What the Junior Room Is Reading 2006 Archive

December
J/F/COTTRELLFramed306 p., 2005Grades 6 – 7
Poor Dylan! All he really wants to do is play soccer, but how can he when he is the only boy in the entire town of Manod, Wales? On top of that, he and his family are in danger of losing their Snowdonia Oasis Auto Marvel shop because there isn’t enough business to support it. And, will it ever stop raining?

The town is in for a drastic change when the entire art collection from the National Gallery comes to Manod and is stored in the old slate quarry to protect the priceless masterpieces from the London floods. As Dylan and the rest of the town discover the power of art, the town slowly begins to bloom again. It takes an “almost perfect” crime to finally bring the sun back to Manod.

Miss Rachel says, “Fans who enjoyed Millions should welcome this second book by Frank Cottrell Boyce. The gentle, dry humor is firmly in place, yet the book is very touching. Dylan loves his family and his town and truly wants them to succeed. The very British phrases and names in this book add to the charm of the story. A funny fascination with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles appears throughout the book. This book should appeal to both boys and girls in the upper elementary and middle school grades.”

JE/GORDONHansel and Diesel2006Preschool – 2nd grade
Two little pickup trucks, Hansel and Diesel, live at the edge of a huge junkyard. When their father tells them they won’t have enough gas to make it through the winter, the two decide to go out looking for fuel, leaving a trail of bolts along the way to lead them home. But when they come to the most beautiful gas station in the world, they fall into the evil clutches of the Wicked Winch who wants to shred them up.

Miss Sara says, “Sound familiar? This is a great twist on Hansel and Gretel, and one of my favorite new picture books for older preschoolers and primary grade students! Young truck lovers will enjoy this new take on an old favorite.”

J/F/HAUTMANRash249 p., 2006Grades 7 – 9
In the late 21st century, safety regulations are out of control and small infractions of the law result in lengthy prison sentences spent working for corporations ranging from McDonald’s to waste treatment. Bo Marsten has trouble controlling his temper, even with his daily dose of the drug Levulor. When the snaky Karlohs starts moving in on the girl Bo likes, he lashes out and is sentenced to 5 years making pizzas at a plant in the Canadian tundra.

The factory warden, Hammer, is running his own illegal football team and recruits Bo due to his speed. Hammer arranges a grudge match with a neighboring plant, and threatens his team with becoming polar bear snacks if they can’t pull off a win. Despite the danger of being pummeled by the opposing team or fed to the bears, Bo can’t help but enjoy the chance to show off his natural athleticism and be part of a team for the first time.

Miss Amanda says, “This science fiction combination of Holes and the Gridiron Gang has a lot going for it! There’s a dark look at a future society that values safety over freedom; violence; football; a quirky A.I. creation called Bork; humor; and some really great characters. My favorite was Bo’s cellmate, Rhino, who is in prison for damaging his own health by overeating and is sentenced to stay until he loses 100 pounds. I will recommend this book to those who list Holes as one of their favorite books.”

J/F/HUNTThe Accidental Spaceship142 p., 2005Grades 4 – 6
Vernon and Junior Smith are thirteen-year-old twins who live with their grandfather on a Pennsylvania farm. While Grandpa is away on a trip, the boys’ lives take a dramatic turn when a spaceship from the future is delivered to their backyard! The ship is chock-full of amazing equipment, like a machine that allows them to instantly learn alien languages. In addition, an intelligent robot named Thinker comes with the ship.

When an unscrupulous tax man tries to steal the spaceship, the boys set off into outer space to become “space traders.” With the assistance of their robot, they learn to barter for goods, and ultimately they come up with a plan to outsmart the tax collector so they can return home.

Miss Suzanne says, “This is an amusing read. The clever use of language gives it a high humor quotient. The brothers prove their self-reliance as they solve some unusual problems.”

J/F/HIAASENFlush263 p., 2005Grades 5 – 8
Noah’s dad is in jail. He sunk a casino boat because he suspected the owner of dumping the boat’s toilet contents into the ocean off the Florida Keys. This is the latest in a string of environmental and civil disobedience acts that Noah’s slightly wacko dad has performed. Noah’s mom has had enough, and she’s talking to the family lawyer not only about Dad’s case, but also about the “D” word. Noah and his sister Abbey figure that the only way to get Dad out of jail and calm down Mom is to prove that the boat’s owner, Dusty Muleman, really is guilty of dumpling his raw sewage into the beautiful waters off the Florida coast.

Miss Sara says, “This is a solid adventure/mystery/problem novel that most readers will enjoy. There’s a great group of odd characters, including a dangerous old pirate that comes to their rescue several times, and turns out to be a long-lost relative. There’s a humorous tone throughout the book, and the beauty and ecology of the Florida Keys is an important theme. Fans of Hoot will enjoy this, as will younger readers of Holes.”


November
J/F/HIGSONBlood Fever: A James Bond Adventure347 p., 2006Grades 6 – 8
Young James Bond is an English teenager in the 1930s, leading the privileged life of the British upper class. He attends the elite boarding school, Eton, where he belongs to a club called The Danger Society which suites James’ thrill-seeking ways. During a holiday, James goes to Sardinia on a school archaeological field trip. Once there, intrigue begins to swirl around him, as he become involved with a blood-thirsty secret society, art thieves, kidnappers and bandits!

Miss Suzanne says, “This book is rich in detail and descriptive language. There is a good dose of historical information, which should appeal to history buffs. I think it is an exciting and enjoyable read with a couple of unexpected twists. This series will appeal to fans of Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider series. This is Book 2 of the Young Bond series. Book one is SilverFin.”

J/F/KEYAlabama Moon294 p., 2006Grades 5 – 8
Moon Blake, 10, has been raised in the forests of Alabama by his government-hating father, who has taught him how to survive in the wild. They are completely isolated, self-sufficient, and seemingly content. However, when the land is sold and his father dies, Moon is on his own. Good-intentioned adults turn him over to the local boys’ home. Moon breaks out and takes the entire group of boys with him, trying to evade the authorities and survive on their own. Moon comes to realize that his father’s way of life doesn’t work for him, and that a couple of friends are better than living alone in the wilds of Alabama.

Miss Kelly says, “In Alabama Moon, Moon never learns why his dad hates the government. Eventually, the adults who help him decide that putting him in an institution would be detrimental to his overall well being, and find a relative who had lost touch with the family when they went to live in the forest. Moon isn’t a criminal, despite one crazed constable who has a grudge against him. Readers who enjoyed Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet would also enjoy the wilderness survival angle in this title.”

J/F/PECKHere Lies the Librarian145 p., 2006Grades 5 – 7
It’s 1914 in rural Indiana, and cars are just beginning to catch on, although the country folk are sure that horses will make a comeback. PeeWee (don’t call her Eleanor) helps her brother Jake run their tiny garage and hopes for the day the road will be paved, to bring them fresh customers.

Into this tiny, countrified setting drives four beautiful, elegant sorority sisters from Butler University, library science students all, to reopen the closed-down library and bring enlightenment to the town. They actually suggest letting some of the town’s 250 books leave the library! (Although most folks think the library only needs two books: the Old Testament, and the New.) The story involves beautiful new cars, a rival garage, a county fair car race, and new ideas of what’s possible in this new century.

Miss Sara says, “This is PeeWee’s story about an exciting time of change for the country, for women, and for herself. The author uses great old-time language and references, and humor runs throughout the book. The cars and girls are lovingly described, and PeeWee is a strong heroine. It will be especially enjoyed by those who have read Peck’s other historical stories, including A Long Way from Chicago, A Year Down Yonder and The Teacher’s Funeral. The title refers to the fact that the old librarian died on the job, and lay under the card catalog for a few days before anyone noticed (since the library wasn’t a very busy place.)”

J/F/RICHARDSONThe Intruders196 p., 2006 Grades 6 – 8
When Joel’s mother remarries, he and his sister, Cassie, must move into a dilapidated old house with their new stepfamily. Cassie resents her new family and initially blames them for some of the mysterious happenings that occur in the house.

It is Joel who suspects a ghost. He has been plagued by vivid hallucinations of bloody knives and disturbing nightmares of being chased ever since moving into the house. He has also seen fleeting images of a young boy and hears the whispered chant “If I should die before I wake” over and over again. When his new stepbrother reveals that he, too, is having the same nightmares, the kids decide to investigate by staging a spooky séance. As the horror escalates, the new stepfamily must work together to discover the dark secret of the house’s past.

Miss Rachel says, “This book offers enough creepy, spine-tingling details to satisfy most horror fans. Although the mystery of the house’s past is somewhat predictable, I still found myself engrossed in the story. One warning: I wouldn’t read this book alone on a dark and stormy night!”

J/F/ULLMANThe Fairies of Nutfolk Wood243 p., 2006Grades 4 – 5
Willa Jane is miserable. She has frequent nightmares and stomachaches, she barely eats, and she has stopped going to school. However, her spirits begin to lift when she and her mother move to the countryside for a fresh start. They buy a cheap, ugly trailer in the woods and set to work cleaning and painting their new home. Willa also begins helping their elderly neighbor, Hazel Wicket. Hazel has neither electricity nor indoor plumbing in her house and chores must be done the old-fashioned way – very old-fashioned. But there is something special about her property.

In fact, Willa, who has always felt more comfortable in the out-of-doors, senses something both strange and wonderful in these woods. Sometimes, she sees tiny houses and people. They leave her messages and sometimes she hears their voices. But they vanish as suddenly as they appear. Willa knows there is a secret here, and she’s sure that Hazel has the key.

Miss Donna says, “This is an enchanting story on many levels: recovery, growth, friendship, and maybe, just maybe – fairies. I highly recommend this book.”


October
J/F/FINNEYAssassin194 p., 2004Grades 6 – 8
Written as journal entries in Lady Grace’s daybooke, this story begins the night Grace is to pick her future husband at a grand ball in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Later that night after the dancing is done, one suitor is found dead with a dagger in his back and another is arrested for the crime. It is up to daring young Grace to track down the killer.

Lady Grace has help from her commoner friends: Ellie who works in the laundry and Masou who is one of the queen’s acrobatic performers. Between wearing disguises and sneaking from her chambers to visit the body laid out in the chapel, Lady Grace is very much like an Elizabethan Nancy Drew. Despite her fancy title of Queen’s Maid of Honor, Grace is a young teen who loves to take the queen’s dogs on walks and has trouble keeping her courtly clothes clean like her fellow ladies. She is constantly under the eye of Mrs. Chapernowne who is in charge of the maids and tries to make sure they are always acting as proper ladies should. It is difficult to behave like a proper lady while trying to catch a killer, but Grace manages to put the clues together in this courtly intrigue.

Miss Amanda says, “This is a fast-paced story which will appeal to mystery readers who enjoy Nancy Drew or Sammy Keyes. It also has enough historical detail to appeal to readers of historical fiction like the Royal Diaries or the Dear America series.”

J/F/HAMILTONCal and the Amazing Anti-Gravity Machine123 p., 2006Grades 3 – 4
Cal and his talking dog Frankie discover that their zany neighbor Mr. Frout invents unusual machines, like his contraption to build brick walls (but it didn’t work, and piled the bricks and spat cement at them,) and a device to make fireworks explode with fruit (the reality was messy as the fruit burst in midair and landed all over the houses of Gribbens Road.).

When Frout is working on an anti-gravity machine, Cal presses the wrong lever, and things go haywire in his neighborhood!

Miss Suzanne says, “I liked this amusing book with its silly trio of main characters: funny Frout, curious Cal, and wise-cracking Frankie. Expressive drawings are plentiful and add chuckles to the text. Children with a mechanical inclination might find this of special interest.”

J/F/HOROWITZStormbreaker192 p., 2001Grades 5 – 8
Alex is suspicious when he hears that his uncle/guardian has been killed in a car crash. He discovers that Ian Rider was not an international banker but rather a spy for Britain’s M16, who was really murdered while working on a case called Stormbreaker. The intelligence agency blackmails Alex into continuing the case although Alex tries to resist them.

A foreign national, Herod Sayle, has built a computer empire and is going to give his newest computer model, Stormbreaker, to every school child in England. The date of the gift is approaching, and British Intelligence is worried about Sayle and the computer give-away (especially since Ian Ryder’s murder.) Is there more here than meets the eye? They send Alex, posing as a child who’s won a chance to have an early try out of Stormbreaker, into Sayles’s secret computer complex to figure out what’s really going on. (And plenty is!)

This book has been one of our most popularly requested titles since it came out in 2001, and the new feature movie will be released this month! It’s a breath-taking, action-packed adventure that will satisfy anyone looking for an exciting read. With gadgets, chases, deadly villains, and perilous situations, there’s no question why the Alex Rider series is popular! The series continues with book 2, Point Blank.

J/F/RUBYThe Wall and the Wing327 p., 2006Grades 5 – 7
Gurl resides at the Hope House for the Hopeless, an orphanage that is located in a future New York City. At the “Hope House,” residents are urged to learn how to fly, a skill that is highly regarded and respected. Gurl, however, cannot fly at all is considered a “leadfoot.” She soon discovers that her gift lies not in flying, but in turning invisible, and her whole world changes! Her headmistress, Miss Terwiliger, recruits her to participate in petty thefts and she is chased by some gangsters who want to use her to steal a mysterious silver pen which can rewrite history. Along with her friend Bug, Gurl outwits her enemies and discovers the mystery of her past.

Miss Rachel says, “This is a very creative story and fun to read. The eccentric characters that appear throughout the book are very humorous, and the intriguing plot kept me guessing. Both boys and girls in 5th –7th grade should enjoy this book.”

J/F/SANTOROFarm-Fresh Cats2006Preschool – 2nd Grade
Farmer Ray and his wife, Norma, planted cabbages, but one night something very odd happens to their crop! The cabbages are magically turned into cat plants. The plants grow and when they begin mewing, Farmer Ray decides they need to be picked. The green plant cats are very easy to take care of, but they also shed. Their shedding fur sprouts new cats and soon Farmer Ray’s farm is overrun. Luckily, since the cats are no more trouble to care for than houseplants, they sell very well at the “Farm-Fresh Cats” stand.

Miss Amanda says, “The bright green plant cat illustrations burst with fun. The spread that reads, “They were EVERYWHERE!” reminds me of Wanda Gag’s Millions of Cats, with the addition of vibrant shades of green. I wish the litter box at my house would sprout sweet-smelling flowers like the ones in this book!”


September
J/F/BERRYHILLChance Fortune and the Outlaws272 p., 2006Grades 5 – 7
Joshua has his whole future planned.  He is going to attend Burlington Academy where all the great superheroes of the age are schooled.  Only problem is he has no superhuman powers and they’re a prerequisite for admission.  Josh bluffs his way into Burlington claiming the power of unnaturally good luck, and renames himself Chance Fortune.  Now he’s part of a combat team and the opposition is superhumanly tough.   As an alien force threatens the academy, Josh and his combat team come under fire both from fellow classmates and from the school’s superhuman administration.  It’s going to take all Chance’s luck just to survive his first semester.

Miss Amanda says, “With action scenes that read like your favorite superhero comic turned movie, this book will be great for fans of X-Men, Teen Titans and lovers of fast-paced fight scenes.  The book has a slower beginning, before Josh arrives at Burlington, but once he meets his new superhuman friends and enemies the pace is faster than a speeding bullet.  There is strong comic book style violence, complete with many-tentacled evil and explosive ray guns.  Though written to a slightly younger audience, readers of the Artemis Fowl and Stormbreaker series should take a chance on this book!”

J/F/MEEHLOut of Patience292 p., 2006Grades 5 – 7
Jake Waters is suffering in the small town of Patience, Kansas.  Not only is his dad’s dream of opening the American Toilet Museum utterly embarrassing, but now he has brought the cursed Plunger of Destiny back to Patience (purchased on eBay).  This is the toilet plunger that will cause the final destruction of Patience; according to a curse that dates back to the 1800s when Jake’s ancestor Jeremiah buried the town’s treasures to protect them from robbers.  A nasty bump on the head caused Jeremiah to forget where he hid the treasure map.  Jake’s dad thinks the curse is nonsense, but Jake isn’t so sure.  He really wants to leave Patience to avoid the curse, but feels obligated to stay and finally uncover the secret of the curse (and maybe find some lost treasure, too!)

Miss Rachel says, “There is plenty here for boys to enjoy – toilets, baseball, tornadoes, and even cow manure!  Jake is a likable character and I can just picture the small town of Patience (but I may not want to visit!).  The chapters occasionally alternate between present time and the 1800s.  This is a great choice for boys in 5th–6th grade.”

J/F/PECKHere Lies the Librarian145 p., 2006Grades 5 – 8
PeeWee’s big brother, Jake, runs a garage in Rubesburg, Indiana.  Lug Kirby and his brothers want to put Jake’s garage out of business so theirs will be the only one in town.  The Kirby brothers aren’t above sabotage, even stooping to lighting Jake’s dog on fire.  After a tornado lifts many deceased residents out of their graves but doesn’t dare disturb the town’s last librarian in hers, the library board decides it’s time for a new librarian.   They wind up with four wealthy, female library science students from Butler University.  The twister may have torn town up, but it may be nothing compared to the stir the town’s newest librarians create.  One of the young librarians catches Jake’s fancy and he enlists PeeWee to help him build a winning car for the county fair’s first auto race to impress her.

Miss Amanda says, “Set in the time right before WWI, Peck has created some true characters from knuckle-dragging Lug to PeeWee’s neighbor, the Colonel, who still thinks he is fighting in the Civil War.   I couldn’t help but like this humorous look at small town life and the magical librarian who changes things for the better.”

JE/SCHULMANMom and Dad Are Palindromes2006Preschool – Grade 2
Bob’s teacher teaches him about palindromes – words that are the same forwards and backwards.  He realizes Bob is a palindrome, and so is his sister, Anna.  He rushes to tell Mom and Dad and realizes that they are palindromes, too!  Soon, he is surrounded by palindromes everywhere – they are inescapable!  He decides to call himself Robert to escape his palindrome dilemma, which almost works.

Miss Amanda says, “The fun of this title is looking for all the palindromes throughout the story!”

J/F/CABOTAvalon High288 p., 2006Grades 7 – 9
Elaine is spending the new school year at Avalon High while her professor-parents are on sabbatical. Her mom is writing a book on the Lady of Shallott for whom Elaine is named.  As Ellie meets her new high school classmates – Lance the jock, Jennifer the cheerleader, Will, the class president/ quarterback/ hunky nice guy, and Will’s shady half-brother, Marco – readers begin to understand their connections to the King Arthur story.

Is history doomed to repeat itself, or can this Arthur (Will’s first name) avoid King Arthur’s fate?  As the connections slowly make sense to Ellie, she realizes that she’s the only one who might be able to change what seems to be an inevitable fate.

Miss Sara says, “This is a fast-paced romance, action, suspense story!  And, in a great ending, Ellie realizes that she’s destined to play a much more important and powerful role in the drama than that of the Lady of Shallott. Readers will enjoy this story, and will learn more about the legend of King Arthur!”


August
J/F/COLFEREoin Colfer’s Legend of Captain Crow’s Teeth100 p., 2005Grades 2 – 4
Marty Woodman and his family are spending the summer in a small trailer at a seaside resort. That’s five brothers, and mom and dad, in a very, very small trailer. This year, Will is nine – just the age to be tormented by the Legend of Captain Crow, and his brother takes every opportunity to do so. It seems that the ghost of pirate Crow haunts the rocks known as Captain Crow’s Teeth at night looking for a new cabin boy. When he finds a likely 9-year-old, he’ll smuggle the unsuspecting boy away to his ghost ship. Needless to say, Will ends up on the rocks late at night, scared silly, and has an encounter with the ghost of Captain Crow… or does he?

Miss Sara says, “This is great summertime reading and just right for a 2nd or 3rd grade boy looking for some action and adventure! The illustrations are a riot and the story is pure fun, with lots of brother-on-brother humor. Will and Marty spent their previous summer in the library of the world’s toughest librarian in The Legend of Spud Murphy. Try them both!”

J/F/COLFERHalf-Moon Investigations290 p., 2006Grades 5 – 7
Lock, Ireland has been hit with a crime wave of theft and vandalism, with lots of finger-pointing. Luckily, twelve-year-old Fletcher Moon is on the case. He may be a nerd, and the other kids may think he’s weird, but he is a very good private eye. Unfortunately his detective skills don’t win him any friends, especially when his conclusions identify a fellow schoolmate as the thief. For these reasons, Fletcher prefers to work quietly, asking questions and gathering evidence in private. However, the current crisis has placed him in the middle of two powerful foes: the bumbling Sharkey boys, whose family is up to its eyeballs in petty crime, and April and her poisonous, pink-clad posse. They order Fletcher: solve this mystery or else!

Miss Donna says, “What a great book – full of humor and mayhem! In classic private eye style, Fletcher makes dry observations about everything around him and is always getting on someone’s bad side. The obviously innocent and the obviously suspect frequently change places, making for an exciting read. I highly recommend this book!”

J/F/PARATOREThe Wedding Planner’s Daughter200 p., 2005Grades 4 – 6
Willafred Havisham and her mother, the wedding planner, have moved every year or two, but they finally seem to be putting down roots in her mother’s hometown on Cape Cod. Willa is used to being the new girl in town, but in Bramble, MA. she has an almost-best friend in her new 6th grade class, spends time at her grandmother’s candy store, and has three adult friends – the bookstore owner, her next-door neighbor/English teacher, and her minister. Bramble is almost perfect . . . except for her mother, a strict ice-queen who has never recovered from the death of Willa’s father who died the day after their wedding. The wedding planner’s big society weddings come off perfectly, but she lives her life by a set of very strict rules. Willa’s dream of having a father seems almost within reach, living next door to Sam, the hunky English teacher/poet. Can her mother set aside her fears and make a life in Bramble?

Miss Sara says, “This is a very sweet, funny story about a likable 6th grader who loves books, her new friends, and life on Cape Cod. Many elements reminded me of Because of Winn Dixie (without the dog). The sense of place is very strong, and although there are a lot of potholes along the way, the wonderfully happy ending is always within sight.”

J/F/SMITHTails of Spring Break127 p., 2005Grades 2 – 4
Everyone is going on a fun vacation over spring break, except Katie Jordan. When she learns that her best friend Sierra is going to leave her cat at a kennel, Katie offers to watch the animal. This gives her the idea to launch a pet-sitting business. Soon, she is juggling fish and dog care, while trying to manage Sierra’s cat… who has disappeared inside the house. When Katie’s unhappy neighbor Claire unexpectedly moves in for the week, Katie must deal with this mean-spirited classmate as well.

Miss Suzanne says, “I liked this book because the dialogue is realistic, and the plot is suspenseful, wondering what animal crisis will occur next. Family relationships are also part of the story, as both she and Claire are growing up without a mother.”

J/F/UMANSKYThe Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow289 p., 2005 Grades 4 – 6
Solomon Snow was found on the porch of his adoptive parents’ home, just outside the town of Boring, with a silver spoon in his mouth. His only clue to his real identity is that silver spoon, which his father pawned when he was nine. Now ten, Solly sets off to find his spoon, and along the way he joined by strange characters who become his friends. They make their way to town to find the pawn shop, and meet up with some dastardly adults. Meanwhile, the Perfect Parents are anxiously awaiting word of their missing son who disappeared ten years ago with a silver spoon.

Miss Sharon says, “I really enjoyed this book. There is a very old-fashioned feel to it. The characters are all very strong and they all work together to help Solly on his quest. There is a great twist at the end, and the story reminds me of The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DeCamillo. I look forward to reading the next title!”


July
J/F/BACCALARIOThe Door to Time222 p., 2006Grades 4 – 7
Jason, Julia and their parents have recently moved into an old English mansion, Argo Manor, which sits on a high cliff overlooking the sea. The twins soon discover that the former owner, Mr. Ulysses Moore, left behind a series of clues, codes and keys that may unlock an ancient wooden door and lead to treasure hidden somewhere in the house. When their parents return to London for the weekend, Julia, Jason and a local friend search the house, follow the clues and hidden passages, and try to uncover the extraordinary secret of their new home. While doing so, they must evade the shadowy strangers who are watching them and want to claim Argo Manor and its secrets.

Miss Sara says, “Readers who enjoy mysteries, codes and a hint of fantasy will enjoy this adventure story. This first book sets the scene for more books to come and leads up to a Great Discovery which will take the three kids to other times and places in future sequels. Book 2, Long-Lost Map, will be released in July, 2006. The story is translated from the original Italian.”

J/F/CORBETTFree Baseball152 p., 2006Grades 5 – 8
Felix Piloto eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball. Not only does he consider it the world’s greatest sport, it’s the sport of his father, the legendary Cuban left-fielder Claudio de la Portilla who is unable to leave Cuba. Unfortunately, Felix’s mother just does not understand how important baseball is. Felix wins tickets to his favorite minor league team’s home opener where he’s mistaken for the visiting team’s bat boy. He can’t believe his luck! Traveling with the Miracle means a chance to work for a real team, befriend Homer (the most amazing baseball dog ever), and talk to players who may have known his father. But is Felix ready for the answers he will learn about his family?

Miss Meghan says, “This is a thoroughly enjoyable book for anyone who loves baseball. Felix is a great kid, and the Miracle is a team with a friendly/razzing clubhouse atmosphere that’s fun to read about.

J/F/NAYLORRoxie and the Hooligans115 p., 2006Grades 2 – 4
Roxie Warbler greatly admires her famous Uncle Dangerfoot who is a world-famous adventurer. She has even memorized his book, Lord Thistlebottom’s Book of Pitfalls and How to Survive Them. Now, if only dodging schoolyard bullies was as easy as out-smarting wild animals and quicksand! Roxie is singled out for bullying because of her over-sized ears, which are roughly the same size as sugar-bowl handles. She wishes she could muster up the courage to stand up to the bullies, but all she can do is run away. However, when Roxie is stranded on a deserted island with a gang of school bullies and a pair of bank robbers, it’s up to her to save them all!

Miss Suzanne says, “This is an entertaining and suspenseful book! Lord Thistlebottom’s advice (which always starts with Do Not Panic…) is often quoted and is cleverly used as a device to show Roxie’s growing resourcefulness in dealing with life’s hard knocks.”

J/F/PROIMOSWhen Guinea Pigs Fly105 p., 2005Grades 2 – 4
Brooks is a guinea pig living in a pet shop. The other animals in the Natural Pet Shop know they are the luckiest creatures in the world. They are treated very well, but Brooks only wants to leave the store and explore. His big chance to explore the world comes when he and fellow guinea pigs Allen and Leone are bought and then set free. The free world isn’t as exciting as Brooks thought, and he and his friends must find their way across the street and back to the Natural Pet Shop. They are captured by rats, kidnapped by pigeons, and rescued by a cockroach called Da Mayor.

Miss Sharon says, “This is a very fun and funny book. The three friends are silly and don’t have any idea the trouble they will get into by leaving the shelter of the pet shop. The illustrations help carry the story along.”

J/F/RIORDANThe Sea of Monsters279 p., 2006Grades 5 – 8
It’s a first for Percy Jackson! He’s almost made it through a whole year at the same school without being expelled. Percy’s trouble is that, as the son of the Greek god Poseidon, trouble often comes looking for him in the form of monsters that want to kill him. Now it’s almost summer and he’s looking forward to attending Camp Half-blood with the other half-human children of the Olympian gods. On his last day of school, some monstrous visitors arrive to play a deadly dodgeball game that ends with an explosion in the school gym and Percy is the suspected mad bomber.

Miss Amanda says, “This is a fun, action-filled fantasy with a touch of humor. Percy’s got the heart of a hero, and his friend Annabel survives by being more clever then the monsters. There are sword fights, pirates and a half-goat in a wedding dress! This is volume two of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. It’s as good as book one, The Lightning Thief, and leaves you hungry for book 3!”


June
J/F.BATEMANRunning with the Reservoir Pups263 p., 2005Grades 4 – 7
Eddie Malone and his mom move to a tough housing project in Belfast that happens to be the gang turf of the Reservoir Pups. Unintentionally, Eddie gets involved with the gang and agrees to break in and steal information from the hospital where his mom works (her mom’s new boyfriend is the security guard). He overhears what he believes to be a kidnapping plot that involves stealing babies from the nursery. Rejected from the Reservoir Pups, Eddie teams up with a girl from a rival gang on a madcap chase to unravel the baby nappings.

Miss Diane says, “Eddie is so likeable and his intentions are noble, but he tends to screw up a lot. Kids will identify with him. In this first of a planned trilogy, readers will find fast-paced adventures, multiple story lines, cliff hangers, and witty dialogue. It’s no surprise that the author also writes television scripts!”

J/F/CODELLDiary of a Fairy Godmother170 p., 2005Grades 5 – 6
Hunky Dory is attending Miss Harbinger’s Charm School for Young Witches to learn how to become “the wickedest witch wherever the four winds blow.” After crashing Sleeping Beauty’s christening party with her Auntie Malice, Hunky discovers she wants to become a fairy godmother instead of a witch. She soon finds herself expelled from Charm School and banished from her home. Hunky boldly sets off to begin a wish-granting business but misses the friends and family she left behind.

Miss Rachel says, “Fairy tale characters abound in this creative story. Hunky Dory is a likeable character who struggles with inner conflict. This should be a very appealing story for readers who enjoy finding references to their favorite fairy tales throughout the book.”

J/F/FEIFFERRoom with a Zoo182 p., 2005Grades 3 – 5
Julie loves animals. She wants to be a zookeeper or a vet when she grows up and she thinks the best way to start is to have a pet. She really wants a dog but her parents want her to have animals that “don’t need to be walked.” Her first pet is a cat that only wants to be left alone. Eventually, Julie also gets a hamster, then a fish, a turtle, and another kitten. Her room is a zoo full of animals that don’t really do much. When the fish tank needs to be cleaned, Julie has to do the job without letting Timmy the cat eat the fish. Julie really wants a pet that she can play with.

Miss Sharon says, “This story is based on a situation that really happened to the author and his family. There are some very funny incidents, like when the fish end up in the toilet and the hamster is chased by the cats. Although Julie loves having these animals around, she is frustrated when they don’t seem to love her back. The author, a well-known cartoonist and picture book author, includes some wonderful ink drawings.”

J/F/LINThe Year of the Dog134 p., 2006Grades 2 – 4
Grace’s story starts with her Taiwanese-American family’s celebration of the Chinese New Year during her third grade year and ends with the same celebration one year later. Grace tells about the everyday events in her life that year, describing her warm, extended family and the trials of being American at school and Taiwanese at home. Her humorous anecdotes are accompanied by charming line drawings and include finding a new best friend, her family’s celebration of special days with a wonderful array of foods and traditions, Grace’s mother telling her stories about growing up in Taiwan, and events throughout the year like Halloween, science fair, and the school musical.

Miss Sara says “The author set out to write the kind of book she wishes she’d had when she was Grace’s age. She is tuned in to 3rd grade concerns, conversation, and humor, and I greatly enjoyed this story!”

J/F/SILBERBERGPond Scum284 p., 2005Grades 5 – 7
The Pond Alliance (a group of mammals, reptiles, insects, birds and amphibians) has one common goal – to keep humans away from their pond. Unfortunately, they can’t keep Oliver, his mom, and his sister from buying the dilapidated house by their pond. Oliver is a lonely, eleven-year-old boy whose only friend is the television. While trying to affix an antenna to roof, Oliver falls into the attic and finds a mysterious gem that has magical powers. He can change into different creatures! He is soon morphing into different species and gains two friends, a salamander and a crow. He also discovers a dangerous plot to overthrow the Pond Alliance. Can he help his friends and save the Alliance from an evil crow named The General?

Miss Rachel says “This is a very creative story. The point of view alternates between Oliver and the different species of the Pond Alliance. The story concentrates on the relationship of Oliver and his new friends and the inner workings of the Pond Alliance. I think boys in 5th and 6th grade will particularly enjoy this book.”


May
J/F/DICAMILLOThe Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane198 p., 2006Grades 3 – 5
Edward Tulane is a china rabbit with moveable legs and arms. He belongs to a girl named Abilene who loves him and takes very good care of him. Edward can think, but cannot move on his own. He’s living a privileged life in a fancy house and thinks very highly of himself. When Abilene’s family take a cruise on the Queen Mary he is accidentally tossed overboard, and his journey begins.

Edward is caught in a lobster trap and taken home to live with a fisherman and his wife who had lost their only son. Eventually the jealous daughter throws him away and he lands in a garbage dump, is dug up by a dog, and spends a while with hobos. He is kicked off a train by a railroad man, ends up as part of a scarecrow, is given to a sick girl who eventually dies, has his head cracked into 29 pieces, is put back together and spends years sitting on a shelf in a doll shop. Along the way, he remembers the people who have cared for him and how his heart broke each time he had to leave them. He has learned to love, but finds it too painful and decides never to care for anyone again. In a very sweet ending, Edward finds his way back home when a grown-up Abilene and her young daughter visit the doll shop.

Miss Sara says, “This is a touching story with an old-fashioned feel. It will make a great read-aloud for younger children, and will certainly appeal to anyone who enjoyed the author’s earlier books like The Tale of Despereaux and Because of Winn Dixie. The CD version, read by actress Judith Ivey, comes alive with her portrayals of the colorful characters who adopt Edward. Be sure to have a hanky close by for the last chapter!”

J/F FRIEDMANIn Business with Mallory159 p., 2006Grades 2 – 4
Mallory and her friend Mary Ann decide they’re going to get the Perfect Purse, but all the coaxing in the world won’t convince her mother to buy it for her. Mallory decides to go into business to make enough money to buy it herself. Her mother thinks she is saving money to buy her brother Max a birthday present, and eventually Mallory must decide whether or not to buy the Perfect Purse or her brother’s present. When she buys the purse, it doesn’t seem as marvelous as she and Mary Ann thought it would be. This is a new title in an extremely popular series for young chapter book readers.

Miss Sharon says “I thought it was an enjoyable story and a realistic slice of life. I fully remember being young and wanting something my mother wouldn’t let me have. Mallory’s letters to her friend Mary Ann and the fun illustrations help bring the story along.”

J/F JOHNSONThora229 p., 2005Grades 4 – 6
Thora has a blowhole on top of her head! (She’s half mermaid and half human.) In infancy, she is rescued by a kindly Englishman. They travel the world, along with Thora’s mermaid mother, who disguises herself as a champion swimmer. At the age of 10, Thora returns to live on a houseboat in the town where she was born. Adventures with new friends follow, plus impish dealings with a greedy buffoon who is wrecking their seaside town with his real estate schemes.

Miss Suzanne says “This is a very funny book, and Thora is an engaging, down-to-earth character. Her assertive spirit is refreshing.”

J/F KARRWorlds Apart196 p., 2005Grades 5 – 7
Fifteen-year-old Christopher West arrives on the coast of Carolina with his family and other settlers in the year 1670. He befriends Asha-po of the Sewee tribe, who teaches Christopher how to hunt, farm and survive in the new land. Soon, both Sewee and English face attacks from the Spaniards and the dreaded Westo Indians. As they fend off these attacks, tensions rise as the English try to claim the new land for their own.

Miss Rachel says “This is an excellent adventure book for boys. It has gripping narration and some exciting battle scenes. Christopher and Asha-po’s friendship is nicely described. An author’s note at the end gives a brief background history of the Sewee, a true ‘lost’ tribe of the Carolinas.”

J/F KIDDMonkey Town: The Summer of the Scopes Trial259 p., 2006Grades 7 – 9
The year is 1925 and Frances Robinson knows her hometown, Dayton, Tennessee, as a sleepy sort of place full of good, honest people who spend hot afternoons chatting over Coca-Colas at her father’s drugstore. But when her dad (the school board chairman) decides to put the town’s new teacher, John Scopes, on trial for teaching evolution, Dayton finds itself flooded with reporters, voyeurs and lawyers (including Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan.) Frances finds her world turned upside down. Is her father the honest man she always trusted him to be? Are her neighbors all as kind as she thought? Did people really descend from monkeys? And what, when you really get down to it, does it mean to believe in God?

Miss Meghan says “This story perfectly captures that inevitable ‘summer’ that everyone must have—the one that sets the world before you, opens your eyes to its complexities and doubt, challenges your truest truths, and leaves you with the always exhilarating and sometimes heartbreaking realization that the people and places we love are not always as perfect as we once thought. A true and sincere story about growing up.”


April
J/F ANDERSONWhales on Stilts188 p., 2005Grades 4 – 7
Even though his boss wears a brine-drenched sack over his head and hides flippers under his business suit, Mr. Gefelty still hasn’t figured out that the man is really half man and half whale. Luckily, while Lily Gefelty is at work with her dad on career day, she overhears a plot to take over the world by the mad-scientist boss, Larry, and his mind-controlled, laser-eyed whales on stilts.

Miss Diane says: This witty book is loaded with quirky inventions, silly dialogue, chases and cliff-hangers. Younger readers will enjoy its easy-to-read (and cleverly titled) chapters, while older readers will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek humor.

J/F WILSONBlack Storm Comin’291 p., 2005Grades 6 – 9
Colton Wescott needs money! His family was on its way to California and better days, but now that his father has run off, his mother has fallen sick, and their wagon train has abandoned them, they are stuck. When Colton sees a sign seeking Pony Express riders, he knows that job may be just what he needs to help his family. Never mind that he’s only 12, would have to pass as white even though he’s half black, and that he’d be riding the most dangerous route, those are just the chances he’ll have to take.

Miss Meghan says: Not only does this book give a fascinating look at the dangers faced and accomplishments made by Pony Express riders in the years leading up to the Civil War, it’s also a great story about finding the determination within yourself to face obstacles head-on and find out what you’re truly made of. A great read for anyone who has ever had to fight to hold their head up high.

J/F DALEDawn Undercover359 p., 2005Grades 4 – 7
Plain and dowdy, Dawn is ignored by almost everybody – her parents, her teacher, and other kids. She wants to be noticed and to have friends, but she just doesn’t have that kind of life; she’s too ordinary. However, Dawn has exactly the right personality to be a spy – no one seems to remember her, but she notices every little thing. Soon, Dawn’s recruited by S.H.H. (Strictly Hush Hush) and training at their P.S.S.T. (Pursuit of Scheming Spies and Traitors) division where she studies secret codes and spy techniques. When sent on her first mission, Dawn is ready, but she hadn’t counted on a stowaway named Felix and his big clumsy dog. Their “help” just might botch the entire mission!

Miss Donna says: This is a fun book. Dawn is a serious heroine in the midst of silly adults, but she is not deterred; she goes after the villain. She also grows in confidence. Felix and his dog add another element of humor to the story.

JE/DOWNSYou See a Circus, I See…2005Preschool – 2rd grade
A young boy whose family performs in the circus explains that while we may see a strong man, a lion tamer and a juggler when we look at the circus, he sees his uncle, his teacher and his best friend. This picture book takes an inside look at the circus from a boy who calls it his home. The watercolor pictures pair the excitement of circus performances with the warm familiarity of homey scenes. Miss Sara

JE/KLOSKEOnce Upon a Time, the End (Asleep in 60 Seconds)2005Preschool – 3rd grade
A tired father trims down familiar bedtime stories, making them shorter and shorter as he tries harder and harder to get his child to sleep. Tired parents will appreciate the humor of the situation just as much as their children! Miss Sara

J/F LENHARDChicks with Sticks: It’s a Purl Thing261 p., 2005Grades 7 – 9
Scottie’s aunt dies in a car accident. She was the only person in Scottie’s family who understood her. Scottie’s best friend, Amanda, is becoming increasingly popular. While their lockers are still next to each other, Scottie feels the distance between them growing. Scottie discovers knitting and it leads her to KnitWit, a Chicago knitting store. She takes a knitting class and meets punk girl Tay who has started knitting because her guidance counselor dared her. She also meets free-spirited Bella, who has been homeschooled and whose sun-shiny ways don’t quite fit with the teen-angst crowd. Scottie introduces Amanda to knitting and, while school is very difficult for Amanda due to learning disabilities, knitting comes easily. Together these four declare themselves the Chicks with Sticks. They support each other as each one faces different challenges, from parents to boys.

Miss Amanda says: This is a warm story about a circle of friends – a sisterhood of yarn. It’s a look at one winter in the lives of four very different high school girls joined by a common love of yarn. It’s better if you know how to knit, but it’s not required to enjoy the story. There are patterns in the back to help a knitter get started. Great for those who enjoyed The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.


March
J/F BANKSTiger, Tiger195 p., 2005Grades 5 – 8
A tiger cub! Twelve-year-old Lady Aurelia never expected such a gift from her father, the stern Roman Emperor who so easily sends slaves and prisoners to their deaths in the Colosseum. She enjoys the cub’s visits to her chamber but is annoyed that the slave boy Julius always accompanies it to insure her safety. As the months go by the two become good friends, and if her father finds out, the punishment will be severe. When a catastrophe does occur, the princess faces the loss of both her tiger and her beloved Julius.

Miss Donna says “This is an excellent historical fiction work. It does a good job of portraying a brutal time when both slave and royal heir had little control over their own lives. In the background of the story are the gory events in the Colosseum and a constant sense of danger.”

JE/LENDLERAn Undone Fairy Tale2005Grades K – 3
Everyone in the family will enjoy reading this fun picture book about a pie-making princess trapped in a tower – but don’t read it too fast, because the illustrator hasn’t finished the pictures yet! Miss Sara

J/F MCCALL SMITHAkimbo and the Elephants68 p., 2005Grades 2 – 4
Akimbo’s father is the head ranger at an African game preserve, and sometimes Akimbo goes out with him to see the lions, crocodiles, rhinos and elephants roaming free on the preserve. Akimbo and his father are horrified when they come across a dead elephant, the victim of a gang of poachers who have killed it for its ivory tusks. There’s nothing the rangers can do unless they can identify the poachers. Akimbo walks three hours to a neighboring village and offers an ivory tusk to a shady character, trading it to learn how to poach ivory. The poachers take him along on their next night forage into the preserve. Akimbo faces wild animals, saves an elephant, escapes in the dark and walks back through the preserve at night to turn the gang in to the rangers who catch them and put a stop to the poaching, all in 68 pages. Whew! Followed by Akimbo and the Lions. Miss Sara

J/F PULLMANThe Scarecrow and His Servant229 p., 2005Grades 4 – 6
Old Mr. Pandolfo has big trouble! To solve his bird problems, he put together a turnip-headed scarecrow and set him in the middle of his fields. The scarecrow is stolen, taken far from home, struck by lightning, and comes to life! The Scarecrow finds a young orphan, Jack, and presses him into service as a servant, and the two set off together. The hapless couple gets involved in a series of antics and adventures in an effort to outwit the dreaded Buffaloni family and save Spring Valley (where the houses have three water taps, for hot, cold and sparkling water!) Miss Diane

J/F SACHARSmall Steps257 p., 2006Grades 5 – 8
In this companion novel to Holes, Armpit has been focused on taking small steps since returning from Camp Greenlake. He’s got a good job, is taking classes to finish high school, and is saving his money. But when the fast-talking X-Ray shows up with a scheme to make some easy money by scalping tickets to a rock concert, Armpit can’t tell his old pal “No.” Little do the two friends know what lies in store for them – a diligent cop, a crazy manager, Janis Joplin and a spontaneous trip to San Francisco add up to only half of their adventures.

Miss Meghan says “This is a great companion to Holes! The plot doesn’t have as many twists, but it’s still clever and the characters are great. X-Ray is hilarious as he tries to talk his way out of anything and Armpit’s friendship with his 10-year-old neighbor Ginny is priceless. Sachar has a true knack for touching realistically on potentially hot issues like racial profiling and relationships between kids from the rich and poor sides of town, without sermonizing.”