Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary

PUBLISHER: Amulet @ 2012 PRICE: 12.95

ISBN: 9781419703966 INTEREST LEVEL: 4^th-8^th

ILLUSTRATOR: PAGES: 128

This is a Herculean effort by modern day Nathan Hale to describe events leading to 18^th century hanging of spy Nathan Hale. I say Herculean because of the detailed text and precise illustrations. Nathan Hale is about to be hanged as he looks back over the historic events that led to his inevitable end. I enjoyed reading this graphic novel because of the historical content. I can think of no reason students will want to read this unless they are doing a report on the American Revolution or they happen to be history buffs.

Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary

PUBLISHER: Viking, 2012 PRICE: $17.99

ISBN: 978-0-670-01135-3 INTEREST LVL: 11-12 gr.

ILLUSTRATOR: PAGES: 287 pgs.

What started out as an interesting premise, I was intrigued to read a book about a time-warp connection between a 20^th century American artist and a 19^th century French poet. However, I was shocked to be reading about a lesbian relationship on page 5. The two main characters, Merle, the artist and Arthur, the poet, follow their separate stories until they both meet a mysterious musician/fisherman. He sends the each of them to his old shack along a river, where through a time-space portal Arthur is transported a hundred years to New York in 1977 to the same shack where Merle is sleeping. The two become instant friends and after one night share a common bond of confusion, artistic temperament and discovery. Arthur returns to his time, until Merle, months later joins him for one day in Paris during his time. I think that the emphasis on the gay relationship between Merle and her instructor really distracts from the main story and the allusions to the Orpheus legend might be a little obscure for less mature readers. When completely read, the story was intriguing and thought provoking. There was a good Author’s note at the end explaining about the historical events of 19^th century France and the life of real-life Arthur Rimbaud. In addition, a complete bibliography for further reading was given. However, I feel that this book would be most enjoyed by older teens or adults who want something somewhat intellectual with a science fiction twist.

Reviewer: Linda Solberg, Castle Rock High School, Castle Rock, Washington

PUBLISHER: ABDO Publishing Company PRICE:

ISBN: 978-1-61783-404-2 INTEREST LEVEL: 2-5 ILLUSTRATOR: PAGES: 24

Children will be enamored with the big, bad beasts in this book! If you want to learn which creatures are the biggest, most venomous, have the biggest mouths, and are the ugliest, then this is the book for you. Photographs of these creatures are accompanied by descriptions under classifying headings. This book also includes vocabulary in bold print which helps aid students in comprehension of the extremity of these beasts and a glossary in the back of the book. Children who love the extremes will enjoy this book!

REVIEWER: Rachel Kerker, St. Helens Elementary

PUBLISHER: Random House @ 2012 PRICE: 3.99

ISBN: 9780307930712 INTEREST LEVEL:1^st-3^rd

ILLUSTRATOR: Bob Shea PAGES: 48

Actually, because of his love of vegetables Veggieman does not want to be called Wedgieman. However, due to the untimely placement of “V” shaped twig, the children insist on Wedgieman. This is level 3 of a “Step into Reading”. The humor and energy of this story will definitely appeal to reluctant readers. Computer generated illustrations add to the fun of this paperback.

Reviewer: Carol Steen, Columbia Valley Gardens Elementary

ISBN: 9780547370262 INT. LEV: 3 ILLUSTRATOR: PAGES: 167

Book number seven of Grace and her adventures reminds me of a Judy Moody or Junie B. Jones only with less mishaps or

misfortune. Just Grace was named by her teacher because there were three Graces in one class and each had to be distinctive.

Grace's best friend Mimi is expected to adopt a baby sister at any minute. One surprise is that the baby sister turns out to be a

three year old brother. Much to the dismay of Mimi, she is devastated. Grace believes it is her job to make Mimi believe

having a brother is better than a sister. Second surprise is that Grace gets a puppy that turns out to be her new best companion.

Both girls enjoy the newness and share with each other.

No, this character does not have the "punch" that Judy or Junie B have, but the plots are more realistic and will have followers

as Grace goes through life.

REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary, Kelso, WA

PUBLISHER: Random House, 2012 PRICE: $17.99

ISBN: 978-0375866562 INTEREST: 7 up

ILLUSTRATOR: PAGES: 465

The treaty between the human and dragons that has kept an uneasy peace for over 40 years is about to expire. Dragons, who take their human form in the city, have been arriving for the anniversary of their king, Ardmagar Comonot’s rule. When human Prince Rufus is found murdered in what looks like a death-by-dragon, his head has been bitten off, tensions escalate. Seraphina, is a musician with incredible talent, and a big secret. When she is asked by Prince Lucian Kiggs to help with the murder investigation, she doesn’t really have a choice, but will she be able to keep her secret? She’s a half-blood, part dragon, part human, and that could cause her all kinds of trouble if discovered. Layers of clothing help hide her scales, but she has to learn to navigate the complex politics of court life. She also must learn to control and understand the odd dream world she enters which is full of what she thinks are pieces of her personality, until one of them shows up, in the flesh, in court. Who are they, what are they doing in her head, and what role do they have to play in saving the kingdom from rebellion or war? This is a well written story with a fleshed out world full of interesting characters. The mystery and suspense is tightly written. I kept hoping the romance would ramp up a bit more than it does in the first book. At first there seem to be too many characters with odd names to keep track of, but it doesn’t take long to know each of these characters and understand they have a role to play. The questions always hover, “Is this a good guy or a bad guy? Can Seraphina trust them?” I hope readers are not off-put by the cover which I think makes it look like it was published in 1950. I saw a different cover online and am wondering if they have re-released with the new design. An original dragon, mystery, romance, yummy book. It is intended to be book one in a duo. Give to students who like their fantasy full of political issues and a bit of romance, like The Seven Realms by Cinda Williams Chima or the Thief Errant series by Elizabeth C. Bunce.

Reviewer: Patti Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School

PUBLISHER: Philomel @ 2012 PRICE: 17.99

ISBN: 9780399254178 INTEREST LEVEL: 2^nd-6^th

ILLUSTRATOR: Ted Lewin PAGES: UNP

This heart-felt nonfiction story from Zambia, Africa with the talented illustrations of Ted Lewin is bound to be a delight for children of all ages. Lion cub Zamba is stranded when both his parents are killed by a ferocious lion intruder. Finally making his way to a wildlife ranch in California, Zamba proves to be of great value to his owner Ralph. Zamba appears on television and in the movies. Zamba’s training helps save the other animals on the ranch during a flash flood.