Fractions = Trouble! by Claudia Mills- ESSENTIAL

Mills, Claudia. Karas, G. Brian. Fractions=Trouble! 128 pgs.  Farrar Straus Ciroux, 2011.  $15.99.  Content: G. This book is about a boy named Wilson who has trouble with fractions and has to go to a math tutor.  Because he is focusing on his science fair project  instead of studying,  he missed a lot on the test. Wilson thinks his science fair project is going to be the best ever.  His little brother, Kipper, does a project with his tents to see which tents blow away the farthest in strong wind.   Wilson helps out his brother by allowing his stuffed animals to be in the tents.  Wilson had his bean bag penguin in the small tent, and his bean bag alligator in the big tent.  The big tent blew the furthest away.

I really liked this book.  I liked the illustrations- especially the hamsters.  It’s a funny and exciting book.  This book would help anyone struggling with fractions to know they aren’t alone. EL (K-3). ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: JL-age 9. 

Dear Toni by Cindi Sand-Eveland - ADVISABLE

Sand-Eveland, Cindi Dear Toni.  128 pgs. Tundra Books, $9.95 Rated G. Gene Tucks is a child born of a middle class family just trying to make ends meet. Gene’s teacher gives the class an assignment to write in a journal every day for one hundred days and then the journals will go into a time capsule to be read in forty years. Even though Gene doesn’t know who will be reading her journal she decides to call him/her Toni. Gene shares her struggles with fitting in and her family's struggles to make ends meet with Toni. 

The pages are filled with doodles and pictures complete with captions. It really feels like you are reading a journal. It was a quick and somewhat easy read. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Shauna, reading teacher.

The Other Felix by Keir Graff - ESSENTIAL

Graff, Keir The Other Felix, 169 pgs. Roaring Brook Press, 2011. $16.99. Language: G; Mature Content-G; Violence: PG ; Everynight when Felix goes to sleep he discovers himself in dreamland. Dreamland is where he meets a boy that becomes his friend and where monsters roam freely. With the fear of his father losing his job and the bully, Felix can't wait till' he goes to sleep where he helps fights monsters with his new friend. While his life when he's awake gets more stressful, the same happens with Dreamland. Soon, he realizes his friend might not be who he thinks. 

I believe this book has a very interesting plot. I also belive that many readers can relate to having vivid dreams which probably seems more happier than when we're awake. I would recommend it because it would be a fun book to read with parents and children. EL- ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: HF

Hannah’s Way by Linda Glaser - ESSENTIAL

Glaser, Linda Hannah’s Way, illustrated by Adam Gustavson.  Kar-Ben (Lerner), 2012.  $18.  PICTURE BOOK.  During the Great Depression, Hannah and her family have moved out to the country – away from he city where everyone understands the family’s Jewish ways.  When the school plans a picnic on Saturday and arranging carpools, Hannah is unsure what to do, because  she is not allowed to ride in a car on the Sabbath.  She is afraid that if she tells anyone that they will ostracize her.  

Based on a true story from the Minnesota History Center, this is a very tender book that is a great way to introduce children to the ways of different religions – especially if all they have ever known is one way.  If I had an award to give, I would give this book one, because I have read it several times and I still get teary eyed when I read the end.  EL – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Worst of Friends by Suzanne Jurmain - ESSENTIAL

Jurmain, Suzanne Tripp Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud.  PICTURE BOOK.  Dutton (Penguin), 2012.  $17.  At the beginnings of America, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were best of friends.  Somewhere along the way, however, the two’s differences became magnified and they quit speaking to each other about the time John was elected President.  When Tom ran against him and won, that sealed the enmity for more than a decade.  

Read about these two friends-enemies-friends who were so important to the founding of our country.  A great look at a bit of American history.  EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Storybound by Marissa Burt - ADVISABLE

Burt, Marissa Storybound, 416 p. HarperCollins, APRIL 2012.  $17.  Content: G.  Una has been shuffled from foster home to foster home since she was a baby.  When she finds a hidden book in the local library, she literally finds herself transported to another world.  There she finds the land of Story, a place where the inhabitants lives used to be scripted by the Muses, but with their defeat many years earlier, the characters are supposedly free – at least that’s what the Tale Masters have told them for all of these years.  With Una’s arrival, events have been set in motion that will change Una and Story forever.  Lies will be uncovered – enemies may even be friends.  

The back cover compares this book to Inkheart or the Neverending Story – but since I personally didn’t like either book, I think this is much better.  Interesting without being confusing, dangerous and enlightening.  I am ready for number two already!  EL – ESSENTIAL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Killer Genes by C T Furlong - ADVISABLE

Furlong, C T  Killer Genes, 188 p. Inside Pocket (Lerner), 2010.  $8.  Violence: PG.  The ARCTIC 6 have been separated for a vacation, but when danger rears its head in the form of a deadly virus that has targeted the world’s leaders, it is a case of being in the right place at the right time.  The gang soon reassembles and it is a race between good an evil – can they find the cure, escape and administer it before not only the American President dies, but many others?  Another absurd situation  for the ARCTIC 6, but you can’t help admiring their guts and their genius. EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Killer Strangelets by C T Furlong - ADVISABLE

Furlong, C T  Killer Strangelets, 206 p. Inside Pocket (Lerner), 2010.  $8.  Violence: PG.  Iago Johnsonm his sister and his friends are in a life-threatening race to save not only their father, but also the entire human race.  A crazy person has plans to use the CERN Particle Collider to create a reaction will annihilate the world.  And nothing will deviate her from her path – except for six determined young people who are MUCH smarter than every single adult around them.  

Fans of Alex Rider will probably enjoy the ARCTIC 6 adventures.  The action is non-stop and heart pounding.  The solutions are mind-boggling and you had better be ready to suspend your belief!  EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Abraham Lincoln by Mary Pope Osborne - ADVISABLE

Osborne, Mary Pope Abraham Lincoln (Fact Tracker), 113 p. Scholastic, 2011.  NON-FICTION.  Created as a companion to Magic Tree House #47: Abe Lincoln at Last! This short non-fiction book is a valuable addition to almost any collection.  Now that I have read it, I want to go back and see what other subjects Osborne has covered, but this one was excellent!  I can see my reluctant middle school students using these when they are require to read non-fiction.  And maybe they will pick another one up just for fun.  EL – ESSENTIAL.  MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Jennifer Lawrence by Katherine Krohn - ADVISABLE

Krohn, Katherine Jennifer Lawrence: Star of the Hunger Games, 41 p. Lerner, 2012.  $9 (paperback).  Content: G.  NON FICTION.  Ready for The Hunger Games?  As you wait, read this little biography about the actress chosen to play Katniss.  The hardcover price is $20, but may be worth it, as this will probably generate some excitement among the fans at your school.  EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

The Very Little Princess: Rose’s Story by Marion Bauer - OPTIONAL

Bauer, Marion Dane  The Very Little Princess:  Rose’s Story  122 pages.  Random House, 2011.  $12.99  Content: G.  Rose is a young girl that finds a 3 ¼ inch porcelain doll in her family attic.  She finds that the little doll can turn into a real 3 ¼ inch person.  Rose’s brother Sam also knows of the live doll and he and Rose take care of her.  They eventually buy her a doll house and one day Rose leaves her in there and comes back to find that she can’t get the doll  to wake up. 

I did not like this story because there wasn’t a storyline and there was no explanation to the ending.  The main character was irresponsible, lied to her mom, and called other little girls names because she wasn’t friends with them.  EL (4-6)-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

The Always War by Margaret Peterson Haddix - ADVISABLE

Haddix, Margaret Peterson The Always War, 197 p. Simon and Schuster, 2011.  Content: G.  Tessa’s homeland has always been at war with their neighbors.  Except for a chosen few, everyone lives in gray, depressing poverty.  When her neighbor and childhood friend Gideon refuses his reward for killing the enemy, Tessa tries to find out what is wrong and together the two are on a rogue airplane headed straight for enemy territory where they uncover a major mystery – and find themselves in a very different kind of danger.   

As war becomes fought more and more by computer operated drones, Haddix, brings out the future possibilities like a slap in the face.  Like Skurzynski’s Virtual War before it, the Always War is for a new generation of kids who need to think about the implications.  Or maybe just enjoy a really interesting story.  EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Last of the Gullivers by Carter Crocker - OPTIONAL

Crocker, Carter Last of the Gullivers, 224 p. Philomel (Penguin), 2012.  $17.  Content: G.  Michael, 12, is headed straight to trouble.  His first try to enter the local gang and he is caught red-handed.  As penance he goes to work for the local grocer, and a chance delivery leads him to meet the village oddity – Lem Gulliver – who introduces him to the Lilliputians, who have lived for generations in the Gulliver’s backyard.  Problems are brewing  - in the village, as the gang tries to exert control over Michael and among the Lilliputians, as a seedy character tries to take control.  Everyone has huge decisions to make.  

As much as I enjoyed the essence of this book, there are too many people over too short of a book so it feels very crowded and complicated.  On the other hand - I think this would make a great movie!  Somebody alert Jack Black!  EL – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Meeting by Nina Kiriki Hoffman - ADVISABLE

Hoffman, Nina Kiriki Meeting (Magic Next Door 2), 314 p. Content: G.  Maya has gotten to know the strange family next door and about the alien cultures accessible through its basement.  Unfortunately, just as Maya is learning to cooperate with her own alien companion, Rimi, her older sister is very suspicious about goings on over there.  Between protecting Rimi from the Krimi, who seem to have stolen RImi in the first place, and deflecting her sister’s attention, Maya has to call in extra hands to juggle all of these balls. 

I didn’t actually read Thresholds before I found Meetings, but didn’t feel like I had to go back in order to understand the action.  However, I would suggest that you buy both books.  Especially for younger students, this is a good introduction to science fiction.  EL, MS – ADVISABLE. 

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Velchin - ESSENTIAL

Velchin, Eugene Breaking Stalin's Nose, 151 p. Henry Holt and Company, 2011. $15.99 Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f') Violence: G, Mature Content: G.  This is a 2012 Newbery Honor.  10-year old Sasha Zaichik can hardly wait to join "The Pioneers" and show that he is a true and loyal Communist like his Father.  He even writes a letter to Stalin,  thanking him for the opportunity and promises to be useful.  On the night before the ceremony, Sasha's father is arrested and Sasha finds himself alone and out in the cold.  Can he still be a loyal communist with a Father in prison? There are spies everywhere, even at school.  No one can be trusted if they find out his secret.  Is Sasha brave enough to denounce his father?  

This book, written and illustrated by a former resident of the Soviet Union catches the reader immediately in the frenetic and fearful world of communist Russia.  Sasha's perfect world falls completely apart in less than 24 hours.  This quick read will be easily understood by upper elementary students, while older readers will be drawn in by the message, the writing, the illustrations and the ride.  I couldn't put it down.  EL/MS/HS - ESSENTIAL.  Lisa, Reading Teacher

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai - ESSENTIAL

Lai, Thanhha Inside Out and Back Again, 262  p. Harper Collins Children's Books, 2011. $15.99 Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f') Violence: G, Mature Content: G.  This is a 2012 Newbery Honor.  10-year old Ha is a refugee from Vietnam.  She escaped with her mother and brothers on the eve of the fall of Saigon.  Inside Out and Back Again follows her story from living in Saigon, to the evacuation boat,  Guam and eventually America.   She left behind what she loves most, and Ha must learn to assimilate into the strange American culture, so different from what she was used to in Vietnam.  The language was "invented by snakes" the food is canned or processed; America is not what she or her brothers expected.  

We see how cultures clash, the response of neighbors, the perception of Government help, the influence of religion.  She learns how mean bullies can be and how wonderful friends are.  Based on Thanhha Lai's real experience we get a balanced perspective of the prejudice and acceptance that is our American culture of the 60's.  Told in poetry, this well written novel reads quickly.  Highly recommended for upper Elementary and Middle School. There are a lot of Vietnamese phrases.    EL/MS - ESSENTIAL.  Lisa, Reading Teacher

Dead end in Norvelt by Jack Gantos - ESSENTIAL

Gantos, Jack Dead End in Norvelt, 352  p. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011. $15.99 Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f') Violence: PG, Mature Content: G.  This is the 2012 Newbery Winner.  Jack makes a big mistake at the beginning of the summer which gets him grounded indefinitely.  His only ticket out of his room is to help his elderly neighbor, Miss Volker write the town obituaries.  Set in a "dying" small town in Pennsylvania, Jack gets involved with Hell's Angels, a possible murder mystery, a refurbished airplane, an old man who rides a giant tricycle and more adventures than a grounded boy is entitled to  have.  

I loved this book.  He has successfully mixed fact and fiction, (Jack Gantos is the main character and Norvelt, Pennsylvania is a real place) Gantos has peppered the story with historical references.   He tells how this small town has changed over time, since it's founding during the Depression until Jack's childhood of Post WWII.  There were several places where I laughed out loud. His depiction of Old Miss Volker and her arthritic hands is one of the best parts of this book.  I would recommend Dead End in Norvelt to any middle school student and Elementary 4th grade and above. It's a great boy read as well.  There is some "fake" cussing.   This is a delightful book, well deserving of this prestigious award.    EL/MS - ESSENTIAL.  Lisa, Reading Teacher

Zombie Tag by Hannah Moskowitz –ESSENTIAL

Moskowitz, Hannah Zombie Tag, 240pgs. Roaring Brook Press, 2011. $11.93. (Language-G Violence-G; Sexual Content-G).
Wil and his friend’s are enjoying playing their newest game; Zombie Tag. The rules are simple –if you are a human you want to escape the zombies, if you are a zombie –eat brains.
When it’s suggested that zombies can be created -with a simple ring of a bell, Wil becomes very interested. He recently lost his older brother, who he was quite close to, and misses him dreadfully. As Wil starts to search for this bell he wonders if having his brother back, but as a zombie, will be worth risking everyone’s lives.
This book is like those delicious brownies that sneaky mom’s make, which include gross foods like spinach or black beans, but mixed in such as way that kids would never know. It’s fun, easy to read, and even silly –with lots of zombie talk, but with a heartfelt message hidden inside. It’s really about losing someone you love and finding a way to acceptance and even peace.
Elementary – ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Bubble in the Bathtub by Jo Nesbo - ADVISABLE

Nesbo, Jo Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder: Bubble in the Bathtub, 425 pgs. Aladdin, 2011. $15.99. Language G (0swears), Sexual Content G; Violence PG; Doctor Proctor sends Lisa and Nilly a postcard asking for the two friends to help him save his love in the past. They are asked to get the time traveling soap and come help him change history, but that is easier said than done. When these three fiends travel through time they change history all over the place and find two unexpected friends. 

A interesting story that has simplified the idea of time travel to easily captivate kids so that they can understand the concept too. Wonderfully funny and just as exciting a love story for boys as it is for girls. With all the pictures giving this chapter book a picture book feel it is a great book for children transitioning between the two. EL - ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: KU

How to Die of Embarrassment Every Day by Ann Hodgman - OPTIONAL

Hodgman, Ann How to Die of Embarrassment Every Day, 208 pgs. Henry Holt, 2011. $16.99.  Language G(0swears), Sexual Content G; Violence G; Ann, an girl who has lived a very interesting life, discloses her embarrassing moments in this story. All about toys that were cool and adventures she had playing outside, about growing up and experiencing new things. Funny stories punctuated by pictures from Ann's childhood. To tie it up she includes instruction on how to avoid the situations that have been told in her own autobiography. 

I thought it was filled with only a few embarrassing stories and a bunch of just normal stories. Not very funny, and kind of a let down. You wanna hear about embarrassing stories try my life. Disappointed with how the title and short disclosure of the story prepared me for moments of embarrassment but the book was clean out of any of those stories. EL - OPTIONAL. Student Reviewer: KU