Written by Neil Gaiman

When a girl moves into an old house, she finds a door leading to a world that eerily mimics her own, but with sinister differences. "An electrifyingly creepy tale likely to haunt young readers for many moons."

Watch a book trailer for Coraline

Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 5-8


HarperCollins Publishers
162 Pages
ISBN: 9780380807345
Copyright: August 2003

 

Written and Illustrated by Arnold Lobel

Review
This story is about a giant named John whose friends are magical fairies. When he and his mother run out of food, he must go find work. He finds work at the castle of a king, queen, princess and dog. Things go fine until the magical fairies come and find him. Wonderful picture book that the students and I really liked. It is a great read aloud. The story is written so that it keeps the attention of younger students and the pictures add to the overall story experience. You can't go wrong with an Arnold Lobel book!!  

Written by Monk and Nigel Ashland, Illustrated by Jeff Nentrup

Review
This is the story of two children, Rom (Breaker) and Mei (Drangonfly). They have the Kaimira gene which makes them part human, mek, and beast. The locations are Las Vegas for Rom and China for Mei. They each have a book that connects their thoughts and situations. It is a time where the humans, beasts, and machines called meks battle each other for land and food. Mei's mother is captured by the meks and her father takes her to live with family in the Sky Village while he searches for his wife. Mei is unhappy to be left behind and afraid of living in the air so far from the ground. As she lives with the sky people, she finds that many things her mohter taught her relate to life in the sky. She also begins to feel a connection with these relatives and other people who live in a balloon village above ground to avoid the battles taking place on the ground. Rom must learn to battle with his alter ego, a demon he calls spot, in caverns below Las Vegas. This is a fantastic story with many interesting twists and turns. The authors plan to have five books in this series and it will be interesting to see how the story develops. In the end of book one, Rom and Mei have unleashed a monster to help them defeat their enemies. Once the monster is unleashed they find they have made a mistake that may cost everyone their lives. I look forward to the next book.  

Written by Vivian French, Illustrated by Ross Collins

Review
The ancient sorceress Lady Lamorna simply must have herself a new robe embroidered with skulls and spiderwebs.  Short on funds to pay the old crones who weave such garments, she concocts a plan to use what is left of her magical powers to turn the princes of five kingdoms into frogs and hold them ransom for blackmail money.  Little does she know that an exploited peasant girl, her wicked and beautiful stepsister, a young prince fed up with the royal lifestyle, a family of bats that chatter like used car salesmen, the old crones, and a her own disgruntled hench-troll all have other plans.  All of this sounds a bit more exciting than it actually is.  Unfortunately, Lamorna is a by-the-cartoons bad gal, as much like Cruella DeVil as the cover art suggests.  As such, she of course has a bumbling henchman (in this case, a troll) whom she constantly beats and berates when her plans are foiled, literally knocking his head off several times so that his body can stumble around trying to find it.  The only possible cartoon detail lacking would be a description of little stars and chirping birdies orbiting around the rolling head after it bumps into a rock.  The illustrations mainly add to the Saturday morning atmosphere of the writing.  The book switches between enough subplots to keep things interesting, and it would probably be a fun read to temporarily satiate a quick elementary reader, but in the fractured fairy tale/children's fantasy genres there are so many superior books to recommend that this one should stay at the bottom of the pile.  

Written by Ernest Drake, Edited and Illustrated by Dugald Steer

Suppose that monsters really existed. One would then need an authoritative guide, written by an authoritative Monsterologist to inform the would be student of Unicorns, Yetis, Minotaurs, Chimeras, etc. of any and all facts pertaining to said creatures. This is that guide, written in late Victorian style in 1893 by the esteemed Monsterologist, Dr. Ernest Drake!

Children will love this book. Along with written descriptions and histories of the various monsters, it includes numerous surprises. A real example of skin from a sea serpent's tail? Actual ashes of the phoenix? A patch of six legged salamander skin? Hairs from a unicorn's mane? You'll find them all here, and much more.

Please leave them with the book, though, and beware the misfortune that befalls the thief of such exotic specimens!  

Written and Illustrated by Shaun Tan

Gavin is obsessed with hunting for treasure with his metal detector. He finds the perfect spot - a huge, sandy playground. Then he meets a bunch of kids who have a mysterious treasure hunt of their own. Gavin gets the feeling they want him to stay . . . forever.

This Stone Arch book published by Capstone Press is a 3.1 reading level chapter book. It contains a small glossary of words that may be unfamiliar to students. The story is engaging. Students this age are intrigued by ghosts and haunted places. This book will hook your students first by the title and then keep them hooked with simple illustrations and short chapters that make it hard to put down.  

Written by J. K. Rowling

Coming Soon!  Release Date: December 4, 2008

Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: “The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,” “The Fountain of Fair Fortune,” “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart,” “Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump,” and of course, “The Tale of the Three Brothers.” But not only are they the equal of fairy tales we now know and love, reading them gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter.


The Tales of Beadle the Bard (Harry Potter Series)
Scholastic
ISBN: 9780545128285
Release Date: December 4, 2008  

Written by Cornelia Funke

The first hundred pages is just a review of what has happened so far. "The Adderhead -- his immortality bound in a book by Meggie's father, Mo -- has ordered his henchmen to plunder the villages. The peasants' only defense is a band of outlaws led by the Bluejay -- Mo's fictitious double, whose identity he has reluctantly adopted. But the Book of Immortality is unraveling, and the Adderhead again fears the White Women of Death. To bring the renegade Bluejay back to repair the book, the Adderhead kidnaps all the children in the kingdom, dooming them to slavery in his silver mines unless Mo surrenders."


Inkdeath
Scholastic
Release Date: September 26, 2008
 

Written by Tamora Pierce

Four years have passed since Evvy left the streets of Chammur to begin her training as a stone mage. At fourteen, she's unhappy to be on a new journey with her mentor, prickly green mage Rosethorn, who has been called to the Battle Islands to determine why the plants and animals there are dying. Evvy's job is to listen and learn, but she can't keep quiet and do nothing. With the help of Luvo, the living stone heart of a mountain, Evvy uncovers an important clue. Now, with the island on the brink of disaster, it's up to Evvy to avert the destruction that looms ahead.


Melting Stones
Scholastic
ISBN: 978-0-545-05264-1
Release Date: October 1, 2008









 

Written by Rick Yancey

Review
A dangerous new enemy is tracking Alfred’s every move.  Even the people who have sworn to protect him no longer seem trustworthy.  Who, or what, is "Sofia," and is there a connection between Sofia and the mysterious Thirteen Skull? The reluctant hero who has always narrowly avoided death may not be getting out of this adventure alive.  

Written by Cassandra Clare

Coming Soon!  Release Date: March 24, 2009


This is the third installment in the Mortal Instruments trilogy (following City of Bones and City of Ashes).  Visit the official website, mortalinstruments.com, for more information.















 

 

Written by Bruce Coville

This is the third volume in the Unicorn Chronicles. It is more complex than the other two. Cara embarks on her own dangerous mission to seek the truth about Whisper and to prevent Beloved from destroying the unicorns.  Multiple plot lines. Recommended for grades 5th and up.

Margo France, Morningside Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 5 and up

Dark Whispers (The Unicorn Chronicles #3)
Scholastic
480 pages
ISBN: 978-0-590-45951-8
Release Date: August 2008
 

Written by Gregory Maguire

This book is a slow start, but once you get into the storytelling it gets more interesting. This book may be difficult for some readers because you need to focus on the tooth fairy story and suspend what you need to know about the circumstances of the family.

This is the story of some children that are left with an older cousin during a storm. The storm is terrifying and the family is cut-off from the outside world. There are references to the family's religious beliefs that have also made the situation harder. The older brother Zeke is resentful of Gage and questions his authority and leadership during the crisis. They are alone on a mountain with no electricity and no other neighbors around. To occupy the children, Gage begins to tell the story of a tooth fairy (skibbereen) who is born an orphan and has no knowledge of who or what he is. Quite by accident he is named "What the Dickens." He begins to search around for his place in the world as he sees it. He finds Pepper as she is taking a tooth for the skiberee colony. He follows her to the colony and begins to understand the culture and nature of the skiberee. He falls in love with Pepper and takes on a final mission with her to help her become an Agent of Change, or tooth fairy. In the end, What the Dickens discovers that he is unique in his beliefs as he negotiates for his life and Pepper's. This is a good book, and well worth reading.

Review by Robin Larsen, Matheson Jr. High Library Media Instructional Technology Specialist
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Junior High-High School

What-the-Dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy
Candlewick Press
295 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4147-4
Release Date: August 2008  

Written by Jenny Nimmo

Charlie Bone is pitted against his evil school administration and Grandmother.  This time he endangers the lives of his best friend and the dog, Runner Bean. This 7th in the series flowed well. Keeping track of who was related to who was a little confusing. These doesn't seem to be any foreseeable ending to the series.

Review by Shannon Bishop, Academy Park Elementary
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Charlie Bone and the Shadow
Scholastic
427 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-84669-1
Release Date: September 2008



 

Written and Illustrated by Shaun Tan

Not so much a traditional graphic novel as it is a collection of short stories saturated with mysterious illustrations, author/illustrator Shaun Tan’s new book brings magical realism, fantasy, allegories, and absurdities to the subdivisions and strip malls of the postmodern suburban landscape (the Australian suburban landscape, to be precise).   In one story, two boys find a man in an antiquated deep-sea diving suit wandering around their neighborhood park and lure him to their mean neighbor’s house as a trick.  In another, the government distributes ICBMs to the backyards of everyday households, where homeowners eventually paint them bright colors, converting them into birdhouses, flower pots, and dog kennels.
   
The illustrations and text are on equal footing – at times, plots are advanced and key details provided solely through the images.  A prime example of this text/image tag team is “Grandpa’s Story,” in which a grandpa recounts the preparations for his marriage ceremony as a complex and nightmarish scavenger hunt/epic quest for various items required for the ceremony.  The grandpa’s narrative is broken midway by a series of plates depicting portions of the young couple’s quest, such as being chased by televisions with legs and teeth, getting stuck in a traffic jam of wind-up toys, and sitting on top of their car together in a flood as the rain continues to fall.  “Distant Rain,” another stellar text/image fusion that postulates upon what happens to all the poems that people write and never show to anyone else, is presented as a collage of torn slips of paper covered with handwritten words and sketches. 

The illustrations are beautiful, diverse and detailed, and the stories intriguing.  To a certain extent, this book does for graphic novels and young adult literature what Selznick ‘s The Invention of Hugo Cabret did in blurring the line between a picture book and a children’s novel.  Recommended to anyone who enjoys beautiful illustrations and fascinating stories, and especially recommended to would-be graphic artists, writers, illustrators and graphic novelists as a place to find some great new ideas for their craft.

Review by Joshua Whiting, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 8-12

Tales from Outer Suburbia
Arthur A. Levine / Scholastic
92 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-05587-1
Release Date: February 2009
 

Written by Cari Meister, Illustrated by Sahin Erkocak

This "Read-it! Reader" is a simple retelling of the "Sword in the Stone." The illustrations seem to match the time period of the story. The small size is comfortable for a young reader to hold. This is a fun story for a new reader.

Review by Dian Morrison, Woodstock Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★½✩✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone
Picture Window / Capstone Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4048-4837-5
Release Date: July 2008
 

Written by Patrick Carman

This is the 4th book in the Land of Elyon series, but upon reading, my suggestion is to read "Into the Mist" as the 4th book. This continues Alexa's journey into the Lonely Sea to the Five Stone Pillars, where await new dangers, mysteries, and maybe even love.

This is a very good series book although it would be too confusing to read without the previous books. I love the characters and the fantasy world that has been created.

Review by Shannon Bishop, Academy Park Elementary
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-12

Stargazer (Land of Elyon Series #4)
Scholastic
233 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-89951-2
Release Date: September 2008
 

Written by Salamanda Drake

In order to join the Guard Flight, Breen must win the dragonriding competition and defeat her best friend, Cara. Can their friendship overcome the competition and jealousy?  This is the 2nd book in the Dragonsdale series, but nowhere on the cover or anywhere else does it mention that this is book #2 or even part of a series. Information from the previous book would have been helpful here, as this book really doesn't stand on its own.

Review by Shannon Bishop, Academy Park Elementary
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Riding the Storm (Dragonsdale Series #2)
Scholastic Inc.
305 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-87174-7
Release Date: June 2008  

Written by James Kennedy

After a mysterious absence of forty years, aged Hollywood starlet Lily Larouche suddenly finds herself back in the Ruby Palace, her old mansion in the California Desert, with no memory of where she has been all this time.  At the same time, she finds a crying baby girl in her washing machine, with a note: “This is Jo. Please take care of her. But beware. This is a DANGEROUS baby.”  As the novel begins, Jo, now 13, is trying to stay out of the way at one of her “Aunt” Lily’s out-of-control Hollywood costume parties at the Ruby Palace, when a strange, old Russian colonel sneaks in and informs her that he has come to protect her because his intestines told him to do so.  Soon, the Russian has taken a bullet for her, a package with her name on it has fallen out of the sky, the Russian’s ascot-wearing, talking cockroach sidekick has shown up on the scene, and a Chinese billionaire who is an aspiring diabolical villain is after all of them.   And that’s only a taste of all that happens in just the first few pages.  Every time I thought the story had settled into its comfort spot and would just flow along, Kennedy turned everything on its head and upped the absurdity ante again, and again, and again.  And, amazingly, every time it works splendidly.  Overflowing with laugh-out-loud moments, totally unexpected plot twists, and off-the-wall fantastical details, this is the most fun I’ve had with a book in a long time.  Highly recommended, particularly to anyone who gets bored easily, and anyone who has ever wondered what a novel written by Dr. Seuss might be like.

Review by Joshua Whiting, Library Media / Instructional Technology Dept., Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

The Order of Odd-Fish
Delacorte Books
416 pages
ISBN: 978-0-385-73543-8
Release Date: August 2008  

Adapted from the Major Motion Picture and Illustrated by Matt Smith and David Tilton

This book, The Tale of Despereaux: the Graphic Novel, tells the story of a brave little mouse holding true and honorably to his quest. It is done in graphic format with colorful illustrations. Although some students needed practice in following the direction of graphic text, once they got the hang of it they loved it. This book would be fun to share with a group. After reading the original novel together, they could read this book, which has been adapted from the major motion picture currently in theaters. Then they could discuss the comparisons of the two: what is the same, what is different, and why. I think this book has many possibilities for teacher/student discussions. I highly recommend this book.

Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4+

The Tale of Desperaux: The Graphic Novel (Movie Tie-In)
Candlewick Press
126 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4312-6
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written by Nahoko Uehashi, Translated by Cathy Hirano, Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu

Balsa, a women who hires herself out as a bodyguard, saves young Prince Chagum from drowning. The Queen asks Balsa to protect her son from his own father because he has tried to assassinate Chagum. The Star Readers, advisors to the Emperor, have detected a spirit creature in the Prince, and believe that it will harm the kingdom. Balsa, Tanda, and Master Torogai work to solve the puzzle surrounding the water spirit. If they cannot piece the puzzle together in time, Chagum may die, and the people will suffer a terrible drought.

Review by Robin Larsen, Matheson Jr. High Library Media Specialist
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Arthur A. Levine / Scholastic
248 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-00542-5
Release Date: June 2008
 

Written by David Ellwand, Illustrated by Ruth Ellwand

The cover really caught my attention right away.  I really liked it.  This is the story of a man who discovers the existence of fairies and tries to prove their existence. He also tries to stop people who are disturbing the fairies' lair. I thought it was a really interesting theory on fairies. The pictures gave me chills.

Review by a student, West Lake Jr. High
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 7+

The Mystery of the Fool & the Vanisher
Candlewick Press
100 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2096-7
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Philip Reeve

This book is about a girl named Gwyna who is forced from her home when her village is attacked and destroyed. She becomes the ward of the magician Myrddin. She works for him for protection. He transforms her many times, first as the Lady of the Lake, then as a boy servant, and last as herself, a young woman. She travels with him and listens to his tales as he tries to persuade all to follow King Arthur. However, we find out that Arthur is not the noble king that we thought he would be. He is just a greedy, lustful man who cares little about the lives he takes or destroys. This story is told by Gwyna. If you like King Arthur stories, you will be drawn to this book. The story follows the original storyline of King Arthur. The names and events have been changed, but are similair enough that you can recognize them and relate them to the original story. It is an interesting point of view, but to me, I found the story to be disturbing. I guess I like the original story of a noble king. There is swearing in the book and talk of nudity. It may not be appropiate for junior high school students.

Review by Ruth Porter, Library Clerk, Matheson Jr. High
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
Interest Level: High School Only

Here Lies Arthur
Scholastic
339 pages
ISBN: 9780545093347
Release Date: November 2008  

Written by Susan Hubbard

The daughter of a vampire father and a mortal mother, she is raised by her vampire father, who will not discuss her mother. She struggles to learn who she really is and where she fits in this world. She finally convinces her father to tell her about her mother and then she decides to try and find her. It is a compelling story that leads you on to its conclusion.  The conclusion leaves you only partially satisfied.  A good read for junior high and high school.

Review by Gerry Ewing, Library Media Assistant, Pioneer Elementary
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Junior High / High School

The Society of S
Simon & Schuster
304 pages
ISBN: 978-1-41653-458-7
Release Date: May 2007




 

Written by Jeanne DuPrau

When I started reading this book I didn't know that it was the sequel to the book The City of Ember.  But I figured it out when they mentioned that they (the people) had come from Ember. I really enjoyed this book. It made me think of what it would be like hundreds of years down the road after wars and destruction. What would people think of us when they found bits and pieces of our way of life? I look forward to reading the first book and also the next two. I would highly recommend this book to those who like historical fiction.

Review by Susan Wilkerson, Library Media Assistant, Beehive Elementary
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

The People of Sparks (Books of Ember Series #2)
Random House
338 pages
ISBN: 978-0-375-82825-6
Release Date: May 2004
 

Written by Kelly Link, Illustrated by Shaun Tan

In her first book marketed to young adults, Kelly Link compiles a collection of quirky short stories with teen/child protagonists, each introduced by an illustration from illustrator/author Shaun Tan (The Arrival, Tales From Outer Suburbia).   Although the stories fall into the fantasy/sci-fi/magic realism/horror genres, many have a knowing satirical or postmodern edge to them.  For example, "The Faery Handbag" almost seems to be a fun spoof/homage to the Eastern European immigrant magic realism of J. S. Foer's novels, telling the story of a teenage girl whose grandmother immigrated to America from a nation that no longer exists, carrying her former village with her in a magical handbag in which they created a world to live in so as to avoid a war that threatened to destroy their village.  The bag is confiscated from the grandmother at the library when she is caught dropping library books into it for the people of her old village,  and the girl now searches for it in thrift stores.  The title story spoofs on teen vampire/werewolf/romance books with mixed results.  Many of the stories are very strong and there are funny moments throughout, but it is a slightly uneven collection that doesn't always deliver.  This book probably isn't for the Stephenie Meyer crowd, nor serious sci-fi/fantasy purists, but more for the kids who make fun of them.  Readers looking for a fun, contemporary teenage American take on the style of writers like Franz Kafka or Gabriel Garcia Marquez (like I was when I was a teenager), or a more young adult friendly Salman Rushdie, will also find much to like here.

Review by Joshua Whiting, GSD Library Media/Instructional Technology Dept.
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 8-12

Pretty Monsters: Stories
Penguin / Viking
400 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-01090-5
Release Date: October 2008  

Written by Antonia Michaelis, Translated from the German and Illustrated by Anthea Bell

This compelling book tells the story of a young Indian girl so beautiful that a rich man (a Rajah) pays her father to take her away and make her the eighth wife in his harem. While she waits to be summoned to the Rajah's rooms, she befriends one of the male servants and tells him a story about a thief who becomes a hero as he takes the "Bloodstone" to a wealthy man to save a princess.  The story the princess tells is a weaving of Indian mythology and real-life Indian culture during the time of the British Empire.  The wily thief/hero has many adventures as he makes his way to the desert city on a white tiger.

Curriculum Ties: This could be used for a unit on World Mythology.

Review by Linda Douglas, English Teacher, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Middle School and High School

Tiger Moon
Amulet Books
448 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9481-2
Release Date: November 2008
 

Written by E.D. Baker

Millie is a princess that cannot help but turn into a dragon when she becomes upset or mad. She goes with Zoe, a friendly bat, and Francis, who is her cousin, to see the Blue Witch. The Blue Witch will help her learn to control this dragon magic. It takes courage for her to rescue herself and her companions but in the end she is so happy that she has a choice of whether she will change into a dragon or not. Choice is so important in life. This is a fun story. It can stand alone or as the last book in the Tales of the Frog Princess series.

Review by Ruth Porter, Library Media Clerk, Matheson Jr. High
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

The Dragon Princess
Bloomsbury
218 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-194-7
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written by Michael Scott

The Alchemyst is a story of twins, a boy and girl who get pulled into a conflict that includes magic, folklore, fantasy, witchcraft and a host of wonderful characters. This book is fascinating for its detail and basis in things real and things thought to be real. It is the first in a series. I highly recommend it!

Review by Susan Bush, Library Media Assistant, Magna Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 5+

The Alchemyst
Random House
375 pages
ISBN: 978-0-385-73357-1
Release Date: May 2007

 

Written by James Todd Cochrane

Twelve-year-old Max goes to stay with his grandfather and finds himself in the middle of a battle between good and evil. Fantasy fans will enjoy this book as Max finds a gateway in his father's house to other worlds. It is fast paced with all kinds of twists which make the story unpredictable. A good read!

Review by Cindy Moyle, Granite School District Library Specialist
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Jr. High

Max and the Gatekeepers
Dark Moon Publishing
288 pages
ISBN: 978-0979720208
Release Date: 2007



 

Written by Marie Rutkoski

This book tells the story of a 12 year old girl named Petra, growing up on an old family farm in Russia. Her mother passed away when Petra was born and she was raised by her father, who has magical abilities.  In fact all the people in the village of Okno had been given some special gift. Her father can build metal objects and then bring them to life.  The metal objects only need a special oil called Brassica to live. this oil is taken from the Brassica flowers that grow in abundance on the hills surrounding their farm.

Prince Rodolfo, who rules over the people surrounding Prague, hears about Petra’s father and commands him to come to the castle and build him a clock, a magical clock that when the right instruments are put inside, would be able to control the weather. After Petra’s father builds the clock his eyes are removed so that he will not be able to build another clock like it. The story is very interesting as Petra goes to Prague on a journey to retrieve her fathers’ eyes.

This book is definitely for very good readers, because of the many characters and places it talks about. I don’t know if you would consider parts of this book historical fiction, but at the end the author tells a little about her own Czech family relatives and some of the landmarks and legends she had seen and heard about before writing this book.

Review by Marjorie Biggs, Library Media Assistant, Oquirrh Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

The Cabinet of Wonders (The Kronos Chronicles, Book #1)
Farrar Straus Giroux
253 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-31026-4
Release Date: August 2008  

Written by David Orme, Illustrated by Peter Richardson

This is a graphic novel in which a wizard is trying to steal the minds of scientists. Billy Blaster and his friend Rika team up to search for their friend, Wo Hoo, retrieve his mind, and destroy the bad guy.

Review by Kaye Derrick, Library Media Assistant, Fox Hills Elementary
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-4

Mind Thief (Billy Blaster Series)
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
40 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4342-1276-4
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Alaya Johnson, Illustrated by Meg Gandy

This is a combination of the "Choose Your Own Adventure" format and graphics. I'm not a fan of this type of graphic art work. It's pretty bizarre and usually our troubled students gravitate to them. That's not a great recommendation. In some ways I'm surprised that these books haven't caught on. Unless they start being checked out, I can't justify purchasing them.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

The Goblin King (Twisted Journeys Series)
Graphic Universe / Lerner Publishing Group
112 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8225-9253-2
Release Date: February 2009

 

Written by Jake T. Forbes

It's amazing how "into" Star Wars our male students still seem to be. Usually after T.V. programs or movies are turned into books, interest dies quickly. That's not the case with Star Wars. I've had to break-up fights over who gets these books. They probably come in second in the requests I receive from our boys.  On the other hand, I found flipping back and forth through the book when it says, "Turn to p.__ if you choose ___" a bit annoying. I do, however, remember that I liked to do that as a pre-teen and young teen. Our boys will love trying to be a Jedi Knight. It just needs to be a hard back with pictures. They are used too much to survive as paperbacks.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4+

Way of the Jedi (Clone Wars Decide Your Destiny Series #1)
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin
160 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45002-5
Release Date: October 2008  

Written by Nykko, Illustrated by Bannister

This is a short graphic novel. The story is about four kids that go into a haunted house and of course they find something they shouldn't and that's when they get really scared.

Review by Kathy Horne, Library Media Assistant, Redwood Elementary School
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-6

The Shadow Door (Elsewhere Chronicles, Book 1)
Graphic Universe / Lerner Publishing Group
46 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7613-4459-9
Release Date: April 2009

 

Written by Rob Valois

I think kids who like Star Wars will like this book, for me it is a little bit much. Jar Jar and C-3PO go on a mission with Senator Padme Amidala. She does not take her clone troopers with her. When she arrives in Rodia she is kidnapped. Jar Jar, who is very clumsy, ends up saving her by dressing up as a Jedi. He goes through a lot before he can free her though.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Grades: 3-7

Bombad Jedi (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin
48 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45038-4
Release Date: February 2009
 

Written by Steele Tyler Filipek

Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano must overcome their differences and as they attempt to rescue Jabba the Hutt's son. Clone Wars fans will remember the characters and battles as photographs from the movie illustrate the storyline in this fun Star Wars book. For newer Star Wars fans, a glossary will help identify technical terms and far out characters.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Library Media Assistant, Stansbury Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Operation Huttlet (Star Wars: Clone Wars)
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin
45 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-44995-1
Release Date: October 2008


 

Written by Zachary Rau

The worlds in the universe must choose sides whether to join the peaceful republic forces or the separatist forces. Yoda is going to meet with King Katuunko of Toydaria. Yoda wants them to join the Republic. The evil forces of Count Dooku get there before Yoda and try to get King Katuunko to join the Separatists. They agree to let Yoda and the Jedi fight the Separatists and King Katunnko will support the winner. Yoda is very successful in ambushing the Separatists, in spite of the few Jedi he has with him. Toydaria chooses to support Yoda. This is fun in graphic novel format.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-8

Ambush (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin
96 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45039-1
Release Date: February 2009
 

Written by Michael Dahl, Illustrated by Yap Kun Rong

I would like a little more information and plot in the story, but other books I have like this the kids seem to love. It is written on a very easy level and is a little scary. When a bloodmobile driver realizes that a donor has lizard blood in him, he goes over to his house to talk to him. He sees a man go out into the back yard to a tower. The man has guns with him. He hears something moving and making noises in the tower. As he gets closer, he realizes that a boy is in chains. Suddenly he starts turning into a dragon. Then a large dragon flies over and tries to get him. The man with the gun and the driver try to protect the boy , who is now a dragon. When the large dragon flies off, the boy returns to his original form.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-8

It Screams at Night (Dragonblood Series)
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4342-1261-0
Release Date: January 2009
 

Written by Veronica Wasserman

This is a fast moving, action packed book that will especially appeal to boys.  Grievous has caused trouble for the Jedi Order in three different situations. He always gets away, causing damage to the "good guys" and frustrating the Jedi Order.

Review by Debbie Robinson, Library Media Assistant, Arcadia Elementary School
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Grievous Attacks! (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Grossett & Dunlap / Penguin
160 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45003-2
Release Date: February 2009


 

Written by Tamora Pierce

This story was originally published as an audiobook and then a year later was published as a printed book. This is about Evvy, a young stone mage in training. Evvy goes to an island where all the plants are dying. She soon discovers that "volcanic spirits" are going to erupt. The story is about Evvy trying to save the island. This was not my favorite Tamora Pierce book, but it was still a good read.

Review by Cindy Moyle, Granite District Media Specialist
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 7+

Melting Stones (Circle Reforged Series #2)
Scholastic
312 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-05264-1
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written by Ari Berk, Illustrated by Wayne Anderson, Dougal Carrel, Gary Chalk, Kevin Levell, and Larry MacDougal

This is a super book about the history of giants! Peoples all over the world have believed in giants for centuries and now we have the book of all books that explains it all. It gives you all the details about thier lives: thier employment, favorite food and games, why they wear what they do, the mysteries inside thier sacks, fashion and ritual costumes, etc. All this information is beautifully illustrated by five artists with a sundry of flaps, foldouts, booklets, and gatefolds. The cover has a giant with a flickering eye and a multicolored tassel for a bookmark. A super book for all ages!

Review by Dayanne Coombs, Library Secretary, Granite Peaks High School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: All Ages

The Secret Histroy of Giants, or the Codex Gigantic
Candlewick Press
Unpaged
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4047-7
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Neil Gaiman, Illustrated by Dave Mckean

Disclaimer: I found this book a somewhat surprising choice for the Newbery medal, which is one of the reasons I chose to read it.  I tend to seek out the unknown and route for the underdog, which may have colored my reading of this book, as it and its author were already quite popular and hyped before even winning the award. 

I listened to and enjoyed the audio recording of the majority of this book.  However, reading the closing third without the audio, I began to be obsessed with the unanswered questions that began to pile up in my mind (the vague motivations behind the Jacks and their murder of Nobody’s family being just the foremost head-scratcher).  I have to wonder to what extent the charisma of Gaiman’s reading performance caused me to overlook the actual words of the book as I listened to the opening chapters.

That being said, the world Gaiman has created is fascinating and includes some incredible details.  Honestly, this book had a remarkably familiar feeling to it from the outset, and seems to draw upon and mash-up elements of children’s literary works both old and new, sometimes with subtlety and sometimes too obviously.  I am tempted to re-read this book to see if my prejudice caused me to miss something, or unfairly dismiss what may be clever allusions to other works as unoriginal borrowing.  In particular I am tempted to read Kipling’s Jungle Book (a book that’s been on my to-read list for a long time anyway; the Disney cartoon just isn’t going to cut it) to see if it brings any additional resonance to this book.  Shared roots in British folklore could also account for many similarities between this and other books.

All in all, there is much of mystery, magic, character and humor in this book , and I’m sure that many young readers will be able to overlook the supposed shortcomings that I felt a need to notice in my vain attempt to humble it.

Review by Josh Whiting, Library Media/Instructional Technology, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4+

The Graveyard Book
HarperCollins
312 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-053092-1
Release Date: September 2008
Winner of the 2009 Newbery Medal  

Written by Heather Tomlinson

A group of four friends, including a princess, a drac, a boy and a girl are given the gift of sight by the drac. They are able to see the Fae (fairies and the like). But they are never to let anyone know. When Netta recognizes another drac, she is blinded because the drac says a mortal should not be allowed to see him.  The boy, Garin, returns to his own country, where his own family is being ruined by the Inglis family. The princess, Aurelie, is sent there on a mission to try to negotiate a peace treaty. Through trickery, the negotiations are halted and princess Aurelie returns unsucessful.   Through twists and turns the four finally get back together and try to work out a solution. There is intrigue, a battle and lots of magical creatures.  The book has a slow start and then is quite interesting. Each of the characters have chapters where they tell the story from their point of view.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Specialist, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Aurelie: A Faerie Tale
Henry Holt
184 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8276-0
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Brandon Sanderson

Alcatraz Smedry, the boy with a talent for breaking things, is back in this sequel to Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians. This time our hero is on a mission to learn what happened to his father, who disappeared into the Library of Alexandria years ago. Alcatraz is joined on his quest by his grandfather, Leavenworth, who has a talent for arriving late, and Bastille, the Knight of Crystallia who kept Alcatraz alive in the first book. We also meet Draulin, Bastille's mother, and two more Smedreys: Alcatraz's uncle Kazan, who has a talent for getting lost, and his cousin Australia, whose special ability is to wake up in the morning looking extremely ugly. Inside the Library, they confront the Curators, a group of undead librarians who have collected everything ever written. The curators will allow anyone to read anything they want, if they are willing to pay the price. Stalking them the whole time is an evil half-human, half-robot Librarian. Alcatraz himself tells us the story with the same humor and sarcasm that ran through the first book. He stops the tale every few pages to talk directly to the reader, usually to say something funny or to try to explain something that may or may not be related to the story. Alcatraz, as narrator, continues to tease the reader by talking about things that will happen in future books. This book is a fun sequel and should be a good read for upper-grade readers.

Review by Tom Grieve, Teacher, Robert Frost Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grade 4+

Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones
Scholastic
322 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-92553-2
Release Date: November 2008
 

Written by Michelle Knudsen

An apprentice mage and a young princess become fast friends as the princess keeps a secret too big for her to handle.  Together, they strengthen each other and face challenges neither of them ever expected.

This book has everything you could want in a fantasy story: mythical creatures, romance, magic, betrayal, heartbreak, friendship and unexpected turns. I couldn't and didn't want to put it down. I recommend it to any fantasy fan who is looking for a fast paced, interesting novel.

Reviewed by a student, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

The Dragon of Trelian
Candlewick Press
407 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3455-1
Release Date: April 2009
 

 

Written by Roald Dahl, Illustrated by Quentin Blake

This is a cute story that is quick and easy. There is a little girl who has a magical finger. She puts a spell on her teacher and turns her into a cat. Her neighbors are hunting ducks and she does not like that so she puts a spell on them. A lesson is learned by all.

Review by Nancy Jenkins, Librarian, William Penn Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

The Magic Finger
Puffin / Penguin Group
63 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241385-2
Release Date: January 2009 (reprint)



 

Written and Illustrated by Jeff Smith

The humorous conclusion of the Bone series. The illustrations are as delightful as the previous books. I love the color illustrations. The story includes adventure and humor. If you have only one set of graphic novels (comic books), this would be it for me. I highly recommend the entire series.

Review by Jean Hagen, Library Media Specialist, West Lake Jr. High
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 4+

Crown of Thorns (Bone #9)
Graphix / Scholastic, Inc.
212 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-70632-2
Release Date: January 2009


 

Written by Mary Rodgers and Heather Hatch

Hadley thinks getting perfect grades and attendance is the answer to measuring up to her beautiful high school sister. Her empathetic new teacher Ms. Pitt just doesn't understand her. When they switch bodies, they each gain a lot of understanding about each other. A nice book for girls that may be going through self-esteem issues, especially as they enter junior high.  A great book to add to your library shelves!

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating:  ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Freaky Monday
HarperCollins
180 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-166478-6
Release Date: May 2009  

Written by Mary Hoffman

City of Secrets is the fourth installment in Mary Hoffman's Stravaganza series.

Matt, a seventeen-year-old Englishman, gets a book for his birthday and it takes him on a mysterious journey to another world. He finds himself in Talia, which is very similar to Italy.  He also finds that he has traveled into the past.

On his journey he meets Luciano, an old Stravagante who lives in Talia. With Luciano, his foster father Docter Dethridge, and a few others, Matt embarks on a fantastic journey. 

This is an enchanting tale that takes the reader into another world. It is a fairly quick read and recommended for all reading leavels. 

I would highly suggest reading the first three prior to this book. I found myself feeling a little lost and confused at times due to things that had been explained in earlier books. The ending is left open and hanging for the next book.

Review by Cindy Dunn, Elementary Library Media Specialist, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 9-12

City of Secrets (Stravaganza Series, Book 4)
Bloomsbury
400 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-202-9
Release Date: Jun 2008
Stravaganza - Official Website  

Written by Deborah Noyes

In this book the setting, the Kerfol Estate, is the centerpiece of the story. The book is separated into five different stories, all of which take place in the home at Kerfol. The first story, where we are introduced to the character that will become the ghost, was very interesting. I found it a little more difficult to read the remaining stories. It was a nice, quick read. It is appropriate for high school students.

Review by Cindy Dunn, Elementary Library Media Specialist, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 9-12

The Ghosts of Kerfol
Candlewick Press
176 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3000-3
Release Date: Aug 2008
www.deborahnoyes.com


 

Written by Maite Carranza, Translated by Noel Baca Castex

Two groups of witches are at war. The Odish, those witches that want eternal life, riches and beauty, are fighting the Omars, who use their powers to benefit humans, in a battle to overpower each other. The Chosen One is here to make the Omar the victors. The book had many twists and turns that weren't always explained very well. The ending was weak and expected. It offered too many ideas and powers that seemed contrived to fit the plot. 

Review by Warren Child, Library Media Specialist, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: High School

War of the Witches
Bloomsbury
352 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-102-2
Release Date: May 2008

 

Written by J. M. Berrie

I did not like this book. I read it because it is a classic. I fould the language hard to follow at times. It was very difficult for me to finish.

Review by Jane Walton, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★✩✩✩ 

Peter Pan
Puffin Classics / Penguin Group
207 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-132257-5
Release Date: Mar 2009 (reprint)




 

Written by Aprilynne Pike

Laurel has been homeschooled by her mother for most of her years, but is now entering a normal high school.  David Lawson welcomes her and introduces her to a group of firends, but it is difficult for her to adjust. Then she finds a lump on her back. As it grows larger she waits to share it with her parents, only to have the lump suddenly turn into a flower growing out of her back one morning. Laurel is adopted; actually, she was left on her parents' doorstep in a basket at about age three.  When examined by a doctor in the adoption process, he discovered something very strange about her heartbeat. Laurel discovers that she doesn't bleed and she really doesn't have a heartbeat. She eats strangely, just fruits, some vegetables and drinks Sprite. She is not totally human, but a faery with an important mission to accomplish having to do with the land owned by her mother. There is some romance as Laurel falls for David, but also Tamani from the land of fae.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Teacher, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 6-9

Wings
HarperCollins Teen
290 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-166803-6
Release Date: May 2009
www.aprilynnepike.com

 

Written by Kenneth Grahame, Illustrated by Inga Moore

I remember reading these stories about the adventures of Toad, Mole, Badger and Frog as a child. They are still fun stories that children will enjoy. A note of caution though-- like other British books they use the word "ass" a couple of times. The reading level is 5.9 but, I think younger children would enjoy having these stories read to them. The illustrations are beautiful!

Review by Jane Walton, PTA Board Member, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

The Wind in the Willows
Candlewick Press
182 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4211-2
Release Date: Mar 2009 (Reissue)

 

Written by

This is the first book in the Animalia series, based on the TV show Animalia. Alex and Zoe go to the library, open a book, and find a passage way that leads to Animalia. Only animals live here and they view the children as stink bugs and try to capture them. Some other animals come to the rescue and help them return to the library.

Reviewed by a Student, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Animalia: Hello, We Must Be Going
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin Group
24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45075-9
Release Date: Jan 2009


 

Written by P. B. Kerr

This is book five of the Children of the Lamp series. The book can stand alone but is best enjoyed if you have read the other books in the series.  John and Philippa are twin djinn who have magical power. Their adventure takes them to the Amazon Jungle. A collection of rare artifacts from the Incan period have been taken. The Blue Djinn of Babylon enlists their Uncle Nimrod and their help to retrieve the artifacts and protect the enchanted doorway known as he Eye of the Forest. They encounter animals from the jungle and savage Indians who capture them. They make it to the doorway that has a curse upon it and there are tremendous powers harnessed within to protect it.  Men abduct the twins' father and use him as a means to make them cooperate when these men enter the Eye of the Forest.  Will John and Philippa be able to rescue their father and stop these men from a disaster that could end the world?  Read the Eye of the Forest and enjoy the adventure.
Review by Todd Francis, Library Media Teacher, Jefferson Jr. High
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

The Eye of the Forest (Children of the Lamp Series, Book 5)
Orchard Books / Scholastic
424 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-93215-8
Release Date: Jan 2009
www.pbkerr.com
 

Written by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Yoko Tanaka

Kate DiCamillo can render vivid and stunning scenes with simplicity. She can create heartbreak with a single sentence. She can lead you line by line through a story and have you hanging on every word. Her seemingly magical mastery of tone is perhaps unparalleled in contemporary children's literature. The problem with DiCamillo comes when one recognizes that she could potentially use this incredible linguistic power to enchant the reader with any story, however poorly plotted or characterized. Mesmerized by the charisma of her written word, we may not even realize that we were actually reading a very silly book. Now, I'm not saying that The Magician's Elephant is a silly book. I'm just saying that I am so drawn in by DiCamillo's writing style that it doesn't really matter what tale she's telling, I want to read and hear the whole of it.

So, the tale at hand: Peter Augustus Duchene, an orphan boy in an imaginary European city, is sent to the market with money given him by his guardian, an aging, ailing soldier. Instead of buying bread and fish, he gives the money to a fortune teller. She informs him that his deepest hope is true: his sister is alive. Furthermore, in a perplexing and cryptic instruction, the fortune teller counsels Peter that an elephant will lead him to his sister. Two days later, a magician, performing before the rich and noble of the city, intends to produce a bouquet of lilies for the audience. Instead, in a burst of hubris, he calls forth an elephant. It crashes through the roof of the opera house and lands in the lap of one Madame LaVaughn, permanently crippling her legs. The magician is imprisoned, and the citizens of the entire city, most especially Peter, become obsessed with the portentous pachyderm, very much still in existence but hidden in an undisclosed location in the city. A succession of short scenes given from the perspectives of numerous characters, including the hapless elephant herself, moves the story towards some magical eventuality that promises to provide something great for everyone, i.e., a happy ending.

My only complaint with the story is that, unlike the endings of traditional fairy tales, DiCamillo perhaps spreads the happy ending too thin between too many characters; many of them do not seem to have passed through the extreme magic-curse-based ordeals which are usually required to earn a fairy tale ending. Instead, they have passed through more realistic ordeals: disease, loneliness, guilt, poverty, etc. In a relatively short book such as this, these trials and burdens don't necessarily impress themselves as strongly on a reader as, say, being pursued by a man-eating giant or being forced to live in a castle with a monster. The magic displayed in the book is as out-of-the-ordinary to the characters in the story as it is to us; DiCamillo clearly wanted this magic to happen in some place resembling the real world. Even the elephant, who the other characters look to as a magical being, does not consider herself magical and is as confused and powerless as anyone to the magic that has occurred. She's just an elephant that has suddenly found herself in a strange, cold place without friends. DiCamillo is quoted on the back flap of the book as saying, "I wanted, I needed, I longed to tell a story of love and magic." It may be that the book, although dealing with magic, is more a fable than a fairy tale; all along the way, we read scenes that illustrate despair and hope, empathy, perseverance, charity, and forgiveness. Perhaps the magic DiCamillo so longs for the reader to see is nothing other than love itself, and thus it is only appropriate that she would want to spread it around to as many characters as possible.

Stylistically, as well as story-wise, DiCamillo walks the line between fairy tale, fable, and magical realism. The book is filled with beautiful, imagistic scenes and dreams that are described with the succinctness and surrealism of prose poems. The magical elements are reported matter-of-fact-ly alongside the many realistic elements of the story. Cold, overcast skies and snow storms are so vividly realized, right down to the footprints of the elephant in the snow, that the reader more readily identifies with what the characters are feeling. Sly authorial interjections do occasionally pop up in the text, ("And what did the magician say? You know full well the words he spoke,") but they do not seem to be as pervasive as they were in Desperaux. For better or for worse, this time around we don't receive any of the author's idiosyncratic definitions (although there certainly are a lot of new vocabulary words for young readers in this book.) As in her other books, the strong built-in storytelling voice lends itself to a great read-aloud experience.All in all, we have another magical little book from DiCamillo. Is the story ridiculous? You know full well it's ridiculous; all fairy tales and fantasies are. It is nonetheless a beautifully rendered and engaging book, filled with fables of hope, empathy, forgiveness, humility, and love that will speak to children and adults alike.

Review by Joshua Whiting, Library Media Department, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 4 and up

The Magician's Elephant
Candlewick Press
200 pages
ISBN: 78-0-7636-4410-9
Release Date: Sep 8, 2009

 

Written by Timothee de Fombelle, Translated by Sarah Ardizzone, Illustrated by Francois Place

Toby Lolness is only one and a half millimeters tall. His people live in a great oak tree which is being taken over by Mitch and the builders, who are boring into the tree and controlling life in the tree. Toby's parents are scientists who have discovered that the tree is alive and in danger because of the uncontrolled boring. As a result they are moved to a lower place in the tree. Then finally they are arrested and Toby has to run for his life. He ends up out of the tree with the "dreaded" Grass People, only to find out that they are much like his own people. The story doesn't really "end," as Toby declares that he is going to return the tree to try to help save the tree and its people.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Teacher, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 6-8

Toby Alone
Candlewick Press
384 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4181-8
Release Date: Mar 2009


 

Written by R. J. Anderson

Knife wants to escape from her Oak tree and feel what it is like to fly. She is a faery, but all the faeries in her Oak tree have lost their magic.  The world outside is dangerous and they are banned from it. The Faery Queen has some magic, but maintains strict control over all the others. The Queen makes Knife a hunter. She is not afraid of going out to do her hunting and goes to the humans to find a knife to help her attack the crows who are killing her people. Once, long ago, Knife accidently met the human, Paul, and sees him again years later. As she struggles to free the other faeries she actually falls in love with Paul. A fun, adventurous fantasy.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Teacher, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 6-9

Spell Hunter (Faery Rebels Series)
HarperCollins
327 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-155474-2
Release Date: Apr 2009
www.rj-anderson.com

 

Written by Patricia C. Wrede

As the 13th child in a magical family, Eff feels like she's unlucky; maybe even one spell away from destroying something by accident. On the other hand, her twin brother, Lan is the seventh son of a seventh son, so he's lucky and powerful. When the family moves out west to the frontier with magical creatures, their lives change. In the end, however, it's Eff that saves the day. The characters are great. The plot is interesting, but a little slow at times. Avid readers of magical books will enjoy Thirteenth Child.

Curriculum Ties: Cultural Beliefs

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5+

Thirteenth Child
Scholastic Press
344 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-03342-8
Release Date: Apr 2009
www.pcwrede.com



 

Written by John Flanagan

Things are not looking good for our heroes. Will has been forced into hiding with the rightful ruler of Macindaw. His friend, Alyss, has been captured by the evil ruler, Keren. Forced to be hypnotized by her captor, Alyss keeps forfeiting information that puts Will at a disadvantage. In a last ditch effort to try and retake Macindaw, he pays his old friends the Skandians to help him launch an assault on Macindaw. Just in time, his knight friend, Horace shows up to help him launch the perfect assault. Things get complicated, however, when a Scottish General forms an alliance with Keren to take over Araluen and Macindaw together. Will Alyss ever get saved? Will Will and Horace be able to successfully take back Macindaw or will Araluen be lost forever to Keren and his Scottish allies? Although not as fast-paced as its counterparts, the suspense and humor embedded in this book make this book worth the read. Lovers of the Ranger's Apprentice Series and adventure will enjoy not only this book, but the five other prequels to this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Siege of Macindaw (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 6)
Philomel / Penguin Group
292 pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-25033-0
Release Date: 4 Aug 2009
www.rangersapprentice.com  

Written by Scott Mebus

Rory Hennessy is being protected by the M'Garoth clan and a spirit dog named Tucket.  After Manhattan suffers a great earthquake, the balance between the Real City and the Spirit City begins to crumble.   Rory realizes that he must open the Trap that separates the two cities, but to do that Rory needs to find his missing father.

This book is a delightful adventure for grades 5 to 8, but does have small amounts of violence. I would recommend this book, but would advise the reader to read Volume 1 first.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Gods of Manhattan: Spirits in the Park
Dutton / Penguin Group
372 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-42148-1
Release Date: May 14, 2009
www.godsofmanhattan.com


 

Written by John Flanagan

Far from home after escaping Skandian slavery, Will and Evanlyn's plans to return to Araluen are cut short when Evanlyn is taken captive by the Temujai army. While attempting to rescue Evanlyn, Will runs into his old friends, Halt and Horace, who have abandoned their positions working for the king of Araluen to come and rescue Will and Evanlyn. The three of them succeed in rescuing her, but discover the Temujai Army's plans to take over Skandia, then Araluen. Now Will and his friends must convince the Skandians to fight for their country and win in order to save everyone. Will our band of heroes succeed or will all be lost? Fast-paced story, well-developed characters, and a story of courage and bravery worth remembering make this book a must-read for avid and reluctant readers alike.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Battle for Skandia (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 4)
Puffin / Penguin Group
294 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241340-1
Release Date: January 7, 2009 (paperback)
www.rangersapprentice.com

 

Written by John Flanagan

Will is finally a full-fledged Ranger and has received his own fief to look after. Things aren't as hunky-dory as he would hope, however, when Will discovers that Lord Syron, ruler of Will's fief, is suddenly struck down with a mysterious illness and rumors have it that Omnar, the Lord's son, has been dealing with sorcery and may have something to do with his father's illness. Other rumors, however, say that Malkallam, an evil sorcerer who wants revenge on the royal family, may have something to do with the illness. To top it all off, tensions become high as Keren, a knight of the kingdom, starts stirring up trouble about Omnar being removed from the throne and Alyss is taken hostage. Will Will be able to decipher what is truth and what are lies before it is too late? Who has really caused the king's mysterious illness? Who is trying to take over the fief? Will Will be able to save his friend and save Macindaw? A mystery and an adventure in one, this story has all the elements of a great story. It's full of suspense, fast-paced plot, and a character who is facing the darkest moment of his career as a Ranger. Readers will enjoy trying to solve the mystery with the main character and will feast on the perils he faces. Avid and reluctant readers who enjoy mystery, adventure, and paranormal stories will love this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Sorcerer of the North (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 5)
Puffin / Penguin Group
295 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241429-3
Release Date: June 24, 2009 (paperback)
www.rangersapprentice.com  

Written by Cat Weatherill

Follow the piper to paradise. What is the piper looking for? Is paradise as good as it seems? Join Marianna and Jakob as they discover a new world. This story is told through multiple viewpoints which adds to the story.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-9

Wild Magic
Walker / Bloomsbury
278 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9799-5
Release Date: September 16, 2008
www.catweatherill.co.uk


 

Written by Jason Lethcoe, Illustrated by Scott Altmann

I did not realize that I was starting a series.  I need the next book. It was a good book. It talks about Edward, a 5-6 grader and is discovering who he really is. He does not want to take on the role of being guardian. He just wants to be left alone. He discovers where and what his mother has been doing since she died.  It is a fantasy, yet it can have a deeper meaning.

Review by Diane Scott, Western Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

Wings (The Mysterious Mr. Spines, Book 1) 
Grosset & Dunlap
214 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-44653-0
Release Date: Feb 5, 2009 (paperback)



 

Written by Nahoko Uehashi, Translated by Cathy Hirano, Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu

In this adventure, Balsa returns to her home land of Kanbal to clear the name of her guardian and protector Jiguro. To return home she traces her way through the dark tunnels beneath the mountains where the Mountain King lives. Here she encounters two children that have wandered into the tunnel in search of stones. She tells them a story that she has invented to cover her true identity and sets out to find friends and family that can tell her what has been happening in Kanbal. She discovers that Jiguro's own brother has told lies and is planning a war with the Mountain King that will increase his own power and control in Kanbal. It is up to Balsa, her aunt, and the children she met in the mountain to try and divert the war with the Mountain King that will in fact destroy Kanbal. There are many interesting plots and twists to this story. This second book of Moribito is even more fun and interesting than the first. These books are being translated from a popular series in Japan so there will be more exciting stories and adventures with Balsa.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Moribito II: Guardian of the Darkness
Arthur A. Levine / Scholastic
245 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-10295-7
Release Date: May 1, 2009

 

Written by James Rollins

James Rollins has written many great books for adults and has decided to write a book series for young adults. In this series Jake Ransom and his sister Kady are trying to unravel a mystery that involves the disappearance of their parents. Kady and Jake are invited to attend a grand opening of a museum display of their parents work in London, England. They both wear a necklace that has a Myan symbol. At the museum they find a pyramid that has a hole in which the pieces of their necklaces will fit. When they place the pieces in the pyramid they are suddenly transported to another dimension. In this world they find people from other places and periods of time. These people have built a society incorporating the many cultures. Jake and Kady are separated and placed with different groups making it hard for them to find a way out. Jake's background knowledge of archaeology and science helps him make friends with the daughter of the family he has been placed with. Jake must find a way to get himself and Kady back to their own time. This is an exciting adventure and will be a fun series that will keep students reading and begging for more.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow
HarperCollins
397 pages
ISBN: 978-0-6-147379-1
Release Date: Apr 28, 2009


 

Written by Scott Mebus

Manhattan and Mannahatta are exciting cities full of adventures, fascinating characters, and deception. Only Rory Hennessy can truly save the day, because Rory is the last Light alive-- only Rory doesn't know it. Others, however, do know it and are out to get him. The story is unique and the characters are interesting. This fast-paced adventure will appeal to adventure lovers, whether they're avid or reluctant readers.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

Gods of Manhattan
Puffin Books / Penguin Group
340 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241307-4
Release Date: Mar 5, 2009 (paperback)
godsofmanhattan.com


 

Written by Juliana Baggott

This book was about a 12 year old kid who thought that he was cursed like the Red Sox.  His mother told him he had to live with his dad, when he got there it was strange world underneath Fenway Park and he had all his adventures.  Great book - I really enjoyed it.

Review by Sergio Castanon, Student, Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

The Prince of Fenway Park
HarperCollins
322 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-087242-7
Release Date: Mar 24, 2009




 

Written and Illustrated by Rebecca, Adrian, and Ed Emberley

This is book is fantastic! It is based on the song/story of "There was An Old Woman." Students are instantly mesmerized by the pictures and cannot wait to turn the page to see what the next illustrations will uncover about the next phase of the story/song. The song download that is available for this story is catchy for students. They want to listen to it again and again. This is a high interest story for elementary aged students. Exciting repetitive text-- students love to join in.

Review by Brooke deardorff, 3rd Grade Teacher, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades K-5

There Was an Old Monster!
Orchard Books / Scholastic
27 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-10145-5
Release Date: Jul 1, 2009


 

Written by

This was an interesting book. This is about a young girl who does not want to see herself or her parents age. She is very concerned about growing old. She reads a book about a man who ate carp guts and it extended his life. She decides to try this out on her parents without them knowing about it. She sees a big difference in their health and energy. However, she also starts to see some side effects. This in turn affects her baby brother. Her parents and brother are turning into apes. She has to come to terms with her own existence and realize that getting old is not so bad. This was interesting and made me think about getting old myself.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-9

The Fish Gut Experiment
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
73 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59889-862-0
Release Date: Sep 1, 2007


 

Written by Sam Llewellyn

This book was about a kid that grew up in a poor family.  One day the government tries to drown him, but this weird guy comes along and saves him, and takes him to the Wellvale, a city that has wells in it. Wells are were monsters live. While in this city the kid becomes a monster groom. Then he finds out he is not an ordianry kid, and tries to get what is rightfully his. This book was the worst book I have ever read. It was so boring. The author did not explain the story very well, so it felt like the book was going on and on and on and on. I strongly advise you not to read this book!

Reviewed by a student, Diamond Ridge Elementary / Jefferson Jr. High
Rating: ★✩✩✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

The Well Between the Worlds (Lyonesse Series, Book 1)
Orchard Books / Scholastic
341 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-93469-5
Release Date: Feb 1, 2009


 

Written by Rebecca Stead

Review by Joshua Whiting, Library Media Department, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

When You Reach Me
Wendy Lamb Books / Random House
324 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-340-8
Release Date: Jul 14, 2009
Rebecca Stead - Official Web Site

 

Written by Bram Stoker, Introduced by Holly Black

Jonathan Harker is traveling to the Castle Dracula to see the Transylvanian noble Count Dracula. He is told by villagers not to go there, because when the clock strikes midnight on the eve of St. George’s Day, all the evil things in the world will come to the height of their power. What he doesn’t realize, however, is that Dracula is the epitome of evil and he, his wife, and many other lost souls will face a dangerous game: Destroy Dracula or be destroyed. A true trendsetter for the books today, readers will enjoy making comparisons to the vampire fiction they know and have read. With an introduction by bestselling fantasy and horror author Holly Black, readers will be drawn in from page one. The glossary helps with explaining unusual words and the who’s who helps readers to keep all of the characters straight. This dark fantasy adventure will appeal to anyone who’s ever enjoyed a horror or adventure novel.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 7+

Dracula
Puffin Classics / Penguin Group
613 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-132566-8
Release Date: Jun 11, 2009


 

Written by E.D. Baker

Told through the point of view of Audun, Millie’s dragon friend, readers discover that Audun has fallen in love with Millie. Determined to win her heart and hand in marriage, he defies his family’s wishes and sets out to find Millie. In order to do so, Millie’s family tells him that he must talk to his Dragon Council and elders to get their permission. The Dragon King, however, sets up almost impossible tasks and obstacles that Audun must conquer before he will be able to become human and be permitted to woo Millie. But, will Millie recognize him if he becomes human? Will Audun succeed in accomplishing the tasks? A fun adventure filled with excitement, magical creatures, and witches that are funny to hear arguing. Readers will enjoy the humor, friendship, love, and adventure that comes in this novel and will enjoy seeing parts of themselves mixed into the characters. Lovers of adventure, fantasy, dragons, and/or romance will enjoy this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Dragon Kiss (Tales of the Frog Princess, Book 7)
Bloomsbury
288 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-348-4
Release Date: Sep 1, 2009


 

Written by Bruce Hale

This book is about a student gecko taking on the role of school detective to solve some theft crimes occurring on school campus. It is witty, fun, and easy to read. Students will enjoy the great illustrations and surprising turns of events that occur throughout the mystery.

Review by Brooke Deardorff, Teacher, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Hills Me Deadly (Chet Gecko Series)
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
118 pages
ISBN: 978-0-15-206424-2
Release Date: Jan 1, 2009



 

Written by Laura Whitcomb

 

Written by Nancy Werlin

This book is good in many ways. It can link a reader to it as they may have foster parents. It sends a good message to the reader that may be different for everyone. Within the first few sentences it had me and was difficult to put down. But now that I have finished the book I feel that there needs to be a sequel to continue the story. It was so empowering I was able to relate to the book, although I have never been in that situation. The character of Zack was not only a friend of the family, but in many ways he was the backbone of the family. Throughout the book Lucy gets perturbed with Padraig Seeley, "The Elfin Night", and at the end it is clear to see that Padraig has always been something not quite as ordinary as he wants you to believe.

Reviewed by a student at Skyline High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 9-12

Impossible
Speak / Penguin Group
376 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241491-0
Release Date: Aug 11, 2009 (paperback)


 

Written by S. R. Vaught and J. B. Redmond

Eyrie, the world in which this book takes place, is a fantastic land that is constructed from modern ideals. This is not necessarily a dream world. Rather, the morals described are a code each person, most notably Aron, tries to live by. A world rising from a fantastical fae breeding program has lent chosen dwellers extraordinary gifts, with immense consequences. Aron, the main character, is one such. Mysteriously endowed with extreme mental powers and the ability to pass what the people of Eyrie call "The Veil", he is hunted mercilessly by his own liege lord. The story tells of Aron's persecution, his ensuing apprenticeship to assassins for revenge, and his psychological transformation from a young frightened boy into a determined man bent on justice. I believe the story gives equal representation to all aspects of human nature, and is deeply inspiring to any who might connect emotionally with the young hero.

Reviewed by a student at Skyline High School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Oathbreaker (Assassin's Apprentice, Vol. 1)
Bloomsbury
374 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-162-6
Release Date: Jun 9, 2009


 

Written by Cate Tiernan

Moira is the daughter of Morgan Rowlands. Morgan is one of the most powerful blood witches around, but Moira is unaware of her mother's past.  Moira feels betrayed by her mother with all of the secrets that are being hidden. Will they be able to band together to defeat an even bigger evil that is haunting them and their coven?

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Night's Child (Sweep Series #15)
Speak / Penguin Group
318 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241030-1
Release Date: Jul 23, 2009 (paperback)



 

Written by Patrick Ness

The darkest hour seems to be upon Todd and Viola. Separated from each other in a town recently conquered by self-proclaimed President Prentiss, both are more vulnerable than ever. Todd has been captured by Prentiss and is confused who the enemy really is. Hardened by a world filled with war and rumors that Prentiss is the one who seeks to destroy the worlds, as well as a belief that Prentiss has killed Todd's family and seeks to kill Todd, he gets confused when the president tries tries to convince him that he is not the enemy. Rather the danger comes from a group of "visitors" that are quickly approaching the world that Todd has always known.  Viola finds herself in the care of a healing house without a clue where Todd is. Both worry that the other is dead. Who really is the enemy? Will Todd and Viola ever find each other? What is President Prentiss really up to? Who are the "visitors?" A puzzle in itself, this book is fun to read, but is extremely confusing if you haven't read the first book. Readers will feel like they've stepped into Todd or Viola's shoes and will experience first-hand the confusion these two feel. A great read for anyone who likes adventure, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, or who has read the first book, The Knife of Never Letting Go.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 7 and up

The Ask and the Answer
Candlewick Press
519 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4490-1
Release Date: Jul 23, 2009


 

Written and Illustrated by John Burningham

This is a story about the curiosity that a child has about were cats go at night.  The illustrations are very unique and draw the readers' attentions to the characters as they go on their secret nighttime adventure.  This story held the attention of those that I read it to and they wanted to hear it again. I would recommend it for an elementary library.

Review by Connie Andrews, Library Media Assistant, Spring Lane Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

It's a Secret!
Candlewick Press
41 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4275-4
Release Date: Jun 9, 2009



 

Written by Anthony Horowitz

This is a sequel to Groosham Grange. In this book David Eliot finds himself in competition with Vincent King for the school's top award, "The Unholy Grail." David observes Vincent leaving the East Tower and he becomes suspicious.  What is Vincent up to? His friend Jill tells him that he is just jealous, but David is sure there is something phony about Vincent. When David is set up as a thief for the school's Advanced Cursing exam, he is sure that Vincent is the culprit. There are some great twists and turns in this book as David discovers that the "Unholy Grail" is at the heart of the matter. But what David can't figure out is who is behind the plan to steal the "Unholy Grail." David and Jill work together to stop the theft, but will they be in time?

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Elementary and Middle School

Return to Groosham Grange: The Unholy Grail
Philomel Books / Penguin Group
214 pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-25063-7
Release Date: Aug 20, 2009


 

Written by Zoe Marriott

Zira was severely scarred in the fire that killed her mother. She has been lovingly raised by the Ruan, religious women of her country. She is the hidden heir to the kingdom of Sedorne, which is currently being ruled by her uncle Abheron. Since her mother's death, the whole nation has labored under the oppression of the hostile king who invaded and took control. Then one day it is revealed who Zira is, and she must find a way to save her land and follow what she feels she must do.

Review by Cindy Dunn, District Library Media Specialist, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Daughter of the Flames
Candlewick Press
342 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3749-1
Release Date: Feb 10, 2009


 

Written by Holly Black, Illustrated by Ted Naifeh

Rue was a normal girl - she had good friends, hung out, and went to class. For fun she liked to break into abandoned buildings to explore in them. When her mother disappears she finds out that she had been a faerie. Her father was a human. Then her father is arrested for killing her and one of his grad students. However, the story is not that plain and simple. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to her, Rue is a faerie, like her mother. Rue now goes on a quest to find and save her father and to find her mother. After discovering her roots, Rue sets out to understand herself and her role in the world, for a battle is brewing between the faerie world and our world.

Review by Cindy Dunn, District Library Media Specialist, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

The Good Neighbors: Kin (Book One)
Graphix / Scholastic
117 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-85562-4
Release Date: Oct 1, 2008


 

Written and Illustrated by Matt Phelan

In his first graphic novel, established children’s illustrator Matt Phelan depicts the story of Jack, a boy growing up on a forlorn Kansas farm in the midst of the American Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Without rain, there is nothing much for Jack to do on the dead farm. His sister is sick with dust pneumonia, his father will not allow him to help with anything, and he is bullied by older kids in town. While dejected and exploring one day he finds something mysterious and truly frightening locked in the neighbors’ abandoned barn. Will he confront this menace and save the town?

The book consciously echoes the Jack stories of American folklore and Baum’s Wizard of Oz tales, all while making a bridge from these through its comic strip format to the stories of Superman and other comic book superheroes, which had their origins in this same time period. Although there is text, this is a story told mainly through pictures. The sketched illustrations and subtle colorings are extremely evocative of the desperate landscape and the even more desperate people. In an afterword, the author/illustrator describes his indebtedness to the “stark black-and-white images” of the WPA photography of the Dust Bowl Years. The roughness, intensity and raw emotion of the times are all on display here.

This is a fascinating and unique work that really brings this period of history to life, and will be a great pull for reluctant readers/students. Recommended for jr. high and even upper elementary, but be aware of one unfortunate minor swear word in the first pages (a character curses the “damn dust”) and some violence (Jack is beat up by bullies, and there is a meant-to-be-disturbing scene of violence against animals).

Review by Joshua Whiting, Library Media Department, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Storm in the Barn
Candlewick Press
204 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3618-0
Release Date: Sep 8, 2009

 

Written and Illustrated by Matt Phelan

In his first graphic novel, established children’s illustrator Matt Phelan depicts the story of Jack, a boy growing up on a forlorn Kansas farm in the midst of the American Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Without rain, there is nothing much for Jack to do on the dead farm. His sister is sick with dust pneumonia, his father will not allow him to help with anything, and he is bullied by older kids in town. While dejected and exploring one day he finds something mysterious and truly frightening locked in the neighbors’ abandoned barn. Will he confront this menace and save the town?

The book consciously echoes the Jack stories of American folklore and Baum’s Wizard of Oz tales, all while making a bridge from these through its comic strip format to the stories of Superman and other comic book superheroes, which had their origins in this same time period. Although there is text, this is a story told mainly through pictures. The sketched illustrations and subtle colorings are extremely evocative of the desperate landscape and the even more desperate people. In an afterword, the author/illustrator describes his indebtedness to the “stark black-and-white images” of the WPA photography of the Dust Bowl Years. The roughness, intensity and raw emotion of the times are all on display here.

This is a fascinating and unique work that really brings this period of history to life, and will be a great pull for reluctant readers/students. Recommended for jr. high and even upper elementary, but be aware of one unfortunate minor swear word in the first pages (a character curses the “damn dust”) and some violence (Jack is beat up by bullies, and there is a meant-to-be-disturbing scene of violence against animals).

Review by Joshua Whiting, Library Media Department, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Storm in the Barn
Candlewick Press
204 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3618-0
Release Date: Sep 8, 2009

 

Written by Michael O. Tunnell

This book was amazing. It made me look at Aladdin like I never had before. This book transported me to "a whole new world."

Reviewed by a student at Skyline High School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Wishes on the Moon
Speak / Penguin Group
484 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241270-1
Release Date: Apr 30, 2009 (paperback)









 

Written by David Whitley

Agora is a world full of materialism, unclimbable walls, astrological predictions, and a government ruled by the Director. Everything can be bought, including your life. Nothing comes without a price. When Mark gets sold to a doctor and later becomes apprenticed to an astrologer and meets Lilly, the servant of his boss, he gains the opinion that he needs to work within the system to gain security and respect. Lilly, however, believes that charity is the only way to a healthy and happy society. Forced into situations by the Powers-that-Be and their society, Mark and Lilly will find their destinies intertwined as they find themselves part of a prophecy that will either build or destroy their world. What will become of Mark and Lilly? Will they succeed in fulfilling the prophecy in the best way possible? A Harry Potter meets Oliver Twist type story, this fantasy-filled world of greed that might still be saved gives kids hope that mistakes never have to be permanent. Lovers of fantasy, science fiction, and dystopian fiction will enjoy this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 5-9

The Midnight Charter
Roaring Brook Press
336 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59643-381-6
Release Date: Sep 1, 2009


 

Written by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, & Alexis Frederick-Frost

A humorous lesson in creating comics which incorporates a storyline into the instruction. We learn about the elements of a cartoon (panels, backgrounds, word and thought balloons, lettering, etc.) while following the story of a brave knight in pursuit of a bubblegum-chewing dragon. Readers may want to consider creating their own comic strip after reading this one!

Review by Karen Migacz, Library Media Assistant, Howard R. Driggs Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: 3-6 Grades

Adventures in Cartooning: How to Turn Your Doodles into Comics
First Second Books
pages 109
ISBN: 978-1-59643-369-4
Release Date: March 2009

 

Written by Carrie Jones

This book is slow in the first half. The story line took a little too long to develop for me. For those who like books about vampires this book might be one to add to your list of books to read. Although there are no vampires in this book there is a character similar to a vampire and of course creatures such as werewolves, and weretigers. Read and see what you think.

Review by Michelle Asay, Library Media Specialist, Granger High School
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: 7-12 grades

Need
Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
pages 306
ISBN: 9781599903385
Release Date: December 2008

 

Written by Patricia C. Wrede

This book is a retelling of the fairy tale by the same name.  Patricia Wrede inclues a paragraph from the original tale at the beginning of each chapter.  The book is full of Faerie magic, sorcerers, spells and counter spells.  Snow White and Rose Red live with their mother on the edge of woods which lead into Faerie.  John and his brother Hugh are sons of the Faerie Queen but also half mortal.  Then there are a couple of human sorcerers trying to capture the Faeirie magic that end up turning Hugh into a bear.  The book is set in 16th century England with language of the time - a lot of thee and thou.  Sometimes the language is tricky to read to one who isn't accostomed.  There is adventure, magic and romance.  The book is quite a page turner.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Teacher, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 6-9

Snow White and Rose Red
Firebird / Penguin Group
273 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241121-6
Release Date: Feb 2009




 

Written by Erin Hunter

Toklo, Kallik, Lusa, and Ujark have finally reached the Last Great Wilderness. The legendary bear paradise is everything they ever dreamed of. They sense, however, a deep unrest among the other inhabitants. Each bear from different circumstances, different pasts start to remember their true nature. When their world becomes endangered and one of the three's friends gets taken, Toklo, Kallik, and Ujarak must travel to the world of flat-faces to save their friend as well as themselves. 

A endearing adventure that is fast-paced, full of discovery, and fantasy. Readers will enjoy the human and bear qualities the author brings to life and intermixes well in the story. Would recommend this to lovers of fantasy, Erin Hunter's previous books, adventure, and animals.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

The Last Wilderness (Seekers Series)
HarperCollins
265 pages
ISBN: 9780060871314
Release Date: Feb 2010




 

Written by Laini Taylor

Whisper Silksinger is pursued by devils and her flying carpet is not fast enough to elude them. She carries with her in a teapot the Djinn Azael. Along the way she joins up with Hirik who wants to be the Djinn King's champion, but his race is accused of betraying the King millenium ago. The story is full of unique characters and fast-paced action. It kept me reading!

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Specialist, Churchill Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 6-9

Silksinger (Dreamdark Series)
G.P. Putnam's Sons / Penguin Group
445 pages
ISBN: 9780399246319
Release Date: Sep 2009








 

Written by Holly Black, Illustrated by Ted Naifeh

This is a black and white graphic novel. It was a little hard to understand because it is book two in the Good Neighbors series.  Rue, who is half fairy/human, has a group of friends and terrible things start happening and Rue uncovers events in her family's past that is causing these mishaps... maybe in book one it lets you in on what her family did but I could not pick it up from this book.

Review by Diana Moosman, Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Jr High - High School

Kith (The Good Neighbors, Book 2)
Graphix / Scholastic
111 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-85563-1
Release Date: Oct 2009








 

Written by Heather Brewer

The fourth installment of the Vladimir Tod series. This book started slow, with a lot of plot and background building. While it was hard to get started it was impossible to put the book down during the second half of the book. It will leave readers unable to wait for the next book in the series. 

Do not read this book without reading the other books in the series. A must read for followers of this series.  This is a perfect series for reluctant readers, vampire fans, and boys.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Eleventh Grade Burns (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Book 4)
Dutton / Penguin Group
309 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-42243-3
Release Date: Feb 2010

 

Written by Janet Taylor Lisle, Illustrated by David Frankland

This is a fun story about a group of cats who live along the side of the highway. New cats are dropped off by their owners and learn to become highway cats. Many adventures come their way, along with three special little kittens. Everyone becomes fascinated by the little kittens as they become a part of the group. All the cats think the kittens have special powers because they cross the highway without being killed. Whenever danger arises they always seem to escape. They become a big part of the highway cats. Everyone wants to see what will happen next. As their homes are threatened can these little kittens become the answer to saving their homes?

Review by Donna Gubler, Title I Para-Professional, Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-6

Highway Cats
Philomel / Penguin Group
118 pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-25070-5
Release Date: Aug 2009







 

Written by Kevin Emerson

If you are into vampires you will like this book, especially boys. It describes how vampires view humans and what they do.  It is centered around a young vampire boy and what is expected of him.

Review by Judy A. Mitchell, Library Media Assistant, Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6 boys

The Demon Hunter (Oliver Nocturne #4)
Scholastic
209 pages
ISBN: 9780545058049
Release Date: Feb 2009