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. 

The One and Only Stuey Lewis by Jane Schoenbery- ADVISABLE

Schoenberg, Jane. Evans, Cambria. The One and Only Stuey Lewis.  128 pgs.  Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011.  $15.99.  Content: G. This book has four different stories about a boy named Stuey Lewis.  He starts second grade but can’t read very well. Does he end up learning?  It is getting close to Halloween.  On Halloween he plans out this huge Halloween Caper and succeeds in getting a ton of candy.  Later, he goes to his brother’s soccer game and his brother’s coach wants Stuey to try out for the team.  Will he join the soccer team?  The last story about a school activity with secret friends.  A girl named Lily is Stuey’s secret friend.  Having a secret friend is really fun.  I liked the fact that there were a few different stories in one book.  This book was easy to read and interesting.  It was also funny.  EL (K-3). ADVISABLE.  Student Reviewed: JL- age 9.

The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman - OPTIONAL

Shulman, Polly The Grimm Legacy, 325 pgs. Putnam, 2010. Language - G, Sexual Content - PG; Violence - PG; Elizabeth is excited to get a job in hopes that she will finally be able to gain friends. However, she finds a whole lot more than that. Magic and a mystery are now part of Elizabeth's formerly boring life and she's knee deep in trouble, too. With everyone pointing fingers and arguing, it's hard to get anything accomplished, can they over come their differences long enough to save each other and the magic? 

Once you get into it, this book is intense, but everything seems to be worked out too fast and easily. It's still cute and exciting with new magic at every turn. 

MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Reviewer: CCH

Dragon Castle by Joseph Bruchac - ADVISABLE

Bruchac, Joseph Dragon Castle, 333 pgs. Penguin Group, 2011. Language - G, Sexual Content - PG; Violence - PG; Prince Rashko is the only sensible member of the royal family. Unfortunately, his older brother Prince Paulek is in charge when questionable guests arrive and he lets them right in. Now the guests are using enchantments to control Paulek and are abusing their freedom to reek havoc within the castle walls. It's up to Rashko to save the kingdom from the evil plans of their guests by using the power of his ancestor Pavol. But first he has to get back into the castle. 

It was slow at first, but after the evil-doers showed up it finally picked up. I liked switching between Rashko's story of saving the kingdom versus his ancestor Pavol's own heroic story. The last chapter put a fun twist on the story that made it end on such a good note that I already want to read it again. 

MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

Throat by R.A. Nelson - ADVISABLE

Nelson, R.A. Throat, 453 pgs. Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. Language - PG (61 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - PG; Violence - PG-13; Emma hates her curse, who wouldn't? Getting seizures is not the most enjoyable experience, but during a run in with a creepy guy in Georgia, the curse saves her life. Unfortunately, the creepy guy isn't finished with her yet and is tracking Emma down. This forces Emma to leave home, make new friends, and become a criminal, but it's better than the alternative: loosing everything worth living for. 

When I picked up Throat, I didn't expect the tight grip it would have on me--I was expecting to be disappointed with it. It was thrilling to go on the run with Emma and run into new people. It was scary to fight the bad guy and his goons. It was heart-wrenching to leave Emma's family crying. This book has it all, and you couldn't ask for a stronger heroine. 

MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: CCH

My Life, the Theater, and Other Tragedies by Allen Zadoff - OPTIONAL

Zadoff, Allen My Life, the Theater, and Other Tragedies, 282 pgs. Egmont, 2011. Language - PG (45 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - PG-13; Violence - G; Adam has family issues, social issues, and self-confidence issues. Adam is a behind-the-scenes guy--literally and figuratively. He can't bring himself to stand up to his brother or Derek, no way is going to get up and stand up to himself and admit he needs to make changes. Adam needs to get his act together and stand up for something in his life, but how can he when everything is falling to pieces? 

Adam's inner conflict causes most of his outer conflicts; I love how real Adam's story is and how you can relate to it. Getting lost in the chaos and drama of Montclair High's thespians is easy and overwhelming. I loved being apart of Adam's growth and gaining some of his strength myself. I only wish I didn't have to be apart of Adam's typical teenage boy thoughts. 

MS, HS - OPTIONAL. Reviewer: CCH

Evil Roots by Andrew Nance - OPTIONAL

Nance, Andrew Return to Daemon Hall: Evil Roots, 240 pages, Henry Holt and Company, 2011. Language: PG (less than 5 swears, 0 "F") Sexual content: PG, Violence: PG 13. It's been a year since the contest that changed Wade's life forever. A year since the horrifying night spent in one of the most haunted locations in the world. But now there's a new contest. New players, new location. Wade is sure that this time, with Daemon hall burned to the ground, it will be a safe one, but he couldn't be more wrong, and this time, there may be more than just one tragedy.

This book honestly chilled me to the bone. It had a lot of twists that kept me reading until the end, and terrified of the dark long after I turned the last page. Return to Daemon hall was extremely well written and captivating, and Nance did well to keep it, for the most part, teenager friendly. But overall, the plot was much too demonic and had a bad energy to it, especially for someone who believes in evil spirits. As much as I loved the stories and the way it was written, the dark feeling almost makes me want to hide the book in the back of my basement and never think about it again. Of course, for someone who doesn't believe in or is not affected by spirits or demons, it would be an awesome read.  

MS, HS - OPTIONAL Student reviewer: BT

Water Balloon by Audrey Vernick - ESSENTIAL

Vernick, Audrey Water Balloon, 310 pgs. Clarion Books, 2011. $16.99 Language: PG-13; Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: G; It's the beginning of summer and Marley is living at her dad's house due to her parent's separation. Frustrated with the distance from her friends, her dad sets her up with a babysitting job. When things couldn't get any worse, they do.  Her relationship with her best friends is at a point where she wonders if they're really her friends after all but a budding friendship with a guy that lives in her neighborhood is maybe just what she needs. Can Marley handle everything going on or will she burst like a water balloon? Read Water Balloon to find out! 

This book was a a fun read with it's hilarious and heartfelt moments. MS-ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: HF

Forbidden by Syrie James - ESSENTIAL

James, Syrie and James, Ryan M. Forbidden, 410. Harper Teen, 2012. $8.99 Language PG-13(50 swears), Sexual Content G; Violence PG; Claire has finally settled in at her new school and is silently praying that her mom will find some reason to stay put. Claire loves it here, she loves her school and friends and when a new guy shows up she wants to stay even more desperately than before. When Alec arrives at school he plans on just blending in and making no strong connections with anyone. That was his plan until he saw Claire. When the two find out who each really is angel and half angel, their love explodes but they must keep is a secret. How can they do that though when everyone is after Clair's life pushing Alec to try to protect her. But how far is too far? 

Forbidden is a wonderfully amazing story that I absolutely adore. A love story that explodes off the page making me and all other readers unable to exit this world that we've been transported into. An ending that laves readers itching for more. MS HS - ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: KU

Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard - ADVISABLE

Hubbard, Jenny Paper Covers Rock, 181 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2011. $16.99. Language PG-13 (34 swears), Mature Content PG; Violence PG; After Thomas' death his friends try coping in several different ways. This friend has decided to put to use the journal his father bought him years ago. Telling the story slowly in his own point of view mixed in with flash backs to who his friend was, even talking about common everyday things like classes helps the unnamed writer who is Thomas' friend. But then the writer finds himself crushing hard on his English teacher, and cursing himself because he knows that she might just know too much. 

A tragic story that is complex. Hubbard keeps it interesting by sharing little by little the story. A shocking story that could be classified easily as a drama. I also liked how the book was from a very blunt guy's point of view. It was interesting to read in this different point of view. HS - ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: KU

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

The Hot List by Hillary Homzie - ESSENTIAL

Homzie, Hillary The Hot List, 244 pgs. Mix, 2011. $6.99. Language G(0swears), Sexual Content G; Violence G; Sophie and Maddie thought it'd be just a fun quick thing that wouldn't last for more than a day two at most. The Hot List however, had other ideas. After one afternoon of writing up a hot list together on a bathroom stall at school Sophie thought she and Maddie would now be inseparable like never before. Before Sophie could blink the Hot List had spun out of control turning already crazy middle school into even more of a place of popularity contests. Now loosing Maddie is more of a reality than ever, but can Sophie stop the Hot List? 

A funny overexaggeration of middle school that is a refreshing view on how fickle popularity is in reality. Makes me glad that my middle school years weren't like Sophie's. Wonderfully demonstrates how groups can be created and changed. Very funny. EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: KU

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Fishy Business by Maxwell Eaton III-ESSENTIAL

Eaton III, Maxwell. The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Fishy Business, 96 pgs.  Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012.  $6.99.  Back cover: “When Fish Stix Corporation sets up shop, most of the islanders are thrilled.  After all, Fish Stix are the most popular, bestselling sticks around and they’re good for the environment.  But Ace and Bub quickly see through this ego-friendly façade and uncover a sinister plot.  It’s up to the Beaver Brother to set things right.”  I loved, loved, loved this book!  It was very funny.  The illustrations are so good.  I laughed the whole time I was reading it!  EL (K-3).  EL.  ESSENTIAL.  Student Reviewed: JL-age 9.   

Mouse and Mole: A Perfect Halloween by Wong Herbert Yee-ADVISABLE

Yee, Wong Herbert.  Geisel, Theodor Seuss.  Mouse and Mole:  A Perfect Halloween, 48 pgs.  Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011.  $14.99. Inside cover: “Mouse likes Halloween.  In fact, with only a few days to go before the big day, Mouse has a lot to do.  There are decorations to hang and pumpkins to carve-especially for the big pumpkin-carving contest!  Mole does not like Halloween nearly as much.  It is scary.  It is creepy.  Thankfully a pumpkin-carving contest is not too scary.  But the contest is just the beginning of Mouse and Mole’s Halloween adventures.  Even the trip home could be a spooky one.  Mole is just not having a happy Halloween. What’s Mouse to do when her best friend has turned into a big Scaredy-Mole? All it takes is a little creativity (and Mouse has a lot of that) and a bedtime story to have the perfect Halloween.”   I thought this was a great book. The story is fun and exciting.   I like how the characters changed at the end of the story. The illustrations are bright and colorful. It would be a great Halloween story.  EL (K-3). ADVISABLE.  Student Reviewed:  JL- age 9.

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to NOT Reading by Tommy Greenwald-ESSENTIAL

Greenwald, Tommy.  Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to NOT Reading, 224 pgs.  Roaring Brook Press, 2011.  $14.99.  Inside cover: “Charlie Joe Jackson may be the most reluctant reader ever born.  And so far, he’s managed to get through life without ever reading an entire book from cover to cover.  But now that he’s in middle school, avoiding reading isn’t as easy as it used to be.  And when his friend Timmy McGibney decides that he’s tired of covering for him, Charlie Joe finds himself resorting to desperate measures to keep his personal record intact.  This is the hilarious story of an avid non-reader and the extreme lengths to which he’ll go to get out of reading a book.    I liked that this book had 25 non reading tips.  I also liked the cartoon-like illustrations.  I thought it was funny how he tried to avoid reading.  EL.  ESSENTIAL.  Student Reviewed:  JL- age 9.

Luz Sees the Light by Claudia Davila- ESSENTIAL

Davila, Claudia. Luz Sees the Light, 96 pgs.  Kids can Press, 2011. $16.95  This book is about a girl named Luz and her friend, Anika.  These friends have a lot of blackouts in their town.  Luz and her friends go and try to make a park where they can spend time during the blackouts.  In that park they are going to grow vegetables and have a playground.  Luz then realized how hard this project can be and her friends are no help.  Will Luz ever get her park?  I liked this book because it was a comic book.  The illustrations were great.  The story was very interesting and fun.  EL.  ESSENTIAL.  Student Reviewed: JL- age 9. 

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Evin Penguin Plan by Maxwell Eaton III-ESSENTIAL

Eaton III, Maxwell.  The Flying Beaver Brothers and The Evil Penguin Plan, 96 pgs.  Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012.  $6.99.  Inside cover: “Brothers Ace and Bub have the perfect life on Beaver Island.  But when a group of evil penguins schemes to convert the island into a polar-themed resort, their entire way of life is threatened.  Suddenly Ace and Bub are the only things standing between their beloved island and an icy ego-disaster.  Do they have what it takes to save the day?”  I loved this book!  It was really funny and I read it really fast.  Anyone who likes comics will love this book.  EL (K-3).  ESSENTIAL.  Student Reviewed: JL- age 9.

Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet-ADVISABLE

Sweet, Melissa.  Balloons Over Broadway, 40 pgs.  Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011.  $16.99.  Inside cover: “Every Thanksgiving morning for more than eighty years, mammoth-size balloons have risen to the skies to wobble and sway, sally and shimmy, up and down the canyons of New York City.  Just how did this beloved tradition come to Broadway?  Who first invented these wonderful “upside-down marionettes”?”  I liked reading this book.  I liked that it was a true story.  I liked the colorful pictures and learning about the parade. I like history books. This book could be used when talking about traditions and maybe Thanksgiving. Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  EL.  ADVISABLE.  Student Reviewed:  JL- age 9.

Will Work for Prom Dress by Aimee Ferris- ADVISABLE

Ferris, Aimee. Will Work for Prom Dress, 272 pgs. Egmont, 2011. $8.99. Language G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’), Sexual Content G, Violence G. Quigley Johnson and Ann are best friends, and both are determined to earn enough money for great prom dresses and use their “Betterment Plan” to be perfect for the big day. When Anne’s mom offers the girls work as models in her fashion design class, the girls agree. Quigley is humiliated when all of the students want to work with Anne-except for Zander. He can’t sketch out his outfits, but everything he makes for Quigley seems perfect. As the two become better friends, all Quigley has to do is get him to ask her to prom! I liked this book. It was a cute, wholesome, feel-good high school romance. Good read! Middle School, High School- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: AL

Undercurrent by Tricia Rayburn-ADVISABLE

Rayburn, Tricia. Undercurrent, 352 pgs. Egmont, 2011. $17.99. Language G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’), Sexual Content PG-13, Violence PG-13. Ever since Vanessa found out that her sister was murdered by sirens, and became one herself, things haven’t been normal. Everything that she thought her family was is a lie, and she can’t tell them what she knows. Vanessa finds herself torn between her boyfriend Simon, and Parker, her school’s resident charmer. While she knows Simon loves her, she wonders if it’s just her powers as a siren drawing him to her. On the other hand, Parker doesn’t seem drawn to her at all. But she has to put those aside as the Winter Harbor sirens are back for revenge. I liked this book. While most authors are writing about vampire and werewolves right now, this book about sirens was really refreshing. High School- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: AL