What the Junior Room Is Reading 2007 Archive December J/R/HARPERJust Grace2007, 138 p.Grades 3 – 4 Grace earns the name “Just Grace” from her teacher, who is overwhelmed by the fact that she has four girls named Grace in her classroom.  This is one more injustice in the life of Grace, a girl who loves to draw and possesses the “superpower” of being able to feel other people’s emotions.  Grace knows her neighbor, Mrs. Luther, is feeling sad because she broke her foot and cannot participate in an upcoming marathon.  On top of that, her cast is scaring her cat, Crinkles, who has gone missing.  Grace decides to try to cheer Mrs. Luther up by making “missing you” postcards signed by Crinkles.  When Mrs. Luther misunderstands the postcards, Grace must join forces with a (gasp!) boy to prove to Mrs. Luther that she really just wants to help. Miss Rachel says, “Accompanied by sweet drawings, Grace’s story is delightful.  She is a kind girl who truly likes helping people.  The postcards that Grace sends are accompanied by cute pictures of Crinkles the cat in different areas of town.  Girls in 3rd and 4th grades should enjoy this book, and a sequel, Still Just Grace, was published in October.” J/F/MASSJeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life2006, 289 p.Grades 6 – 8 Jeremy’s father died five years ago.  Now, one month before his 13th birthday, Jeremy has been given a ornate wooden box left to him by his father, engraved with the words: The Meaning of Life: For Jeremy Fink to Open on His Thirteenth Birthday.  The only problem is that the lawyer who had been keeping the box has lost the set of keys that can unlock the four interlocking locks that seal the box. Jeremy and his best friend Lizzie have one month to get the box unlocked, so that Jeremy can find out what his father has left him.  They decide to search the abandoned law office of his dad’s lawyer in NYC.  After sneaking in to search, they are caught by the security guard, arrested, and sentenced to community service – to help a wealthy business owner several days a week.  This man, the grandson of a famous pawnbroker, asks them to return objects that were pawned by children in the 20s & 30s to their owners, who are now very, very old.  Each time they are sent out to return some treasure, they hear the owner’s story of what lead them to pawn their treasured item, and how it affected the rest of their life. They learn about the meaning in these people’s lives, and eventually are able to open Jeremy’s box and learn about the meaning of his own father’s life.  Miss Sara says, “This is an intriguing book, but definitely for the thoughtful reader.  It gets philosophical at points, but I enjoyed hearing each character’s story, and felt that his father’s gift nicely wrapped up Jeremy’s search for meaning in his own life.  This is also an adventure story, as these kids travel around New York on their own, discovering their own strengths and abilities.” J/F/NIMMOThe Snow Spider2006, 146 p.Grades 4 – 6 Gwyn lives in rural Wales with his parents.  Four years ago, his sister disappeared on the mountain, and life around the farm has since become subdued.  On his 10th birthday, Gwyn’s eccentric grandmother gives him a set of mysterious gifts to help him discover his magical powers.  Apparently he is a descendant of Gywdion Gwyn – a magician of Welsh lore!  Before long, he discovers a beautiful, snowy world and connects with a girl who bears an ethereal resemblance to his missing sibling.  Soon he must master his powers to save the world from a threat of legendary importance. Miss Suzanne says, “This book holds your attention, as the author conjures up a surreal other-world.   At only 146 pages, it is an easy read for fantasy-lovers.  This is Book 1 of The Magician Trilogy, and was originally published in 1986.  The author’s popular Charlie Bone series, and the bright, sparkly covers of these 2006 editions, should lead readers to this easier fantasy series by a proven fantasy author.” J/F/RINALDICome Juneteenth2007, 246 p.Grades 7 – 8 Two years after Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation, the slaves of Texas finally learned that they were free. Luli and Sis Goose have been raised as sisters on the family’s plantation although Sis Goose, the daughter of a boat captain and a slave woman, is a slave, while Luli is the daughter of the plantation owner. As news of the slaves’ freedom begins to circulate, the family makes every effort to quiet the growing uprising and convince their adopted daughter that the rumors are false. When the Yankees move in, taking over the plantation and setting the slaves free, Luli’s family is relegated to the slave cabin, in retribution.  Sis Goose, confused and angry over the family’s lies, moves into the main house with the Union troops and ultimately leaves. Luli and her brother set off to find Sis Goose, not knowing if she has willingly left, or if she has been kidnapped. Their search ends in a horrific tragedy. Miss Diane says, “This piece, set in the Reconstruction era, is told through the naive voice of 14-year-old Luli as she relates the events that led to the creation of the celebration, Juneteenth. Through her own personal tragedy, Luli learns the meaning of freedom and its ultimate cost.” J/F/WILKINSONGarden of the Purple Dragon2007, 2005, 354 p.Grades 4 – 6 Ping is hiding in the mountains with her baby dragon Kai, but they are soon discovered by the imperial guards.  The new emperor, Liu Che, has been searching for the baby dragon ever since the old one disappeared, and now he has found it.  However, Ping has one thing in her favor – she and Liu Che have gotten along in the past, so he decides to be kind to her again and gives her the position of Imperial Dragon Keeper.  With this position she is able to be with her precious little Kai and also live at the palace.  It seems like the perfect solution…but is it really? While living at the palace, Ping realizes that there are dark forces at work.  Is Liu Che to be trusted, or is he under some sort of evil spell?  And the necromancer she thought was safely in her past becomes a dangerous part of her present again.  She and Kai are forced to abandon the palace in order to search for safety.  As Kai grows older, the bond between them grows stronger.  They need this bond as they fight for their lives. Miss Sarah Ellen says, “Garden of the Purple Dragon is the sequel to Dragon Keeper, but readers need not be familiar with the first book to enjoy this one.  This is a fast, exciting read that is sure to hook dragon fans and non-dragon fans alike.” November J/F/FriesnerNobody’s Princess2007, 306 p.Grades 6 – 9 This is the story of Helen of Troy’s youth as a beautiful Spartan princess who wishes to train in fighting as her two older brothers do.  Helen proves herself and earns a place learning the sword in secret with master warrior, Glaucus.  Helen longs to go on adventures and have the freedom her brothers do.  Through her cleverness, she escapes her castle and embarks on an adventure filled with Greek heroes questing to kill a boar that ravages the countryside.  She meets Atalanta – the Greek woman who has earned a name amongst the heroes of her time and Helen learns to ride from her.  Helen then travels to the future-seeing oracle at Dephi where her friendship with the priestess there allows her to trade-in a future of embroidery for one of adventure, pursuing the Golden Fleece (presumable this adventure will arrive in the sequel, Nobody’s Prize, due out in Spring, 2008). Miss Amanda says, “Helen is re-imagined as a young woman who strives to become a warrior so she can someday be a strong queen to her Spartan people.  This Helen is an engaging heroine and readers will be rooting for her, in her quest for freedom and adventure.  Fans of Tamora Pierce’s Alanna series will enjoy this and Pierce herself is quoted as saying, “This is my kind of Helen,” on the book jacket. Other read-alikes include Goddess of Yesterday by Cooney for its very different imagining of Helen and The Cry of the Icemark by Hill for its likeable young warrior queen.” J/F/GREENFootball Genius2007, 244 p.Grades 5 – 7 Troy longs for the father that he has never known.  He plays on the local football team with his friends, but doesn’t get to play very often because the coach’s son plays the same position – quarterback.  When Troy’s mother nets a job with the Atlanta Falcons, things look up.  He gets to watch from the sidelines during a game, but creates a ruckus when he tries to tell a defensive back that he can predict the plays the opposing team will run. That’s right . . Troy is a football genius!  He can sense a rhythm within a game that allows him to call plays based on the patterns he observes.  However, convincing someone on the team about his unique skill proves to be a challenge. Miss Suzanne says, “I particularly liked this book because the main character has emotional depth. The story is interesting and the vulnerable feelings of growing up without a father are explored. The author played football for the Atlanta Falcons for seven years.” J/F/MACDONALDTrolls, Go Home!2007, 128 p.Grades 2 – 4 When the Priddle family looks out the front door of their quiet suburb home, the last thing they expect to see is a family of Trolls moving in next door!  The Troll family, Egbert, Nora and little Ulrik, have moved away from their lovely cave on their lovely mountain, due to Egbert’s really bad (and embarrassing) experience with a large billy goat. Now they just want to fit into their new neighborhood. Unfortunately, it’s hard for a large, smelly, kid-eating (i.e. baby goats) troll family to settle in (and make friends) in a quiet English suburb.  First of all, the grocery store does not sell kids.  The new house does not smell like their warm, muddy cave. The neighbors don’t appreciate Ulrik’s stomping and roaring lessons.  What’s a Troll family to do? Miss Sara says, “Here’s a silly story - just for fun!  The trolls are good natured, but it takes the neighbors quite a while to discover their hearts-of-gold.  There’s some nice trollish vocabulary (good things are uggsome or stinksome, and they like to give each other huggles), and there’s lots of Billy Goats Gruff references.  A fun, quick read.” J/F/SCHADETravels of Thelonious2007, 214 p.Grades 3 – 5 Thelonious, a talking chipmunk, lives in the Untamed Forest and enjoys hearing legends about the “Human Occupation,” a time in which animals couldn’t talk and they didn’t have thumbs, either.  Thelonious longs for adventure and finds it the day his tree falls down during a storm and he is swept into the “City of Ruins,” a place where humans once lived.  While there, Thelonius befriends a porcupine named Fitzgerald and a bear named Olive.  When Olive tells her friends of her home in the “Fog Mound,” Thelonious and Fitzgerald decide to help her go back home.  While using a flying machine, Thelonious, Olive and Fitzgerald must outwit a dragon lady and her ratfinks, avoid deadly fog and maneuver through a confusing labyrinth before they can finally arrive home. Miss Rachel says, “This creative story alternates between a regular novel and graphic novel.  I especially enjoyed the graphic novel chapters, which feature wonderful illustrations and are full of action.  This is the first of an expected trilogy, and while the reason behind humankind’s demise is not revealed in this book, the appearance of a scientist (who froze himself before he died, and is thawed out by the main characters) hints at more information to come.” J/F/STRAIGHTThe Friskative Dog2007, 149 p.Grades 3 – 5 Sharron doesn’t have a real, live dog; rather, she has a stuffed dog.  But, to her, the Friskative Dog is as real as any dog can be.  She loves him with all of her heart and has had him ever since she was five.  Even though she’s in fourth-grade now, she still knows that the Friskative Dog is more special than any of the fancy dogs that some of those rich girls at school own. The Friskative Dog might sound like a funny name to some people, but, to Sharron, it’s a perfect name.  When Sharron was a little girl, her grandma once described her as being frisky, playful, and talkative.  And when Sharron’s dad (before he disappeared) brought her dog home, she said that the doggie was so ‘friskative.’  Needless to say, the name stuck.  Since then, Sharron has been happy with her mom and the Friskative Dog.  However, when she decides to sneak him to school, a couple of mean girls don’t think that the Friskative Dog is such a perfect dog after all. Miss Sarah Ellyn says, “For anyone who has had a close bond with a stuffed animal, The Friskative Dog will touch the heart.  The way Sharron disobeys her mom by bringing the Friskative Dog to school will sound familiar to many readers!  Her dog brings out the best in Sharron, including her courage, trust, and most importantly, her love.” October J/F/CHEANEYThe Middle of Somewhere2007, 218 p.Grades 5 – 8 When Ronnie Sparks’ mother slips and sprains her knee after finding a dead squirrel in their toilet, Ronnie is pretty sure the rest of her summer is doomed. She’s a girl with goals and is a big fan of positive thinking (thanks to Kent Clark’s book, Seize the Way: Ten Weeks to Supersize Your Life!), but as she says herself, “anybody’s attitude would take a hit if they had to leave their mother in the hospital and bring their ADHD brother home to a torn-up house with pancake-batter tracks in the kitchen and a drowned squirrel in the toilet.” As Kent Clark says, however, “Every downside has an upside!” and when Ronnie’s peripatetic “man with a plan” grandfather just happens to arrive the next morning in a brand-new shiny RV, she just knows she’s heard the knock of destiny. Pops is headed for Kansas, chasing the wind, and (after some fast-talking by Ronnie’s mom) he agrees to take Ronnie and her brother Gee with him. Ronnie knows this is going to be the trip of a lifetime, but what follows is even more exciting than she planned: a wild ride full of adventures that include a stray dog, a giant backhoe, a wind farm, chalk pyramids, some poker, a human cannonball, and a missing brother. Who knew Kansas could be this crazy? Miss Meghan says, “This book was hilarious. Ronnie is resourceful, clever and spunky, and Gee is both loveable and thoroughly exasperating by turns. A great read for older siblings and road-trippers everywhere – two thumbs way up!” J/F/GAIMANInterworld     2007, 239 p.Grades 6 – 8 Joey Harker discovers he is a Walker – able to detect portals that link our Earth to a number of parallel worlds.  One day he accidentally Walks out of his class field trip and into a world where he is hunted by the agents of two opposing forces battling for control of all the parallel planets known as the Altiverse.  The two groups at war are the Binary, an intensely scientific, logic-driven civilization, and the HEX, a coalition of planets ruled by magic.  Both groups capture Walkers and kill them to harness their power to travel between worlds.  Joey is rescued by InterWorld, an association that tries to maintain balance between science and magic in the Altiverse.  At Interworld Joey discovers that all Walkers are versions of himself born on different types of Earth.  His battle team includes a cyborg version of himself, a girl who is what he’d be like if he had wings and ummm… was a girl, a super-strong version of himself from a high-gravity Earth and a version of himself from a planet where wolves rather than apes evolved. Now all these young Walkers need to do is stop HEX from gaining control of the Larimare worlds and avoid being thrown in HEX’s giant boiling cauldrons used to turn Walkers into spaceship fuel. Miss Amanda says, “This was an action-packed book with a great premise – a boy joins an army comprised of versions of himself from different realities.  There were pauses in the action to explain the nature of the Altiverse in a way that will please sci-fi fans, but may discourage some reluctant readers.  I would definitely suggest this to fans of Garth Nix’s Mr. Monday series and the stronger readers who enjoy MacHale’s Pendragon books.” J/F/MILLERMiss Spitfire2007, 208 p.Grades 6 – 8 It was 1887 when the near-blind orphan, Annie Sullivan, tackles the seemingly impossible job of reaching the deep dark places in the mind of the deaf and blind child, Helen Keller. Helen is just six years old, but ferocious as a wild animal, unkempt, angry, spoiled and in need of a true miracle. Annie, the young girl they called Miss Spitfire, was no stranger to frustration, anger or isolation. She was the perfect match for Helen, the “Teacher” about whom Helen herself wrote: “Teacher – and that was all. It will be my answer in the dark when Death calls.” Miss Diane says, “Telling the story of Helen Keller from Annie Sullivan’s perspective gives new dimension to the beloved teacher so often in the shadow of her famed student. This is the inspired story of Annie’s determination to touch the heart and mind of the damaged child in her care. Daily doubts and endless frustration follow Annie until the day that her efforts are finally realized in Helen’s new birth. The reader shares the frustration and is well satisfied as the novel concludes with the moment of Helen’s breakthrough. Photos of Annie and Helen, as well as a chronology, are included.”  J/F/PAULSENLawn Boy2007, 88 p.Grades 4 – 7 Our unnamed hero, Lawn Boy, only needs enough money to buy an inner tube for his bike.  When his Grandmother gives him a riding lawnmower for his 12th birthday, the summer of green grass and cash begins.  After the first day, Lawn Boy is $60 richer.  By the end of the summer, he has amassed half-a-million dollars, a partner, 15 employees, a stock market portfolio, and a prizefighter nicknamed Joey Pow.  Miss Kelly says, “With clever chapters titled “Economic Expansion Combined with Portfolio Diversification” and “Team Management in Times of Uncertainty” this book is a lesson in business.  I was cynically waiting for something unfortunate to happen, but was proven wrong.  I’m sure Gary Paulsen had as much fun writing this book as you will have reading it.  Take an hour and treat yourself to Lawn Boy!” J/F/WILKOWSKIThe Bad Luck Chair2007, 124 p.Grades 3 – 4 Addison Darby has been very careful not to draw attention to herself at school, ever since that embarrassing experience when the words “bus duty” got taped to her rear a few years ago.  (Addie made doody on the bus!)  But when she walks into her 4th grade classroom on this day, all eyes are on her.  There, at her desk, is the legendary, disastrous,  Brookside Elementary Bad Luck Chair (gasp!).  It’s stained, it’s chipped, it’s wobbly, and worse, it brings bad luck to anyone who sits on it.  Addy and her best friend Sam don’t know what to do to keep the bad luck away.  And then, one by one, kids come forward to tell about their experiences with the chair, and slowly Addy makes a whole new group of friends.  Together, the bad luck kids decide to find a way to reverse the luck of the chair, but it will take her whole class, even her arch enemy, Brittany, to help them if they want to beat The Chair! Miss Sara says, “This book is great fun, and would make a wonderful back-to-school read-aloud!  I recommend it wholeheartedly.  It has a great cover that will attract all 3rd & 4th grade readers.” September J/F/HAHNDeep and Dark and Dangerous2007, 187 p.Grades 4 – 7 When Ali’s Aunt Dulcie cleans up the old family cabin and decides to spend the summer there to work on her paintings, she invites Ali to help baby-sit her four-year-old daughter, Emma.  Ali’s mother, who has always been very nervous, tries to forbid Ali from going, but she reluctantly agrees.  Could her reluctance be related to the old photograph Ali found of her mother as a child, in which someone or something has been ripped away from the picture?  Once at the cabin, Ali and Emma are greeted with many rainy, dreary days.  Emma is cheered up by the appearance of a nine-year-old girl – a potential friend!  However, there is something about “Sissy” that is not quite right.  No one seems to know who she is, and to make matters worse, she is not a nice little girl.  She begins by just being mean and Emma starts copying her behavior.  Soon, though, Sissy’s actions turn out to be downright dangerous.  Ali soon discovers that the cabin and Sissy hold many deep and dark secrets. Miss Rachel says, “Deliciously creepy, this book is full of suspense that will keep readers turning the pages.  The cabin, with its rainy weather and sinister lake, is the perfect setting for this ghost story.  This is a good book for readers who are looking for a scary (but not too scary) story.” J/F/MOLONEYThe Book of Lies2007, 360 p.Grades 4 – 7 A boy wakes up at an orphanage in the middle of the night, with a new name that he is sure is very wrong.  Orphan Bea explains that when he arrived, the wizard Lord Alwyn used his book, The Book of Lies, to implant new memories in his mind, as he has with each of the children. These four children discover that they are at the heart of political intrigue and unrest in their kingdom, and escape with the help of men who claim to be loyal to the real Queen who has been deposed from her throne and is being help captive.  The children are caught between warring factions and follow their own path to discover the truth of their backgrounds, with the help of elves, flying horses, riddles, and of course (once they learn how to use it,) The Book of Lies.  Miss Sara says, “This is good fantasy fun for intermediate grade readers, and will be appreciated by the Harry Potter set.  Any time the Book of Lies hears a lie, it opens and copies the lie onto a page inside, which Marcel, Bea, Nicola and Fergus learn to use to their advantage.  The book, and the true identity of the children, holds the key to the story which has plenty of action, adventure, magic and intrigue to capture most readers’ interests.” J/F/SMITHPeak2007, 246 p.Grades 6 – 9 Peak Marcello is in trouble.  Ever since he can remember, Peak has had the need to climb… blame it on his parents, who are world-class climbers.  That doesn’t excuse what he‘s just done: climbed a New York skyscraper!  When the judge gives him probation, his family whisks him off to his father in Thailand who teaches mountaineering.  While in Bangkok, Peak learns of his father’s plan to make Peak the youngest person to ever scale Mount Everest.  Everest isn’t like other mountains, or skyscrapers for that matter.  It takes months of training just to get acclimated to the changes in atmosphere—from base camp, up, and back down, over and over.  Peak learns about his father, himself and Everest itself, during his time in Tibet.  Miss Sharon calls this book…“Action-packed fun!  I never understood why it was so hard to climb Everest—other than being so high up—but now I get it.  The description of the camp and the urgency to have your body ready when the window of opportunity opens was very well written.  Peak, a little shallow at times, turns out to be a likeable guy.  Highly recommended!” J/F/SPRINGERThe Case of the Left-Handed Lady2007, 234 p.Grades 5 – 8  Enola Holmes, much younger sister of the famous Sherlock Holmes, has run away from her privileged life and is living incognito in Victorian London, working as a detective at her own agency.  Hiding under various aliases and disguises, Enola is on the case of Lady Cecily, the missing teenage daughter of Sir Eustance Austair. Sharing a similar social status with Lady Cecily, as well as a rebellion against the same, Enola empathizes with the missing girl and uses her position to solve the mystery.   Not only does Enola need to establish herself as an equal to her famed detective brother, her survival is dependant upon her ability to stay far from the dangers of the shadowy London streets, and even farther from her brother and the prison of her former life.  Miss Diane says, “This book would make Sir Arthur Doyle proud!  Giving Sherlock and the elusive Mycroft Holmes a sister may make true Sherlock Holmes fans wince, but the character of Enola is a perfect fit.  Like her brother she is a strong, independent and brilliant sleuth.  This is the second in a series, but not having read the first book would not impair readers’ enjoyment of this engaging period mystery.”   J/F/TRIPPPete & Fremont2007, 180 p.Grades 4 – 6 Pete is a pink poodle—and also the star of the Circus Martinez!  He loves his act, part of which requires him to jump through a flaming hoop.  But when his jumps start to fall short, the circus owners decide that he just might be getting too old for the job.  He is no longer the star and thinks that his career in the circus might be over…until he meets the huge new animal the circus owners pick up from the wild. Fremont, the wild bear, is so scary that all of the other circus animals stay away from him.  Pete, however, sees that Fremont is simply young, scared, and homesick for the forest.  As they become friends, Pete learns that Fremont is a natural performer!  Fremont is the answer that Pete has been looking for to save his circus career.  Yet, Fremont desperately yearns to return to the forest.  As Fremont’s friend, what is Pete to do? Miss Sarah Ellyn says, “Pete & Fremont is a story that is not only a fast read, but will keep readers glued to the page with its humor and suspenseful moments.  Also, the illustrations are hilarious!  Who would think that a poodle named Pete would be so proud to be pink and fluffy?  The other circus animals are memorable in their own charming ways as well.” August J/F/BECKThe Secret History of Tom Trueheart2007, 341 p.Grades 4 – 6 Tom Trueheart lives outside The Land of Stories, with his mother and his older brothers who are named  Jack, Jacquot, Jacques, Jackie, Jackson and Jake.  (Because “All of the great [fairy] stories have happened to a Jack.”)  The brothers are strong and brave, and participate in stories that are written at The Story Bureau.  They receive starting instructions, and then finish the story in anyway they see fit.  Afterwards, they recount their adventures to The Story Bureau, and a story is written. Things become sinister when an evil “senior story deviser” decides to get rid of the Trueheart brothers by sending them out on missions that go terribly awry.  The Story Bureau contacts the youngest Trueheart, Tom, and instructs him to find and rescue his brothers.  Tom must live up to the Trueheart name as he matches wits with the Deviser, and goes on his own important adventure to save his family. Miss Suzanne says, “This book is based on the clever premise that characters in fairy tales are somewhat like actors.  I highly recommend it, as it’s witty, full for vivid imagery, and has plenty of action. “ J/F/BELLShield of Stars2007, 267 p.Grades 5 – 8 Weasel is a former pick-pocket who has been given a home by Justice Hollis and trained as a legal clerk.  When Justice Hollis’ involvement with a conspiracy to overthrow the corrupt ruling Regent of Deorthas is discovered, he is imprisoned on charges of treason.  Justice Hollis will certainly hang unless Weasel can find a way to save him in the next two weeks.  Weasel searches for the infamous road bandit known as the Falcon, who commands enough men to lead a prison break, but first Weasel must find him.  Weasel is joined in his quest by his former cellmate, Arisa, a young girl with serious fighting skills. Miss Amanda says, “This very clever city thief and the strong country girl make a likeable team.  Weasel is devoted only to saving Justice Hollis, while Arisa looks to better all in the land of Deorthas.   The clashing of wits of these two protagonists is part of the fun.  Bell sets her characters against an intriguing backdrop of political intrigue, and weaves a strong fantasy.   Readers will look forward to the next book in this new The Shield, the Sword and the Crown series.” J/F/BROWNESilverboy2007, 297 p.Grades 6 – 9 Tommo desperately wants to escape his fate as an apprentice spellstone grinder, a magical job that makes him not only physically sick with “the quivers,” but also turns his skin a shiny-silver.  Apprentices aren’t allowed to simply stop working the jobs to which they are assigned in the Protectorate; however, after he risks his life and claims sanctuary in the name of Gildea, High Priest of the Inward Power, he is given eight days to leave the land (though this is an impossible task) or he will be hung. During his attempt to leave the Protectorate he meets Akenna, a tough girl who is against Lord Fallon, the Protector, and all he stands for.  Lord Fallon fears thaumaturgy, a strong type of magic, though he has ensorcelled his own wife Vevenna by using magic of the same spellstones that have made Tommo so very ill.  Paranoid and power-hungry, Lord Fallon has had most of his enemies killed or scared into doing what he says.  The only person who can defeat him, Gildea himself, is nearly dead.  Will Gildea be able to use his own thaumaturgical powers to save himself, Tommo, and the people of the Protectorate before it’s too late? Miss Sarah Ellyn says, “This intriguing, action-packed novel will keep readers glued to the page.  Readers closely follow the characters as they pursue their difficult battles involving men, magic, or sometimes…both.” J/F/GIFFORDMoxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little2007, 91 p.Grades 2 – 4 Moxy’s had the whole summer to finish her reading assignment, Stuart Little.  Now it’s the day before 4th grade starts and time has run out!  Her new teacher promised a Stuart Little quiz on the first day of school.  But, before Moxie starts reading, she really should clean her room to set the right mood.  And then she thought of the brilliant “peach orchard” idea which might end world hunger, which leads to the disaster in her mother’s prize-winning dahlia garden.  What’s a girl to do when she just never has enough time to sit and read about a small mouse with his own sports car? Miss Sara says, “What a fun book!  With very short (1 – 2 page) chapters and funny chapter titles, (“In Which the Age-Old Question “What Do You Have to Say for Yourself, Young Lady?” Is Asked,) this will make a great read-aloud, especially for the back-to-school crowd.  Black and white photographs of Moxie and her family illustrate the story as she moves through her eventful last day of summer.” J/F/GORMANGames2007, 279 p.Grades 6 – 9 Mick Sullivan and Boot Quinn have done nothing but fight since the day they met. Following their most recent brawl, the new middle school principal doles out a unique punishment – he makes the boys play board games together.  Initially this does not improve their mutual loathing. Things worsen as “cool” girl Tabitha uses each of the boys’ crush on her to manipulate them into performing acts of vandalism and theft. During a game session, the boys discover a door that leads to a secret passageway under the school. As they explore the tunnel together, they come to know each other and realize that they are both coping with similar fears and disappointments. Each chapter is told in an alternating voice, which gives the reader a two-sided view of events as they unfold, as well as a very clear look into each boy’s head. The pace is slow to start, but as the boys’ challenges escalate, the tone grows tense and compelling. Luckily, the book does not conclude with the oh-so-easy happy ending of the two becoming buddies. Instead, this book delivers a more believable, no-easy answer approach to the problems facing these students. Miss Diane says, “This is a genuinely likeable and readable ‘boy’ story. It’s not sugar coated, the vocabulary rings true and both boys are flawed and confused enough to be identifiable to most junior-high readers.” July J/F/CASSIDYScarlett2006, 261 p.Grades 5 – 8 Scarlett Flynn has just been kicked out of her fifth school, and her single, career-obsessed mom is fed up.  She decides to pack Scarlett up and send her from their London flat to try living with her father and his new family.  Scarlett hasn’t talked with her father since he left the family, and the last thing she wants to do is go live with this new family in rural Ireland.  Scarlett is an angry 12-year-old, and determined to prove to everyone that this new arrangement will not work. Scarlett is quite a shock to her new school, with her tongue piercing, ketchup-red, dyed hair and black fingernails.  Her father, step mom and step-sister welcome her warmly, and Clare and Holly work hard to make her a part of the family.  Slowly, Scarlett begins to fit in, and benefits from the love and attention she receives in this new family.  Under her anger, Scarlett is a responsible, kind-hearted girl, and that side of her begins to shine through.  She also develops a friendship with a mysterious, run-away boy who’s family problems are greater than her own. Miss Sara says, “Scarlett is a troublesome but loveable girl and readers will enjoy getting to know her, and watching her become a part of this loving family.  The Irish people, customs and countryside are nicely woven into the story.  This is a fun and heartwarming story of love, acceptance, and forgiveness.” J/F/JOCELYNHow It Happened in Peach Hill2007, 232 p.Grades 5 – 7 Mother and daughter team of “clairvoyant” Madame Caterina and Annie, “village idiot”, land in Peach Hill after a brief stay in jail.  Annie is her mother’s secret weapon, and by posing as an idiot she can eavesdrop on conversations around town, which her mother later uses in her fortune telling sessions.  Unfortunately this doesn’t allow lonely Annie to make friends or let anyone know just how smart she really is.  So one day she concocts a miracle cure for herself, but Madame Caterina has no intention of losing Annie’s services.  As Annie gains a foothold with her classmates and even begins a romance, she becomes more determined to put down roots in Peach Hill.  Miss Kelly says, “Set in the 1920s, this coming-of-age story is a rollicking good read.  Each chapter begins with an old wives’ tale that hints at the plot.  Madame Caterina will never qualify as Mother of the Year, as she loves herself more than she loves her daughter, but her schemes are interesting and the time frame makes it believable that she could get away with all that she does.”  J/F/PECKOn the Wings of Heroes2007, 148 p. Grades 4 – 6 “Before the war, there wasn't a cloud in the sky” – this is how Davy feels after World War II changes his life drastically.  Suddenly, there are air raid drills in his classroom (along with the “eight to five” bullies who make life at school difficult), scrap metal drives, food rationing, and the heartache of his beloved brother leaving home to be a pilot in the Air Force.  Yet, there is also the pure fun of Halloween, eccentric neighbors and jalopy parades to lift the spirits of Davy and his family.  Miss Rachel says, “Reading this book made me feel like I was growing up during World War II.  While this was a time full of hardships and sacrifice, the author also showcases the simple joys, such as when Davy receives his older brother’s refurbished bicycle as a Christmas present.  There are many humorous moments, but also touching scenes describing Davy's father’s despair over his oldest son’s decision to enlist in the Air Force.  This book should appeal to boys in 4th–6th grades and would be a wonderful book to read aloud.” J/F/SAGEMy Haunted House2006, 133 p.Grades 2 – 4 Araminta lives with her crabby Aunt Tabby and Uncle Drac in an Addams Family type of house.  She is distressed to learn that her aunt wants to sell their spooky mansion, so she devises a plan to scare off prospective buyers. Along the way, she joins forces with several ghosts in her quest to make the home unappealing.  After exploring the labyrinth-like areas of the home, she thinks up a master-plan that involves extra-sticky Jell-O and lots of bats.  However, the Wizzard family does not scare easily! Miss Suzanne says, “This is a nice series for a child who likes a slightly spooky read.  (It is funny-spooky vs. scary-spooky.)  The pen and ink illustrations are clever and add to the humor of the story.  This is Book 1 of the Araminta Spookie series.  Book 2 is The Sword in the Grotto.” J/F/WALLACEThe Legend of Thunderfoot2006, 150 p.Grades 2 – 4 He was so excited on the eve of “The Naming.”  That is the time when little roadrunners demonstrate their hunting skills for their parents and receive the names they will carry throughout their lives.  But that very day a snake bit both of his feet, and his special day became a fight for survival.  Left with permanently swollen feet, Thunderfoot feels embarrassed, angry, and immensely sorry for himself.  Berland, a crotchety tortoise, offers no pity – just a challenge to get stronger or die.  Thunderfoot begins an arduous training regimen, mastering physical feats never thought possible for his species.  The roadrunner with the feet-i-cap becomes a hero and a legend. Miss Donna says, “This is a captivating tale, well told.  There is, of course, the obvious theme on overcoming a disability, but there is also discourse on the laws of nature and characteristics of the roadrunner species.  I am happy to say that these lessons don’t drag down the story.  The characters are entertaining, and there is exciting action with dangerous bobcats.  I think this book would also work well as a read aloud.” June J/F/ARNOLDGolden & Grey: The Nightmares that Ghosts Have2006, 291 p.Grades 4 – 6 Tom Golden has a unique talent: he can see and converse with ghosts.  He doesn't want this power; it can be very disturbing and awkward at times.  Still, Tom is grateful for the companionship of his ghost friend Arthur who came into his life when he was a new kid at school and the target of bullies.  Now, Arthur needs Tom's help because scores of ghosts are vanishing and no one knows why.  Panic is spreading in the spectral world; there is fear that the old legend about a cruel ghost-collector might be true, and ghosts from far and wide are gathering at Tom's house for safety.  Tom is not eager to confront something that scares ghosts, but he can't let his friend down.  Together, he and Arthur devise a plan to solve this mystery. Miss Donna says, “I loved this book!  Besides the mystery of the disappearing ghosts (which is an amusing concept in itself), there is plenty of humor in the personalities of the different ghost characters and Tom's attempts to deal with an ever-increasing number of them in his house.  There are also realistic fiction themes on friendship and bullies.  Very good!  The prequel to this title is Golden & Grey: An Unremarkable Boy and a Rather Remarkable Ghost.” J/F/DUPRAUThe City of Ember2003, 270 p.Grades 4 – 6 The city of Ember is not like any city you or I have ever lived in.  This city is dark all of the time, the only light provided by light bulbs attached to buildings, poles, and lamps indoors.  Every day, each and every light turns on at 6am and off at 9pm.  Flashlights, candles, and even televisions and computers do not exist…and what simple items the city does have, it is quickly running out of. This may sound strange to you and me, but this is the only life that Lyna, Doon, and others who live in Ember have ever known.  They are taught that the only place that exists is their city, which is surrounded by darkness (the Unknown Regions – pitch-black and dangerous).  No one flies in planes or travels because there isn’t anywhere else to go.  When blackouts begin happening more often and when families aren’t able to get enough food because there simply isn’t any, Lyna and Doon know that the people of Ember face a huge problem and that they must try to find a way to help save them. Miss Sarah Ellyn says, “The City of Ember is an exciting page-turner.  DuPrau makes Ember so real it seems like it could exist in the distant future…or maybe sooner than we think.” J/F/FLEISCHMANThe White Elephant2006, 95 p.Grades 2 – 4   Run-Run is a boy growing up in old Siam.  When his elephant accidentally sprays water on a prince, he is punished and must take care of a sacred white elephant.  Through his bravery, Run-Run saves the prince from a wild beast and is relieved of his obligation to care for the white elephant.  However, he has grown attached to the creature, and wrestles with the palace in order to return to the animal.  In the end, the elephant decides his own course. Miss Suzanne says, “Fans of historical fiction will like this book, with its exotic jungle setting.  It is a gentle story of a boy's love for his animals, and their devotion to him.” J/F/LAWRENCEGemini Summer261 p., 2006Grades 5 – 6  It’s 1965 and Beau has “space fever.”  He is enthralled with the space program and dreams of becoming an astronaut.  His younger brother Danny has a simpler dream – he just wants a dog.  When Beau is killed in a tragic accident, Danny and his family are devastated.  Three months later, a puppy comes limping into the yard and attaches himself to Danny.  At first Danny wants nothing to do with the dog, but as the days pass, the dog works his way into Danny's heart.  Soon, Danny is sure that the dog is really Beau, who has come back to him in a dog's body.  When the dog bites a neighbor boy (who may have caused Beau's accident), the police want to take the dog away.  Danny is determined to keep his dog, even though it means running away to Cape Canaveral and finding the one person he is sure will help – astronaut Gus Grissom. Miss Rachel says, “This story is beautifully written.  I loved the descriptive language.  Danny has an eccentric, but very loving family and I could feel their grief when Beau died.  The tenderness of the story is balanced by the adventure aspect, which comes to a peak when Danny and his dog get to ride with Gus Grissom on a fighter jet.  Parts of the book made me chuckle, and other parts brought tears to my eyes.  This would make a great book for boys, as well as a good choice for a book discussion group.” J/F/SHERMANThe Changeling2006, 292p.Grades 5 – 8 Neef is the human changeling of Central Park.  Stolen from her parents and replaced by a changeling of faerie blood, she lives in “New York Between,” a land running parallel to our New York but filled with magic.  She lives in Central Park, raised by her fairy godmother who is a giant white rat named Astris.  When she breaks a rule by attending the Solstice Dance, she loses the magical protection of the Green Lady who rules Central Park, and becomes the next intended victim of the Wild Hunt, goblins and ghouls who like to munch on human children.  Only if Neef can complete three tasks may she return to her home in Central Park.  At the annual Eloise awards for naughtiest child, which are held in the Plaza Hotel, Neef meets her changeling twin and the two join forces to complete the tasks by tricking the Mermaid of New York Harbor, tricking the money-hording Dragon of Wall Street and talking the Producer, who rules the realm of Broadway, out of two tickets to the sold out show, Peter Pan.  Miss Amanda says, “With a slick sense of humor and plenty of cultural and literary references, this adventure story speeds along.  The references and humor of this parallel world remind me of the adult novel American Gods by Neil Gaiman.  While children will likely miss some of the references which add charm to the tale, it reads well as a magical adventure even if you miss its allusions.  Neef was a likeable modern heroine and the alternate magic-infused New York was well-worth exploring.   Readers of Holly Black's books or Artemis Fowl might want to give this a try.” May J/F/BELLThe Prophecy2006, 195 p.Grades 4 – 7 Prince Perryn's kingdom is being ravaged by a dragon and in danger of invasion from the Norsemen.  Perryn's father is the 43rd Warrior King of Idris, but Perryn is ill-suited to battle and relishes his time spent organizing the palace library.  It is in the library that Perryn comes upon a prophecy that says if he could unite a unicorn, a true bard, and the legendary sword of Samhain, he would be able to defeat the black dragon.  A traitor in the castle plots Perryn's death to prevent the prophecy from being realized.  When the king will not listen to his scholarly son, Perryn runs away to fulfill the prophecy and fight the dragon.  Miss Amanda says, “The wayward bard, the magical talking sword who longs for battle and the cowardly unicorn are each well-drawn characters who join Perryn on his quest to save his kingdom.  Cedric the battlemaster proves a formidable villain, chasing Perryn at each turn.  This was a satisfyingly straightforward fantasy quest about a prince who wants to save his kingdom, but who even more desperately wishes to prove himself to his father.  I read it straight through.” J/F/CODELLVive La Paris2006, 210 p.Grades 5 – 7 Lively fifth grade student Paris McCray doesn't know how much she doesn't know.  When an honest mistake opens her eyes to the bullies of the world, it takes a little help from a batch of her brother's brownies and her piano teacher's rose-colored glasses to set the world right again. Miss Kelly says, “This breezy book is a companion novel to Sahara Special.  Paris is as clever as she is naïve.  The book is set in Chicago and it wasn't necessary to be familiar with the first book to jump right in and learn what Paris and her classmates are up to.  I only wish the brownie recipe was included.” J/F/FIELDSLunchbox and the Aliens2006, 183 p.Grades 3 – 4 Frazz and Grunfloz, two bumbling aliens, visit Earth and capture the first specimen they see – Lunchbox, a lazy basset hound.  Running out of froonga, their food supply, the extraterrestrials infuse into Lunchbox’s brain the necessary technological information to build a contraption that transforms ordinary trash into froonga.  They release the dog who returns home and gets busy chasing garbage trucks and working on the computer, much to the astonishment of Nate, his owner.  Nate helps his pet build a machine and collect stinky garbage.  Events take an ugly turn when Lunchbox attacks the crooked mayor and gets locked in the pound.  Then, vandals steal a volatile part, leaving the froonga machine unstable and capable of blowing up the entire planet.  Nate must find a way to rescue his dog and save Earth. Miss Suzanne says, “Yes, it’s silly, but the story moves right along and the characters are funny.  I think boys will like this book.” J/F/GRAFFThe Thing About Georgie2006, 220 p.Grades 3 – 6 Fourth grade isn't always easy for Georgie.  It's hard when his parents are obsessed with the new baby who is coming and don't see that Georgie could use some advice.  It's even worse because Georgie is a dwarf who has stopped getting any taller and he knows that the new, normal-sized baby will outgrow him by age 5.  He nicknames the baby "Baby Godzilla" and imagines all the things the new child will be able to do that he can't – like play a sport or learn the piano.  What's even worse than that is that Georgie's best friend has a new friend who is a soccer star and doesn't need him anymore.  And the worst of all is that Georgie is stuck doing his president report with Jeanie the Meanie who signs him up to play Abe Lincoln in the class play.  Georgie knows everyone will laugh at him when the shortest boy in fourth grade tries to play America's tallest president. Miss Amanda says. “The Thing About Georgie is really charming.  Georgie's height and its challenges are just a part of this story of his struggles with friendship and family changes. The author asks the reader to try the things Georgie can't do like sit on the floor and rest his head on his knees.  While his situation is unique, Georgie's concerns will be understood by any 4th grader.  I know he is a character who will stick with me.” J/F/KOSSPoison Ivy2006, 166 p.Grades 6 – 8 Order in the court, order in the court!  Or in this case, classroom!  Ivy has reluctantly confided about the bullying she has endured since 4th grade to her American Government teacher.  Ms. Gold decides to use the plight of “Poison” Ivy for a two-fold lesson: teach the methods of the American judicial system; and teach the Evil Three, the popular girls who have been harassing Ivy, about the consequences of their actions. Students are given different roles in the mock court trial such as judge, jury, process server, and prosecutor.  The actions of the trial are related through the narration of various players, in particular one of the defendants, Ann, the leader of the Evil Three.  Through her, the power of popularity wields the political persuasion to affect the verdict.  And the fact that popularity is based primarily on beauty and fear is all too real. Miss Colleen says, “The use of the different voices with their various perspectives is what makes this story so intriguing and real.  The hatred Ann feels towards others, including at times even her faithful followers Benita and Sophie and the indifference of the majority of the students towards Ivy is disturbing.  Ms. Gold's motives in this class assignment fall sadly yet realistically short of her goal.  Although this makes for an unsettling ending, the heightened awareness of bullying is an unexpected accomplishment. This is a new and interesting way of looking at an all too common problem in school.” April J/F/DUNREAHanne’s Quest2005, 95 p.Grades 4 – 6 Mem Pockets is a sweet older lady who owns a farm near the village of Skara Bree.  When it becomes apparent that she owes huge taxes on the property, she sadly realizes that she will lose her farm, as well as the speckled hens she adores.  All of the hens know of the predicament, and Old Pegotty (the eldest henhouse resident) tells them of a legend that indicates that one of the chickens might be able to save the farm by going on a magical quest.  Courageous Hanne embarks on the dangerous journey to help her beloved owner, and her friends. Miss  Suzanne says, “Hanne is a heroic figure, and very likable.  I particularly enjoyed this book which has interesting characters, suspense, and a thoughtful story-line.  The full-page color illustrations are exquisite. The title has a similar ‘feel’ as The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, although the protagonists have very different personalities.”  J/F/PARKINSONSomething Invisible2006, 156 p.Grades 5 – 6 Jake is a bit of a loner.  Not many people understand him, including his parents.  He tends to have a different perspective from most folks, but he accepts this and goes about his life.  And then come some big changes in his life…  His mother has a baby, his parents decide to get married, and Stella invades his life.  Stella has quirky ideas, makes perplexing comments, lives in a ramshackle house with rude parents and a seemingly endless number of younger siblings, but Jake can’t resist her.  The two become friends, accepting each other’s eccentricities. Miss Donna says, “This is a good book; it’s both funny and moving.  The characters have odd personalities and they struggle to fit into a cookie cutter world.  Jake’s bewilderment in the presence of the highly verbal, opinionated, fervent-one-minute-indifferent-the-next Stella kept me smiling.  At the end of the story, an almost unbearable tragedy occurs that threatens the fragile new friendship.” J/F/SCHUMACHERThe Book of One Hundred Truths2006, 182 p.Grades 5 – 8 Before Thea leaves to spend time with her grandparents during the summer, her mother hands her a notebook and suggests she write “four truths a day.”  Lies have come easily to Thea lately and her parents don't know why. The truths foreshadow an accident she had with her (former) best friend.  The activity in her grandparent's house is more hectic than usual and Thea is expected to baby-sit her younger cousin Jocelyn.  When Thea and Jocelyn have an accident, it accelerates the “truths” in her notebook. Miss Kelly says, “This was a quick read and quite different from anything else on the shelves currently.  Written with a fresh voice, it will be easy for readers to relate to Thea and it’s a relief when she can finally tell her parents the truth.” J/F/SNOWHere Be Monsters!2006, 529 p.Grades 3 – 6 Under cover of night Arthur uses mechanical wings to fly through the streets of Ratbridge foraging for food.  One night, he surfaces from his Underworld home stumbling upon an illegal cheese hunt.  A man called Snatcher and his associates are capturing cheese to make a nefarious fondue.  Worse yet, Snatcher seals the holes that lead to the Underworld trapping Arthur in Ratbridge.  Arthur then discovers that peaceful creatures from the Underworld are disappearing from their homes.  Several rats have also gone missing from a former pirate ship in the harbor that now acts as a first-rate laundering service.  Arthur teams up with the pirates on a rescue mission to save the captured rats and Underworld creatures and – hopefully – to find a way back home to his grandfather. Miss Amanda says, “Featuring a climactic cheese explosion and a butt shrinking machine, the humor here is perfectly pitched for 3rd and 4th grades, but the length and the Briticisms make it better for 5th and 6th grade readers or strong younger readers.  There are over 500 illustrations throughout so you don’t need to guess what a rabbit woman looks like.  Reminiscent of Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake’s joint works, I’d recommend it to anyone who appreciates the humor of works by Dahl and Daniel Pinkwater. This really was one of my favorites for the year and I think it’d make a great bedtime read-aloud to share with a primary grade child.”  J/F/WALLACEThe Unrivalled Spangles2006, 224 p.Grades 6 – 8 In their life under the Big Top, sisters Ellen and Lucy are billed as the Amazing Scarletta Sisters.  Their bareback riding act is the star attraction of their father’s circus, yet both are harboring secrets.  Fourteen-year-old Lucy is in love with the son of a rival circus owner, while 16-year-old Ellen dreams of leaving circus life behind and becoming a governess.  When a series of tragedies threatens the circus, it’s up to Ellen to keep the family business alive, but can she give up her own dreams and learn to settle for life in the circus? Miss Kelly says, “The calm narrative style of this book is balanced with enough action and dialogue to make a good read.  The descriptions of day-to-day life in 19th century London are gritty, while the depiction of the circus life of the time is intriguing.  Historical fiction and adventure fans will enjoy this new tale of life in Victorian England.” March J/F/AUCHOne-Handed Catch2006, 248 p.Grades 5 – 7 When Norman loses his left hand in a meat grinder accident at his father's store, he is devastated.  He is sure all his dreams of being a star baseball player are over.  Even tying his shoes is almost impossible!  With encouragement from his doctor and mother, Norman decides that he will succeed in baseball.  He practices all through the winter, continuing to adapt and find different ways to pitch, catch and bat one-handed.  His best friend Leon may not always believe Norman will be successful, but he is always there to help his friend.  When spring finally arrives, Norman is ready to try out for the baseball team and begin to achieve his dreams. Miss Rachel says, “This book is a great reading choice for boys.  Norman is a likeable character, his friend Leon is the typical friend who likes to find trouble, and his family, especially his mother, is loving and supportive.  Norman is involved in lots of activities including band, scouts, and, of course, baseball, and doesn't let his disability slow him down.  Although this book takes place in the 1950s and there are some references to the time period, this really is just the story of Norman overcoming the loss of his hand. The inspiration for Norman comes from the author's husband, who also lost his hand in a meat grinding accident when he was young.” J/F/CABOTHow to Be Popular2006, 288 p.Grades 6 – 9  Five years ago, Steph Landry spilled a red Super Big Gulp on popular girl Lauren’s white D&G skirt, and she’s never lived it down.  Now, the whole town uses the phrase “Way to pull a Steph!” whenever anyone does something particularly klutzy.  But this year – her junior year – Steph swears that things will be different.  If she follows the instructions in a bargain-bin book, How to Be Popular, she’s sure she’ll end up sitting with the popular kids and dating the hunky football quarterback.  With a new look and a new attitude, Steph tries to fit in, but she also manages to alienate her best friends Jason and Becca who have stood by her during the last five dismal years. Will Steph sell her soul for popularity and the quarterback, or will she find her own way and see that friend Jason is quietly waiting in the wings for her to discover that they are soul mates?  Miss Sara says, “Since this is Meg Cabot, the happy ending isn’t really in doubt, but it’s a great read with lots of humor and romance along the way!  This title has more in common with Cabot’s Avalon High and Teen Idol than her Princess Diaries series.  Set in small town Indiana, it’s a humorous slice-of-life story without the New York glitz and trendy talk.  This is great chick lit for middle school readers who enjoy realistic fiction, humor, and romance!” J/F/MACKALLLarger-Than-Life-Lara2006, 225 p.Grades 4 – 5 Ten-year-old Laney remembers the moment Lara joined her 4th grade.  The entire class was speechless as they stared at the enormous new girl standing in the doorway.  Lara had to have a special desk and a special lunch table to accommodate her size.  Soon she becomes the target of rude remarks and outright cruelty.  Laney marvels at Lara’s unique way to handle her tormenters: she smiles and recites an impromptu – but friendly – rhyme.  Unfortunately, this infuriates the classroom bullies, and the abuse escalates to the climactic night of the school play and the most horrible prank of all.  Lara’s resiliency is dented but not defeated.  The entire class – including the bullies – faces the ugliness of their behavior and race to make amends before Lara leaves their school forever. Miss Donna says. “This is such a good story, and if I say that it teaches lessons on kindness and courage (which it does) I might damage its appeal.  Laney, who comes from a rough and impoverished family, provides a narration devoid of sentimentality, and in her words, ‘Lara is the kind of person you never forget.’  The reader is captured, eager to see just how good will triumph over evil.” J/F/PATRONThe Higher Power of Lucky2006, 134 p.Grades 3 – 6 This year’s Newbery Award-winner tells the story of Lucky, a girl who lives in a trailer in the small town of Hard Pan, California, in the Mojave Desert.  Population: 43.  After Lucky's mother died of a freak lightning strike, her deadbeat father's first wife, Brigitte, came from France to care for her until foster care could be arranged.  Lucky has a job cleaning up after the many Anonymous meetings at the Wind Chime and Found Objects Museum in town.  She makes sure the members of the Smokers Anonymous meeting don't see the cigarette butts left by the Over-eaters and that the Over-eaters don't see the snack wrappers left by the Alcoholics.  Lucky likes to listen to the “Anonymous people” talk about finding their higher power.  She wishes she could hit rock bottom so that she could find her higher power.  When Lucky sees Brigitte receive a sad letter from her mother in France, and notices that she has her passport out, Lucky knows Brigitte will be leaving and she will have to go into foster care.  Lucky runs away, just as a sand storm hits Hard Pan. Miss Amanda says, “The dynamic characters take center stage in this story about a girl who knows where she belongs (in Hard Pan), but is not sure to whom she belongs.  The town's characters will make you laugh.  There's Roy the repentant drunk who almost lost his dog to a rattlesnake bite on the scrotum (the dog’s that is).  There's Miles the kindergartner who knows where every person in town stores their cookies, and how to talk them out of one.   The character with the best name is Lucky's loyal dog, The H.M.S. Beagle, named after Darwin's ship. This has much of the same appeal as Because of Winn Dixie: a lonely girl, an appealing dog and a small town full of quirky but loveable characters.” J/F/SIMMONSThe Raven League: Sherlock Holmes Is Missing!2006, 188 p.Grades 4 – 6 Archie Wiggins and his pals help Sherlock Holmes by keeping an eye on local criminals.  Shortly after Archie's friend is killed while sleuthing, the boys happen upon a plot to kidnap Mr. Holmes, and work steadily to foil a dastardly plot that threatens to shake the English monarchy.  Their adventures take them through the teeming streets of London, and to Queen Victoria's Jubilee. Miss Suzanne says, “This book is suspenseful, full of action, and will appeal to boys and girls.  There is a well-developed sense of place, and the sights and sounds of Victorian England come alive.   In the end, the “bad guy’s” identity is never revealed, which is not totally surprising considering that this is the first book of a new series. February JE/FINCHLERMiss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind2006Grades K - 2 If the school can read 1000 books by June, the principal will dye his hair purple and sleep on the school’s roof for one night!  That’s something the boy in this book would love to see.  His problem is that video games are so much more fun than books.  He’s going to be Miss Malarkey’s biggest challenge yet. Miss Amanda says, “I liked the honesty here.  The boy in this book didn’t like books and his friends didn’t like books.  Slowly, as Miss Malarkey found them books on interesting topics, they began reading.  Our protagonist still doesn’t read anything all year long, although he is given many book suggestions, until the very end when Miss Malarkey finds a book on the very things he likes – racecars, aliens and funny jokes.” J/F/FINEFrozen Billy175 p., 2006Grades 5 – 7 Clarrie's father has gone to Australia to make his fortune and hopes one day to bring his family over from England.  When Clarrie's mother is mistakenly accused of theft and thrown in jail, Clarrie and her younger brother Will are left in the care of their Uncle Len.  Uncle Len is a gifted ventriloquist who performs with his dummy, Frozen Billy, on stage.  He coerces Will into playing the role of Billy's twin and soon their performance is headlining the show.  Unfortunately, Uncle Len's drinking and gambling get the better of him and he spends the money that should be supporting the family.  Clarrie begins working in the sewing shop where her mother worked, to make ends meet.  Will begins to look less and less like a healthy boy and more like the wooden dummy he mimics on stage. Miss Amanda says, “For a while, I believed this story would have the occult element of an evil doll, as Will seemed to lose his human face and started to resemble a lifeless doll.  However, while Frozen Billy was for a time an evil presence in the book, it was Uncle Len’s exploitive behavior and parental absence that were the true evils Clarrie combated to save her family.  This was an enjoyable story of a family on the brink of disaster and the brave girl who finds a way to pull them together again.” J/F/MCCAUGHREANCyrano114 p., 2006Grades 7 – 9 Cyrano, a member of the Company of Guards in the French Army, is a renowned swordsman, has an amazing way with words, and a very, very large nose.  Cyrano also has a secret crush on Roxane, whom he considers to be the most beautiful woman in Paris. Roxane can't see past Cyrano's nose.  Roxane, meanwhile, has asked Cyrano to make sure that Christian, the man she is interested in (and who is also a member of the Company of Guards), be kept safe. Cyrano assists Christian in wooing Roxane with words and conversation.  Cyrano's assistance is so successful that Roxane and Christian fall head over heals in love.  When the Company of Guards is sent away to war, Cyrano continues to ply Roxane with his words of love. Miss Sharon says, “This was a really great book! I read it out loud to my husband and we were both engrossed in the language, which was rich in description.  The swashbuckling scenes were exciting and Cyrano’s taunting of his enemies made this book more than just a romance.  The scenes in which Cyrano romanced Roxane from behind the bushes were as romantic as anything I've ever read.  I didn't know Cyrano de Bergerac was a real person and really only knew the story from the Steve Martin movie.  This was a great read and I would highly recommend it to both girls (the romance) as well as boys (swashbuckling and war scenes, even to the end).  I don't have any reservations about this title.  I will note, however, that “damn” is used several times throughout the book.” J/F/REESThe Janus Gate: An Encounter with John Singer Sargent165 p., 2007Grades 6 – 9  The Janus Gate focuses on the daughters of Edward Darley Boit, and is told from painter John Singer Sargent’s point of view.  Sargent meets the young girls at an art exhibition, and their father commissions him to paint his daughters’ portrait.  When the girls slip him a note asking for his help, he is drawn into the family’s many secrets and mysteries.  The book quickly becomes a psychological thriller when the girls’ teacher is found dead in the same room where they are posing for their portrait.  It is up to Sargent to ferret out the strange powers at work in the household and ultimately to destroy it or be drawn in by it.  This title is part of the Art Encounters series which features historical fiction novels based on single paintings. Miss Kelly says, “This quirky book has wide appeal for children who enjoy deliciously creepy reads.  It should also prompt readers to look more closely at the art in their lives.  The book is well written and includes appendixes detailing Sargent’s life and work.” J/F/SCHWABACHA Pickpocket’s Tale225 p., 2006Grades 4 – 7 In England, in 1730, even a ten-year-old girl like Molly could be hung for stealing.  She is a pickpocket, but still, she wonders who’s responsible for turning her in.  Molly escapes a death sentence when a benefactor intervenes who is trying to save imprisoned Jewish children, and arranges for Molly to serve as an indentured servant to a Jewish family in America.  Alone on the London streets since the age of 8, Molly has learned to trust no one.  At least in England she knows the good hiding places.  It’s not easy for Molly to adjust to civility and authority.  However, with time and the firm patience of her new family, Molly discovers a better way to live. Miss Donna says, “This is a very good historical fiction story.  The vulnerability of the poor, especially children, and the horrible prison conditions of 18th century England are vividly portrayed.  Molly is a plucky heroine, and some of her worries are funny, especially her ideas about bathing.  This is a good read.” January J/F/BONIFACEThe Hero Revealed: The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy, Book 1294 p., 2006Grades 4 – 7 In the town of Superopolis, all of the residents have super powers except for one boy who’s been named Ordinary Boy (O. Boy for short.) Luckily, although Ordinary Boy is powerless, he is smarter than most of his friends, including Plasma Girl, Stench, Halogen Boy and Tadpole. O. Boy tells his own story involving The Amazing Indestructo (everyone’s top hero,) the evil villain Professor Brain-Drain, and a set of hero action cards that all the Superopolis kids are trying to collect. O. Boy pieces together the clues to find the only Professor Brain-Drain action card in existence and uncovers a sinister plot of the real Professor Brain-Drain that needs to be foiled. Miss Sara says, “I can’t wait to recommend this title to readers who enjoy mystery, adventure, and fast-paced, fun reads! The story is interspersed with pages from the Lil’ Heroes Handbook which profiles various Superopolis heroes and villains with sketches and details on their powers, secret lairs, etc. When kids browse through the book and see the various superhero profiles, they’ll be sold on it. It’s great fun!” J/F/GILLILANDStrange Birds231 p., 2006Grades 4 – 6 Eleven-year-old Anna Farrington’s happy life abruptly changes when her loving parents are lost at sea and Aunt Formaldy becomes her guardian. Auntie’s only interest is in converting the 250-year-old Farrington House into a Historical Society showpiece. She designates a tiny sewing room as Anna’s new bedroom. But just outside the window is Anna’s favorite refuge in the whole world – the Justin Case Tree, an almost magical tree where she can relax in the furniture hidden in the branches, protected from wind and rain no matter how fierce the storm. Among the leaves, Anna finds a herd of tiny winged horses, only 10 inches tall. They seem to want her help caring for a badly injured colt. Secretly, Anna feeds and tends them, but she knows it’s only a matter of time before her aunt or the cruel ringmaster of a traveling circus discovers their presence. Somehow, she must get them out of New Hampshire and lead them to their home on Pegasuteague, an island just off the coast of Chincoteague. Miss Donna says, “A wonderful book! It has all the ingredients for a beloved children’s story – a reluctant heroine, a bit of fantasy, and a delightfully mean antagonist who gets her just deserts in the end. Great! Great! Great!” J/F/GRIFFINMy Almost Epic Summer170 p., 2006Grades 6 – 8 Irene has big dreams: she wants to open her own L.A. beauty salon and specialize in creating hairdos of the Great Women in Literature. However, after three big screw-ups with customers, her mother fires her from her summer job at her mother’s hair salon. The only thing left to do is babysit the two Prior kids for the whole summer – not Irene’s idea of a good time. Irene’s friends are all off having glamorous, epic summers while she’s stuck in New Jersey, taking her two charges to the beach each day and feeling sorry for herself. Irene tries to strike up a friendship with the older, beautiful (and unstable) life guard, Starla. Starla involves Irene in her obsessive and somewhat illegal plans to take revenge on the boy who recently broke up with her. Irene realizes that she knows the boyfriend and is attracted to him, causing Starla to be suspicious of her. Meanwhile, the kids are lacking supervision and an accident leads to Irene being fired once more, and for her to reevaluate what are the important things in her life. Miss Sara says, “This will make a great summertime read (or any other time); it’s full of humor, angst and drama., as well as hairdos, blogs, emails and babysitting games – something for everyone! I particularly enjoyed reading about the game Food Chicken. In each round, everyone puts a spoonful of any kind of food in a bowl (especially things from the very back of the fridge!). To stay in the game, everyone has to eat a spoonful of the mix. By the second or third rounds, only those with iron stomachs and taste buds can stay in the game!” JE/MANUSHKINThe Shivers in the Fridge37 p., 2006Preschool – 2nd Grade The fridge is a cold home for the Shiver family. A giant hand has snatched away Cheesy Square and Jelly. It could be coming back for the Shiver family next. Miss Amanda says, “My favorite moment is when the very warm Emerald Lake arrives in the fridge. Mama Shiver plunges in, but over time the Emerald Lake gets stiff and Mama is stuck in a wobbly plate of Jello! The giant monster hand is back soon, taking Mama away along with the Emerald Lake and Jolly Whip. This book is highly original and it’s fun to explore the fridge as an inhospitable land where miniature people might try to live. Sonny’s bravery as he confronts the monster hand that has taken his family is touching and, of course, there is a happy and warm reuniting for the whole Shiver family.” J/F/QUINNThe Caped Sixth Grader: Happy Birthday, Hero!135 p., 2006Grades 4 – 6 Strange things begin to happen on the day of Zoe Richards 12th birthday. She can move very fast at school, and when she goes to get her ears pierced, the piercing gun cannot penetrate her earlobes. It is her grandfather who tells her the big news – she’s a superhero and possesses the powers of super strength and speed. Zoe immediately begins her training, but first must take the Pledge of Secrecy and promise to never reveal her secret identity to any Ordinary (that is, someone without superpowers, including her parents!) She also promises not to use her superpowers until she passes her first superhero test, which proves to be difficult when she observes so much wrongdoing in her town and at her school. Miss Rachel says, “This is the first book in a new series. Zoe Richards is a likable character who is thrilled to learn she is a superhero. I enjoyed reading the sections from her Superhero Training Manual and laughed as Zoe tries to keep her super powers under control, often resulting in disaster. The book leaves a lot of “unfinished business” for Zoe, and I look forward to reading about her further adventures.”