A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban Realistic Fiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Zoe Elias is ten, going on eleven, and she’s planning to be the next child prodigy playing piano at Carnegie Hall. Unfortunately, her father sidetracks her big plans by getting her an organ (the Perfectone D60) instead of the baby grand piano she’s got her heart set on. No matter. Zoe decides to become proficient at the Perfectone … Read more
Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata Realistic Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) I love how this book is sprinkled with Japanese words. And not just ones that you would hear anyway, but things like “kira-kira” – glittering – or “katsu” – triumph. This is the story of Katie’s family, how they move from a small Japanese community in Iowa to an even smaller Japanese community in Georgia. Katie, from the time she is born, is … Read more
Hamster and Cheese Guinea PIG #1 by Colleen AF Venable illustrated by Stephanie Yue Funny Mystery Graphic Novel * * * * Stars (Great!) Sasspants the guinea pig lives in a pet shop with a bunch of other animals. The owner of the shop, Mr. Venezi, has really bad eyesight, though, and doesn’t know much about the animals he’s selling. As a result, most of their cages are grossly mislabeled – the hamsters are “koalas,” … Read more
Fablehaven Fablehaven #1 by Brandon Mull Fantasy * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Kendra and Seth believe they are in for a long boring visit at their grandparents’ country home. The wooded property begs to be explored, but they are not allowed to enter the woods or go into the barn, and there are so many rules, they will never have any fun! Deciding to bend the rules, they venture out and discover … Read more
Emmaline and the Bunny by Katherine Hannigan Realistic Fiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This would make a delightful read-aloud for grades 1-4. Author/illustrator, Hannigan, embraces word play and fun in this charming story of a young girl’s quest to be true to herself and be lonely no more. The book’s short chapters and big illustrations make it a good transition to longer juvenile fiction. Reviewed by Debbie Luetscher, Youth Services Staff
Little Joe’s Big Race by Andy Blackford 1st Reader * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Its unique plot and laugh-out-loud ending, paired with engaging illustrations, make this an outstanding choice for beginning readers with basic skills. Reviewed by Debbie Luetscher, Youth Services Staff
A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck Historical Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Richard Peck is an author of several award-winning historical fiction books for kids. In A Season for Gifts, he has written another exceptional story. Set in the 1950’s, this is the story of 12-year-old Bob, his family and his experiences as the new kid in town. This novel is filled with remarkable characters, including the older teenage sister who begins … Read more
The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn by Thomas and Dorothy Hoobler Historical Fiction Juvenile Fiction Mystery * * * * Stars (Great!) Seikei is the son of a merchant in ancient Japan, but he longs to escape his current station and become a noble samurai – one of the knights of Japan. He gets his chance when he notices a mysterious figure in the dark while he and his father are staying at an inn. … Read more
Savvy by Ingrid Law Fantasy * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) In the Beaumont family, when your 13th birthday rolls around you discover what your “savvy” is. Having a savvy is a lot like having a special skill or talent, except that there’s no way to tell what your savvy is going to be until it shows itself. Like Mibs’ brother Fish, who found that his savvy can make storms and hurricanes blow up … Read more
Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs Adventure Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) This book is about Victor and his adventure to cross the wire into the United States of America to help his family. The main character is Victor. Other characters are Rico, Miguel, Julio, Rico’s parents, Victor’s parents. I liked this book because it’s full with adventure and suspense. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good … Read more