The Wild Robot

The Wild Robot
by Peter Brown

What happens when a robot ends up on an island?  It becomes a wild robot!  When robot Roz becomes shipwrecked on an isolated island, she must learn to adapt to life with a variety of wild animals who, at first, are terrified of what they think is a monster!  Will the other inhabitants of the island ever learn to accept Roz?

Peter Brown has always been one of my favorite authors and illustrators, in fact I recently completed a unit of his work with my kindergartners.   The Wild Robot is his first chapter book and I was just as thrilled with this book as I have been with his outstanding picture books!  This story of friendship, family, and survival is full of entertaining characters and many heartwarming moments.   The excellent illustrations that Peter Brown is known for complete this wonderful story.  It is definitely a book that I plan to recommend to many of my readers and hope that Peter Brown will continue to write more books like this!

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

Echo

Echo
by Pam Munoz Ryan

One harmonica impacts the lives of three children.   Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy live miles apart from each other, but over the course of a decade each one experiences the magic of the same harmonica in their own, unique way.  

While Echo, in its first pages, starts off as more of a fantasy, it soon turns into an inspiring historical fiction, with much of the book taking place during World War II.  Each character  deals with many struggles, including prejudice and poverty,  during which the harmonica is a source of comfort and joy.  

Echo was one of those books that, once I started reading, I couldn't stop until I finished!  I found myself being pulled into each character's unique, inspiring story.    I think that this is a book that will be enjoyed by many readers!

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

Confessions of an Imaginary Friend

Confessions of an Imaginary Friend: A Memoir by Jacques Papier
by Michelle Cuevas

Jacques Papier often feels invisible.   Teachers never call on him at school, no one ever picks him to be on a team.  It's as though no one realizes he's there.  The only person who really seems to notice him is his twin sister, Fleur.  One day he finally realizes why no one ever sees him:  he's Fleur's imaginary friend.   As he struggles to deal with not being real, he meets other imaginary friends.   One offers him the opportunity to become free from his imaginary world, but Jacques soon learns that it comes with a price.

One of two books on this year's MSBA list about imaginary friends, Confessions of an Imaginary Friend starts off as an almost funny story yet, further in, becomes very deep and emotional as Jacques struggles to understand his role as an imaginary friend and questions what is real.   Despite being "imaginary", Jacques has very real thoughts and feelings that many readers will relate to.   A great book that goes well with The Imaginary, a similar book on this year's MSBA list.


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

A Night Divided

A Night Divided
by Jennifer Nielsen

Gerta Lowe's family has been divided by a wall.  Shortly after her father and brother travel to the west in search of work and a new home for the family, the Berlin Wall goes up,  separating them.   Stuck under heavy guard in East Berlin with her mother and brother Fritz, Gerta fears she will never see her father and brother Dominic again.   Then, one day, she sees them on the other side of the wall.   After a while, she begins to realize that her father wants her to do the impossible: find a way to tunnel under the wall and out of East Berlin.   Will Gerta and her family risk their lives to escape East Berlin so that their family can be together again?

A Night Divided is a sad, beautiful story about a family trying to be together after years of separation.   This book shows readers the struggles faced by many people who lived in East Berlin during the time surrounding the rise of the Berlin Wall.   Not only is this a wonderful story about family, but also an emotional story about an important time in history.

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

Masterminds

Masterminds
by Gordon Korman

Can a town really be perfect?  With a population of only 185 people, no crime, and beautiful homes, Serenity seems to be a perfect small town.  However, Eli Frieden begins to suspect that Serenity may not be as perfect as it seems after he receives a mysterious letter from a friend.    Suddenly, Eli begins to question everything in his beautiful, calm, New Mexico town.   Is his world real?   What secrets are the grownups hiding from them?  Eli and his friends investigate and find a shocking answer!

After finishing this book (the first in the Masterminds series)  I needed to know what happened next and immediately went online to buy the next one!  Masterminds is full of action, suspense, and many unexpected twists.   I loved how Gordon Korman alternated between narrators, allowing the reader to  get to know the different characters and experience the life of Serenity from various perspectives.   I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the series when it gets published in March!

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

Fuzzy Mud

Fuzzy Mud
by Louis Sachar

A “shortcut” home meant to avoid a school bully has two friends battling something even more dangerous: fuzzy mud! Soon after their encounter with the odd looking mud Marshall and Tamaya find themselves battling unusual symptoms.  Where did the mud come from?   And will anyone find a cure for the fuzzy mud that soon spreads all over town?

What an entertaining science fiction book by award-winning author Louis Sachar (Newbery winner for his book Holes)!   It's a fast read that is full of action, mystery, environmental issues, and school struggles.  

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

Upside Down Magic

Upside-Down Magic
by Sarah Miynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins

Nory desperately wants to get accepted into Sage Academy.  Not only is it the best private magic school, her father is the headmaster and her brother and sister go there.  Unfortunately, Nory has a hard time controlling her magic, which ultimately costs her the chance to attend Sage Academy.    After failing her admission test,  Nory is sent to live her unusual aunt and attend a public school, where she finds herself in an "Upside-Down Magic" class with other kids who have a hard time getting their magic to work the way it should.   Will Nory, and her family, ever learn to accept her unusual magic?

Readers looking for a magical, humorous book will love this story!   A great choice for fans of Harry Potter and other fantasy books about kids learning to use their magical powers.

Book Website:  http://upsidedownmagic.scholastic.com/#_

Book trailer:

The Doldrums

The Doldrums
by Nicholas Gannon

Archer B. Helmsley was born a dreamer.   Growing up in his grandparents' unique home, Archer is surrounded by unusual items collected by his explorer grandparents throughout their travels.   All he wants is adventure, but after his grandparents disappear on an iceberg in Antarctica, his mother barely lets him even leave the house.    When Archer comes up with the idea for the ultimate adventure,  finding his missing grandparents, he and his friends Oliver and Adelaide must come up with a clever plan to get them to Antarctica before his parents, and their scary new teacher Mrs. Murkley, find out what they're up to!

The Doldrums is a humorous book about friendship and adventure.  Full of unique characters, charming illustrations, and many funny moments, this is a book that I know many readers will enjoy!   I was often reminded of the Roald Dahl classic Matilda as I read this, particularly with the character of Mrs. Murkley, who is very much like Matilda's Mrs. Trunchbull.   The ending of this book left me, and will likely leave other readers, curious about what will happen next with Archer, Oliver, and Adelaide.   Fortunately, it looks like author Nicholas Gannon plans to continue with this series and future adventures are in store for these three friends!

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

Book trailer: 

Moving Target

Moving Target
by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

A legendary spear with the power to change the world has turned Cassie Arroyo's life upside down!   The daughter of an art professor, Cassie is used to traveling the world.  However, when she learns that she is part of an ancient bloodline linked to the Spear of Destiny, she is in for the journey of a lifetime as she and her friend Simone flee from a dangerous organization that is out to get her!   As they embark on the dangerous, possibly deadly, mission of locating the missing spear, Cassie begins to uncover many secrets about her and her father's past that change her life forever.

What an exciting book!   Moving Target is an thrilling, suspenseful adventure that will leave its readers anxious for the next book in the series.   I know I'm looking forward to September 27th, when the next installment of Cassie's adventures will be available!  


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

The Imaginary

The Imaginary
by A.F. Harrold
illustrated by Emily Gravett

Rudger just appeared one day in Amanda's closet.   She eventually realizes he is imaginary, but that doesn't stop her from spending all of her time with him.  Rudger enjoys his time with Amanda as well, but their friendship is threatened when the evil Mr. Bunting appears.   Mr. Bunting is an imaginary friend hunter and, in a desperate attempt to escape him, Amanda and Rudger are separated.  Lost and scared, Rudger is rescued by an odd cat who brings him to the "Agency", a library full of other imaginary creatures who are looking for new "friends".  However, Rudger does not want a new friend, he just wants to find Amanda.  Will he be able to find his friend without getting caught by the evil Mr. Bunting?

The Imaginary is a heartwarming story of friendship and imagination, with a few scary, suspenseful parts in it as well!  Emily Gravett's beautiful illustrations are a wonderful addition to this amazing story.  Readers who enjoy fantasy with some scary twists should give this book a try!  

Author's website: www.afharroldkids.com

Seven Dead Pirates

Seven Dead Pirates
by Linda Bailey

Libertalia.  You!  Great-Granddad's last words to Lewis Dearborn made no sense.   That is, until he and his family move into the large, ramshackle home that once belonged to his great-grandfather.   Soon after moving in, Lewis learns that his home, particularly his new bedroom, is haunted by the ghosts of seven dead pirates.  The rowdy group of ghostly pirates, who once knew his great-grandfather, need Lewis to help them reclaim their old ship, now on display in a local museum.   How will Lewis be able to sneak these seven unruly, yet fearful of cars and other modern vehicles, pirates back to their ship without getting caught? 

A ghost story with a bit of humor mixed in, Seven Dead Pirates is a very entertaining read!  I love how the story also deals with school and family issues that the shy Lewis faces throughout the book.   This book will be a great choice for many readers!

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

The Tortoise and the Soldier

The Tortoise and the Soldier
by Michael Foreman

As he struggles to survive in a battle at Gallipoli during World War I, British Royal Navy soldier Henry Friston is shocked to discover a tortoise by his side.   Unable to leave his new companion behind, he sneaks him aboard his battleship, the HMS Implacable, where the two friends continue to travel the world together during the remainder of Henry's time on the ship.  This story, based on true events, follows the struggles faced by Henry Friston, as well as his fellow soldiers, as they fight in World War I, as well as describes the lifelong bond between Henry and his tortoise friend, Ali Pasha. 

What an amazing story!  Not only does it detail the challenges of the life of a World War I soldier, it also shows how strong a bond between a human and his animal companion can be!  Outstanding illustrations help bring this wonderful story to life.  This book is a great choice for fans of war stories as well as animal lovers.  

Full Cicada Moon

Full Cicada Moon
by Marilyn Hilton

When aspiring astronaut Mimi moves from California to Vermont in 1969, the 7th grader encounters a very different place than what she left behind. As she fights to fit into her new town and school, many of the people she meets react to her mixed heritage with questions, confusion, bigotry, and suspicion.  As much as Mimi wants to fit in, her determined personality and love of science continue to make her stand out to everyone she meets.   Will the strong willed Mimi find a way to fit in without having to sacrifice everything she believes in?  

This inspiring historical fiction is a wonderful story of staying true to oneself.   The narrator, Mimi, demonstrates incredible strength  and determination as she works to achieve her goals.   This was one of those books that, when I started reading it, I simply could not put down until I finished it!  

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

Took

Took
by Mary Downing Hahn

The move to West Virginia was supposed to be a new start for Daniel’s family.   Unfortunately, it has only been one disaster after another.   Their new house is falling part, the kids in his new school call him a snob, and his parents are fighting all the time.   When others tell him rumors about a ghost witch and the mysterious disappearance of the little girl who used to live in his house,  Daniel doesn’t want to believe them.  Then, when his own sister disappears suddenly, he realizes the stories of the  ghost witch may be true after all.   Will he be able to rescue his sister before it’s too late? 

Another creepy story by author Mary Downing Hahn!  For readers looking for ghost stories, she is  one of the authors I always recommend.  Took is  great choice for those looking for a haunting tale to read!

Author's website:  http://www.hmhbooks.com/features/mdh/index.html
Took game from author's website:  http://www.hmhbooks.com/features/mdh/took-game.html
The Took game requires Adobe Flash Player, so it unfortunately will not work on iPads.   

The Thank You Book

The Thank You Book
by Mo Willems

Piggie wants to say thank you!   Elephant, however, is worried that she will forget to thank someone.  As she rushes to thank as many friends as possible, will Piggie remember to thank the one, very important friend, that Elephant is worried that she'll forget?

The Thank You Book is the 25th, and last, book of the well-loved Elephant and Piggie series.  As I shared this book with some of my classes recently, many of us were a little sad to know that there would be no more new adventures of two of our favorite story characters. Fortunately, we also know that we love the Elephant and Piggie books so much that we don't mind reading them over and over again!   The Thank You Book was a touching conclusion to this wonderful series that had this librarian a little teary as she read the last couple pages! 

Thank-O-Rama site: http://www.thankorama.com/

Thank-O-Rama video:

The War that Saved My Life

The War that Saved My Life
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Ada has never been able to leave her family's tiny apartment.   Unable to walk due to a foot abnormality, Ada is not allowed to go outside and only views the world through a window.   When World War II begins, however, everything changes.   Jamie, her younger brother, must leave London to go to a safer place and, despite her mother forbidding it, Ada sneaks out with him so that she can escape their cruel mother.   Arriving in the country, they are placed with Susan, a woman who knows nothing about children.    In her new, but temporary, home, Ada finally gets a sense of freedom and hope that she never felt with her mother.   Will her happiness last or, once the war ends, will she be sent back to the unhappy life she ran away from?

A Newbery Honor book, The War that Saved My Life is an inspiring story about a young girl who overcomes many challenges to find a better, happier life.   Set in England during World War II, this book will be a great choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction as well as those looking for a story about family and hope.  

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

Earmuffs for Everyone!

Earmuffs for Everyone! 
by Meghan McCarthy

Who is Chester Greenwood?  While many credit him as the inventor of the earmuffs, author Meghan McCarthy explains how, while he was not the first person to make earmuffs, he became known as the inventor of them by improving the designs of other earmuff inventors.   As a result of his fame, Farmington, Maine celebrates Chester Greenwood Day every December.   In addition to describing the interesting history of earmuffs, including Chester Greenwood's contribution, she also explains to young readers what a patent is, why its important to inventor, and how many famous inventors developed items that were actually improvements on something created by someone else.  With fun facts and cute illustrations, this informational picture book is a fascinating look at a piece of Maine history!

An author's note in the back details the lengthy research that Meghan McCarthy had to do to unravel the complicated history of earmuffs.  This additional information should be shared with older students, as she came across quite a bit of inaccurate information on the internet as she struggled to put together the mystery of Chester Greenwood's contribution to earmuffs.   Through the use of primary sources and other, more reliable, resources, she was finally able to get a better understanding about Chester Greenwood's life and the history of earmuffs!

Author's website: http://www.meghan-mccarthy.com/homepage.htm

Crenshaw

Crenshaw
by Katherine Applegate

The first time Crenshaw showed up, Jackson and his family were living in their minivan.   When the imaginary cat makes a reappearance a few years later,  Jackson begins to worry that his family once again will lose their home.   Food and money are scarce, and his parents have begun to sell some of their possessions to help pay the rent and other bills.  As Jackson struggles with his family's situation and the possibility of being homeless again,  he reminisces about the last time Crenshaw appeared.   Is Crenshaw's appearance just a coincidence, or a sign that things are about to fall apart again?

Crenshaw is an emotional story that had me captivated from the first page.   As I say to many of my students, I know a book is a going to be a great choice for me if I don't want to put it down once I begin reading it.  Crenshaw was one of those books.  Reading about Jackson's struggles will give many a greater appreciation for what they have, and the strong bonds of his family throughout their challenges is heartwarming.  What a great book!

Book website: http://www.mackidsbooks.com/crenshaw/

Book trailer: 

Fly Guy Presents: Snakes

Fly Guy Presents: Snakes
by Tedd Arnold

Fly Guy, the beloved pet fly, is back and ready to teach us about snakes!   Fly Guy and his friend Buzz share a trip to the zoo, where they visit the snake house.   Photographs of a variety of snakes are paired with interesting facts about the slithery creatures.   Throughout it all, the cartoonish presence of Buzz and Fly Guy help make this informative read highly entertaining!

Fans of Fly Guy as well as of snakes will enjoy this addition to the Fly Guy Presents series.   This is a great choice for beginning readers looking for a fun, nonfiction book about snakes.  



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


Book trailer:

Frankencrayon

Frankencrayon
by Michael Hall

As a cast of crayons eagerly wait to present "Frankencrayon", the unthinkable happens: a scribble across the page!   In their well-meaning efforts to fix the scribble, the crayons only make it worse.   As everything starts to fall apart, the only choice is to cancel the story.  Unfortunately, no one told the crayons playing Frankencrayon!  Will Frankencrayon be able to save the day?

This humorous picture book will be a great read aloud!  Full of bright colors, an entertaining cast of crayons, and hilarious moments, it will bring many laughs.   Read it with other crayon stories, including Michael Hall's other crayon book, Red: A Crayon's Story, as well as Drew Daywait's books The Day the Crayons Quit and the Day the Crayons Came Home for a crayon themed unit!

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

Book Trailer:

Untamed: The Wild Life of Jane Goodall

Untamed: The Wild Life of Jane Goodall
by Anita Silvey

From a young age, Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall loved to observe animals.    Most indoor activities were of little interest to the girl who preferred to spend her time in nature, closely watching all around her.   Her love of animals, and watching how they lived, helped make her into the incredible woman she is today.  

Untamed follows the life of Jane Goodall from the time she was a little girl who would spend hours watching chickens, through her early years studying chimpanzees in Gombe, and finally to the well-known conservationist she is today.   Jane Goodall's life has been extraordinary, and Untamed details many of the fascinating moments in the life of this inspiring woman.   This excellent biography also includes many photographs of Jane throughout her life, including several from her work with chimps as well as moments from her childhood in England.   As a huge fan of Jane Goodall (it was her work that inspired me to earn my first college degree in Zoology) I found myself easily drawn into this book and didn't put it down until I was finished reading it.  This book is a must read for animal lovers and future scientists!

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

For more about Jane Goodall:
Jane Goodall Institute: http://www.janegoodall.org/
Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots: http://www.rootsandshoots.org/
    The Roots and Shoots program is devoted to helping young people find ways to make our world a better place through a variety of projects, including conservation, food drives, gardens, and other programs. 

Float

Float
by Daniel Miyares

How can a piece of newspaper make a rainy day more exciting?  Make it into a boat, of course!  In this wordless picture book, readers will follow the adventures of a young boy, dressed in his bright yellow rain gear, as he chases his newly made newspaper boat through a puddle in the pouring rain.  Where will be puddle bring his boat?  Read the book to find out!

This beautiful wordless picture book shows how something as simple as a newspaper boat can bring excitement and adventure to a rainy day.   With the brightly illustrated boy and his boat standing out against the grey/bleak background of a rainy day, the detailed pictures of this story will catch the attention and excitement of its audience as they experience this rainy day adventure!   This book will work well with a "what floats" theme with a class!

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

My Pen

My Pen
by Christopher Myers

 Inside every pen are millions of possibilities trying to get out!   All you need is a little imagination, and a pen, and you can have just about anything: elephants in teacups, dinosaurs, satellite sneakers, and more!  With a pen and an imagination, you can visit another country and experience new things.  Anything is possible with a pen!

In this outstanding book, award winning author/illustrator Christopher Myers uses beautiful black and white illustrations to demonstrate to readers the possibilities one can have with two simple objects: a pen and an imagination!

The Lion and the Bird

The Lion and the Bird
by Marianne Dubuc

When Lion helps an injured bird, he gains a companion to keep him company throughout the long, cold winter.   Once spring arrives, along with the rest of the bird’s flock, Lion realizes it is time for his new friend to leave and rejoin his bird friends.   Alone again, Lion wonders if he will ever see his friend again. 

This is a beautiful story of an unlikely friendship.  The gorgeous illustrations further emphasize the wonderful connection between the two friends.  The Lion and the Bird reminds readers that. no matter how cold and long the winter may be, things are always better when shared with a good friend.  This book will pair nicely with other stories of unlikely friendships, such as the fable The Lion & the Mouse. 

Pig is Big on Books

Pig is Big on Books
by Douglas Florian

Pig is big on books!  He reads everything and everywhere.  One day, however, Pig cannot find any books!  What’s the book-loving Pig to do without a book?  Write one of his own, of course!  

This short, sweet story by poet Douglas Florian is a great choice for young new readers looking for a book they can read on their own!   With short, repetitive text and illustrations that appear to have been done by a book loving pig, this is a fun book to practice reading with!

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

Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible

Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible
by Ursula Vernon

What does a hamster princess do if she's facing an evil curse on her twelfth birthday?  Anything dangerous she can until that day!   Princess Harriet, cursed by an evil Fairy God Mouse, knows there is no avoiding the curse put on her by the fairy Ratshade.  Knowing that she is invincible until her twelfth birthday, Harriet takes on as many dangerous quests as possible.  However, when the fateful day does arrive, things don't go as planned and, in an unexpected twist, Harriet must find a way to save the kingdom!  Will she succeed in her quest?

The first in a new series, Harriet the Invincible will be a hit with fans of Babymouse and other similar rodent tales.    Harriet is a spirited, fearless character that many will love following the adventures of!
Fans of Ursula Vernon's other series, Dragonbreath, will also want to try this exciting new series!

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

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree
by Ellen Potter
illustrated by Qin Leng

Piper Green's first day of 2nd grade is off to a rough start!   She has to ride the lobster boat without her big brother and, after refusing to remove her beloved earmuffs, she gets into trouble with her new teacher, Ms. Arabella.   Despite promising her parents that she will not wear the earmuffs in school the next day, Piper is not willing to easily part with her favorite earmuffs and decides she would rather not go to school than give them up.  

Set on a small Maine island, this series follows the island life of Piper Green, her family, and friends.    With short chapters, large font, and an easy to follow storyline, this book will be a nice choice for readers in 1st or 2nd grade ready to start reading chapter books.  

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

Under Their Skin

Under Their Skin 
by Margaret Peterson Haddix

When Eryn and Nick's mother announces she is getting remarried, they are shocked to learn that their new stepfather has two children, Jackson and Ava, that they were never told about.   To make matters more confusing, their mother and stepfather inform them that they will never meet Jackson and Ava and are ordered not to even ask questions about them.  

With the new marriage comes a new home, one that includes bedrooms for Jackson and Ava.   When Eryn and Nick discover their new stepbrother and stepsister's bedrooms are kept locked, their curiosity grows. Finally, they take a chance one day and decide to do some investigating about the mysterious Jackson and Ava.  What they discover shocks them and changes the way they see the world. 

Under their Skin was a book that, as soon as I started reading, I could not put down!   As with her other books, author Margaret Peterson Haddix's newest book is a thrilling combination of mystery, science fiction, and surprising twists!  Fans of her other books will want to read this first book in her newest series.  

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

The Big Blue Thing on the Hill

The Big Blue Thing on the Hill
by Yuval Zommer

What is that big blue thing on the hill? When a strange, terrifying thing appears on top of Howling Hill, the animals around don't know what to make of it.   Terrified by this strange object, they hide in the forest, waiting for it to leave.   When it doesn't leave, they do all they can to get it to leave.  When their efforts fail, they consult the wise owls for advice.  Will the owls be able to help the animals get rid of the big blue thing on the hill?  

An entertaining assortment of animal characters combined with detailed, action packed pictures make this funny book a winner!  I'm looking forward to sharing this with some of my classes. 
 

Have I Got a Book for You!

Have I Got a Book for You!
by Melanie Watt

Are you a fish in need of an umbrella?  Or a penguin who needs an icebox?  Perhaps you are a mole who needs a vacuum?  No? That's okay, because Mr. Al Foxword, one of the most sly salesmen you'll ever meet, has a book just for you!  That's right, and he'll do whatever he can to sell you this book, even throw in an extra bookmark.  

This hilarious book, written and illustrated by the author of the Scaredy Squirrel series, shows how far a sly fox will go to sell someone anything, including a book!   The bright, funny illustrations of the persuasive Al Foxword attempting to make a sale make this book even more entertaining!  

Author's website: http://melaniewatt.blogspot.com/