Written by Frank Cammuso

In this less than inspiring graphic novel, Arthur King battles an obnoxious sister, school bullies, and administrators during the first day of school. Arthur's kind-hearted mother is the only redeeming character when she encourages Arthur to try out for dodgeball at his new school.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Library Media Assistant, Stansbury Elementary School
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
Interest Level: 3-6

Students will like this book. This shows graphics and tells all about Artie's first day of Middle School.

Review by Kaye Derrick, Library Media Assistant, Fox Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-5  

Written by Sarah Weeks

Review
Oggie Cooder is a fourth-grader who's special talent for "charving" (chewing and carving) cheese slices make him a national sensation.

This is a sweet story about deciding who you are and what is important to you.  

Written by Sarah Hayes, Illustrated by Hannah Broadway

Review
This book is about a dog who takes over as teacher for the day. The kids learn barking, wagging, scratching, shaking, sniffing, etc. all day. Fun surprise picture on the last page.

Sounds cute, right? Depends on your personality, I think. I don't know that I'll be spending time reading it to our classes as many of our students don't need much encouragement to get out of control, and this book will definitely contribute to crazy kids. Examples: "They all sniff. What's that smell? It smells like poo. It's Riff's lunch.". . . . or. . . . "Riff and Ellie lift their legs" . . . . or. . . . "they all wag their bottoms." The rest is pretty tame, personally I found it a little lame, but it might be fun for a "get up and stretch activity." Illustrations are very cute.  

Written by Meg Cabot

When Allie's parents announce that the family is moving, Allie's sure her life is over. She's not at all happy about having to give up her pretty pink wall-to-wall carpeting for creaky floorboards and creepy secret passageways . . . not to mention leaving her modern, state-of-the-art suburban school for a rundown, old-fashioned school just two blocks from her new house.

With a room she's half-scared to go into, the burden of being "the new girl," and her old friends all a half-hour car ride away, how will Allie ever learn to fit in?

This book has a flavor similar to Amber Brown is Not a Crayon, about a nine year old girl who is facing a challenge that many of our students face, the challenges that come when your parents decide it is time to move. Meg Cabot handles this topic very well. She also slips in rules to live by having the main character Allie keep a list of rules girls should live by. I enjoyed this book and think that it will be a hit with 3-6 grade girls.  

Written and Illustrated by Barney Saltzberg

Stanley is back again at our school! Stanley is chosen to take the class pet home for the weekend. At the encouragement of his friend, he opens the cage and the class pet, a parrot, flies away. It is difficult for them to decide who is responsible for the bird being gone. Stanley and Larry take responsibility and apologize to the teacher and class. This is a great book to use for peer pressure and responsibility and consequences for actions. Our school has the other two Stanley books and will certainly enjoy this new one.  

Written and Illustrated Barney Saltzberg

I loved the message in this book. I think it is so uplifting to any age.  

Written and Illustrated by Lucy Cousins

A very easy book for begining school age children. Lost of different activites on each page to keep the child's inerest. Not good for older children because they would be bored very quickly.  

Written by Susan Milord, Illustrated by Mary Newell DePalma

The story is a brief narrative about getting ready before school on the first day of school and what it is like when you get to school. It would be a good book for Kindergarten. The pictures are very well done.  

Written by Jenny Meyerhoff, Illustrated by Jill Weber

Polly is a 3rd grader who has all her baby teeth. Zachary, a new boy in school, teases her and calls her babyteeth. Polly wonders if she really belongs in 3rd grade. Excited for a visit from the tooth fairy after she finally loses a tooth, Polly learns that most 3rd graders don't believe in the tooth fairy. Problems seem to escalate as she struggles with growing up. A fun, delightful book about friendship and growing up. The story line flows smoothly with plenty of misunderstanding as Zachary tries to make new friends and continually sends the wrong message. A good read for second and third graders.

Gerry Ewing, Pioneer Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-3

Third Grade Baby
Farrar, Straus, and Geroux
105 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-37482-2
Release Date: September 2008





 

Written by Jan Ormerod, Illustrated by  Carol Thompson

Molly's father lives so far away that she makes up stories about him to tell at school, but when he comes to visit she discovers that they have a lot in common.  There will be quite a few children who will relate to this little girl who doesn't really know her dad, but finds out how much he loves her even though they seldom see each other. This could be a good book for helping separated and divorced parents to see the importance of sharing part of the child care. The pictures are a charming reflection of the personalities of the characters.

Review by Leanna Griffiths, Crestview Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades Pre-K - 4

Molly and Her Dad
Roaring Brook Press
40 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59643-285-7
Release Date: August 2008
 

Written and Illustrated by Ruth McNally Barshaw

I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of the Wimpy Kid books, but for girls. It is a great novel written like a graphic novel with sketch pictures. The story line is uplifting, funny and informative. I truly enjoyed reading this book.

Review by Susan Seegmiller, Roosevelt Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-7

Ellie McDoodle: New Kid in School
Bloomsbury
188 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-238-8
Release Date: June 2008



 

Written by Helen Recorvits, Illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska

This is a great book about a girl looking for friends in a new school.  In her quest to make friends she loses her jade bracelet, a family heirloom and birthday present from her mother, when an older girl pretending to be her friend takes it. Yoon gets it back by using her own cleverness, proving you can trick a tiger -- a reference to a Korean storybook she read as a child. Yoon's Korean background adds to the message of the book. The illustrations and story are delightful.

Review by Marilyn May, Monroe Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades K-4

Yoon and the Jade Bracelet
Frances Foster / Farrar, Straus & Giroux
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-38689-4
Release Date: August 2008  

Written by Johanna Hurwitz, Illustrated by Anik McGrory

This is a sequel to the book called Mostly Monty. Montgomery Gerald Morris, known as Monty, is a first grader who is a mighty smart kid. Monty has asthma and has to learn to still have fun and fit in with his friends at school. He knows that having asthma prevents him from doing some things but he learns that there are a lot of other things he can do instead. Mighty Monty is a book that would be enjoyed by boys and girls.

Review by Debbie Singer, Library Media Assistant, Beehive Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-3

Mighty Monty
Candlewick Press
106 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2977-9
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written by Meg Cabot

I thought that this was a great book for young girls. Allie moves to a new house and goes to a new school.  It takes a while to get settled in.  She immediately makes some new friends. She enjoys them. However, she has one girl, Rosemary, who continually wants to beat her up and make life miserable for her. She is also waiting to get a brand new kitten. She eventually realizes that Rosemary wants to beat her up because she just wants to be included by the girls. The new girl has all the friends and she doesn't. Allie decides to invite her over to her house to see her new kitten. This turns everything around with Rosemary. Allie still has her best friends but she has also included Rosemary in her activities. Allie lists all the rules that girls need to learn and follow. It is a fun book which teaches a lot about friendships.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-7

The New Girl (Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls Series #2)
Scholastic, Inc.
222 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-04049-5
Release Date: August 2008  

Written by Michael Dahl

At first glance at the title I thought this book was somehow linked to Disney’s High School Musical, but it has no connection. I guess that’s one way to get kids to pick it up. Anyway, as I read it I thought it was interesting enough to continue.  Hopefully the kids will do the same.

The story is about a boy named Kyle who is a new student at Harrison Ford High School and is in the school play. Kyle has made friends with a girl by the name of Mindy. One day during a play rehearsal there is an accident with one of the props and one of the actors in the play almost gets hit by a heavy light.  Kyle and Mindy are suspicious because of some unusual clues they have found and decide to look into it further; the story is continued with them looking for other clues to who would have wanted the play to fail. In the process Kyle learns about some of the other kids in the play and develops friendships with them.

I liked the story line and I think 4th through 6th graders would read it; they just need to know up front that it is not at all related to Disney’s High School Musical.

Review by Marjorie Biggs, Library Media Assistant, Oquirrh Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Curtains!: A High School Musical Mystery
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
105 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4342-0801-9
Release Date: August 2008  

Written and Illustrated by Jeff Kinney

Greg is the wimpy kid. Greg's father decides to toughen him up by putting him in organized sports. Of course Greg has no interest in sports. He spends his time hoping to get cut so he can get back to his video games. The kids love these books. I think just about everyone can relate to his every day life adventures. All the books are written in diary format with little stick figure drawings.

Review by Cindy Moyle, Granite School District Library Specialist
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4+

The Last Staw (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series #3)
Abrams
217 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8109-7068-7
Release Date: January 2009
 

Written by Paula Danziger, Illustrated by Tony Ross

This book was not appealing to me, but it does have its merits. The story teaches readers how to be positive and accept the changes that come along in life. Amber has an interesting way of telling about her experiences.

Review by S. Hiskey, William Penn Elementary
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-3

Amber Brown Sees Red
Puffin / Penguin
116 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241261-9
Release Date: February 2009 (reprint)


 

Written by Meg Cabot

This is about 4th grade girls. The main character is Allie and she is so excited about a new girl at school from Canada. The new girl is a real drama queen and tells everyone what to do. The story flows well and is an average read.

Reviewed by a 6th Grade Student at South Kearns Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Best Friends and Drama Queens (Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls Series #3)
Scholastic
202 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-04043-3
Release Date: March 2009


 

Written by Diana G. Gallagher

It is class elections for the 7th grade. Claudia gets her friend, Peter, to run for President. He is very shy and is not sure if he wants to. He is running against the class beauty queen, the school jock, and the school bully. He is determined to run an honest campaign and not get involved in making promises he can't keep and saying mean things about the opponents. Claudia is his campaign manager and realizes how much is involved. This is a great book to make people realize that the most popular people don't always win. There are more ordinary people than popular ones. It also deals with honesty in politics, even if it is in junior high.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Vote!: The Complicated Life of Claudia Cristina Cortez
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
79 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4342-0770-8
Release Date: July 2008
 

Written by Betty G. Birney

I have read other Humphrey books and this one, like the others, did not disappoint me. I truly enjoy the way that Humphrey wants to encourage the children in the class. He wants the children to succeed. It also teaches that in every class there are different personalities and concerns. I really enjoy these books for a nice reading chapter book.

Review by Susan Seegmiller, Library Media Assistant, Roosevelt Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Surprises According to Humphrey
Puffin / Penguin
123 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241296-1
Release Date: January 2009


 

Written by Kim Wayans and Kevin Knotts, Illustrated by Soo Jeong

Amy has been home-schooled until now. She's happy she decided to go to a public school. She has a group of friends that she enjoys spending time with. Her friend Pia tells her something in confidence and begs her not to tell others. While defending Pia's recent mood change, she accidentally tells another friend Pia's "secret." I was pleasantly surprised by the writing. I know Kim Wayans from her comedy entertaining but the writing was actually pretty good. The story has great discussions on friendship, trust, and asking for forgiveness: all important lessons for everyone. The art work wasn't my favorite, so much so that it did influence my opinion of the book.

Review by Kimberly Jensen, Library Media Assistant, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-5

Secret's Out (Amy Hodgepodge, #5)
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin
110 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45079-7
Release Date: February 2009  

Written by Laurie Friedman, Illustrated by Jennifer Kalis

Mallory goes on a class field trip to Washington D.C. and this book is a journal of her trip.
The book was very fun, written from a child's point of view. Fun little captions are interjected throughout the book along with lingo that kids would love.

Review by Laura Schmidt, Library Media Assistant, Fox Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-4

Red, White, and True Blue Mallory
Lerner Publishing Group
183 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8225-8882-5
Release Date: April 2009
 

Written by Leslie Margolis

Thanks to her mom and mom's boyfriend, Annabelle has moved from her friends, city, and home to a new city. To help her feel better her Mom buys her a puppy, which she resents. However, when she starts to train the dog, she tries similar techniques with the Jr. High boys. Amazingly, it works.

Review by Lori Draney, Library Media Assistant, David Gourley Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Boys Are Dogs
Bloomsbury
195 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-221-0
Release Date: September 2008




 

Written by Brian James, Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin

A group of young pirate children, who are attending pirate school on the ship, Sea Rat, meet up with another pirate ship. They are given the opportunity to go for a week on the Bone Rattler and look for treasure. They are told all they need to do is play. The soon find out if you don't keep up on repairs and pay attention to rocks and other hazards you can find yourself in very hazardous circumstances.  These books are very easy to read and can be read very quickly.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-6

Shiver Me, Shipwreck! (Pirate School #8)
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin
64 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-44888-6
Release Date: January 2009



 

Written by Rachel Wright

Lauren Cracknell finds herself in trouble with the school Bully, Tonya Ravonia. An e-mail was accidently sent to a number of students when she thought it would be sent only to her friend Dex. She is trying to avoid Tonya to escape her retribution.  Someone breaks into her room and tries to steal items. She first suspects Tonya. Then she suspects her mother is dating one of her teachers. They find a note that someone is blackmailing.  They think the lady works with her mother. The evidence leads her to believe that the teacher is involved that she thinks is dating her mother. This story has lots of shifts in the mystery.

Review by Todd Francis, Library Media Teacher, Jefferson Jr. High
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

You've Got Blackmail
Putnam / Penguin Group
194 pages
Release Date: April 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 Laurie Halse Anderson

Middle school is awful for animal loving Maggie, until she enters her science class and finds her teacher, Mr. Carlson, is blind and has a guide dog. Maggie has worked with animals all her life and she and her teacher find a way to help each other adjust to their changing lives. If you have animal loving students you will definitely want to put this book on your shelves! It shows a very positive relationship between a student and a teacher! How often do you see or hear of that these days?

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

Teacher's Pet (Vet Volunteers Series #7)
Puffin / Penguin Group
135 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241252-7
Release Date: Apr 2009 
 

Written by Suzy Kline, Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz

Horrible Harry rewrites the classic fairy tale "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" in order to explain his love of earwigs. This is an upbeat and fun classroom read.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Library Media Assistant, Stansbury Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Horrible Harry Bugs the Three Bears
Puffin / Penguin Group
62 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241295-4
Release Date: Apr 2009




 

Written by Valerie Gladstone, Photographs by Jose Ivey

A cute book about a young girl and her dancing, her school, practices, and performances.

Review by Stefanie Meier, Library Media Assistant, Valley Crest Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 3+

A Young Dancer: The Life of an Ailey Student
Henry Holt
44 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8233-3
Release Date: Mar 2009

 

Written by Bruce Hale

This is the first Chet Gecko mystery I've read. Chet and his friend Natalie try to find out why students at their school are acting weird. I'm afraid I couldn't relate to these animals as main characters. Chet tries to act like an edited version of an old "Dragnet" star, but it didn't "hook" me.  I've heard that some students are really into this series, so I'm willing to see how my students react. It's always interesting to see what they will read.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

From Russia with Lunch
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
112 pages
ISBN: 978-0-15-205488-5
Release Date: Jan 2009

 

Written by Tina Wells, Illustrated by Michael Segawa

This book is about a girl named Mackenzie who gets her diary stolen. The thief reveled all her secrets on the board.  This is a good book for 10-12 year old girls.

Review by Stefanie Meier, Librarian, Valley Crest Elementary School
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Mackenzie Blue
HarperCollins
208 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-158308-7
Release Date: May 2009






 

Written by Niki Daly

About a girl who loves art who gets a new art teacher. She learns about different types of art, but with the different styles the teacher gets in trouble. Not my favorite, probably would not pick up this author again.

Review by Stefanie Meier, Library Media Assistant, Valley Crest Elementary School
Rating: ★★½✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 2-3

Bettina Valentino and the Picasso Club
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
103pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-30753-0
Release Date: Apr 2009





 

Written by Steve Voake, Illustrated by Jessica Meserve

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to animals? Or if ants really think about things? Daisy Dawson is a wonderful girl that loves all living things. One day while walking to school she saves a butterfly from a spider's web, and then discovers that she can understand the animals and they can understand her. She has some great adventures, including saving an ant that got left behind and was lost. This is a wonderful easy chapter book that the younger readers will love. I did!

Review by Irene Taylor, Library Media Assistant, Vista Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Daisy Dawson Is on Her Way!
Candlewick Press
98 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4294-5
Release Date: Mar 2009



 

Written by Gail Donovan, Illustrated by Janet Pedersen

Joshua Tree Hewitt is a fifth grader who's always in trouble with somebody because he can't stop talking. One morning he finds a frog with three back legs. He brings it to school. Some of the students make fun of it. Others are very interested in it. Joshua wants to learn why the frog has three back legs. He also worries about the tadpoles that are in the pond in his backyard. This would be a great read-aloud book. It would be interesting to see who students would identify with. Teachers could also discuss what their students might do in similar circumstances.

Review by Debbie Carlton, Library Media Assistant, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

In Memory of Gorfman T. Frog
Dutton / Penguin Group
180 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-42085-9
Release Date: Mar 2009



 

Written by Claudia Mills, Illustrated by Heather Maione

Oliver Olson is in the third grade. His parents are over-protective. They don't let him do anything fun. They do everything for him, including most of his homework. Oliver has to make a diorama of the solar system. His parents know just the way it should be done. Oliver has his own ideas. When his talkative classmate, Crystal, asks him to be her partner, he agrees. He finally tells his parents he has a partner. Oliver and Crystal have their own ideas about their diorama . . . including where Pluto should be. The illustrations are cute.  The story is fast and funny.  Some students may see their parents in this book. This would be a great read-aloud book. It would also be a good book for kids to read to their parents.

Review by Debbie Carleton, Library Media Assistant, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

How Oliver Olson Changed the World
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
104 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-33487-1
Release Date: Mar 2009


 

Written by Sally Warner, Illustrated by Jamie Harper

Emma wants to be excellent.  When her school PTA decides to do a winter games she works really hard to win. She wants her dad to notice her and see how good she is. When she does win she realizes that there is more to winning . . .

Review by Stefanie Meier, Library Media Assistant, Valley Crest Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 2-3

Excellent Emma
Viking / Penguin Group
130 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-06310-9
Release Date: Mar 2009


 

Written by Clara Gillow Clark

It is a sequel to Hattie On Her Way, but it can stand on its own.  It is about a girl who is sent to live with her grandmother.  As her grandmother's financial situation worsens, Hattie is forced to atten a "common school" in the late nineteen hundreds, where she stands up to a show off girl and shares embellished stories.  It is a cute book for a young girl to read.

Review by Diane Scott, Western Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Secrets of Greymoor 
Candlewick Press / Random House
166 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3249-6
Release Date: May 5, 2009


 

Written by David A. Adler

There are three short mysteries in this book. Each mystery involves a sport - racing, soccer and baseball. Cam always has an interesting way of solving mysteries and these stories are no exception.  I think the readers will enjoy the memory games in the back of the book.  I would recommend this book for a newly independent reader. It would hold their interest.

Review by Dianne Sonzini, Library Media Assistant, Pioneer Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 1-3

Cam Jansen and the Sports Day Mysteries
Viking / Penguin Group
118 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-01163-6
Release Date: Apr 2, 2009


 

Written by Douglas Wood, Illustrated by Jim Burke

True story of the author's struggle with learning to read and a special teacher who kept him after school to teach him.  Introduces ADHD symptoms (without saying that is the problem) and the author's note at the end gives further explanation. The book Douglas is reading is The Little Island, so as a read aloud, it might be fun to have that book available to show also. The book was well written and the illustrations were very good also. Mr. Wood also give kudos to teachers who are dedicated and patient in dealing with difficult learners. This book made me cry. I loved how Douglas compared his own experiences camping and fishing with The Little Island. I felt like I was witnessing this boy's frustrations and then getting excited about learning how to read.

Review by Terrie Bishop, Library Media Assistant, Academy Park Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-6

Miss Little's Gift
Candlewick Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-1686-1
Release Date: Aug 11, 2009


 

Written and Illustrated by Jamie Harper

Miss Mingo is a flamingo who gets the students in her diverse class to tell her something about themselves by first telling them something interesting about her. Cute pictures and a classroom setting provide a fun backdrop for learning interesting facts about the animal students. This book is a great introduction for a discussion about the different talents and abilities we all have.

Review by Keri Crane, Library Media Assistant, James E. Moss Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-4

Miss Mingo and the First Day of School
Candlewick Press
24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4134-4
Release Date: Jul 14, 2009


 

Written by Alison McGhee, Illustrated by Drazen Kozjan

Ten-year-old Julia Gillian's best friend is keeping secrets, their beloved lunch lady was replaced by a tyrant, and trumpet lessons prove difficult, making it hard for her to follow the music teacher's advice to "look for the joy."

Julia Gillian must face the music after a few small lies snowball into a lot of uncomfortable fillings as she tries to act grown up and solve her own problems. 

This is a fun read for 5th graders who like school stories.

Review by Julie Johnsson, Library Media Assistant, Oakwood Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Julia Gillian (and the Quest for Joy)
Scholastic Press
312 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-03350-3
Release Date: Apr 15, 2009


 

Written by Paul Fleischman, Illustrated by Dave Roberts

Miss Breakbone labels her students as a group of dunderheads. When things go too far they decide to get even. It turns out that each student has something to contribute, some talent to offer. I liked how this book shows that even though they are different they all have something special to share.

Review by Kim Liston, Library Media Assistant, Woodstock Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 2+

The Dunderheads
Candlewick Press
56 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2498-9
Release Date: Jun 9, 2009


 

Written by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

This book was adapted for young readers from the original book, Three Cups of Tea. This edition has kept the important parts of the book about Greg's relationships with the people and his struggle for acceptance with some groups. The chapters with Greg's family background and education should also be informative for young readers. This is an important story that demonstrates what one person can do with perseverance and dedication.

Review by Robin Larsen, Library Media Specialist, Matheson Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

Three Cups of Tea (The Young Reader's Edition)
Dial Books for Young Readers / Penguin Group
155 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3392-3
Release Date: Jan 22, 2009


 

Written by Marc Tyler Nobleman, Illustrated by Bradford Kimball

Fourteen year old Simon Print is transformed into a wolfanoid: half-boy, half beast. Scary story lovers will be engaged with werewolf pictures and a frightening yet fun story line.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Library Media Assistant, Stansbury Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-6

Werewolf High
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
75 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4342-1612-0
Release Date: Aug 15, 2009



 

Written by Marilyn Singer, Illustrated by Evan Polenghi

A delightful story of a cheery yellow school bus with a big grin on its front grill. Starting early in the morning the school bus describes its busy day picking up the children.  It carries them from home to school and back again in safety. Sometimes it takes the children to field trips to the zoo and other exciting places, and waits patiently until it's time to return back to school. After a busy day, and goodbyes from the children, the school bus finally settles in for a good night's sleep under the moon.

Story is written in short lines and simple rhyming text. Colorful artwork uses bright colors,with each picture outlined in bold black lines.  This story would be an excellent choice for kindergarten children facing their first school-bus commute/field trip.

Review by Bonnie Prime, Library Media Assistant, Taylorsville Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Preschool-1st Grade

I'm Your Bus
Scholastic Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-08918-0
Release Date: Jun 1, 2009


 

Written by Julianne Moore, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

A cute story of a little girl named Freckleface Strawberry.  She loves to go to Early Bird, where kids get to play outside before school starts, playing anything she wants to.  Unless it's raining, which means playing dodgeball in the school gym. She has a fear of a boy, Windy Pants Patrick, who throws a very mean ball. Freckleface Strawberry comes up with a plan for dealing with her dilemma by inventing a monster.

The artwork is very entertaining with bright color illustrations done with a Japanese brush pen, revealing the characters' fear and emotions.  Not many bullies could be so easily defeated, but in a story for young children, a lesson in how to stand up for oneself is always welcome!

Review by Bonnie Prime, Library Media Assistant, Taylorsville Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully
Bloomsbury
34 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-316-3
Release Date: Apr 28, 2009


 

Written by Aaron Reynolds, Illustrated by Andy Rash

This was a darling picture book. A young boy who goes to Superhero School expects to immediately go and save the world. He soon realizes he needs to learn all about math so that he will have the skills to save the world. It has a positive message about learning.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades K-5

Superhero School
Bloomsbury
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-166-4
Release Date: Jul 7, 2009


 

Written and Illustrated by Jamie Harper

I think this is a great book to share with the younger children to help them understand fire drills and fire safety. It talks about loud noises and what to do instead of panicking. It is done in a fun and entertaining way.

Curriculum Ties: safety, fire safety
Review by Jodie Uriarte, Library Media Assistant, Copper Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill
Candlewick Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3597-8
Release Date: Jul 28, 2009


 

Written by Linda Skeers, Illustrated by Ard Hoyt

This is a wonderful book on patriotism. Caleb is given an assignment to do a project on patriotism. He can't decide what he wants to do it on. One girl does a paper mache Liberty Bell. Another boy draws all the states. A girl dresses up as the Statue of Liberty. He is also concerned that his dad won't be there for the parent night. He finally decides on his project: he has a picture of his dad in his military uniform and tells how he is serving his country. It was very well done.

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

The Impossible Patriotism Project
Puffin Books / Penguin Group
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241391-3
Release Date: Apr 30, 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 Lynda B. Comerford

"Being your own person doesn't alway make you a hero. I know on account of what happened to me this year when I started middle school."

Eleven-year-old Clarissa "Rissa" Bartholomew has a rough start as middle school begins. She manages to "leave the herd" in a way that leaves her struggling to decide who her real friends are and what friendship even is.  Rissa relies on her older sister for some strategic hints during a few crises, but must go it alone on some others. 

This book is a fun read for those who like realistic fiction. It focuses on relationships among girls of age eleven or so and has a positive message.

Review by Julie Johnsson, Library Media Assistant, Oakwood Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Rissa Bartholomew's Declaration of Independence
Scholastic Press
250 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-05058-6
Release Date: May 1, 2009


 

Written by Herman Parrish, Illustrated by Avril Lynne

This was a fun, delightful book. Amelia Bedelia goes to school for the first time. She takes everything the teacher says very literally. She has many andventures and is excited to return the next day.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 1-3

Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School
Greenwillow Books / HarperCollins
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-154455-2
Release Date: Jun 23, 2009


 

Written by Carl Hiaasen

Scat is a story about an unpopular High School biology teacher and a few of her students who help save an endangered mama black panther and her cubs in the swamps of Florida. Not a very interesting story, really, but what motivated me to keep reading was the bit of intrigue and mystery woven into the theme of helping endangered animals and good overcoming evil. I think upper elementary and junior high students would enjoy this book, even though it is about high school students.

Review by Becky Shaap, School Technology Specialist, Twin Peaks and Woodstock Elementary Schools
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 6-8

Scat
Knopf
371 pages
ISBN: 978-0-375-83486-8
Release Date: Jan 27, 2009



 

Written by John van de Ruit

Fifteen year old Spud milton is starting his second year at his boarding school in South Africa. With a great girlfriend and great friends, the year couldn't go better. He and the crazy eight are up to their old tricks. From convincing the first years that they needed to go for an illegal nightswim to going on expulsion-worthy adventures, Spud and his friends are as rowdy as ever. When things with his girlfriend get rocky and the first years turn out to be just as ruly and disobedient, Spud realizes things aren't always what they seem and puberty can be a real bear. A funny story filled with mischief and mayhem that reluctant readers will love. Boys who like humor, David Lubar, and other boy school survival stories will love reading about Spud.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 7+

Spud- The Madness Continues . . .
Razor Bill / Penguin Group
337 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59514-245-0
Release Date: Sep 17, 2009



 

Written by Anne Osterlund

Aerin is an escaped prisoner who is given a second chance. She is accepted in to the most prestigious school in the universe, Academy 7. Dane Madousin is also accepted at Academy 7, but his father doesn’t want him there. As the top two students at the Academy, they are very competitive. What will bring them together? What is hiding in both of their pasts? Can they unite and where will they end up?

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Academy 7
Speak / Penguin Group
259 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241437-8
Release Date: May 14, 2009






 

Written by Penny Ives

This is a fun story of a drama queen duck, who from the time she was born knew that she was something special and expected everyone to treat her that way. She even expected to have the lead role in the school play. When time for Celestine to do her part she gets stage fright and forgets what to say. She still is able to make a dramatic exit and on the way home she feel a bit sad about forgetting her line, but her mother tells her she will always be a star to her as she tucks her into bed. The illustrations are very soft and pretty and some of the words on the pages turn in circles and curly-Q’s. This would be a great book to help boost any small child’s ego.

Review by Marjorie Briggs, Library Media Assistant, Oquirrh Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Kindergarten-3rd Grade

Celestine, Drama Queen
Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic Inc./Templar Publishing
pages 29
ISBN: 0545081491
Release Date: March 2009

 

Written and Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein

This book is about a kitten who is treated like a child and is allowed to go to school. Once she gets there she finds that she cannot follow the rules because she is a cat and not a person. I thought the illustrations were cute but the main character of the story struck me as bratty. She does, however, redeem herself at the end of the story, but by that time It was too late for me to really like this character.

Review by ReNae Hymas, Library Media Assistant, Oquirrh Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★½✩✩
Interest Level: Grades K-2

Minifred Goes to School
HarperCollins
29 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-075889-9
Release Date: 2009




 

Written and Illustrated by Tom Angleberger

This is a great kids book for elementary schools, and jr. high school students would enjoy it also. Tommy and his friends are the most unpopular boys in school and then Dwight (the nerdiest) makes this origami Yoda and he starts giving them all advice in this weird Yoda voice with strange mixed-up sayings. Yoda advice really starts helping people and everyone is shocked, so Yoda becomes the center of attention (good and bad) as the story unfolds and the kids wonder if Yoda is some sort of hoax or if the Force is really helping them. 

Best part: there are instructions on how to make your own origami Yoda in the back of the book.

Review by Angela Pratt, Library Media Assistant, Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-9

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
Amulet Books
152 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8109-8425-7
Release Date: Mar 2010




 

Written by Jane O'Connor, Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Fancy is learning about poety in school, so she and her family write poems to put on the poetry tree.  Cute little story. With a collection of poems in the back.

Review by Angela Pratt, Library Media Assistant, Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire
[publisher]
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-189643-9
Release Date: March 2, 2010