The Ability

The Ability
by M.M. Vaughan

Constantly in trouble at school, twelve-year-old Christopher is the last person anyone would expect to be chosen to attend the prestigious, Myers Holt Academy.   Yet he finds himself attending the mysterious school with five other twelve-year-old children who all share a similar ability.   The six students soon find themselves being trained to use their abilities to help the government in a special task.  While the Myers Holt students are working to use their powers for good, elsewhere two other twelve-year-old boys are also being trained to use their ability by an evil woman out for revenge.  

The magical school setting of this story and the good versus evil storyline makes this book a great choice for those seeking a book like Harry Potter and other similar stories.    The conclusion of this exciting book left me anxious to read the next in the series!

Author's website: http://mmvaughan.com/theability

Joshua Dread

Joshua Dread
by Lee Bacon

If you think your parents can be embarrassing, imagine being Joshua Dread!  His parents are supervillains.  While others, including his best friend, idolize famous superhero Captain Justice,  Joshua must struggle with the secret that his parents are the infamous, havoc-causing Dread Duo.
Even though he lives in a home where his parents keep zombies and a killer plant, Joshua tries to be a normal kid.   Unfortunately, when he suddenly begins to develop his own superpower and his parents get kidnapped, Joshua must come to accept that his life will likely never be normal!   

Joshua Dread is a superhero with a hilarious twist!   I love how instead of having superhero parents, Joshua's parents are supervillains.  Despite their attempts to take over the world,  the actions of his parents tend to be more humorous than evil.   Full of action and humor, this book is a great choice for fans of Sidekicks and similar stories.   This also is the first in a series, with a sequel to this great book scheduled to be published in the fall.   I'm looking forward to Joshua's next adventure!

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

Unusual Creatures

Unusual Creatures: A Mostly True Account of Some of Earth's Strangest Animals
by Michael Hearst
illustrated by Jelmer Noordeman, Christie Wright, and Arjen Noordeman

Have you ever seen an axolotl?  How about a leafy sea dragon?   Did you know that the pygmy marmoset is probably the smallest monkey known to the world or that the glass frog has see-through skin on its belly?  This book is full of fun, fascinating facts about some of the most unusual creatures in the world.   Entertaining and educational, this book is great choice for anyone wanting to learn about some very unique animals. 


Unusual Creatures website:  http://www.unusualcreatures.com/

The Boy Who Invented TV

The Boy Who Invented TV:  The Story of Philo Farnsworth
by Kathleen Krull
illustrated by Greg Couch

Once upon a time there was no television, no internet, and very few phones.    Philo Farnsworth was captivated by inventions, particularly the phonograph and telephone.  When he read about inventors trying to create something called television, he set out to try to create one and, while plowing a potato field at the age of 14, got an idea for how to make it work.   Years later, Philo was able to use his work to create what is believed to be the first televised images.

Until I read this story, I knew very little about the early history of television.     What an inspirational biography about a creative young inventor!

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

Just Ducks!

Just Ducks!
by Nicola Davies
illustrated by Salvatore Rubbino

A little girl wakes to the sounds of ducks quacking outside her window.   Throughout her day, she watches the activities of the mallards that have gathered by her home.

Combining fiction and nonfiction,  this educational book incorporates many great facts about ducks throughout the story.  With impressive illustrations, numerous facts, and an index in back, this is a good choice for readers wanting to learn more about ducks.  

Author's website:  http://www.nicola-davies.com/

Biblioburro: A True Story From Columbia

Biblioburro: A True Story From Columbia
by Jeanette Winter

Luis Soriano had too many books!   An avid reader, when he finished one book he would soon get another.   When his wife insisted he find a place for all of his books, he decided to share them with those who did not have books by creating the Biblioburro, a traveling library.   Using two burros, Luis now travels to remote villages in Columbia to share his books with others. 

This is a great story that I recently used to discuss with my classes about how others don't have access to books the ways that we do!  This short biography about Luis Soriano pairs well with the picture book "Waiting for the Biblioburro" by Monica Brown.   

Video clip of the Biblioburro:

Beholding Bee

Beholding Bee
by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Young orphan Bee has spent her entire life as a carnival worker.    Working at the hot dog cart, she finds herself the source of much unwanted attention due to a large, red birthmark on her face.    As she endures the taunts of the public and the harshness of the carnival owner, Bee finds comfort with her caregiver Pauline.  Unfortunately, things begin to fall apart for Bee when Pauline is sent away. Feeling abandoned, Bee is left only with her dog Peabody.   When the carnival owner discovers her hidden dog, Bee realizes that she must run away and find a new home for her and Peabody.   Although she finds the perfect home with two mysterious, old-fashioned women, Bee still faces many challenges in her new life.


Set in the 1940s, Beholding Bee is a heartwarming historical fiction with a touch of magic.   Bee deals with many difficult challenges due to her birthmark,  including her being separated from other students at school, yet grows emotionally stronger and more confident throughout the story.   Fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder may want to try this book.  


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