Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase

Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase 
by Jonathan Stroud

Residents of London are living in fear of the sinister ghosts that are haunting their city.   Ghost-hunting agencies, such as Lockwood & Co., are relied upon to rid homes and other buildings of lurking evil spirits.  Lucy, a girl with the ability to communicate with spirits, has recently joined Lockwood & Co. and, along with fellow ghost-hunters Anthony Lockwood and George Cubbins, finds herself in many dangerous, ghostly situations!  When a case turns into an embarrassing disaster, the three ghost-hunters must take on a potentially deadly case to save their business and their reputation!

This thrilling book, full of many scary moments, also has its share of humorous situations, making it a very entertaining story!   This is a series, and I suspect that readers will look forward to future adventures of the ghost-hunting trio of Lockwood & Co.

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

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Stranded

Stranded
by Jeff Probst and Chris Tebbetts

The boat trip was supposed to help them get to know each other better.   At least, that was the plan when four children, whose parents recently married, set off with an uncle on a family boat trip.    Unfortunately, not everything goes according to plan.  When a huge storm hits, the four step-siblings find themselves separated from their uncle as their boat crashes into a deserted island.  Now, they must come together and put aside their differences if they want to survive.

A great first book in what is sure to be an exciting survival series!  


Author's website:  http://www.jeffprobst.com/stranded.php

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Zombie Baseball Beatdown

Zombie Baseball Beatdown
by Paolo Bacigalupi

Something strange is going on at the Milrow meat plant!   First, a horrible odor from the plant sends everyone in town running to the safety of their homes.   Unfortunately, it doesn't end there.   After terrifying encounters with their baseball coach and a carnivorous cow, Rabi and his friends realize that something at the plant is causing humans and cows to become zombies!     Will they be able to prove their suspicions and save their town from brain-hungry people and cattle before it's too late?

In addition to the gross moments that would be expected in a zombie-themed story, this book also has many funny moments.  It also addresses more serious issues, including troubles with family, friends, and bullies.   Overall, a fun book with a cover that will attract many readers!

Author's website:  http://windupstories.com/

Book website: http://www.zombiebaseballbeatdown.com/

Half a Chance

Half a Chance
by Cynthia Lord

Like her photographer father, Lucy enjoys viewing her world through a camera.   Shortly after the family moves to their new home on a New Hampshire lake, her father once again must leave for a photo shoot, but before he lives mentions that he will be judging a photography contest for children.   Lucy realizes that this contest may be her one chance to show her father that she can be a great photographer too, and decides to enter it anonymously.

Lucy gains the help of her new friend and neighbor, Nate, as she searches for the perfect scenes for her contest photos.    As the two new friends work together, they also must deal with the declining health of Nate's beloved grandmother as well as the jealousy of one of Nate's other friends.     Lucy faces a difficult choice when she takes what she feels is a perfect picture, but risks losing her friendship with Nate if she chooses to use it for the contest.   

Half a Chance is a wonderful realistic fiction story of friendship and family.    The book is full of touching moments and deals with many issues that readers will be able to relate to.     

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

Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom

Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom (Heroes in Training)
by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
illustrated by Craig Phillips

 Hidden since birth, young Zeus is unaware of who is parents are.    After first being kidnapped by a group of giants, and then snatched by a flock of Harpies, the ten-year-old find himself brought to Greece where  he eventually faces Cronus, the King of the Titans.   Along the way, Zeus begins to realize that he may have some unique powers and, as he faces Cronus, he must use his powers to rescue others before he meets the same fate they did!

This series, which follows the lives of the Greek Gods and Goddesses as children, is a great choice for readers who enjoy mythology.    The books are relatively short (around a hundred pages), fast paced, and full of a lot of adventure, as well as many amusing moments!

Houseboat Mystery

Houseboat Mystery (Boxcar Children Graphic Novels)
by Gertrude Chandler Warner and Joeming Dunn
illustrated by Ben Dunn.

Taking a drive through the country, the Alden family come across a houseboat for rent.    After Grandfather agrees that the family can rent the houseboat, the Aldens prepare for a journey!    Their journey's start is almost interrupted when they almost get into an accident with a speeding car as they head home to pack for their houseboat adventure, but they are soon able to begin their exciting vacation.   However, it seems that they mysterious car they encountered keeps appearing everywhere they go, causing the family to be suspicious.  When a valuable vase gets stolen from an auction the family attends, they find themselves involved in the mystery and wonder if the suspicious car is somehow connected to the theft.   Will the Aldens be able to solve the mystery?

The Boxcar Children series was one of my favorites when I was in elementary school, so I was thrilled to see that a graphic novel version of this series is available!   Joeming Dunn's retelling of Gertrude Chandler Warner's story paired with great illustrations by Ben Dunn make this graphic novel a fun read.  I hope that those who find enjoy this book want to then read the original story, which I do have in the library!

The Odd Squad: Bully Bait

The Odd Squad: Bully Bait
by Michael Fry

Nick just doesn't fit in with anyone else at his school.   The shortest kid in seventh grade, he finds himself frequently being stuffed inside his own locker by a school bully.  After another locker-stuffing incident, Nick finds himself being forced by his guidance counselor to join the Safety Patrol, along with two other classmates, Molly and Karl,  who also don't fit in very well at school.   Although they get off to a rough start, the three members of the Safety Patrol decide to work together to combat bullying at their school.

Full of quirky characters, humorous illustrations, and many funny moments, The Odd Squad: Bully Bait is an entertaining book that many readers will enjoy, particularly those who like Diary of a Wimpy kid and similar series.   Bully Bait is the first in The Odd Squad series, so there will be more adventures of these three friends in future books!  

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Athlete vs Mathlete

Athlete vs Mathlete
by W.C. Mack

Owen and Russell are twins that couldn't be more different!  As fraternal twins, they look nothing alike, but the differences don't stop there.   Owen is an athlete, determined to impress his new basketball coach.    Russell has no interest in sports, preferring to compete with the Masters of the Mind team.   That all changes, however, when the new basketball coach spots the tall Russell and orders him to try out for the basketball team.    To the shock of both brothers, Russell makes the team!   Russell's success in basketball causes challenges for both brothers.   Russell struggles to balance being on the the Masters of the Mind team and the basketball team, and Owen must now share the basketball spotlight with his brother.  Will the twins be able to overcome their differences and work together as a team? 

I liked how this book not only dealt with sports, but also family and school issues as well.    Owen and Russell are great, realistic characters and I look forward to reading more of this series.  Athlete vs Mathlete is a nice choice for readers who enjoy sports stories as well as those who like school stories!

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

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The Waffler

The Waffler
by Gail Donovan

Monty can never make up his mind about anything!  His difficulty in making decisions keeps getting him in trouble and causes the new principal at his school to call him a "waffler", leading to Monty to soon have the nickname "Waffles" among the kids at his school.    Despite efforts by his parents, teacher, and principal to help him make (and stick to) decisions,  Monty continues to struggle to make up his mind about everything, including what to name his new pet rat!

After being assigned a kindergarten reading buddy, Monty soon learns that three other kindergartners are without 4th grade buddies.   Not wanting them to be left out, Monty decides to secretly become their buddy and read with them during recess.    Unfortunately, his teacher learns about his extra kindergarten buddies and orders him to only choose one!     Will he be able to choose just one without making the others feel left out?

Set in Portland, Maine, this realistic fiction addresses a lot of issues that many readers will be able to relate to, including step-families, conflicts with siblings, and school challenges.   This book is a good choice for readers who prefer realistic fiction and school-related stories.  

Author's website: http://gaildonovan.wordpress.com/

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing
by Sheila Turnage

When Mo's guardian, Miss Lana, accidentally purchases a rundown inn at an auction, she learns she just hasn't bought an inn, but also the ghost that lives there!   Mo, and her best friend Dale, impulsively decide to try to interview the ghost for an extra credit school assignment, and begin to investigate to figure out who the ghost of the Tupelo inn is.   As they work to solve the mystery, many obstacles, including a suspicious new student, stand in their way.  Will they be able to solve the mystery of the Ghost of the Tupelo Inn? 

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing is the sequel to Newbery Honor Book, Three Times Lucky.   The small town setting with its quirky characters adds a lot of humor to this ghostly mystery.    This is a great choice for readers looking for a mystery full of action, suspense, and funny moments!

Author's website: http://www.sheilaturnage.com/SheilaTurnage/Desktop.html

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The Boy on the Porch

The Boy on the Porch
by Sharon Creech

Imagine the surprise when a young couple, John and Marta,  find a little boy sleeping on their porch!  The boy cannot speak, but has a note saying his name is Jacob and that someone will be back for him.    As time passes, however, no one returns for Jacob.  Now John and Marta must decide what to do about this little boy who has become a big part of their lives. 

This is a very sweet, heartwarming story that shows how one person can have a lifelong impact on the lives of others.   This is an excellent choice for readers looking for a book about family and relationships.  



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

Mystery on Pine Lake

Mystery on Pine Lake
by Tamra Wight

Don't you think it would be great if your parents owned a campground?  Cooper thought it would be awesome when his parents bought a campground.   He was wrong.  Instead, his days are full of chores like cleaning bathrooms, emptying trash, and watching his little sister while his parents are always too busy to spend much time with them.   Even his old best friend from Portland no longer wants to spend time with him when he comes to the campground with his family.  

An aspiring Game Warden, Cooper enjoys spending the little free time he has keeping track of the wildlife around the campground.    When he learns that a loon nest is being threatened, he and his new friend Packrat work to help protect the birds.   Unfortunately, not everyone wants them to help the loons and soon Cooper and Packrat find that their efforts are being sabotaged.    Will they find the culprit before it's too late to help the loons?

Set in Maine, the Mystery on Pine Lake is a fun story that will be a good choice for readers who enjoy stories that involve camping and other outdoor activities.   With the focus of the story being about the loon, this is also a great book to use to talk and learn about Maine wildlife.     This book is also the first in a new series, so readers who enjoy this story will be able to read more about the adventures of Cooper and Packrat!

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

The Girl from Felony Bay

The Girl from Felony Bay
by J.E. Thompson

Abbey's happy life is torn apart when her father is accused of stealing jewels from a wealthy client.   With her father in a coma and unable to defend himself, Abbey loses her home, Reward Plantation, and is forced to live with her cruel Uncle Charlie and his wife Ruth.    Convinced her father is innocent, Abbey is determined to prove that he is not a thief.

At the start of her summer vacation, Abbey meets Bee, the daughter of the family who bought Reward Plantation.   As Abbey shows Bee around the plantation, they come across something at Felony Bay that makes them very suspicious.   Suspecting that the activity at Felony Bay is connected to her father's accident, Abbey, with the help of her new friend Bee, begins to investigate in hopes of proving her father's innocence. 

The Girl from Felony Bay is an exciting mystery full of suspense and adventure!    It also is a wonderful story about friendship and family.    I was very happy to learn that the author is writing to a sequel story because, although the ending was great, I felt that Abbey's story was not yet complete.  I'm looking forward the sequel, as will many others who read this excellent book!

Author's website: http://booksbyjohnthompson.com/the-girl-from-felony-bay/

Book trailer:


girl from felony bay from Authro on Vimeo.

Platypus Police Squad: The Frog Who Croaked

Platypus Police Squad: The Frog Who Croaked 
by Jarrett Krosoczka

It's Rick Zengo's first day on the Platypus Police Squad!   After a rough start with his new partner, Corey O'Malley, Rick and Corey must investigate the suspicious disappearance of a missing school teacher.   Rick immediately suspects the involvement of Frank Pandini, Jr., a well-respected and admired leader in their city of Kallamazoo.   Unfortunately, trying to prove Pandini's involvement is going to be a challenge, especially when Pandini owns almost everything in the entire city!    Will Rick and Corey be able to work together to solve the mystery of the missing school teacher?   

What a fun book!   The entertaining animal characters  bring humor to this action filled mystery.    Readers looking for a funny detective story will enjoy this book and look forward to future books in the series.    

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

Book trailer:
  

The Water Castle

The Water Castle
by Megan Frazer Blakemore

After his father's stroke, Ephraim and his family move to their ancestral home in Maine, the Water Castle.  As Ephraim settles into life in his unique, mysterious new home and adjusts to a new school, he learns about the Fountain, a source of magical water.  Ephraim is convinced that the water will cure his father, and sets off to find the the Fountain and, with the help of two new acquaintances, uncovers secrets about the history of the Water Castle.

The Water Castle is a touching story of family, friendship, and hope.    I enjoyed how the story alternated between Ephraim's present-day experiences and the perspective of Nora, a young girl hired to work in the Water Castle a century earlier.  

Author's website: http://www.meganfrazer.com/books/the-water-castle/

Book Trailer:

The Sasquatch Escape

The Sasquatch Escape
by Suzanne Selfors

Ben is convinced that spending the summer with his grandfather is going to be boring, until his grandfather's cat shows up with a baby dragon!  When he and his new friend Pearl bring the unique creature to the new vet in town, they realize that it's not an ordinary veterinary hospital, but a vet for imaginary creatures!  If things aren't  weird enough, they accidentally let a sasquatch loose and are forced to catch the creature before he's seen by anyone else!

This funny tale, full of unusual animals, is the first book in what will surely be an entertaining series!  Fans of animal fiction will likely enjoy Ben's wild adventures!

Author's website: http://www.suzanneselfors.com/imaginary.html

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The Abominables

The Abominables 
by Eva Ibbotson 
illustrated by Fiona Robinson

When young Agatha Farlingham is kidnapped by a yeti during a family camping trip, she soon realizes that the creatures are not the mean, violent animals that many believed them to be.  Rather, she finds that her new yeti family is kind and caring and devotes her life to teaching her new friends manners and how to speak.   Years later, as a new hotel is built close to the home of the yetis, the aging Agatha worries about how her yetis will survive without her and enlists the help of two children, Ellen and Con,  to transport the yetis to her family home in England.   With the help of truck driver Perry, Ellen and Con help to bring the quirky family of yetis on a long journey to England.   The journey is not a quiet one, however, as the travelers find themselves involved in many wild adventures along the way!  Will they make it safely to the childhood home of their dear friend Agatha?  And, when they arrive, will they be accepted by her family?

This imaginative tale is full of adventure and humor.  Author Eva Ibbotson has written a heartwarming story that challenges the notion that yetis are violent creatures and instead has portrayed them as gentle, loving, and frequently quirky characters.   With its fun illustrations and exciting adventures, this story will be a hit with many readers!

Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic

Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic
by Mark Tatulli

Desmond Pucket has created many ingenious, gross pranks.   Unfortunately, the sixth-grader's creative tricks have gone too far and he finds himself left with just three chances to prove that he has changed.  If he doesn't, then it will be a new school and missing out on the class trip to Crab Shell Pier.   Will the prankster be able to change his ways?

What a funny book!  I found myself laughing many times as I read this story.   In addition to the humorous writing, author Mark Tatulli includes many hilarious illustrations that only add to the humor of this great book.   Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and similar books will want to read this book!

Book website: http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/landing/desmondpucket/


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Mrs. Harkness and the Panda

Mrs. Harkness and the Panda
by Alicia Potter
illustrated by Melissa Sweet

In 1934 very few had ever seen,  or even knew of, the panda.   Few had dared to travel to the bamboo forests of China to see the mysterious animal, but Ruth Harkness knew her husband was one who would be able to make the journey.  Although she wanted to go with him to China to find a panda, at the time very few felt women should be explorers.    Waiting at home while her husband journeyed through China, she received the heartbreaking news that her husband had died in China before completing his quest.   Despite the doubts of many, Mrs. Harkness decided to travel to China and brave the bamboo forests so that she could complete her husband's quest to find a panda.

This is a well-written story about the history of the panda and how the first panda was brought back to the United States.   While sharing this story with students, be sure to include the author's note at the end, which explains how, in the 1930s, the views of animal conservation were very different than they are now.   The author also explains that, although what Mrs. Harkness did nearly eighty years ago would likely not be done today, her actions helped bring world-wide attention to the panda.   

Jangles

Jangles: A Big Fish Story
by David Shannon

No one has ever caught the legendary fish Jangles, but many have tried!   A young boy recounts the incredulous tales his father has told him about the amazing Jangles, a huge trout residing deep in Big Lake.   His father tells him of numerous attempts to catch the famous local fish, from the use of entire turkeys as bait to throwing dynamite into the water to lure the enormous trout out!    Despite the many attempts to catch Jangles,  no one had been successful.   That is, until one fateful day when the boy's father had an unusual, memorable encounter with the famous trout that changed his life.

   This entertaining story is a great book to use to help teach about tall tales.   I recently shared this book with some of my classes and we discussed the use of exaggeration when telling tall tales.   As always, David Shannon's illustrations are wonderful!

Have You Seen My New Blue Socks?

Have You Seen My New Blue Socks?
by Eve Bunting
illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier

Poor Duck can't find his new blue socks!   He asks all his friends, but no one has seen them.     As Duck continues to unsuccessfully look for his blue socks, he grows sadder and sadder until one young friend helps him find is socks in a very obvious place!

This story is a cute rhyming tale with fun, bright illustrations of Duck and his helpful friends.    This will be a great read aloud for younger grades followed by discussions about our own experiences of losing items that are special to us. 

Navigating Early

Navigating Early 
by Clare Vanderpool

 The return home of Jack's father, a Navy captain, at the end of World War II should have been a time of joy and celebration. However, it is the sudden death of Jack's mother that brings home his father after four long years at war. Jack, while mourning the unexpected death of his mother, must also adjust to life with a father he has not seen in many years. His life is further disrupted when his father announces that Jack will be attending a boarding school in Maine, far away from his lifelong Kansas home.

While struggling to adjust to his new life at the Morton Hill Academy, Jack meets the unusual Early Auden. Fascinated by this unique boy, Jack decides to join Early in a journey during their school break. During their long quest along the Appalachian Trail they meet a wide assortment of characters, face dangerous situations, and learn more about each other and themselves.

Navigating Early is a wonderful story of friendship, family relationships, and self-discovery.   I enjoyed reading this book and following the journey of these two unlikely friends as they navigated to find what they were looking for.   I think this book has the potential to appeal to many types of readers.  Fans of realistic fiction that addresses friendships and family relationships will enjoy this book and the World War II setting will appeal to those who prefer historical fiction.  

Author's website:  http://www.clarevanderpool.com/home.html

Flora & Ulysses

Flora & Ulysses
by Kate DiCamillo 
illustrated by K.G. Campbell

After rescuing a hungry squirrel from a disastrous encounter with a neighbor's new vacuum, ten-year-old Flora realizes that the injured animal has suddenly developed unusual talents. Flora, a fan of comic-books, is thrilled with the squirrel's new "superpowers" and is determined to keep Ulysses (named after the vacuum that injured him) despite strong resistance from her mother, an author whose is preoccupied with completing her latest romance novel. As Flora, her neighbor Tootie Tickham, and Tootie's young nephew William marvel over the talented Ulysses, they must also protect him from the attempts of Flora's mother and others to get rid of unusual squirrel.

This humorous tale, combined with its entertaining comic-like illustrations, is a well-written story and very deserving of the Newbery Medal it recently won! Fans of  Kate DiCamillo's other works will likely enjoy this fun story and readers who prefer graphic novels may appreciate the comic-style illustrations.   What a great book!

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

Book trailer:

A Tangle of Knots

A Tangle of Knots
by Lisa Graff

Cady, a young orphan, lives in a world where many people have unique "Talents".   Cady's is the ability to create the perfect cake for anyone.   When the head of her orphanage, Miss Mallory (who has the Talent of being able to make the perfect match for any orphan) places her with a kind man named Toby, Cady finds herself living above the Lost Luggage Emporium, an unusual store owned by an unusual man simply called The Owner.  Also living in the building is Marigold, a girl desperate to find her own Talent, and her family (each with their own unusual Talent).   While this cast of characters goes about their lives, The Owner continues with his own, sinister mission to reclaim what was lost to him many years ago.  

This is a fun, sweet tale that,  as the story progresses,  reveals numerous twists and connections  that bring the characters together in many unexpected ways.   Full of likeable characters, many humorous moments, and appealing cake recipes, this story is a great read and highly recommended to those who like a heartwarming story with a bit of magic.

Author's website: http://www.lisagraff.com/index.html

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
by William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer
illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

Growing up in a poor Malawi village, fourteen-year-old William lived without electricity as well as other resources many of us take for granted.    When a drought hit his village, food and money became scarce.   Forced to leave school, William began to visit the local library.   Through books, he was able to learn more about how things worked, including how a windmill could help bring electricity and water to his village.  Without the money or materials for a windmill, William was able to salvage materials from the village junkyard to build his country's first windmill, bringing electricity to his village for the first time.  

This biography is a wonderful tool for teaching about wind energy as well as how life is in other cultures.   I recently used this book to teach several classes about how some countries do not have many of the conveniences that we do and also discussed the use of wind as an energy source.

Author's website:  http://williamkamkwamba.typepad.com/ 

Related video:  This video includes interviews with William's family and others from his village.

One for the Murphys

One for the Murphys
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

After a vicious attack by her stepfather, twelve-year-old Carley is placed into foster care.    Life with the Murphy family couldn't be more different than living with her fun-loving mother and short-tempered stepfather.  Feeling abandoned and betrayed her mother, Carley initially resists the patient attempts of Mrs. Murphy to help her recover from the emotional pains of being betrayed by her mother.    Although Carley slowly begins to accept the Murphys,  her mother's return into her life threatens to take her away from the stable, loving family she has come to think of as her own. 

One for the Murphys is a beautiful story that brought out a variety of emotions in me as I read it!    I read this book in one day, unable to put it down.  I highly recommend this book for fans of realistic fiction.

Author's website:  http://lyndamullalyhunt.com/

Book trailer: 

Like Bug Juice on a Burger

Like Bug Juice on a Burger
by Julie Sternerg
illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Eleanor does not like camp.   In fact, she really hates it.   It's full of bugs, strange noises, and food that she doesn't like.    To make matters worse, she is the worst swimmer in her cabin.   To her, camp is like bug juice on a burger and she just wants to go home.   How will she ever survive ten days at camp?

Like Bug Juice on a Burger is a light, humorous story about a nine-year-old girl dealing with being away from home for the first time.   Eleanor is a likeable character that many girls will be able to relate to.  

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

Wake Up Missing

Wake Up Missing
by Kate Messner

All Cat wants is to be the way she was before her head injury.   The I-CAN treatment center, known for treating head injuries like hers, promises to do just that.   However, shortly after her arrival at the isolated Florida island home of the I-CAN center, Cat grows suspicious of the motives of the doctors.  She soon realizes that she, as well as the other five patients of the center, are part of a secret project.  Will she and the other patients be able escape the center before it's too late?

What a great book!  Wake Up Missing is one of those stories that I started and could not put down.  It's a thrilling combination of science fiction and mystery.   My only disappointment with this book was somewhat of a lack of closure in the end regarding several of the characters.  I was left wanting to know what happened next with everyone.  I'd love to see these characters again in future stories! 

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