What the Junior Room Is Reading

2010 Archive

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June

J/F/BEHRENS - The Fast and the Furriest - 2010, 247 p. - Grades 4 – 6
Kevin feels like he has a lot to live up to: his father is a famous former Bears player and his younger sister is a super soccer player. Kevin, on the other hand, isn’t good at sports at all. Needless to say, his father is not pleased with him.

Kevin prefers staying in the basement with his video games and his lazy dog Cromwell. While flipping through channels on the TV one day, Kevin comes across a dog agility competition. He was about to change the channel when he notices Cromwell’s reaction to the show; he appears excited! Kevin is shocked by Cromwell’s behavior after this; Cromwell now seems to want to run around and jump through the tire swing in the backyard. Kevin’s best friend Jack suggests that they find an agility class for them to join as an outlet for Cromwell’s energy. Kevin is skeptical, but he goes along with the idea (despite the fact that his dad is adamant that dog agility is not a real sport).

Miss Sarah says, “This is a great book! Kevin is a very likable character with funny responses to those who try to make fun of him for being so bad at sports. Cromwell is entertaining, too. Readers who enjoyed this book might also enjoy The Problem with the Puddles and Dog Lost.”

J/F/DEVILLERS - Trading Faces - 2009, 300 p. - Grades 5 – 7
Payton and Emma are twin sisters who are starting 7th grade. Payton (the popular one) is interested in fashion and socializing with the “in” crowd. Her bookish sister Emma excels in the academic realm. Things go from fun to frenzied after an embarrassing incident in the cafeteria; Emma suggests they switch clothes after Payton is mortified and too upset to return to class.

Soon the girls find themselves enjoying their new roles. Emma gains social confidence as she morphs into a fashion trend-setter, and Payton learns that she enjoys expanding her scholastic life. Eventually, they have to deal with the fall-out when their duplicity is discovered, and they need to repair friendships… but valuable lessons are learned by all.

Miss Suzanne says, “This book is extremely entertaining with many funny moments and believable dialogue. It captures the social dynamics of junior high life, plus the twins stretch themselves beyond their usual roles. The girls’ stories continue in a sequel, Take Two.

J/F/PRELLER - The Bystander - 2009, 226 p. - Grades 5 – 8
It’s a “new beginning” (or so his mother says) for Eric, his mom and his brother as they move back to his mother’s hometown, after his father leaves the family following a serious mental breakdown. Eric is anxious and nervous as he starts school, not looking forward to the fact that he is now the “new kid.” Even before school officially starts, Eric meets Griffin, who seems to be a school leader. Griffin makes a huge effort to become Eric’s friend, but as Eric gets to know Griffin better, he realizes that Griffin is a bully, inflicting both mental and physical anguish on others. Eric must now make a frightening and difficult decision – to be a bystander who quietly witnesses Griffin’s behavior, or take a stand and try to put an end to Griffin’s reign.

Miss Rachel says, “This fast read will appeal to middle school boys, who can probably relate to the issues of boy bullying. It was interesting to see how Griffin not only hurt people with his fists, but with his words and actions as well. The author does a great job at describing the emotions of boys and the social structure of middle school. Especially gripping was a scene where a boy who had been bullied by Griffin abruptly changes sides and joins Griffin in his menacing behavior, in order to gain favor with him. Adults only play a minor role in this book; it is the kids who take center stage. This book will stay with the reader long after he finishes the last chapter.”

J/F/SCHLITZ - The Night Fairy - 2010, 117 p. - Grades 3 – 5
Flory, a tiny young night fairy, lost her wings during an encounter with a bat. As a result, she can no longer fly. How does a fairy get around without wings? Flory changes her life and she becomes a day fairy. However, she soon finds that the world is bigger and more dangerous in the day than she realized. Determined to stay alive, she befriends a squirrel named Skuggle, who helps her learn about the garden and its surroundings. Through her strange friendship with Skuggle, both learn to depend on each other for survival.

Miss Kelly says, “Danger from creatures in the garden and the adventures the friends encounter will keep readers intrigued and anxious to find out what Flory will do next!”

J/F/UMANSKY - Clover Twig and the Magical Cottage - 2009, 297 p. - Grades 4 – 7
Clover, a practical kind of girl, answers an ad for “a STOrNg gRil to CLEEN.” The job is to keep house for Mrs. Eckles, the town’s resident witch, cleaning up her run-down, raggedy old cottage in the woods. That doesn’t deter Clover, because she knows her Ma needs the money, she’s a hard worker, and maybe she’d get her own bed to sleep in.

From her first step through the gate (it has a snippy attitude), the cottage and its surroundings are full of magic. Mrs. Eckles lets her settle in, and then announces she’s going away a few days to sell potions at the town fair. Although there are many protective spells on the cottage, Mrs. Eckles’ jealous and greedy sister Mesmeranza soon comes to claim the cottage for herself. Clover and her new friend Wilf have an adventure of a lifetime when Mesmeranza steals the cottage and flies it to her castle stronghold. The two children must escape and get the cottage back home before Mrs. Eckles returns from the fair.

Miss Sara says, “This is a fun, magical frolic with non-scary witches, amusing magical elements and capable, plucky children. The characters and dialogue are witty and quirky, and the British influences are just enough to let readers know that the story is set Somewhere Else. It’s a little long for 4th graders, but will make a playful, pleasing read.”

May

J/F/BEARD - Annie Glover is NOT a Tree Lover - 2010, 120 p. - Grades 3 – 4
Fourth grader Annie Glover is humiliated when her grandma chains herself to an old tree across the street from her school, in an attempt to save it from being cut down. The town of Bentley wants to build a swimming pool complex in that space, and Annie wants a swimming pool, too.

Annie’s attitude changes when she learns that the tree’s history is linked to her town’s history. With the help of her parachute-jumping Elvis-impersonating Uncle, Annie and her classmates join the fight to save the tree for Bentley’s future generations.

Miss Kelly says, “To make their voices heard by city council, the children protest - and having three flying Elvis impersonators doesn’t hurt their cause. References to The Giving Tree make Annie Glover is NOT a Tree Lover even more special.”

J/F/COWELL - How to Train Your Dragon - 2003, 214 p. - Grades 3 – 6
Hiccup and his fellow warriors-in-training must capture a sleeping baby dragon as part of the process of becoming true Vikings. After successfully capturing one, the boys have a limited amount of time to train it to obey their commands. Hiccup does manage to catch a dragon, although he finds that the one he has is the smallest of all the dragons caught! To make things worse, his dragon has no teeth, which leads Hiccup to name him Toothless.

Toothless won’t follow any of Hiccup’s commands. When a huge water dragon emerges from the bottom of the sea, Hiccup and the boys must get their dragons to obey them so that they can rid themselves of this evil water dragon once and for all.

Miss Sarah Ellyn says, “This is a funny book that boys especially will enjoy; the characters’ and dragons’ funny names will make readers laugh, along with the woefully un-Viking-like Hiccup. This is the first book in the Heroic Misadventures of Hiccup the Viking series and the book upon which the current film is based.”

J/F/DERBY - Kyle’s Island - 2010, 191 p. - Grades 4 – 6
Ever since his father abruptly left, it’s been a difficult year for Kyle and his family. But summer is now here and Kyle can’t wait to vacation at his family’s cabin in Michigan. Long, lazy days of fishing await him, and he is determined to explore the hidden island that lies near the cabin. His idyllic plans are shattered when his mother announces that this will be their last summer at the cabin, since she can no longer afford to keep it. Kyle can’t believe this will really happen, but as his disbelief turns into gradual acceptance, his family and an elderly neighbor help Kevin find a way to enjoy his final summer at the cabin.

Miss Rachel says, “While this book takes place in the 1970s, the only noticeable reference to the time period is a lack of cell phones and the internet. The focus of the book is on Kyle’s love for the family cabin and the anger he feels towards his dad for leaving the family. Kyle’s family is warm, loving, and very supportive of each other. This quiet, gentle book is a great choice for boys looking for a change from the non-stop action and fantasy books that are so prevalent today.”

J/F/DEVILLERS - Liberty Porter, First Daughter - 2009, 166 p. - Grades 2 – 4
Liberty Porter is just your average girl, dealing with her dad’s new job and the family’s move to a new city; except that Liberty’s dad is the next President of the United States and the family’s new home is the White House! Liberty explores her new surroundings, but it’s hard to have fun when you are supposed to be the prim and proper First Daughter.

Miss Katie says, “Liberty grows into the role of first daughter and her struggles may change the way readers might think of the first children living in the White House. She is a unique individual and readers will enjoy reading about Liberty’s well-intended misadventures.”

J/F/HARLOW - Secret of the Night Ponies - 2009, 323 p. - Grades 3 – 5
Jessie Wheller is thirteen and lives with her family on an isolated rocky promontory in Newfoundland – a remote province of Canada. They have to take a boat to get to town. One night, Jesse’s dog Blizzard leads her to a shipwreck at the bottom of a cliff. The three survivors spend time with the Whellers until they are well enough to travel. While visiting town to see her friends, Jessie discovers that one of them is being neglected by the girl’s foster parents. She also learns about a scheme to sell a herd of wild Newfoundland ponies for horse meat. Jessie devises a plan to rescue her friend and the animals.

Miss Suzanne says, “Jessie is a plucky character, who is quick to speak her mind. She is action-oriented, and works to change things. I think this book would appeal to girls who like adventure stories with a strong female heroine, as well as those who like horse stories.”

April

J/F/DEVILLERS - Trading Faces - 2009, 300 p. - Grades 5 – 6
Payton and Emma are twin sisters who are starting seventh grade. Payton (the popular one) is interested in fashion and socializing with the “in” crowd. Her bookish sister excels in the academic realm. Things go from fun to frenzied after an embarrassing incident in the cafeteria; Emma suggests they switch clothes after Payton is mortified and too upset to return to class.

Soon the girls find themselves enjoying their new roles. Emma gains social confidence as she morphs into a fashion trend-setter, and Payton learns that she enjoys expanding her scholastic life. Eventually, they have to deal with the fall-out when their duplicity is discovered, and they need to repair friendships… but valuable lessons are learned by all.

Miss Suzanne says, “This book is extremely entertaining with many funny moments and believable dialogue. It captures the social dynamics of junior high life, plus the twins stretch themselves beyond their usual roles. Take Two is a sequel to this book.”

Leck, James - The Adventures of Jack Lime - 2010, 128 p. - Grades 5 – 8
Have a problem that needs solving? Jack Lime is your guy! Readers follow along as Jack solves three different cases: the first involves a missing bike (that belongs to the brother of a gorgeous girl); the second is about a kidnapped hamster; and the third is about students that have gone mysteriously missing. Jack doesn’t work for free, of course, but rather than work for money, he collects favors that he can use later on.

Jack’s one weakness is his narcolepsy; when situations get stressful, his body wants to fall asleep—and it often does! He doesn’t let this stop him though; he is serious about being the private eye that students go to for help (although he does, at times, wake up in the hospital!).

Miss Sarah Ellyn says, “This is a funny book—readers are bound to like Jack immediately. The three cases are told using entries that note the day, time, and location Jack finds the information he shares. This book would be great for readers who enjoyed the Chet Gecko series when they were younger.”

J/F/MASS - 11 Birthdays - 2009, 267 p. - Grades 4 – 7
Amanda and Leo have celebrated their shared birthday together since their first birthday, and they are best friends – that is, until Amanda overhears Leo say something mean about her to his friends at their 10th birthday. Angry and hurt, Amanda hasn’t spoken to Leo since that day.

Now it’s a year later, and Amanda and Leo are both turning 11, but they will celebrate their birthdays separately for the first time ever. Amanda is glad when her birthday is over and can just forget about her awful day. If she has to hear about Leo’s cool party one more time, she is going to lose her mind! When she wakes up the next morning, she’s happy that it’s finally Saturday and their birthdays are behind her. But the strangest thing happens… when she wakes up, it’s not Saturday at all – it’s Friday (and her 11th birthday) again! To make things worse, when she wakes up the next morning… and the next morning… it’s still Friday!

Miss Sarah Ellyn says, “This is a very cute book that calls to mind the movie Groundhog Day. Amanda is very likable (as is Leo, once he’s forgiven). Readers who enjoyed this book might also enjoy Take Two, J/F/DEVILLERS, or The Secret Language of Girls, J/F/DOWELL”

J/F/SONNENBLICK - After Ever After - 2010, 260 p. - Grades 6 – 8
This sequel to Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie gives center stage to Steven’s brother Jeffrey, now cancer free and in 8th grade himself. Eight years after being diagnosed with leukemia, Jeffrey is finally dealing with more ‘normal’ middle school stuff – girls (one in particular), school (he hates math), and family (dependable Steven has picked now to check out and go find himself in Africa). And on top of that, while the cancer’s gone, some after-effects unfortunately aren’t. Jeff still has some nerve damage that gives him a limp (though he’s awesome on a bike) and he spaces out more than his teachers would like. Worst of all, his math grades are terrible, and so when he hears the state has decided to require all 8th graders to pass a standardized math test in order to graduate, he knows he’s doomed. Luckily, Jeff’s friend Tad (another cancer survivor) is determined to help him pass that test, even if it means he has to tutor him every day. Jeff does not like the idea, but consents on the condition that if he’s going to pass that test, Tad has to get out of his wheelchair and walk at graduation. If he has to work his butt off, Tad’s going to, too.

Miss Meghan says, “I really enjoyed this book. Jeff and Tad are great characters and best friends, each helping the other deal with some really hard stuff (some cancer-related, some not). Like in Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie, Sonnenblick covers serious topics while entirely avoiding sappiness – and he throws in some ‘your mom’ jokes for good measure. Fans will recognize parallels between the two brothers’ 8th grade years, but you don’t need to have read it to enjoy this.”

J/F/ZAHLER - The Thirteenth Princess - 2009, 243 p. - Grades 4 – 6
Zita, a servant girl, is told that she is actually the thirteenth daughter of the king of the castle. She was moved to the servant quarters as a baby because the king was distraught over the death of her mother and angry over the fact that his wife bore him thirteen daughters, but no sons. The king has also banished the use of magic in the kingdom, because he is fearful that an evil spell will fall on his daughters.

Despite this ruling, something sinister is happening in the castle. Zita’s twelve sisters have become sickly and weak, unable to even get out of bed during the day. When Zita follows her sisters one evening, she discovers they are under a spell – one that causes them to dance non-stop each and every evening. Zita is desperate to save her sisters, but can she break such a powerful spell?

Miss Rachel says, “Based on Grimm’s The Twelve Dancing Princesses, the author has expanded on that story and created an exciting and imaginative fairy tale. Zita is a feisty girl, who despite being banished from her birthright as a princess, loves her family dearly. Full of magic, beautiful gowns, handsome princes and even a witch, this book is sure to satisfy.

March

J/F/BAUER - No Castles Here - 2007, 270 p. - Grades 4 – 7
Augie lives in a bad neighborhood in Camden, New Jersey. He has to worry about avoiding drug dealers on the way to and from school and the bullies in his class. Sixth-grade is turning out to be quite a difficult year for him. Things get even worse when he accidently takes a book from a downtown bookstore. Although Augie isn’t a huge fan of reading, he finds this book of tales fascinating.

When an ice storm hits the town in December, Augie’s school is so damaged by frozen plumbing that the school will remain closed for good, and students will be split up and sent to different schools. Augie can’t believe that the adults are giving up on his school! With the help of his teacher, fellow chorus members, his Big Brother, and his mom, Augie fights to save his school.

Miss Sarah Ellyn says, “I enjoyed this story. The tales Augie reads from his stolen book are interspersed within the regular story. Augie’s attitude in the face of his tough life will surely bring smiles to readers. Readers who enjoyed this might also enjoy Finding Stinko by Michael De Guzman and Slam Dunk! by Sharon Robinson.”

J/F/BECKER - The Magical Ms. Plum - 2007, 104 p. - Grades 2 – 4
It’s the first day of 3rd grade in Ms. Plum’s classroom, and her students have heard whispers that there’s something Very Special about being in her class. Through the year, as Ms. Plum sends each student into her mysterious supply closet for supplies, they each come out with a magical animal. Tashala (who wants to be a cowboy) is asked to get a pencil from the closet and she is followed out by a miniature horse – she’s thrilled. But, when the horse poops in her desk and on her cowboy boots, she is no longer thrilled. Mindy, who knows how to clean up poop (twin baby brothers at home) gladly takes over caring for the pony and the two girls learn how to get along, and become friends.

Each chapter tells about an individual student’s adventures after being sent to the supply closet. The animals that come out help their students in some way – make them less shy, teach them how to get along better in the class, etc. By the next day, the magical animals always disappear.

Miss Sara says, “Here’s a simpler, updated Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle! Perhaps not as magically innovative as that classic series, but fun and well worth the read. I enjoyed finding out what would come out of the closet, and how the animal would help his student. This title would make a great primary grade read-aloud for the beginning of the school year. If they enjoy this title, send them straight to Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle!”

J/F/COLLARD - Double Eagle - 2009, 245 p. - Grades 6 – 8
Mike and his marine biologist dad will be spending the summer on a tiny, remote island off the coast of Alabama while his dad teaches a class. Mike is less than thrilled. When he arrives on the island, however, and learns that a nearby ship is searching for a rumored Civil War treasure, things suddenly get a lot more interesting. Mike and his new friend Kyle find what looks like a Confederate gold coin in an abandoned military fort. Soon the boys are on the hunt for the rest of a treasure that they’re not even sure exists, and with the help of an old island resident and some even older diaries, they may just find it. Other fortune hunters and a brewing hurricane just add to the excitement.

Miss Meghan says, “This is a solid adventure story with enough twists to keep you intrigued and guessing all the way ‘til the end!”

J/F/FROST - Crossing Stones - 2009, 184 p. - Grades 6 – 8
Crabapple Creek runs between the Jorgensen and Norman families in rural Michigan, but the families are very close and their children have grown up together. Muriel Jorgensen is now 18 and has reached a difficult time in her life. World War I is raging in Europe and both her brother and Frank Norman have left to fight, leaving a huge emptiness in both families. Muriel is also confronted with conflicting feelings of what it means to be a woman in America, as her Aunt Vera joins the suffragist movement in Washington D.C. As the war continues, Muriel’s brother is injured in battle, and Frank Norman never makes it home. Both families are left to deal with the grief and agony that the war has brought to their lives and Muriel must make a difficult choice and decide where she belongs in this changing world.

Miss Rachel says, “Told in verse, this story is short on words, but long in emotion. Despite the briefness of this book, I came to care very much about the Jorgensen and Norman families. The bleakness and desolation of World War I is told hauntingly through letters sent from the boys, and Muriel’s feelings and confusion about the suffragist movement is well-described. There is a form to the verse throughout this book – Muriel’s writings are told in a wandering stream of words, while other entries are arranged in a circle shape, much like a stepping stone. The verses of the different characters also relate to each other in cadence and rhyme. I would highly recommend this book to older girls looking for a brief, yet poignant glimpse of what life was like for a woman during World War I.”

J/F/MCGOWAN - The Witch’s Guide to Cooking with Children - 2009, 180 p. - Grades 4 – 6
Sol and Connie Blink are siblings who have just moved to a new town with their parents. Unbeknownst to them, their father and stepmother have decided to abandon them to the local witch, who eats children. (They are tired of being parents, and hope to collect a fortune when the children disappear.) However, Sol and Connie are a very clever pair, and despite being up against great odds, they manage to outsmart the hungry witch.

Miss Suzanne says, “This novel is based on Hansel and Gretel. It is quite amusing; the pair is quirky and smart. It has a Lemony Snicket feel.”

February

J/F/HOUSE - Eli the Good - 2009, 295 p. - Grades 7 – 9
Bicentennial fireworks and transistor radio music of 1976 are the soundtrack of Eli Book’s 10th summer. What should have been a time of carefree innocence is burdened with terrible secrets that threaten the very fabric of the family he so dearly loves. Eli’s father, a Vietnam vet, returned home 10 years ago with physical and emotional scars that have never healed. Eli’s mother is emotionally unavailable, as she runs interference between her traumatized husband and his sister Nell, a former war protester, who comes to live with the family. Eli’s wild-spirited sister Josie struggles with her own painful discoveries that jeopardize the family’s stability. Luckily, Eli has his best friend Edie to be his emotional compass… until Eli crumbles under the weight of the family’s troubles.

Miss Diane says, “This is a coming-of-age story set in a small southern town. The Vietnam War ended earlier, but its terrible cost repeats itself in overlapping currents. While Eli is ten years old in the summer of 1976, the intended audience is somewhat older. This has a wonderful Harper Lee feel that gives this story of war, love, and family universal appeal.”

J/F/MARTIN - Everything for a Dog - 2009, 211 p. - Grades 5 – 6
Bone (a dog) tells his life story, from the time he is born in a shed, to the happy home life that he eventually finds. Bone, and his sister Squirrel, whose life is chronicled in the book A Dog’s Life:The Autobiography of a Stray, are born near the summer home of a large family. When their mother disappears, they are left to fend for themselves.

Interwoven with Bone’s tale, are two stories about boys and their dogs. The first tells about a boy named Charlie who develops a deep bond with his brother’s dog after his brother’s death. The second is about a boy named Henry who longs to own a dog. The threads of these three stories are woven together.

Miss Suzanne says, “This is a sweet story of love, loss, and healing. It has an old-time feel, and the characters are well developed. The book would appeal to those who are nature-lovers.”

J/F/STROUD - Heroes of the Valley - 2009, 483 p. - Grades 6 – 9
Halli Sveinsson is a member of the House of Svein, one of the twelve ruling houses in the valley, each named for a long-dead hero. He’s at a tough age right now – too old to play with the children of his family’s land and too young to do ‘manly’ things; and it doesn’t help that he’s very short. During the yearly Gathering, Halli witnesses an arbiter from another house kill his uncle. Vowing revenge, Halli leaves his house and chases after the evil Hord Hkonsson and his brother Olaf.

Miss Sarah Ellyn says, “This is a fantastic book! It has everything a good book should have: action, adventure, fantastical elements, snarky humor, and great main characters. This should satisfy both boys and girls looking for a tale of bravery in the face of thieves, warriors, and monsters.”

J/F/YEE - Bobby Vs Girls (Accidentally) - 2009, 170 p. - Grades 2 – 4
Bobby and Holly have been friends for as long as they can remember, but something changes during the summer before fourth grade – Holly starts acting like a girl! After becoming friends with Jillian over the summer, Holly won’t join Bobby for their annual rock hunt on the last day of summer vacation. When they run against each other for student council, the election gets so heated that they can’t even talk to each other.

Miss Kelly says, “Negotiating boy-girl friendships in grade school with humor and heart, this is a believable story involving relationships with siblings, parents, and pets, and one very stinky tree.”

J/F/YOHALEM - Escape Under the Forever Sky - 2009, 220 p. - Grades 4 – 7
Lucy Hoffman’s mom is the new U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia. Her family has lived all over the world, and now Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is her new home. Lucy longs to explore the markets and neighborhoods of the capital, but it’s a dangerous place and her mother keeps her on a tight leash: school, the embassy compound, and occasional trips into the wild areas with park rangers to see the amazing baboons, lions, warthogs, hyenas, and other wildlife. Lucy loves studying the animals of the country and wants to be a zoologist.

On an unauthorized trip out of the compound with a friend, Lucy is grabbed, driven hours away, and held by three kidnappers. After a few hot, nasty days in a shed, she escapes and runs for her life into the African wilderness without shoes, food or water. Following a stream, Lucy sleeps in trees at night to avoid the hyenas, and limps along during the blinding hot days hoping to find a town. At one point she stumbles upon a pride of resting lions who protect her from the searching kidnappers (this part is based on a true story) and finally is taken in and helped by the people of a local village who walk her several miles to the nearest phone.

Miss Sara says, “This was a great suspense and survival story. Readers will learn about Ethiopia, its people, and the beauty and dangers of the African wilderness. This title gives readers a good exposure to a very foreign country, wrapped up in an enjoyable, fast-paced adventure story.”

January

J/F/ANDERSON - Jasper Dash and the Flame-Pits of Delaware - 423 p., 2009 - Grades 4 – 7
This 3rd title in the Pals in Peril series features Jasper Dash, Boy Technonaut, as the main character. Jason, the star player of the school’s Stare-Eyes team, is easily defeated by a new team that seems to have uncanny abilities to out-stare all their opponents. Jasper suspects that they have learned special skills from the legendary Monastery of Vbngoom which is lost somewhere in the wilds of Delaware. Jasper and pals set off to save Vbngoom from whatever evil is going on there. Along the way they must contend with Delaware’s deadly animal life, mistrustful natives, and the state’s Ministry of Silence that constantly spies on them

Miss Sara says,” Wow! There’s a lot of action-packed, wacky adventure going on in this book! It combines the “Come on, chums!” enthusiasm of early pulp fiction with the exotic locals and unending dangers of Indiana Jones, and the non-stop wackiness of the other Pals in Peril books. There’s a lot to laugh at here and for the right readers – those who can stick out 400+ pages of being chased by mountain squid and the cannibalistic Kangaroo Riders of Armstrong – this will be quite a hoot! (I wonder what the state of Delaware thinks of it?!) Also try book 1 of the Pals in Peril series, Whales on Stilts, and book 2, The Clue of the Linoleum Lederhosen.”

J/F/FERBER - Jemma Hartman, Camper Extraordinaire - 215 p., 2009 - Grades 4 – 6
Jemma Hartman has been looking forward to going to summer camp all year so she can see her best friend Tammy who has moved away. When Tammy shows up at camp with her cousin Brooke in tow, Jemma feels jealous and left out. The only thing that Jemma and Brooke have in common is their friendship with Tammy, and there are many awkward moments between this trio. The sailing competition for the Star Lake Cup is the pinnacle of the summer, and Jemma is worried that her dream of sailing in the competition with Tammy won’t happen.

Miss Suzanne says, “Jemma is a likable character who finds herself crowded out of a friendship that she thought was secure. She learns to seek out others, and to recognize that some friendships change over time. The story includes fun details about the camping experience.”

J/F/FRENCH - Operation Redwood - 353 p., 2009 - Grades 5 – 8
When his mother takes a photography job in China, Julian is sent to live with his mean Uncle Sibley and Aunt Daphne for the summer. Julian reads one of his uncle’s emails, sent by a young girl named Robin who lives near a grove of redwood trees. Julian discovers that his uncle’s investment company has purchased the old grove, and plans to cut the trees down. Determined to help save the redwoods, (and avoid going to math camp where his evil aunt and uncle plan to send him), Julian secretly travels to Robin’s home. The redwoods must be saved, and Julian and Robin will stop at nothing to save them – Operation Redwood is born!

Miss Rachel says, “This is a great book for both boys and girls, especially those who are eco-friendly. I really enjoyed the can-do attitude of Julian, Robin and Julian’s friend, Danny. They are typical kids that readers can relate to, but they are also heroes. And, I learned a lot about redwood trees! While the uncle and aunt are over-the-top mean, it was fun to have someone to “hate.” I give this book two big, green thumbs up!”

J/F/GAIMAN - Odd and the Frost Giants - 117 p., 2009 - Grades 3 – 6
This slim novel tells the story of a Viking boy named Odd who runs away from home and is befriended by three forest animals. These animals, a fox, a bear, and an eagle, turn out to be far more than they seem. In truth, they are the Norse gods Loki, Thor, and Odin. Hoodwinked by a crafty and vengeful Frost Giant, they have been transformed into animals and exiled from Asgard. Odd offers his help, and travels with the gods to their homeland, where the plucky lad plans to bargain with the Frost Giant in an attempt to save the day.

Miss Kelly says, “Author Neil Gaiman succeeds once again! With its warm ending, Odd and the Frost Giants reminded me of a fleshed-out Where the Wild Things Are type of story. And, it’s a good introduction to Norse mythology.”

J/F/MACLEAN - The Season - 343 p., 2009 - Grades 6 – 8
Lady Alexandra Stafford is not at all like the other Regency debutantes who are anxious about the beginning of the “Season.” She has no patience for the whirlwind of activities planned to help young society ladies become engaged to acceptable suitors. Alex and her best friends are more independent and intellectual than most of the girls who are being presented to society. Although resolute against marriage, when Alex finds herself in the company of Gavin, a lifelong friend, her feelings for him no longer seem sisterly.

Due to his father’s recent and questionable death, Gavin has had to step into his hereditary position of the Earl of Blackmoor. When Alex overhears a conversation that proves Gavin’s father was murdered, she is determined to solve the mystery for Gavin despite the danger and inappropriateness of such a venture.

Miss Colleen says, “Set during London’s Regency period, readers will be entertained by this title’s mix of romance, humor, and danger. Perfect for readers who like a little high society.”