A Year Without Autumn

A Year Without Autumn
by Liz Kessler

How would you like to ride on an elevator that takes you to the future?  That’s what happened to Jenni when she rode an old elevator in her best friend's building.  After stepping off the elevator, she learns that she has gone ahead in time one year and that everything has changed.  Her best friend Autumn’s family is falling apart due to a tragedy that occurred the previous summer.  Jenni has no idea what she missed during the year.  Unfortunately, this isn’t a problem that can be easily fixed by riding the elevator back downstairs!  As she continues to ride the elevator, things continue to change and Jenni soon has large gaps in her life that she must fill in.  She knows the answer lies somewhere in the elevator, but can she find it in time to save her family and friendship?

I thought this was a nice story that focused a lot on friendship.   I loved how Jenni was so devoted to helping her friends and family. The time-traveling elevator certainly gives the story some great twists!  

Author's website:  http://www.lizkessler.co.uk/

Breaking Stalin's Nose

Breaking Stalin's Nose
by Eugene Yelchin

Sasha Zaichik feels very lucky to be living in pre-Communist Russia under the rule of the his idol, Stalin.   The son of a secret Soviet policeman, Sasha looks forward to becoming a Young Pioneer, which is a great honor for any young Soviet child.   However, one night the same secret police his father works for comes and arrests his father.   Sasha is convinced that his hero Stalin will release his father in time for his Young Pioneer induction ceremony, but as more things start to go wrong he soon begins to question his confidence in his leader and in communism.    

Breaking Stalin's Nose is a 2012 Newbery Honor book.   I highly recommend this book, especially to readers who enjoy historical fiction.   This is an excellent book that may lead some readers to wanting to learn more about that time period.

Author's website:  http://www.eugeneyelchinbooks.com/breakingstalinsnose/index.php

Breaking Stalin's Nose book trailer:

Juniper Berry

Juniper Berry  
by M.P.  Kozlowsky

To most of the world, eleven-year-old Juniper Berry has it all: famous parents, a beautiful mansion, and a private tutor so that she doesn't have to go to school.   However, all is not happy inside the Berry home.  Juniper's once loving, cheery parents have suddenly become cold and distant.   When she comes across a boy, Giles, in the woods one day, she learns that his parents have also gone through a similar change.   After following her parents into the woods, Juniper discovers that a mysterious tree leads to the underground home of Skeksyl, a man who promises his visitors anything they want, but for a price.  Will Juniper and Giles be able to save their parents, or will they too fall into Skeksyl's trap?

This exciting and creepy modern fairy tale is a great choice for readers who enjoy fantasy!   I had a difficult time putting this book down. 

Author's website:  http://www.mpkozlowsky.com/

Juniper Berry book trailer:  

Kate & Pippin: An Unlikely Love Story

Kate & Pippin: An Unlikely Love Story
by Martin Springett
photographs by Isobel Springett

When an abandoned fawn named Pippin is taken in by a family, she finds an surprising best friend in Kate, their Great Dane!  Large, adorable photographs show the close bond between the growing fawn and her canine companion as they snuggle and play. This is a cute, heartwarming tale that most animal lovers will probably enjoy! Be sure to visit the author's website for additional pictures as well as videos about this unlikely pair.   

Author's website:  http://kateandpippin.com/index.html

Sidekicks

Sidekicks
by Dan Santat

Superhero Captain Amazing is looking for a new sidekick!   Many want the job, including his three pets: Fluffy the hamster, Roscoe the dog, and his newest pet, Shifty the chameleon.  Fluffy and Shifty seek out the help of Manny, the former feline sidekick of Captain Amazing, to help practice their crime fighting skills.  Roscoe, not to be outdone by his companions, shows off his own strengths as a potential sidekick.  While the three pets battle to be the sidekick to their beloved owner, the evil Dr. Havoc emerges from prison with a devious plan to defeat all superheroes.  Will Manny, Roscoe, Fluffy, and Shifty be able to come together to help Captain Amazing save the world from Dr. Havoc?

This is a fun graphic novel with great pictures and a lot of action!   I think this is a good choice for readers who like graphic novels or anyone who likes superhero stories!  

 Sidekicks book trailer: