes when “The Watchers”, an outside group, plan something bigger than the illegal fireworks show at
the pep assembly. A bomb goes off in the atrium at school. Trent is dead, Morgan blinded and everyone blames Stuart. Soon, Morgan realizes that
Stuart is a nice guy and her life must go on even though she can no longer see. Through a traumatic flash back of the day the bomb went off, her
sight is restored and Morgan sees the students around her in a different light. I am delighted to have a new book from Lurlene McDaniel on our
library shelf.
REVIEWER: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
McKay, Hilary
TITLE: Lulu and the Duck in the Park
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman and Company
PRICE: $13.99
ISBN: 978-0-8075-4808-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 1-3
ILLUSTRATOR: Priscilla Lamont
PAGES: 104
What do you do when a duck is hatching in your sweater while you are wearing it? This is the predicament Lulu faces in this cute novel about a
young girl who finds a duck egg on the class field trip through the park. Lulu uses her sweater as nest for the egg, but it starts hatching in the middle
of class! Youngsters will love this funny tale and will understand Lulu’s struggle between secretly taking care of this duck and following directions
in class. With its simple wording and fun illustrations, this book is great for young readers!
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
TITLE: Dragon Slayers’ Academy, School’s Out…Forever!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Grosset & Dunlap ©2012
PRICE: $4.99
ISBN: 9780448445717
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Basso, Bill
PAGES: 108
Wiglaf and his friends set off on a quest to find Worm the dragon. When they return, they discover that the Dragon Slayers Academy may close its
doors forever to become a gambling casino. I enjoyed this #20 of the series which had lots of action and adventure. The clever language and humor
make this a fun book to read. The dragon theme and middle ages references delight and inform at the same time. I recently had the fortune of meeting
Mrs. McMullan and found her to be as charming as her many books.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
McMullan, Kate
McNamara, Margaret
TITLE: Apples A to Z
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic @ 2012
PRICE: 17.99
ISBN: 9780439728089
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Jake Parker
PAGES: UNP
The charm of this book explodes on every page as the reader discovers apple facts A-Z. The suggested Dewey numbers is 634.1. And as if the
alphabet pages aren’t enough, there are apple activities in the back to whet your appetite. If you turn to the “V” pages you will find numerous apple
varieties and they are in alphabetical order. Scholastic has come up with a winner at a time when nonfiction reading is becoming more and more
important in school districts across the United States.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Meister, Carl
TITLE: The Price and the Sphinx
PUBLISHER: Picture Window Books
ISBN: 978-1-4048-7149-6
ILLUSTRATOR: Leonardo Meschini
RATING: R
PRICE: $18.49:
INTEREST LEVEL: 1-5th
PAGES: 32
This the story of Thutmose IV who was a great Egyptian pharaoh. When he was young his younger brothers were mean to him because their father
favored them.. When he became pharaoh his brothers begged him to forgive them for the way that they treated them which he did.. Beautiful
pictures and the story is written in an easy to understand way, for children of all ages to enjoy.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Melton Crow, Melinda
TITLE: Mud Mess
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Stone Arch Books
PRICE:
ISBN: 978-1-4342-3777-4
INTEREST LEVEL: K-1
ILLUSTRATOR: Ronnie Rooney
PAGES: 31
Mud Mess is a great bilingual book with simple wording that can help English/Spanish students learn to read in their own language as well as a
second language. This book is also a great tool to use with second language learners at beginning/intermediate levels to aid in their comprehension
skills. Young boys will especially love this book about trucks and their adventures. A great book to get them interested in reading!
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
25
Meredith, Christina
TITLE: Kiss, Crush, Collide
RATING: R
PUBLISHER:Greenwillow, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0062062246
INTEREST: 9 up
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 313
There are few surprises in this --rich girl fall for the poor bad-boy and nobody understands-- plot. However, I was surprised by how much I liked it.
The romance scenes were well done, and Leah, does seem to fall in love not to spite her family, but because she really does like Porter. The two
meet when he is parking cars at the country club. Leah is the youngest of three sisters; all prom queens, valedictorians and athletes. All perfect. If
the ending is predictable, so are the romantic sighs from the reader. Good fluff.
Reviewer: Patti Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School
Messner, Kate
TITLE: Capture The Flag
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic Press 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780545395397
INTEREST: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Whitney Lyle
PAGES: 231
Who would steal the famous flag, known for inspiring the “Star Spangled Banner”? Three kids stuck in the airport, waiting out a snowstorm, begin
to realize that the thief might be one of their fellow travelers. With a little sleuthing and asking a lot of questions, Anna, Jose, and Henry begin to
unravel the mystery. The mysterious owner of an airport restaurant, with a snake tattoo and a candidate running for President are their prime
suspects. If they don’t find the flag before the snowstorm abates, the flag could be lost forever.
Best of all, Anna, Jose and Henry realize that each of their parents are members of the secret Jaguar Society that are sworn to protect America’s
National Treasures. The chase ensues and soon they are in desperate need of someone to rescue them from those who stole the flag. All is well, the
flag is recovered and their family’s secret is safe.
REVIEWER: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/SR High School
Michalak, Jamie
TITLE: Joe and Sparky, Superstars!
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2011
PRICE: $4.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-6059-8
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Remkiewicz, Frank
PAGES: 42
Joe wants Sparky to see something fun, but Sparky isn’t so excited. They view a TV and think the tiny people are speaking directly to them and
encouraging Joe and Sparky to participate in a partner show sharing their talents. Sparky claims to have no talent and Joe sets out to prove him
wrong. The two friends have quite an experience together. These two are memorable characters. The illustrations stay true to those characters which
are featured in several different books.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Mitton, Tony
TITLE: The Jungle Run
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Orchard Books
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-39256-3
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Guy Parker-Rees
PAGES: 24
The Jungle Run is a fun rhyming story about animals in a race through the jungle. Everyone thinks cub is too small to join the competition, but he
just might surprise everyone! The bright illustrations and sing-song rhyming draws young readers into the story and will capture their attention
throughout. Youngsters will love this story!
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
Murdock, Catherine Gilbert
TITLE: Wisdom’s Kiss
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin© 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-547-56687-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-9
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 284
Some characters are from Princess Ben, but isn’t a true sequel. This story is told in alternating chapters, short plays and diary entries from many
different character’s points of view. Trudy (Fortitude) is saddened when her close friend, Tips, is taken as a soldier’s apprentice. The pair write each
other for years, professing their feeling for each other. Meanwhile Princess Wisdom, who dreams of a life of excitement, is on her way to marry a
Duke from a neighboring land. Along the way, she begins to dread the upcoming wedding as she begins to figure out it won’t be the life she desires.
On their way to the wedding, the travelers get sick and Trudy ends up being a lady in waiting for Princess Wisdom so that she can get to the city
where Tips is and see him. Things go horribly wrong and Tips and Princess Wisdom meet and fall in love, pushing Trudy out of the equation. This is
a story for readers with some tenacity as the interesting vocabulary and sometimes waning storyline can make it challenging. Those who complete
the read will enjoy the fitting ending.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Murphy, Julie
TITLE: Whose Home is This?
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press
PRICE: $19.99
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7555-0
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-2
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
Who builds a nest in a jungle canopy? Who has a bedroom with six sides? Who enters their home from under water? All of these questions are
posed in this informational story about the homes of various animals. This book quizzes readers on their knowledge of how and where animals build
their homes. Wonderful pictures illustrate this book portraying visions of both animals and their homes. On one page a home is shown and on the
corresponding page are pictures of four animals. Readers are then to decide which of the four animals belongs to each habitat. The answers are
shown at the end of the book building suspense and providing fun for readers in seeing which matches they answered correctly. This is a wonderful
informational read for young students.
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
26
Murray, Julie
TITLE: African Animals: Cheetahs
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing Company
PRICE: $
ISBN: 978-1-61783-217-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-5
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
This is a non-fiction work about the African cheetah. The book begins with an overall look at life in Africa. It then goes into facts and surprises
about the African cheetah throughout the book. It is full of pictures and information for a child to use to complete a report or just for interest.
REVIEWER: Holly James, Barnes Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Mylnowski, Sarah
TITLE: Whatever After, Fairest of all
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Scholastic Press ©2012
PRICE: $14.99
ISBN: 9780545403306
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th-6th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 169
Fifth grade Abby and her younger brother are sucked into the mirror in their basement and land right in the middle of the story of Snow White. In the
style of a fractured fairy tale, Abby and her brother have many adventures in their efforts to put Snow back on the road to her “happily ever after”
and get themselves home. The voice of Abby is perfect for todays ‘tween’ girls. She is spunky and sassy, but cares greatly about protecting her
brother and doing the right thing for Snow. I presume that this is the first of a series and will be looking for the next installation.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Na, Il Sung
TITLE: Hide & Seek
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House  2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-87078-1
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 30
Hide and Seek is just that a game that is played with all the animals in the rain forest. There is a new number on each page until you reach ten and
then it is called out “Ready or not here I come.” The elephant searches until everyone is found except the chameleon. So elephant calls out “Come
out come out where ever you are.” There he is in the tree. This simple story can be a fun way to introduce the game of hid and seek, numbers, or
counting.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Nardo, Don
TITLE: Destined for Space: Our Story of Exploration
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press
PRICE: $25.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7540-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 64
The dream to reach beyond our planet has inspired many scientists and this book will be another inspiration. The book narrates the history of space
exploration from early astronomers to human flight. What I liked was the pictures were awesome and the book ends with possibilities of bases on the
moon, Mars, and intergalactic space travel. More for the imagination to dream about!
REVIEWER: Vicki White, Cascade Middle School
Newman, Nanette
TITLE: What Will You Be, Grandma
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Templar @ 2011
PRICE: 15.99
ISBN: 9780763660994
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Emma Clark
PAGES: UNP
Here is another offering from England where author Nanette Newman and illustrator Emma Chichester Clark call home. Lily begins one day asking
her grandmother what she wants to be when she grows up. The grandmother counters with the fact that most people think she is already grown up.
But Grandma being sweet and a good sport plays along as they go through a long list of career choices. The solution comes at the end where
Grandma puts Lily to bed. The illustrations add to the charm of this book.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Norman, Kim
TITLE: I Know a Wee Piggy
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3735-8
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Cole, Henry
PAGES: 32
Similar to the Pete the Cat book, this one follows a little pig wallowing in various colors while attending the local fair. His color is constantly
changing as he races around. Fun rhymes carry the tale from page to page with much excitement and flair. The illustrations are engaging, beginning
with the cover. Fun and bright colors, along with a comically cute pig bring this story to life!
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Norris, Andrew
TITLE: I don't believe it, Archie! What can possible go wrong today? RATING: R
PUBLISHER: David Fickling Books , 2012
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 9780385752503
INT. LEV: 3
ILLUSTRATOR: Hannatt Shaw
PAGES: 124
Such a fun book to read about what can go wrong for Archie. Andrew runs into situations everyday where he is the center of misunderstandings and
the "person at wrong place at wrong time." His mother sent him to get milk and he stumbles upon a dog who needs help, but the owner believes
Archie killed him and then stole the dog. Lucky for Archie his new friend Cyd saw the whole event and explains it to the owner. Yet, Archie does
not come home with the milk as instructed. More adventures happen in the book. Archie is a character many can kids can relate to as they stumble
through their daily adventures.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary, Kelso, WA
27
Nunn, Daniel
TITLE: Animals Big and Small
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone  2012
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 978-1-4329-5733-9
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Joanna Hinton-Maliviore
PAGES: 24
Yeah, I love this book and this new non-fiction series called Math Every Day! As a teacher and now a librarian I have needed something on my shelf
for preschoolers on math that is simple and yet can expand their understanding. I love the mix of photo and cartoon in the illustrations. The rhyming
is a help for a read aloud to the whole class. This is a great addition to the preschool library.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Nunn, Daniel
TITLE: Yellow
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Capstone  2012
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 978-1-4329-5748-3
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Photo-Ruth Blair
PAGES: 24
This is a rhyming non-fiction book that shows the color yellow in our world. The photos are vibrant and are coupled with digital backgrounds or
add-ons. The size of the book makes for a great read aloud for young children at a circle time. The simplicity of the photos is eye catching and really
help the readers interact with the text.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Nyeu, Tao
TITLE: Squid and Octopus Friends for Always
PUBLISHER: Dial
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3565-1
ILLUSTRATOR: Nyeu, Tao
RATING:
PRICE: $16.99
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3
PAGES: Unpaged
Squid and Octopus are quite a pair. Swimming in the ocean, they knit, sculpt, photograph, and collect all kinds of items tossed into the sea. Watch as
Squid and Octopus solve a problem with socks and mittens, have a fight, find a boot, and more. Four episodes are included within the book. Authorillustrator, Tao Nyeu infuses indie influences within the story, tying this book to its times. Her illustrations complement the sweet simplicity of the
themes of friendship. Look for subtleties within the drawings themselves. Younger children will enjoy reading about the adventures these two
creatures have under the sea.
REVIEWER: Katy Olson
Ollhoff, Jim
TITLE: Police
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO @ 2013
PRICE:
ISBN: 9781617835155
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
This Emergency Workers series from ABDO Daughters publishers includes EMT, Firefighter, Hazmat, Search & Rescue and Swat. I am reviewing
the Police book from the series. Scanning the Table of contents I see there are eight sections that could inform about a policeman’s obligations,
training, equipment and police cars. There is even an interview with a police officer. As I begin to read I realize the text is generous and the
photographs are top-notch. A student could easily write an interesting report using this book; not only because of the information but because of the
valuable glossary and index in the back.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Palmer, Robin
TITLE: Yours Truly, Lucy B. Parker: Take My Advice
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: G. P. Putnam’s Sons © 2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25698-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 214
Yours Truly, Lucy B. Parker book 4. In this installment, Lucy has recently been elected seventh grade class president and is forced to promote the
Sadie Hawkins dance even though she doesn’t want to go. She also finds herself wrapped up in school drama while anonymously trying out to be the
“pen” for the school paper’s advice column. On top of everything else, her mom and her live in, soon to be step-father, are planning a weekend get a
way. In the end, Lucy comes through it all with flying colors. Middle school girls will thoroughly enjoy this read.
Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
TITLE: Fury’s Fire
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf© 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-86862-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 242
Sequel to Siren’s Storm. Will and Gretchen believe they’ve left the summer memories of the destruction of the sirens behind them. At least that’s
what they keep telling themselves. Will knows he needs to tell Gretchen that she’s the one who created the fire on the water, but can’t bring himself
to do it as it will require him to acknowledge that she’s not all human. Gretchen is aware that something’s different and feels that something is evil
lurking around. When Asia, a siren they thought was killed in the fire, reappears Will and Gretchen seek answers. They learn that Gretchen is really
Tisiphone reborn, a Fury who is destined to restore order. Circe, a powerful witch from the dark side, is trying to possess Gretchen and take her
power. Circe and Gretchen end up in a fierce battle and Gretchen is victorious, leaving the door open form another installment. Will appeal to upper
middle school and high school girls.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Papademetriou, Lisa
28
TITLE: Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth
RATING:
PUBLISHER: Chronicle Books
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-4521-0362-4
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3
ILLUSTRATOR: Patel, Sanjay
PAGES: Unpaged
Ganesha loves his sweets! When he was a child, before his important days as a Hindu god, he and his pal, Mr. Mouse, would roam from temple to
temple in search of laddoo, a traditional Indian dessert. One day Ganesha found the ultimate laddoo jawbreaker. Mr. Mouse warns him he may break
his tusk, but Ganesha didn’t listen and ate it anyway. Ouch!! Crack went the tusk. Naturally Ganesha feels sad until he meets Vyasa, who encourages
him to use his broken tusk to write out the Hindu story, Mahabharata. Mr. Patel’s artwork attractively decorates each page and is similar in style to
Frank Viva’s in Along a Long Road, only brighter This book will appeal to those interested in adding Indian and Hindu children’s picture books to
their collection. The end of the book includes a brief Author’s Note on the Hindu legend and myth. Please note the author’s use of creative license in
telling the story. In attempting to appeal to children, (the candy and mouse) some of the accurate details of the original tale were swept under the rug.
The illustrations and references to Hindu legend are the most appealing aspects of this book.
REVIEWER: Katy Olson
Paulson, Gary
TITLE: Paintings From the Cave: Three Novellas
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Wendy Lamb Books (Random House)
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-385-74684-7
INTEREST LEVEL: YA 6th grade up
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 161
This book is not elementary appropriate. The content of Paintings From the Cave is based in the inner city with the main characters being 12 and
13 years old who are all homeless or from abandoned or abusive homes. Paulson draws from his own early life which was very difficult. The topics
are of very mature nature: substance abuse, alcoholism, rape, sexual abuse, homelessness, teen pregnancy. Though the book is very well written, I
would hesitate to recommend it to any child in elementary or even middle school. Be aware: The book contains the word “sh - -” which is appropriate
to the context and only used once. The Man with the Iron Head: Told in first person, Jake lives in a very run down complex across the alley from an
expensive complex. When hiding from those who want to do him harm if he won’t do the work of a drug runner, he sees a sculptor through a fence
dividing Jake's building from the new complex and ends up working with and for him and therefore sees some normalcy. Jo-Jo the Dog Faced Girl:
Jo-Jo lives with her "biologicals" who are drunks who are abusive to her so she tries to be invisible when at home. Her family is the three stray dogs
that found Jo-Jo and never leave her side. On one of the trips to the woods, to let the dogs off the leash, she meets Rose who we later learn has cancer.
Jo-Jo is reluctant to befriend her but eventually does and a unique friendship is established. Erik's Ruls: Ten year old Jamie and his fifteen year old
brother, Erik, are living with their grandfather after running away from the men living with their mother who beat them. When grandfather is put into
a nursing home Erik takes over and has "rules" to keep them from being turned over to CPS. In the midst of trying to stay under the radar Jamie meets
Greg while at a dog park drawing pictures of the dogs. Recognizing Jaime's talent, Greg "hires" Jamie to draw pictures for the shelter's web site. This
leads to Greg finding a place for the boys to live, Jamie adopting a dog from the shelter who has seizures, and Jamie entering his drawings in a local contest.
REVIEWER: Karen James, Barnes Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Patel, Sanjay & Haynes, Emily
Peirce, Lincoln
TITLE: Big Nate goes for broke
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper , 2012
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 9780061996610
INT. LEV: 3
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 216
Big Nate, cartoonist once again has a brainstorm and it ends him a trip to detention. This is where he gets his best ideas while doing
nothing but thinking. He wants to start a cartooning club at PS 38. He finds an advisor Mr. Rosa who brings in a teacher from their
arch rivals, Jefferson Middle School. She shows the work their cartooning club of boys and girls have created. Nate and his buddies
scoff at the idea of including girls in their club. Yet, when Nate meets Dee Dee he decides to invite her to join. Together they end
up winning the competition against Jefferson Middle School.
Big Nate stories are fast and furious with ups and downs in the plot. This one is a lot of fun to read.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary, Kelso, WA
Peirce, Lincoln
TITLE: Big Nate on a roll
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper , 2012
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 9780061944383
INT. LEV: 3
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 216
Big Nate is again scheming to win a contest for Timber Scouts to sell the most wall hangings and earn the grand prize, a skateboard.
He needs to win because his is late getting out of detention and on his way to a scout meeting he crashes into a lady walking a dog
and his skateboard flies into the water below a bridge. This all starts because he is chosen to help Artur, the golden boy in school,
by holding the ladder while he paints on the play scenery. Nate believes it is all Artur's fault. As Nate arrives late and misses the
scout meeting, he learns of a new member. You guessed it, Artur. Nate plots to earn money to buy wall hangings but is faced with
more disasters. Yet, in the end it comes down to a toss of the coin and Nate is the winner. AHHHHHH!
Love Big Nate stories. The language us fun and easy to read and boys like to read Big Nate.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary, Kelso, WA
Penn, M.W.
TITLE: Comparing Numbers!
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press, 2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7561-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES:
This book uses rhyming text and visual clues to teach the concepts of greater than, less than and equal. Pictures of real-life items help to get the
message across. This could be a good little book to use as a teaching tool.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
29
Peschke, Marci
TITLE: Kylie Jean, Spelling Queen
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Picture Window Books
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-4048-6801-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 1-3
ILLUSTRATOR: Tuesday Mourning
PAGES: 112
Kylie Jean wants to be a beauty queen! When Kylie discovers that she has a knack for spelling, she turns her focus on becoming a spelling queen.
Kylie practices everywhere she goes! She practices at the grocery store, in the garden, and with her family and friends. A fun read for all young girls
who dream of beauty queens and princesses and love the color pink. Kylie is an example of a girl who has both beauty and brains and who makes
her friends a priority. Written from Kylie’s perspective, girls can relate to the language and personality that emerges throughout the book.
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
Petty, JT
TITLE: Bloody Chester
RATING: M
PUBLISHER: First Second ©2012
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-100-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 10-12
ILLUSTRATOR: Hilary Florido
PAGES: 143
In this full color graphic novel Chester has led a hard life in the wild west. He ends up agreeing to burn down the town of Whale in order to make
room for the railroad. He arrives to find Whale seemingly abandoned. The three remaining townspeople claim a plague has killed most of the people
and that the rest have run off. Chester wants to move them out so that he can burn the town. But the girl, Caroline, won’t leave without her miner
father and he refuses to go. After kidnapping Caroline’s father, Chester learns that Caroline’s father started the hoax of the plague by poisoning some
animals and disemboweling them. Unfortunately, the miner had killed some Sioux Indians and now they are seeking revenge by burning the town
themselves. Chester ends up killing the miner in front of the Sioux to end their revenge. The illustrations are quite good and are done with muted
colors that match the storyline. However, there are small gaps in the storyline that make parts difficult to follow (p. 23-24 Who is the girl? Why does
he hate her? Does he get bit by the dead guy on p. 32? How doesn’t Chester know that he gives Potter a dried up human ear?) The amount of strong
foul language is unnecessary as it does not enhance the story. It is too bad that it is included as it will make this difficult to put on school shelves.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Pinkwater, Daniel
TITLE: Bear in Love
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick @ 2012
PRICE: 15.99
ISBN: 9780763645694
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Will Hillenbrand
PAGES: UNP
“Bear in Love” is an over the top excellent book. On a “particular morning” bear finds a crunchy, pointy, leafy thing on a flat rock outside his cave.
Bear sings continuously throughout the story to the delight of the primary audience. He gets so many gifts that Bear finally decides to leave honey on
the flat rock and wait for his mysterious friend. Unfortunately, Bear falls asleep waiting. Will Hillenbrand’s illustrations engage and captivate as
always. Mr. Pinkwater should be delighted that he created a story that children will love to hear over and over again.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Price, Nora
TITLE: Zoe Lettting Go, A Novel
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Razorbill, 2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-1-59514-466-9
INTEREST: 9 up
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 279
16 year old Zoe’s mother has told her to pack a bag with enough things for six weeks, puts her in the car and drives her to a remote mansion, checks
her in and drives away. Zoe has no idea what the place is or why she is there. She manages to snag a brochure and hides it in her pocket to examine
later. The reader however, is pretty sure Zoe is suffering from an eating disorder and this is a treatment center. The clues are not subtle. Zoe meets
the other five girls and just can’t see that she has anything in common with them. They obviously have eating issues. Zoe doesn’t thing she does and
the reader will suspect an unreliable narrator. Zoe is allowed no electronics at all so she writes letters to her best friend, Elise, who also has issues
with food and body image and through these letters, Zoe reveals more about her own issues. In her meetings with her counselor, it is clear there is
more than her eating disorder that Zoe needs to face. The pacing is slow. It is hard to care about any of the girls, even Zoe. The ending is abrupt,
and I had to make sure I didn’t skip a chapter when suddenly the girls start leaving. Have they resolved anything? Changed their ways? Learning
anything? Nothing is clear, not even with our main character. I’m not sure teen readers will stick with this and if they do the ending will probably
frustrate them. The first of the book had so much promise. I loved the mystery of her mother leaving her in the middle of nowhere and the idea of
being in such a rich atmosphere with six other girls. Then it just got lost in menus and girls being mean. Additional purchase.
Patti Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School.
Proimos, James
TITLE: Knuckle & Potty
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt @ 2012
PRICE: 12.99
ISBN: 9780805091557
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 80
I am a little worried when a character is called Potty; that the story might be about bathroom noises and bathroom antics. I am delighted that I was
wrong. This high energy story about Knuckle and Potty wanting to be tough guys; starts with the author and illustrator. They want to be erased from
a cartoon place called Happy World. Sometimes the wordy text needs a second read through so you don’t miss what the author is trying to portray.
The illustrations help the humor shine through.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
30
Proimos, James
TITLE: The Best Bike Ride Ever
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Dial Books  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3850-8
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Johanna Wright
PAGES: 29
O Boy, O Boy biking it declares the child’s freedom of constraint. What happens if you never learned how to stop? Would you go all “willy-nilly?”
Where would you go if you could go anywhere you want? The best bike ride in the world is what would happen. Bonnie gets a bike and propels her
bike into the greatest bike ride ever for about a well… for a about a week until…Hey what about a pony? Wrights illustrations are whimsical and fit
the text and the character of Bonnie. I spirits me away maybe I need a bike ride?
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Puttock, Simon
TITLE: The Baby That Roared
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press  2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5903-5
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Nadia Shireen
PAGES: 31
Mr. and Mrs. Dear have no baby to call their own…sad right…Well one arrives on their doorstep and begins to roar. Thinking that it is a deer they
call all their friends and relatives to see what is wrong with their baby, but one by one they disappear. Until Granny Bear comes and begins to pat the
baby’s back and yes an entire page of BURP mouth open green paint splotches flying out of the baby’s mouth. Also, all of the visitors tumble out
too! So, they discover that this not a deer little baby but instead a little monster. He runs away into the night, until the deer family adopts and sweet
little kitten?! The illustration are well done and fun. The book is venturing on the precipice of…Why would I add this to my library? Maybe older
kids would find this funny and get the humor, but it leans heavily on boy humor, but with the right reader it could strike a cord.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Pyle, Kevin C.
TITLE: Take What You Can Carry
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt & Co. ©2012
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8286-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-12
ILLUSTRATOR: Kevin C. Pyle
PAGES: not numbered
The two-tone paperback graphic novel tells two tales that are brought together in the end. Told in alternating chapters one is a wordless historical tale
of a teen Japanese-American boy whose father has been arrested by the government and whose family is forced to move to a relocation camp during
World War II. The boy tries to make the best of it until soldiers make a routine sweep of the camp and confiscate the woodcarving tools of an old
man who was teaching him to carve. The boy is caught by a solider attempting to steal them back. The soldier takes pity on him and allows him to
take the items. The other tale is a modern Japanese-American boy who moves to a new community and begins to hang out with a bad crowd which
leads him to participate in vandalism and shoplifting. The boy and a friend are finally caught shoplifting by the store’s owner and taken to the police
station. The store’s owner doesn’t press charges but has the boy work at the store as restitution. The boy starts turning his life around and the store’s
owner reveals his life, including the stealing, in the intern camp to the boy. This is a thoughtful read that will appeal to those interested in the
historical aspect of the internment camps as well as students interested in a modern story. It really is a brilliant blend of both worlds.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Raum, Elizabeth
TITLE: North Korea
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Heinemann-Raintree  2010
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-4329-6107-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 8-11 yrs.
ILLUSTRATOR: Oxford Designers
PAGES: 48
This book has full coverage of North Korea including maps, graphs, flags, recipes, fact file, and a timeline. I liked that this was easy to read and has
some beautiful pictures in each chapter.
REVIEWER: Vicki White, Cascade Middle School
Renn, Diana
TITLE: Tokyo Heist
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Viking ©2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-670-01332-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 364
Sixteen-year-old Violet is spending time with her artist father while her mom is in Italy. She hasn’t had much of a relationship with him in recent
years and isn’t sure what to expect. Van Gogh drawings from one of her father’s clients, the Yamadas, are stolen right before her father’s trip to
Japan to paint artwork in the Yamadas’ nephew’s business building. Violet is thrilled to be able to go to Japan with him. She is a huge manga fan and
is writing her own story, Kimono Girl, in which she inserts the real life events of the art heist as characters. Once in Japan she unexpectedly meets up
with one of her friends, Reika, and together they help solve the mystery of the missing artwork. The alternate storyline of Kimono Girl gets
distracting at times. Fans of maga will find this mystery interesting.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Riehecky, Janet
TITLE: Slime, Poop, and other wacky Defenses
RATING: M
PUBLISHER: capstone @ 2012
PRICE:
ISBN: 9781429665094
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
After reading parts of this book to several library classes, we decided the title could be shortened to “Wacky Animal Defenses”. Publishing
companies fascination with the work ‘poop” is beyond explanation. Sure it causes kids to giggle but I don’t think that should be the purpose of this
nonfiction book. Out of the 13 animals highlighted, in brief but very interesting text, only one is about poop. And next time you want to write about
this particular bodily function how about using the word “feces”. Students can handle the grown-up words. Some photographs are better than others.
If poop is so important why not have a photo of it on the thrush page.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
31
Robertson, Fiona
TITLE: The Perfect Present
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2011
PRICE: $
ISBN: 978-0-399-25773-5
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Robertson, Fiona
PAGES: 32
It is Henry’s birthday, and he is so excited for his presents. His duck, Spot, is excited also; Spot has gotten Henry a fishing pole – the very one Henry
has been eyeing. However, before Henry opens Spot’s gift, Henry receives a gift of a dog from his grandparents. He is so happy with his new friend
named Dog. Spot starts to feel very left out and so decides to leave. When Henry discovers this, he and Dog head out to locate Spot and bring him
home. It is a very cute story with simple, yet fun illustrations!
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Robinson, Michelle
TITLE: What to Do if an Elephant Stands on your Foot
RATING R
PUBLISHER: Penguin
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3398-5
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Peter Reynolds
PAGES: NA
This goes into a scenario of things that could happen if an elephant stands on your foor, and ends back to the elephant. I love the illustrations in this
book and it has a funny entertaining storyline.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Roman, Dave
TITLE: Teen Boat!
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Clarion Books ©
PRICE: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-547-63669-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 9-12
ILLUSTRATOR: Dave Roman & John Green
PAGES: 139
This full color graphic novel is unique in that the short chapters read more similar to a regular comic book than most graphic novels do. It tells the
tale of Teen Boat, a teen with transformer like abilities to turn into a yacht. Teen Boat wants what most teens want: love, acceptance and fun, and
does his best to achieve them. The illustrations are very colorful and detailed with their cartoon-like charm. It contains pages after the story that show
how the novel came together, from the early sketches and script to putting the finishing touches on the illustrations. This will appeal to high school
students.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Rosati, Gina
TITLE: Auracle
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Roaring Book Press
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-710-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 13-17 yrs.
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 298
Anna Rogan is just your average teenager, she has average grades, isn’t real popular, and her best friend is a boy named Rei. What is exceptional
about Anna is that she can astrally project out of her body. No one knows this except her friend Rei. Anna will take her spirit on trips exploring
around the world to escape her issues at home. Her father is an alcoholic and has abused her once and her mother is trying to hold the family together
while working hard. One of Anna’s classmates, Taylor, is in an accident and takes over Anna’s body while she isn’t in it. Anna comes home and
finds that this could become permanent. Anna turns to her best friend Rei for help because otherwise she faces a future of never growing old,
touching or being heard forever. Also adding to the drama is Rei’s friend is accused of murder and Anna was a witness. They make some plans on
how to get Taylor out of Anna’s body and prove Rei’s friend innocent. While all this is happening Anna also finds out she can touch people and heal
them and what the power of a single touch can do. There were some slow parts, but I didn’t want to stop reading until I found out if Anna would get
her body back or fall in love with Rei.
REVIEWER: Vicki White, Cascade Middle School
Rosen, Michael
TITLE: Bananas in my ears
A collection of nonsense stories, poems, riddles, and rhymes
RATING: NR
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press , 2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 9780763662486
INT. LEV: 3
ILLUSTRATOR: Quentin Blake
PAGES: 79
Yes, this is a collection of nonsense. The only one I really enjoyed was the bananas in the ears. The rest were no unnecessary that I could not even
read them to kids and make them funny. Sorry, the book will not be in our library.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary, Kelso, WA
Rosenberg, Aaron
TITLE: Case of the Bookstore Burglar
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Price Stern Sloan/Penguin  2012
PRICE: $ 3.99
ISBN: 978-0-8431-9809-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd – 5th
ILLUSTRATOR: David Harrington
PAGES: 62
Pete and Penny are excited when Theodore Tome buys the empty store next door to their restaurant, Pizzarelli’s Pizza Parlor. He and his quiet,
mysterious son are opening Tidy Tomes, a bookstore. But when a puzzle message is slipped under their door before the bookstore even officially
opens, Pete and Penny wonder what’s up. Soon books are mysteriously showing up on the wrong shelves and being found piled where they’re not
supposed to be. And, worst of all, accidents are happening because of it. Pete and Penny are solving puzzling messages left and right trying to figure
out who the culprit is that seems to want to try to sabotage the bookstore before it’s grand opening. As always in this series, the reader gets to solve
the puzzles right along with Pete and Penny and figure out the mystery (the answers to all the puzzles are given at the back of the book)! This is the
third installment in Rosenberg’s ‘Pete and Penny’s Pizza Puzzles’ series.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
32
Rosenberg, Aaron
TITLE: Case of the Sinking Circus
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Price Stern Sloan/Penguin  2012
PRICE: $ 3.99
ISBN: 978-0-8431-9810-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd – 5th
ILLUSTRATOR: David Harrington
PAGES: 62
The circus is coming to town and Pete and Penny can’t wait! But while it’s still getting set up a monkey in a top hat hands them a puzzling message.
And then when it opens, money is missing each night from the gate profit. The circus is only in town a short while, will Pete and Penny be able to
solve the mystery before the circus packs up? As always in this series, the reader gets to solve the puzzles right along with Pete and Penny and figure
out the mystery (the answers to all the puzzles are given at the back of the book)! This is the fourth installment in Rosenberg’s ‘Pete and Penny’s
Pizza Puzzles’ series.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Rosenthal, Amy
TITLE: Wumbers
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Chronicle @ 2012
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9781452110226
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd-6th
ILLUSTRATOR: Tom Lichtenheld
PAGES: UNP
The dynamic duo of Amy Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld are at it again in a winning combination of words and numbers coined “wumbers”. The
book is dedicated to William Steig whose “CDB” inspired this book. Each page is illustrated to reflect words such as 2na, 2can and el8ed. These
words are placed in sentences to create expressive and interesting thought. Students will want to create their own “wumbers”.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Rubin, Adam
TITLE: Dragons Love Tacos
RATING A
PUBLISHER: Penguin
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3680-1
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2
ILLUSTRATOR: Daniel Salmieri
PAGES: NA
Dragons love tacos but do not like spicy salsa, so do not put salsa in the tacos. It goes on to tell how to give a party for a dragon.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Rupp, Rebecca
TITLE: After Eli
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5810-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 245
After Eli is one of those amazing little books that packs a great deal of content in a small package. Rupp imbues Daniel Anderson with a voice that is
utterly genuine, and in so doing creates a host of unforgettable characters who learn to cope with grief, growing up, and finding themselves—at least
those who were lost find themselves. There are also some truly heart-warming characters who, at the tender age of their teens, seem to know exactly
who they are, and have no shortage of wisdom to share. The Anderson house is gutted when Eli Anderson is killed in Iraq. Danny describes his father
as someone who was either negative or a nonentity in his life; Eli took on a surrogate role, teaching Danny what “really” goes on in life. When Eli
died, his their mother died, too, so Danny is now adrift trying to figure out where he fits into the world. He is saved by the unlikely entrance of a new
family of neighbors who lease the oldest house in Danny’s neighborhood for the summer. Danny’s first introduction to the quirky family is through
Journey and Jasper—two twins who are slightly off and who constantly make hilarious comparisons. It is their older sister, Isabelle, that is Danny’s
undoing. As the summer progresses, Danny gets a job with his brother’s best friend, finds a new best friend himself, and goes berserk in his older
brother’s shrine of a bedroom. The characters and dialogues are rich and unforgettable. In the spirit of the twins—Jasper and Journey—if this book
were comfort food, it would be a warm, creamy bowl of macaroni and cheese made from scratch because it would be smooth and completely
satisfying.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
TITLE: The Might Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of …
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children ©2012
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 978-0-547-47881-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 4-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 80
Part of the Scientists in the Field series. This amazing text takes the reader along the journey that lead to the NASA rovers Spirit and Opportunity
landing on Mars. The story begins with background on the lead engineer, Steve Squyres, and what drove him to repeatedly send plans to NASA after
they had rejected his submissions for eight years. It then shows the process of creating and building the rovers as well as the problems that came up
along the way. Finally the rovers are launched and successful. Again depicting how this group overcame obstacles in their path, it shows the routes
that Spirit and Opportunity took along Mars and some of the brilliant photographs they sent back. The rovers were only expected to last three months.
Spirit lasted nearly six years and Opportunity was still going strong at publication. This rich text is balanced with beautiful photographs that really
enhance the story. I do wish the main text was written in larger font as its small size may deter some readers.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Rusch, Elizabeth
Rustad, Martha E. H.
TITLE: Animales en invierno/ Animals in Winter
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press ©2012
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 9781429682398
INTEREST LEVEL:
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
Animals in Winter is an extremely simplistic book done in English and Spanish. Photographs are colorful and engaging, however at only 24 pages the
book was very short and left me wanting more. I liked the glossary, but the words were not explained or even highlighted in the main text. Perhaps
the glossary should have been in the front of the book for better comprehension.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
33
Saldin, Erin
TITLE: The Girls of No Return
RATING: RPUBLISHER: Scholastic, 2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0545310260
INTEREST: 7 up
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 352
15 year-old Lida is sent to a school/camp in the middle of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in northern Idaho to figure out her
problem, her “thing” the camp calls it. Once there she ends up in a battle of wills between two girls. One is Boone, a tough, in-your-face-, solitary,
girl who starts off by cutting off Lida’s hair in the middle of her first night there. The other is rich, beautiful, self-centered, manipulative Gia.
Although this book received four starred reviews, all of the characters seemed stereotypical for the first half of the book. I could not understand
Lida’s attraction to Gia, who seemed such an unlikeable girl. I was frustrated with Lida’s issue being kept from the reader. I thought the supervision
of the girls was ridiculously lacking… these are troubled girls. Yes, this all builds to a one night camping experience where the emotions and
conflicts between the girls explode. The debut author handles this perfectly and the rest of the book is tightly written. However, the first half of the
book is tedious and the characters were difficult to care about.
Reviewer: Patti Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School
Schaefer, Lola M.
TITLE: Airplanes in Action
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7688-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 1-3
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
Airplanes in Action is a great non-fiction book describing the history of airplanes and all of their parts. Young readers interested in vehicles will love
the close-up photographs of large jets, and this book will increase their knowledge of the evolution of airplanes. This book has great vocabulary
development and is well organized by topic under bold
Scheunemann, Pam
TITLE: In the Kitchen
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing Company
PRICE: $17.95
ISBN: 978-1-61714-966-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
Using the kitchen as the setting, this book aims to teach about prefixes and suffixes. I liked the concept of this book, and it could be used as a tool
when teaching such a unit, but I do have some suggestions. One feature that I would find helpful when working with kids is to have a table where
they see all of the words discussed in the book with their prefixes, suffixes and what each word means. It explains it throughout the book, but for me
it would make even more sense to then see these words again broken down like the example at the beginning of the book. I did like the Match It Up
section at the back of the book as a review.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Schmid, Paul
TITLE: Petunia Goes Wild
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: HarperCollins
PRICE: $ 12.99
ISBN:978-0-06-196334-6
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2
ILLUSTRATOR: Paul Schmid
PAGES: UNP
Petunia did not like the demands of being human such as staying clean, eating off a table, doing chores and such so she decides to box herself up and
Send herself to Africa. Then she heard her mom sing. She realizes that maybe being human wouldn’t be such a bad deal after all and just being just
a kid, with the chores, et all is okay after all. She could keep her box for when she felt she needed to feel wild. This was a cute book with nice
illustrations but it does leave the reader a little perplexed with the rather dull ending. The body of the book is good.
REVIEWER: Holly James, Barnes Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Schuette, Sarah
TITLE: A Halloween Cookbook
RATING:
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7619-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 1-5th
PHOTOS: Karon Dubke
PAGES: 24
This has some simple healthy fun Halloween recipes that children will have lots of fun making. There is step by step illustrations.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
TITLE: 100th Day
RATING R
PUBLISHER: Capstone
PRICE: $ 19.99
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7559-8
INTEREST LEVEL:
PHOTOS: Karon Dubke
PAGES: 32
This is an Eye Spy book using different 100 day things such as 100 dollars, 100 dots, 100 beans, 100 colors etc. This would be a fun thing to
incorporate the 100th day of school.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Schuette, Sarah
Schuh, Mari
TITLE: The U.S. Senate
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press ©2012
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 9781429675673
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
This selection simply explains the role of the senate, as well as, the other two branches of government. It is a good first look at how our country
works. The pictures show people in the current administration and are great for recognition, but will become outdated with time. As an introduction
to government, it can be useful in the classroom.
Reviewer: Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
34
TITLE: Lucy Can’t Sleep
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Roaring Brook Press  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-543-8
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-K
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 30
This is the story of one girl’s restless night. Lucy can’t sleep. What do we do when we can’t sleep, count sheep? Lucy tries many things to sleep
until finally she is tired and sleeps until dawn. This story is great for those children that are still learning positional words such as in, around, up, and
down. While I think that the text is suitable and helpful, I did not like the format of the pictures. On many of the pages the pictures are smaller than
the page and floating in many different angles, or are several pictures in circles on one page on a colored background. I think that a faded bubble is
nicer is young children’s books. This random picture placement deterred from a reading flow.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Schwartz, Amy
Schwartz, Heather E.
TITLE: Cool Engineering Activities for Girls
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press ©2012
PRICE: $20.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7677-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 4-7
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 32
Girls Science Club series. This text provides 10 engaging activities from creating a paper table to baking s’mores in the sun. It gives clear step-bystep instructions for each project and explains the science, focusing on engineering, behind each one. The color photographs show girls making the
project as well as what it might look like when completed. I appreciate that the photos include older girls as well, making it more appealing to the
middle school audience. Boys would enjoy many of the projects as well, but won’t pick it up due to the title.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Sheimmel, Ayssa
TITLE: The Stone Girl
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-87080-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 10 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 212
Sethie is determined. Sethie is disciplined. Sethie is also optimistically in a relationship with a young man who is unworthy of her, but she knows if
she were just skinny enough, just confident enough, Shaw would love her without acting like they have to hide their relationship. Shaw does love her
enough to take advantage of Sethie’s willingness to have sex with him and her willingness to risk the trespassing charges that would come if her
mother’s landlord found out that Sethie was taking Shaw and his friends to the vacant apartment next door for their rendezvous and pot smoking hang
out. Sethie’s mother is a high-powered, beautiful professional who is in a little bit of competition with her daughter. Sethie’s loyalties are tested when
Shaw introduces her to Janey. Janey is everything that Sethie wants to be. Janey’s parents are obscenely wealthy, but spend very little time with her.
This makes for a great deal of freedom for Janey. Sethie can’t help but envy Janey’s figure—a figure that Janey seems to maintain effortlessly in
spite of the junk food that she consumes. When Janey shows Sethie how to make herself throw up, Sethie has one more trick to add to her repertoire
for those days when she can’t help but consume more than just a couple of pieces of food in the day. Sethie becomes even more conflicted when
Janey—in spite of Janey’s friendship with Shaw—seems determined to set Sethie up with a college guy. This story, told from the point of view of an
omniscient narrator, is like watching a train wreck that the observer is powerless to stop. That combination of helplessness and prescience creates a
tension as young women recognize how destructive Sethie and Shaw’s relationship is and how skewed Sethie’s perception of herself has become.
The language and sexual encounters are more explicit, so this is a book recommended for more worldly readers; however, it does an excellent job of
portraying a young woman who desperately needs a friend and a reality check. It appears to be based loosely on the author’s life experience, which
infuses the story with an authenticity that will capture the imagination of young adult readers.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Sheinkin, Steve
TITLE: Bomb: The race to build-and steal- the world’s most dangerous weapon
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Roaring Book Press, 2012
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-487-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 9-adult
ILLUSTRATOR: b&w photos and illus.
PAGES: 266
Intrigue, clandestine deals, spies…this marvelously written and documented story of the shenanigans involved with a life-or-death game of keepaway is riveting. It all started when Otto Hahn, a German chemist, was starting a new experiment and placed uranium too close to a radioactive
element and the uranium split. He could not believe his eyes. And loose lips in the scientific world spread the discovery worldwide. Hitler wanted
that power. Roosevelt wanted that power. Both sides were willing to sabotage for it. My cousin shared the part that the Hanford scientists and
workers had with Little Boy, but each department had no idea what the others were doing. Those parts were delivered to Los Alamos Bomb is a
National Book Award finalist. It is just what educators are looking for in literary informational books for use in the Common Core curriculum.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Robert A. Long High School http://bookbevy.wordpress.com
Sherman, M. Zachary
TITLE: Emergency Ops
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Stone Arch Books ©2012
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 978-1-4342-3766-8
INTEREST LEVEL: 4-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Raymund Bermudez
PAGES: 82
Bloodlines series. This chapter book follows character Capt. Anne Donovan as she heads to the front lines in the Vietnam War as a nurse in the Army
Nurse Corps. Capt. Donovan must learn to control her emotions amongst the carnage in order to help the wounded soldiers. The doctor in charge
orders her out of the triage area and into the group that provides medical assistance to the locals. Capt. Donovan is enjoying the work until a huge
battle at Hamburger Hill develops and she volunteers with Dr. Wood to help at the battlefield. There she encounters Bobby, one of the first soldiers
she’d helped after arriving, who is dying because of his new wounds. After his death she truly learns what it takes to be a nurse on the frontlines. This
engaging story contains full color illustrations, photographs and true fact boxes about the Vietnam War. Even though the main character is a girl, this
will hold wide appeal to elementary and middle school students interested in military stories.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
35
Shores, Erika L.
TITLE: Silly Classroom Jokes
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press, 2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7563-5
INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
A fun little book of jokes is sure to please our students! The layout of speech bubbles and a matching picture is fun, and the jokes are perfect for
elementary age students.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Siegel, Randy
TITLE: My Snake Blake
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Roaring Brook @ 2012
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9781596435841
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Serge Bloch
PAGES: UNP
The main character boy receives a snake from his father as an early birthday. The mother is not delighted but accepts Blake, the snake, when she
realizes how helpful Blake can be. Blake communicates by twisting his body into cursive letters and words. It really is a blast as the friendship grows.
The illustrations champion Blake’s endeavors. I am wondering if the author remembers Tomi Ungerer’s 1958 Crictor about Madame Bodot who
receives a snake from her son for her birthday.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Siminovich, Lorena
TITLE: Monkey See, look at Me!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Dial Books  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3737-2
INTEREST LEVEL: Toddlers-Pre-K
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 30
Look at me… How much of what we do is what we are? While this young children’s book is not a philosophy book, it was interesting to ask young
children what they thought. If I hop really high does that make me a bunny? This book is to celebrate your individuality. The artwork is created by
using digital collage. It has great textures that define the animals. I loved this book. It was a great educational tool.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Simon, Seymour
TITLE: Seymour Simon’s Extreme Earth Records
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Chronicle Books
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-1-4521-0785-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 4th – 8th
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 56
Imagine yourself living in the hottest or coldest place on Earth. Or maybe the most remote place on Earth is where you would like to live. Simon’s
book draws in the reader with his facts and way of making the reader think. He gives the scientific circumstances for these different phenomena and
several pictures for each one. This is a fun book full of facts.
REVIEWER: Vicki White, Cascade Middle School
Simpson, Lesley
TITLE: A Song for My Sister
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random House
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-58246-427-5
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-2
ILLUSTRATOR: Tatjana Mai-Wyss
PAGES: 24
Mira’s new baby sister will not stop crying! Mira has long been wishing for a sister, but when the baby arrives, she is not quite what Mira expected.
This is a story about a family adjusting to a new baby and how it affects the family’s dynamic. This story incorporates the Jewish religion and
describes the baby’s simchat bat, her Jewish naming ceremony, and shows how Mira provides inspiration for her baby sister’s special name. This is
a sweet and funny story that many older siblings can relate to.
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
Singer, Marilyn
TITLE: A Strange Place to Call Home
RATING:
PUBLISHER: Chronicle Books
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-4521-0120-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-6
ILLUSTRATOR: Young, Ed
PAGES: Unpaged
Renowned poet, Marily Singer and Caldecott Medalist, Ed Young collaborate on a poetry book about the unlikely habitats some animals live in.
From tube worms, to blind fish, to Humboldt Penguins, learn how these animals defy the odds to thrive in harsh conditions. Their stories of survival
inspire and evoke further study. The illustrations done in paper collage, portray each animal highlighted within. Teachers and librarians will
appreciate the end notes which include an extension of information about each animal ,as well as rhyme patterns used by the poet. The fusion of
aesthetics and science is well done, leaving the reader intrigued and curious about each creature. Teachers could use this at the start of an animal or
poetry unit.
REVIEWER: Katy Olson
Skog, Jason
TITLE: Taking the Shot
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Compass Point Books, 2012
PRICE: $21.49
ISBN: 978-0-7565-4490-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 5th-Adult
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES:
A series of three books titled, Photography for Teens, this volume focuses on Taking the Shot. It describes different types of digital cameras, their
lenses, settings, and extra equipment. Helpful hints regarding aperture settings, timers, and special modes are all included. I will be recommending
this book to my aspiring photographers and my classes that do a photography project. The other titles in this series, including Setting Up the Shot and
Displaying the Shot will undoubtedly be as interesting and educational as this one.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
36
Slade, Arthur
TITLE: Island of Doom, Hunchback Assignments 4
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Wendy Lamb, 2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-385-73787-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 7-10
ILLUSTRATOR: same
PAGES: 308
Fans will love the fourth novel of the “Hunchback Assignments.” Modo is off to France with Octavia to search for his real parents. The Clockwork
Guild is in a race to find them first as Modo’s parents are the key to his strength and transformational capacities. After the heart-wrenching and
botched mission in France, Dr. Socrates and the teens are off to join their forces in Canada to prepare for the final battle with the Guild. Tension and
suspense and conflict in this novel is as high as in the first. The deaths of important characters and the horrors of Dr. Hyde’s laboratory inventions
add to the nastiness of the conflict and to the intrigue. Who knew that Modo’s little finger held enough power to sustain and strengthen a cadaver
monster.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Robert A. Long High School http://bookbevy.wordpress.com
Smith, L. J.
TITLE: The Vampire Diaries The Hunters: Moonsong
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper Teen 2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-201770-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 7th & up
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 392
This is the second book of The Vampire Diaries with Elena, Stephan, and her friends all heading to Dalcrest College a few hours away from Fells
Church. After the horror of the Dark Dimension life with Stefan is looking better than ever and Elena is looking forward to college life. Soon
students are disappearing or turning up dead. Panic spreads through the college and Elena and her friends struggle to keep each other safe. A secret
society is soon discovered and with the discovery comes the evil vampires. When Matt is almost turned into a vampire, Stefan trades him places and
hopes that his brother Damon will come to his rescue. Elena has a hard time keeping Stefan as her boyfriend and Damon as her friend because she
really cares about them both. Will it be Damon or Stefan who saves her?
REVIEWER: Vicki White, Cascade Middle School
Smolka, Bo
TITLE: The Negro Leagues’ Integration Era
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO ©2013
PRICE: N/A
ISBN: 978-1-61783-509-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 64
The Negro Baseball Leagues series. This informative text describes the history of Negros integrating into major league baseball. It focuses on Jackie
Robinson, but includes many other players of historical importance. It shows the hardships that these players endured and overcame in order to play
in the majors. The photos are eye-catching and appealing. Includes timeline, glossary, references and index. This is a great read for upper elementary
and middle school students interested in baseball and the history of baseball. While overall this is a great read, it would be better if the text on the
right hand pages would end at the end of a sentence. There are many insets with additional information and it is challenging to stop reading midsentence to read the added information before turning the page. Like-wise turning the page to finish the sentence and then turn back to read the
inserts is cumbersome. The information is great and the reader doesn’t want to miss any of it.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Spinelli Eileen
TITLE: Together at Christmas
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitmas
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-8075-8010-3
INTEREST LEVEL: K-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Bine Lee
PAGES: NA
This is an elimination book starting with ten little mice huddle in the snow. One by one each mouse finds shelter and warmth. But they realize that
even though they each have a warm place to stay they don’t have each other so they brave the cold sing Christmas carols and find a log that can
house all of them together.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Spinelli, Eileen
TITLE: Callie Cat, Ice Skater
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman and Company
PRICE: $7.99
ISBN: 978-0-8075-1043-8
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2
ILLUSTRATOR: Anne Kennedy
PAGES: 30
Sweet Callie Cat’s true love is iceskating! There is nothing she enjoys more! She learns about the Honeybrook Ice Skating Contest and couldn’t be
more excited! The winner receives tremendous prizes! Callie practices hard for the competition and along the way learns that enjoying what you’re
doing is more important than winning. This book teaches a valuable life lesson and captivates the reader with its illustrations and fun dialogue. I
can’t wait to read more books about Callie Cat!
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
Stead, Rebecca
TITLE: Liar and Spy
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Wendy Lamb Books  2012
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-385-73743-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 6th - 8th
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
Life is not going well for Georges. First he is an only child whose parents have to sell their house and move into an apartment and his former best
friend stands by while Georges is bullied. Soon Georges meets one of the new neighbors, Safer, who is an amateur spy and his sister, Candy, who
Safer has to babysit. As homeschooled siblings they have a different perspective about public schools and especially what happens in Science with
the taste bud theory. Soon Georges is recruited to help investigate and observe by using the lobby cam a mysterious tenant and binoculars to monitor
a nest of parrots across the road. There are some hilarious details in parts of the book and makes you think about what making friends.
REVIEWER: Vicki White, Cascade Middle School
37
Steinberg, D.J.
TITLE: Kindergarten, Here I Come!
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Grosset & Dunlap, 2012
PRICE: $3.99
ISBN: 978-0-448-45624-9
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Chambers, Mark
PAGES: 32
A wonderful book highlighting big steps in Kindergarten is what this book is all about! Each page covers a different Kindergarten topic, from the
teacher to the subject of line leaders. The fun rhyming text and colorful pictures make for a very fun read for this age child!
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Stier, Catherine
TITLE: Today on Election Day
RATING R
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8075-8008-0
INTEREST LEVEL:
ILLUSTRATOR: David Leonard
PAGES: NA
The book very simple talks about what goes on in an election day, it has vocabulary to explain different things such as polling, democracy, etc. An
excellent book to help tell your class about the elections.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Stout, Shawn K.
TITLE: Penelope Crumb
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Philomel Books
PRICE: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-399-25728-5
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-5
ILLUSTRATOR: Valeria Docampo
PAGES: 211
Penelope Crumb has a big nose! This would be a problem for most girls, but not for Penelope. She embraces her large nose when she learns it is
inherited from a side of her family she knows little about. It leads her on an adventure to find a grandfather she has never met and renew some
family relationships. This is a story that many young girls can relate to. It focuses on a young girl’s curiosity and longing for adventure, as well as
touching on strained familial relationships in a light-hearted manner. It also sends a positive message to girls regarding body image and self-esteem.
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary Kenney, Sean
Sullivan Rake, Jody
TITLE: Why Rabbits Eat Poop and Other Gross Facts About Pets RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7609-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 1-3
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
If you are looking for disgusting facts about various pets, this book if for you! From information about why rabbits eat poop to why a ferret plays in
its litter box, this book is full of grotesque facts and details about pets you may have in your own home. This book has colorful illustrations, bold
vocabulary throughout, a glossary, and a page where you can find other resources about disgusting pet facts. A perfect read for the lover of the
disgusting!
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
Surplice, Holly
TITLE: Guinea Pig Party
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Nosy Crow© 2012
PRICE: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-6269-1
INTEREST LEVEL: Toddler - 1
ILLUSTRATOR: Holly Surplice
PAGES: [24]
This is a simple, yet entertaining counting book. Beginning with ten guinea pigs at a birthday, it counts backwards as something happens to each of
the guests, leaving the birthday guinea pig wishing its friends would return. And they do! The simple rhyme will appeal to toddlers and beginning
readers will enjoy reading it independently. The illustrations are colorful and eye-catching and I appreciate that the guinea pigs have the correct
number of toes!
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Swain, Gwenyth
TITLE: World War I: An Interactive History Adventure
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press© 2012
PRICE: $23.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-6020-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 3-6
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 105
You Choose: History series. This interactive novel allows the reader to choose which path they’d like the main characters to take as World War I
develops and is fought. There are three main topics: helping with the Belgian resistance movement, fighting as a British soldier and volunteering with
the American Field Service, and several different paths to follow within each topic. The information is historically correct and the paths are short,
only a few pages each. The topics are interesting, but it would be nice to have more depth and development to the different paths. It seems expensive
for a short read. Elementary students looking for short war stories will enjoy this.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Swanson, Jennifer
TITLE: Body Bugs: invisible creatures lurking inside you
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press, 2012
PRICE: $
ISBN: 978-1-4296-6530-8
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: photographs
PAGES: 32
This is a fun and interesting topic for children. As adults and parents we all talk with our children about germs, bacteria, microbes and more. This
book teaches children about body bugs, what they look like, and what they do to your body. The information is broken up into paragraphs and
captions which makes it easy for children to pick and choose what information they want to read. The nonfiction format provides for a good reference
for learning about text features. There are multiple photographs, images and diagrams that show the microbes and infected parts of the body.
Children will be captivated, as my young son was for days, with all the information that will surprise and gross them out.
REVIEWER: Holly James, Barnes Elementary School, Kelso, WA
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TenNapel, Doug
TITLE: Cardboard
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Graphix ©2012
PRICE: $12.99
ISBN: 978-0-545-41873-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 283
This full color paperback graphic novel is one of the best graphic novels I’ve read in a long time! A down and out dad remembers his son’s birthday,
but is only able to buy him some cardboard. The vendor tells him they will have great fun building things together and tells him a few rules to
remember about the cardboard. The pair makes a life-sized cardboard boxer that magically comes to life and they are thrilled! The boy begins
making other projects out of the scraps and the neighboring teen bully decides he wants some of that cardboard. The boy has built a cardboard maker
from the scraps and the bully steals it. The bully makes his own creations that proceed to overtake the bully and claim the house as their own. The
boy tries to help and with the help of his dad they defeat the magical cardboard creations. This graphic novel will appeal to middle school boys and
girls alike. It shows the power of creativity and perseverance and leaves you rooting for the underdog.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Thomas, Elizabeth
TITLE: Snapping Turtles
RATING: Ad
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press, 2011
PRICE: $23.99
ISBN: 978-1-4296-6644-2
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-2
ILLUSTRATOR: photographs
PAGES: 24
The photographs are what make this book. They are close-up and clear. My favorite photograph is when the baby turtle is making its way out of its
shell. The text is simple and provides basic information about the snapping turtle and how it survives in its habitat. This book could be used to teach
about the features of nonfiction text especially to younger children because of the minimal amount of information given.
REVIEWER: Holly James, Barnes Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Thomas, Peggy
TITLE: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson
RATING: R+
PUBLISHER: Calkins Creek, 2011
PRICE: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-59078-764-9
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st ILLUSTRATOR: Jacques, Laura
PAGES: 40
This is a fun yet serious story about the life-long love that Roger Peterson had for the learning about and love of birds. The story carries us from his
childhood through his entire life. We learn that his love of birds started off early in his childhood. He began sketching, painting and documenting his
learnings about birds. He started out by attending art classes, being a camp guide, was asked to join bird clubs, became director of education for the
National Audubon Society and Bird-Lore. He wrote and illustrated the Field Guide to the Birds, and several additions since. This book was
important because it was the first book of this type that was created for people who knew nothing about birds; it was useful for the average person.
later he discovered the effects of DDT and was a major contender in t getting the government to banned the use of it. He accomplished these things
and so many more that have shaped our knowledge and understanding about birds and nature. This book was inspirational because it portrayed a real
sense of who Roger Peterson was and how much he accomplished in his life. It reminds us about what we can do with our lives and about the
importance of following our passion but also the importance of enjoying and protecting nature. The illustrations are beautifully elaborate and soft;
they bring out the details and serenity found in nature. Each illustrated page deepens the feelings and understanding of the passage and what Mr.
Peterson was working for. This book was a pleasure to read and one that I am sure I will be returning to myself and recommending to others.
REVIEWER: Holly James, Barnes Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Tieck, Sarah
TITLE: Washington
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing Company, 2013
PRICE: $19.95
ISBN: 978-1-61783-386-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
As part of the series, Explore the United States, this book focuses on the 42 nd state to join the nation: Washington. It covers all the usual things a state
book covers, including its history, famous Washingtonians, general facts, important cities and places to visit, amongst other things. None of the
sections is very long, but I did enjoy the timeline and the way the Tour Book section was set up. It talks about places to cheer, play, discover, view
and see. There are lots of pictures which is a very important feature.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
TITLE: Baby Sounds
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Penguin Group  2012
PRICE: $6.99
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3831-7
INTEREST LEVEL: infant-toddlers
ILLUSTRATOR: Joy Allen
PAGES: 14
Baby Sounds is a board book that introduces all the new sounds that baby can hear in his daily experiences. Baby hears sounds in his room when
first wakes up to the kiss sound when going to bed. The illustrations look like pastels with soft colors and smiling faces. While there is nothing
wrong with this book, it is not the type of book that I would put in my infant library. The educational value is not enough for me to spend this money
in this economy for this type of book.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Tougas, Shelley
TITLE: Weapons, Gear, and Uniforms of the Iraq War
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone Press ©2012
PRICE: $20.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7652-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 4-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 32
Equipped for Battle series. This text provides a brief introduction to the Iraq War and then goes into detail about the various weapons and gear troops
used there, It also describes the various aspects of the uniforms. It concludes with a look at airplanes, assault weapons and new technologies that
were developed. Includes glossary, index, and references. This book will be popular with upper elementary and middle school boys. The rich photos
are balanced with descriptive and concise text. Boys will surely look for others in this series.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
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Tougas, Shelly
TITLE: The Science of Weapons
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Compass Point Books© 2012
PRICE: $24.99
ISBN: 978-0-7565-4461-4
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-9
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 48
Part of the Science of War series. This book discusses a variety of military weapons and the basics of how they work. Rather than going into lots of
depth on each weapon, it gives enough information to satisfy the reader and then moves on to the next topic. While the content of the book is good,
the small font size makes it challenging to read. There is plenty of white space on the pages to increase the font size. The photographs are interesting
and the inserted text boxes have larger print, leaving many readers to skim through this read.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Tourville, Amanda Doering
TITLE: My Friend Has Autism
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Picture Window Books  2012
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 978-1-4048-7312-4
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Kristin Sorra
PAGES: 24
This is not a new book to my library, and I reviewed this book last year. The book size has been modified they made it a little smaller. Also, this
book has been made into bi-lingual edition using English and Spanish. I love that they are writing more non-fiction in both English and Spanish this
is lacking in the early grades. This is still a recommend for me.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Trueman, Terry
TITLE: Life Happens Next
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Harper Teen, 2012
PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-202803-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 9 - 12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA
PAGES: 129
It’s been twelve years since Trueman published Stuck in Neutral. One would worry that readers would have lost interest, but I suspect that this
amazing little book will be the catalyst for a whole new generation of young adults to check out Shawn’s story and that of his brother, Paul, in Cruise
Control. Shawn is 15, and suffers from Cerebral Palsy (CP). His disability is so profound that he can’t communicate or even take care of his own
basic needs. Shawn’s body imprisons a mind that catalogues everything he hears perfectly. That same body utterly betrays him and eclipses a fine
mind and sharp wit. The comparison is so painful that readers can’t help but look at CP and even autism through a whole new lens. The story starts
with Shawn’s discovery that he has fallen hopelessly in love with one of his sister’s best friends—Ally. He must watch as Ally falls for Shawn’s
older brother and continually demonstrates that she is worthy of the adoration that Shawn feels. The realization that he will never be able to have the
kind of loving relationship that Abby and Paul share combined with the hopelessness caused by being unable to do even the most basic of tasks for
himself is enough to make him wonder if his father’s previous attempt to kill him wouldn’t have been more merciful. When Debi comes to live with
Shawn’s family and brings her overly aggressive dog, Shawn begins to learn that there is more to humanity that intellectual ability and that
connections can be made even when communication is limited. This book provides an educational opportunity for students to learn about and make
comparisons between Cerebral Palsy and Down’s syndrome. It also provides a complex look at the qualities of humanity. The Common Core State
Standards are emphasizing argument, and this story provides ample opportunity for students to grapple with conceptually challenging information in
a fairly easy-to-read format. It’s setting of Seattle will especially appeal to those students living in the northwest.
REVIEWER: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Tsiang, Sarah
TITLE: Warriors and Wailers: One Hundred Ancient Chinese Jobs… RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Annick Press ©2012
PRICE: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-55451-390-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: Marth Newbigging
PAGES: 96
This oversized paperback non-fiction text discusses one hundred ancient Chinese jobs. Its twelve chapters cover everything from jobs of the
Imperials and Nobles, to jobs of the lesser peoples like merchants and services workers. Each chapter begins with and overview of the category and
then describes a variety of jobs in detail. The full color illustrations are relevant and playful, adding charm and interest to the text. This would make a
good read aloud or teacher share when a class is studying Ancient China, but I’m not sure that students would otherwise pick it up on their own.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Tuminelly, Nancy
TITLE: Let’s Cook With Apples!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO @ 2013
PRICE:
ISBN: 97816178341899
INTEREST LEVEL: Kdg-5th
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 32
ABDO Publishing does such a nice presentation of their nonfiction books. There are five other books in the series – cereal, popcorn, eggs, noodles
and cheese. Table of contents provides all 8 recipes besides safety tips and cooking basics. Of all the recipes the apple sandwich sounds the best to
me. Photographs are excellent. That apple sandwich looks like I could grab it off the page.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Vail, Rachel
TITLE: Flabbersmashed About You
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Feiwel and Friends  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-312-61345-7
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Yumi Heo
PAGES: 31
Well I’ll be, a new word…Flabbersmashed. What if your best friend chose someone else to play with, or what if she chose someone else to be a
walk-in-from-recess buddy? Would you be flabbersmashed like Katie Honors? Yes making friends is a confusing as a child and as an adult. This
book is a great tool to bring up these topics with young children. Vail has a way of picking out the social emotional hurdles for young children. She
is great at telling a common story with a new twist. This book has the feel and the appearance of her book called Sometimes I’m Bombaloo. Keep
up the good work Rachel Vail they are wonderful books for any teacher’s library.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
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Van Draanen, Wendelin
TITLE: Sammy Keyes and the Power of Justice Jack
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf ©2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-87052-1
INTEREST LEVEL: 5-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 294
Sammy Keyes series book 15. Eighth grader Sammy secretly lives with her grandmother in an apartment building only for senior citizens. Everything
is quiet until a new superhero, Justice Jack, literally in mask and tights, shows up to fight crime. He seems to be in the right places at the right times
and thwarts criminals in the act. Townspeople think he’s pretty neat and after getting some help from Sammy in tackling someone at the mall, he
wants her to be his new sidekick. She politely declines, thinking he’s not all that great. Meanwhile trouble is brewing in the apartment building when
her grandma’s neighbor, Mrs. Wedgewood, disappears, apparently with many tenants money. After a series of events puts her in the right places, she
begins to smell a rat, realizing that Justice Jack is a fake. Unknown to him, his mom has been setting up crimes for him to solve in hopes of getting
them a reality television show. After Justice Jack find the lost Mrs. Wedgewood, Sammy sees her in a whole new light. This is another great read for
upper elementary and middle school girls who want a modern mystery that takes twists and turns before the mystery is solved.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Veitch, Catherine
TITLE: A Balanced Diet
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone  2012
PRICE: $18.99
ISBN: 978-1-4329-6994-3
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-1st
ILLUSTRATOR: stock photo’s
PAGES: 24
My Plate helps us make good food choices. This book introduces My Plate and each component and how it grows or where it is derived from. This
non-fiction book helps the young child learn about healthy eating. It is clear and concise. The text is large and the photos large and child friendly.
This book includes and chapter list, an index with a quiz, and vocabulary words that the teacher can present to the student.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Voake, Steve
TITLE: Daisy Dawson on the Farm
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press  2012
PRICE: $ 14.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5882-3
INTEREST LEVEL: 3rd – 5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Jessica Meserve
PAGES: 89
Daisy, the girl who can talk to animals, is back in her fifth installment in the ‘Daisy Dawson’ series. This outing has her on the farm during a heat
wave and the animals are getting grouchy! Good thing Daisy’s around and can try to keep the peace between them all, keeping them so busy with
dancing and competitions and other shenanigans that their minds get a break from focusing on the weather. Will the heat wave ever break? Will it
ever rain so the newts can get their pond back? Daisy is a welcome addition to the farm for the animals and hopefully she’ll be able to solve their
dilemma. Fans of Daisy’s other books in the series will enjoy this newest installment.
REVIEWER: Jill Buccola, Olympic Elementary School
Warner, Gertrude Chandler
TITLE: The Boxcar Children Blue Bay Mystery
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman and Company
PRICE: $5.99
ISBN: 978-0-8075-0794-0
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-5
ILLUSTRATOR: Dirk Gringhuis
PAGES: 157
The Boxcar Children continue to delight readers with their adventures, this time taking place on a previously deserted island. Or so they thought…
Mysterious things are happening that is making the family think that there may be someone else on the island? Who is it and should they be scared?
Those are the questions to be answered. Readers will enjoy the interaction between the family and the bond they have with one another. The
wording is a little outdated for today’s children which may make it harder for them to relate to some of the interactions and dialogue in the book.
The updated cover illustrations will help modern students become more drawn to the book.
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
Waxman, Laura Hamilton
TITLE: Spheres
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Magic Wagon  2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-61641-877-9
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Katheryn Mitter
PAGES: 24
Let’s learn about 3-D shapes; circle becomes a sphere. This is a great series that include more books on cones, cubes, prisms, pyramids, and
cylinders. This is a great find for the pre-school library. I am excited to add this series to my library. The pictures are cute illustrations of young
children playing and using spheres in real world applications.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Webb, Sarah
TITLE: Ask Amy Green: Love and Other Drama-ramas!
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press©2011
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5582-2
INTEREST LEVEL: 6-8
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A
PAGES: 237
Ask Amy Green book ****. Thirteen-year-old Amy Green’s mom continues with wedding preparations and lands a job ghost writing a novel. It
turns out that she is helping to write the memoirs of a famous surfing celebrity chef. Amy’s seventeen-year-old cousin, Clover, is very nervous about
starting college and spills the beans to Amy about how Clover’s best friend stole her boyfriend and that they are already attending the same college.
Meanwhile Amy’s best friend, Mills, begins dating a mysterious new boy, Bailey. However when Mills cancels a date with Bailey to attend a rock
concert featuring Clover’s new boyfriend, she sees Bailey there apparently dating another girl. Mills confronts him and Bailey breaks up with her.
Amy discovers some of her mom’s book notes on the table and puts pieces together that Bailey is the celebrity’s chef estranged son. Amy secretly
sets up a meeting at the beach for the father and son and it doesn’t go well. Bailey is so distraught that Amy later finds him neck deep in the freezing
ocean where, with the help of her mom and friends, rescue him. Bailey and his dad begin to sort things out. Clover overcomes her fears and starts to
like college. Middle school girls will enjoy the teen angst and drama, as well as the happy ending.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
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Weber, Rebecca
TITLE: Safety Basics
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Capstone  2012
PRICE: $18.49
ISBN: 978-1-4296-7905-3
INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
Basic Safety is a book to teach children how to be safe in many different areas of their life such as: school, home, playground, and when traveling.
There is a glossary, recommended extensions of research, suggested Internet sites, and an index. The format of the “Pebble Plus” non-fiction books
is very nice for very young children. They have a big picture on the right hand side with the text on the left. Also, the text is extremely basic and
would sit comfortly on a pre-school room shelf.
REVIEWER: Tyra K. Smith, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Wells, Robert E.
TITLE: Can We Share the World with Tigers?
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman @ 2012
PRICE: 16.99
ISBN: 9780807510551
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-5th
ILLUSTRATOR: Robert E. Wells
PAGES: UNP
This unpaged nonfiction picture book exposes many reasons why tigers are becoming endangered. Poaching is discussed as well as pollution and
people taking over habitats. Balance in nature is presented as humans bring incompatible species together. Illustrations provide the an important
backdrop to all the valuable information. Can We Share the World with Tigers? would be outstanding for Earth Day.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Wheeler, Jill C.
TITLE: Ragdoll Cats
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing Company
PRICE: $
ISBN: 978-1-61783-243-7
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-4
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: 24
This is a non-fiction book about a very sweet breed of cats called the Ragdoll cat. Ragdolls are a hybrid breed that did not originate in nature rather
from a woman who bred them specifically due to their mellow nature and their ability to become limp when held. This is a short but comprehensive
book for a child to use for a report or for simple interest.
REVIEWER: Holly James, Barnes Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Wiley, Melissa
TITLE: Fox and Crow are Not Friends
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Random @ 2012
PRICE: 3.99
ISBN: 9780375869822
INTEREST LEVEL: 1st-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Sebastien Braun
PAGES: 48
Another in the “Step into Reading” series, this begins as an Aesop’s fable. Crow finally sings, the cheese drips to the ground and Fox eat the cheese.
Additional brief chapters add to the fun. The surprise ending is sure to be a winner for reluctant readers who will be drawn to this book. The
illustrations assure that many students will enjoy this book.
Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary
Williams, Marcia
TITLE: The elephant's friend and other tales from Ancient India
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press , 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780763659165
INT. LEV: 3
ILLUSTRATOR:
PAGES: <32>
Beautifully illustrated with the colors of India, the stories in this book are traditional tales from India. The elephant's friend is a
dog that is sold and is missed by the elephant. The king purchases the dog back and the elephant is happy. Interjected in the
illustrations are dialogue bubbles adding to the storyline. In "The scrawny old tiger" the traveler is fooled and eaten by the tiger.
Fortunately, the illustrations are elementary enough to entertain and not scare the readers.
I love the colorful pages of illustrations and borders. Every page is filled to the edge. I feel this book will be overlooked because
of the small text. Yet, it is not a story I have any other like it.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary, Kelso, WA
Willis Holt, Kimberly
TITLE: Piper Reed Forever Friend
RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt and Company
PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9008-6
INTEREST LEVEL: 2-4
ILLUSTRATOR: Christine Davenier
PAGES: 152
Piper Reed is a young girl who is part of a military family. The military lifestyle isn’t always easy and causes the family to frequently move to new
locations. This means new schools and new friends and the loss of The Gypsy Club in which she and her current friends belong. All of this can be
stressful for a young girl. Piper tries to keep an open mind and a positive attitude and learns that she is good at making friends. She also discovers
that The Gypsy Club can continue no matter where she is. This is a great book for youngsters who belong to military families or those who
experience moving to a new school.
REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary
Wojtowycz, David
TITLE: Elephant Joe, Brave Knight!
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Random House, New York, 2011
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-307-93087-3
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Wojtowycz, David
PAGES: 32
Elephant Joe and Zebra Pete go to the King’s rescue when the Dark Knight steals his crown. A surprising turn of events happens when the two brave
characters attempt to rescue a damsel in distress, only to find that it is the Dark Knight in disguise. The illustrations combine speech bubbles with
plain text. The illustrations have a lot of texture in them.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
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Wooster, Patricia
TITLE: An Illustrated Timeline of Dinosaurs
RATING: A+
PUBLISHER: Picture Window Books ©2012
PRICE: $27.99
ISBN: 9781404871625
INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-4th
ILLUSTRATOR: Epstein, Len
PAGES: 32
In spite of the fact that $28.00 is quite expensive for a book with only 32 pages, I did enjoy this selection. I like the format which clearly illustrates
how long the time span is. I learned about several new dinosaurs which helps keep me current with our students! The somewhat simplistic
illustrations are appropriate for age level. Our dino-experts will love it!
Rhonda Lowe, Castle Rock Elementary
Yates, Louise
TITLE: Dog Loves Drawing
RATING R
PUBLISHER: Alfred Knopf
PRICE: $ 16.99
ISBN: 978-0-375-87067-5
INTEREST LEVEL: K-2nd
ILLUSTRATOR: Yates, Louise
PAGES: NA
Dog loved to read. He opened a book store and when he was not selling books to others he was reading. Then one day his aunt sent him a book with
blank pages, and encouraged him to make his own book. Do love to draw and use his imagination. When his book was filled he sent his aunt a
thank-you card. This would be a good book to introduce the writing process to young students.
REVIEWER: Tracy Robinson, Kessler Elementary
Yum, Hyewon
TITLE: Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten!
RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Frances Foster Books, 2012
PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-374-35004-8
INTEREST LEVEL: PreK-K
ILLUSTRATOR: Yum, Hyewon
PAGES: 33
This book follows a young boy’s excitement about the first day of school. This reviewer thought that maybe the boy’s true feelings were transferred
to his mom depicting her as being shy and not wanting to go to school so much. The illustrations project Mom through much of the book as a
shrunken blue figure hiding from the world.
Reviewer: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
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