My biggest compliment for this story is how joyous it is read aloud. Yet, a small audience is best so they can see the pictures
closely. The text is animal language. Yes, baa, neigh, oink, arf, etc. Young readers will enjoy reading aloud or reading as
readers theater. The farmer drives his tractor away and the animals sneak off the farm to the pond for a float and onto the
carnival rides and into an air balloon. When the dog spots the farmer returning to the barn, the animals all come running back.
Shh, shh, shh is the text as the animals appear docile and in the yard. Lastly, the mouse comes running back to the barn
stumping the farmer.
An adorable story for the young listeners this story has bright and colorful illustrations. This copy is not a library bound version.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Kim, Susan & Laurence Klavan TITLE: Wanderers RATING: R
PUBLISHER: HarperTeen, 2014 PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 978006218547 INTEREST GR: 9-12
ILLUSTRATOR: N/A PAGES: 382
Wasteland book 2. In this futuristic dystopian novel, Esther and Caleb are leaders in a town where older teens are the adults and supplies have run out. They’ve heard rumors that a city exists where supplies are endless and decide to try to get there. Most of the others go with them on the rough and arduous journey. Several friends are lost along the day but the rag tag group finally reaches the city. They are attacked upon arrival and are taken in by a group promising them refuge. The group is shockingly made up a real adults who have plans for the teens. Esther finally figures out that they will become dinner unless they act, leading us into another installment. This is such an engaging story that I didn’t realize that I was reading a second book in a series. Due to sexual situations it is most suitable for high school students.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Kinney, Jeff TITLE: Diary of a wimpy kid, Hard luck RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Amulet Books, 2013 PRICE: $13.95
ISBN: 9781419711329 INT. LEV: Gr3
ILLUSTRATOR: PAGES: 217
Another fun adventure to read about Greg Huffley when he heads to middle school and tries to find new friends. His best
friend Rowley gets a girlfriend and has less time for Greg. Greg even tries out the “find a friend’ station discovering
other strange kids also tried it. He suffers through his mom being a mom and trying to do things for him to fit in. She
buys him shoes at a dollar store and they fell apart on the first day.
Greg Huffley has so many quirky problems and occurrences that at least one of them relates to every kid in school.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Klimo, Kate TITLE: Twinky the Dinky Dog RATING: R PUBLISHER: Random House, 2013 PRICE: $3.99
ISBN: 9780375971228 INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd ILLUSTRATOR: Michael Fleming PAGES: 32
This is from Step into Reading. This is rated at a Step 3 in complexity. Twinky is a dinky dog but in his mind he is a big dog. His owners don’t see his “true” size they see him as a dinky dog. They dress him up in sweaters and pick him up. One day Twinky shows his “true” size and scares off a robber. Now Twinky can strut his stuff like a big dog just like your new reader after strutting right through this book.
REVIEWER: Tyra K~Smith, LCC Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Krosoczka, Jarrett J. TITLE: Peanut Butter and Jellyfish RATING:NR
PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780375870361 INT. LEV: K
ILLUSTRATOR: PAGES:<32>
Peanut Butter is a sea horse and Jellyfish is a jellyfish who are friends and explore the ocean together. Crabby is mean
to them. He is captured by a trap and the other fish decide to help regardless of his meanness.
Corny story with very little substance and truly lame illustrations, this story is not worth purchasing.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Lammle, Leslie TITLE: Princess Wannabe RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Harper, 2014 PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 9780061251979 INT. LEV: K-1
ILLUSTRATOR: Leslie Lammle PAGES: <31>
Fern wants a story at bedtime, but it is too late for a story the babysitter tells her. Fern wants a princess story and she wants
to be a princess. When opening the book she blows off the dust finding herself inside the pages travelling to find the
princess and ask her what is like to be one. She encounters a fairy godmother, a Frog Prince brushing his teeth and a wolf
babysitting baby pigs. She is surprised by the unexpected behaviors of the folk tale characters. Upon finding the princess
Fern is once again surprised to find the princess only wants privacy and quiet time sitting and enjoying a good book.
Fern already has this she discovers.
Princess Wannabe has a twist on princess stories with the addition of unexpected characters. Kids will enjoy this twist.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Lee, Jenny TITLE: Secrets, Secret Service and Room Service RATING: R
This is the second book in the series called Elvis and the Underdogs. Benji, by mistake, got Elvis as a therapy dog. The mistake was discovered and the Secret Service took Elvis to live with the President of the United States. While watching the President’s speech on TV, Elvis sends a mysterious message using his tail. Benji has missed Elvis so much and when he sees this, he and two of his friends go to Washington, D.C., to unravel the problem There are many fun adventures to read about in this one book. But I am happy as we have the first in the series, too
REVIEWER: Ginny Flegel, Beacon Hill Elementary
Lee, Mark TITLE: 20 Big Trucks in the Middle of the Street RATING: R PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2013 PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 9780763658090 INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd ILLUSTRATOR: Kurt Cyrus PAGES: 30
If you are looking for a counting book that relates to children and is a great read a-loud this is it! It counts to 20 which I really liked. Most books end at 10. 20 trucks are great because it is very entertaining. I loved it.
REVIEWER: Tyra K~Smith, LCC Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Lindman, Maj TITLE: Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and the Little Dog RATING: A
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman & Company, Chicago, IL, 2013 PRICE: $9.99
ISBN: 9780807525098 INTEREST LEVEL: K-3rd
ILLUSTRATOR: Lindman, Maj PAGES: 32
Bringing these classics into our libraries for our young readers is a great thing. Students are being exposed to literature from years past, complete with the innocence of that time. In this tale, the three sisters find a lost little dog and lovingly care for him before having to find his original owner. The girls are sad and would desperately like to keep the little dog, but Mother gently teaches what is right to do in this situation. However, Mike the dog runs away again from being watch dog to a large orchard and finds his way back to the warm home of the girls. Again they must return him, but this time the owner has gotten a bigger watch dog and figures that Mike chose his own home. The girls are overjoyed!
REVIEWER: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
Lionni, Leo TITLE: Swimmy RATING: R PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf, 1963,2013 PRICE: $17.99
ISBN: 9780385753586 INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd
Swimmy is a brave fish that helps his friends brave the scary waters with larger fish. This book is a Caldecott winner and is a favorite among my teachers. Go on buy the newest addition and celebrate 50 years of Swimmy, you know you want too! Plus you get a poster inside!
REVIEWER: Tyra K~Smith, LCC Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Lowry, Lois TITLE: Gooney Bird and all her charms RATING: R
The three bears are in a ABC book. It sticks to the same story but puts emphasis on alliteration of the words that start with a letter in the alphabet. The book is very entertaining and is great for young readers with minimal text. This is a great out-loud book at your next circle time. The illustrations are eye catching and simplistic for little ones. This is a must buy for preschool teachers!
This is the story of bullying gone too far. This is a story of a suicide because of bullying. The protagonist and narrator of this story is a bully. With that being said, the author does not make Sara a hero, but rather, someone to be understood. Sara and her best friend, Brielle decide not to like the new girl at school, Emma, and they make her life miserable. The plot moves forward through alternating chapters occurring before Emma’s suicide and then several months afterwards. What we see is Sara also moving from a selfish, self-absorb teen just trying to fit it with whatever her friend tells her to someone who realizes, to use a cliché, that doing what is right is not what is always popular. In the beginning Sara is in total denial that she did anything wrong or had anything to do with Emma killing herself. After all, everyone else hated her, too, and harassed her. Emma brought it on to herself. Nevertheless, a lawsuit is filed against the bullies most closely involved and Sara finds herself now on the outside, forbidden from her friends and shunned by the rest of the school. She then is befriended by another outsider, Carmichael, who has been teased and bullied for dressing and acting differently. Through his insights and those of her attorney, therapist and younger brother, Sara comes to realize she has been misguided by a so-called friend to do things she knew were wrong and is willing to face the consequences of her actions and to make amends. This powerful and timely novel would make a good companion to “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher. A worthwhile read for all teens and should be encouraged.
Reviewer: Linda Solberg retired, Castle Rock High School, Castle Rock, Washington
Mari, Iela and Enzo TITLE: The Apple and the Butterfly RATING: R PUBLISHER: Penguin Group, 1969 PRICE: $8.99
ISBN: 9780843172300 INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd ILLUSTRATOR: same PAGES: 32
This picture book tells the story of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. The illustrations are simple leading children to talk and read through pictures. Picture books are one of the first ways that children learn how to read. It is so wonderful to be able to have the children teach this story and seeing their faces light up in accomplishment.
Shining light on a conservationist which the students would probably know little about is a great thing! This book thoroughly covers the life and contributions of Olson. There are multiple pictures which is essential in helping the young reader get a sense of this man’s impact on nature and how people think about and approach nature. It is a very informative piece.
REVIEWER: Nikki Williams, Castle Rock Elementary
McDonald, Megan TITLE: Stink It Up! RATING: R PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press PRICE: $5.99 ISBN: 978-0-7636-5942-4 INTEREST LEVEL: 2nd-5th ILLUSTRATOR: Peter H. Reynolds PAGES: 119
When I chose this pick I thought, great another Stink book, my students love Megan McDonalds Stink series. When I started reading it however, I realized that it is a lot of fun facts and trivia about gross and stinky things. A few of the facts are about skunks, slime, mummies, and icky insects.
Students love to read about gross things and it will be fun for them to learn new facts about them.
REVIEW ER: Tracy Robinson, Robert Gray Elementary
Miller, Lauren TITLE: Free to Fall RATING: R+ PUBLISHER: Harper Teen, 2014 PRICE: $17.99
Imagine a world in the not too distant future where all decisions are made for you by LUX, an app on your phone. This is the world of 2030 that 16-year-old Seattle high school junior Rory Vaughn finds herself, and she is perfectly fine with it. Life is good. She has just been accepted to an exclusive free boarding school in New England that her deceased mother attended. The only downside is that another girl from her school is also going and Hershey and Rory are exact opposites. However, once in school Rory starts hearing The Doubt, the colloquial name for the “whisper within” that children hear but adults are taught to ignore. It is telling her to stop listening to the app and leads her to discover that life really isn’t as perfect as she thought. She starts to find out things about her mother, about the school and the big technology company the makes the phones and the apps. With the help of a new boyfriend North, someone who also hears The Doubt, and his hacking abilities, she discovers a sinister plot that has been going on since before her mother was a student. Rory, North and Hershey can stop it if they are brave enough. Throw in a secret society, teachers who aren’t all that they appear to be, nanotechnology, and messages from the past makes this a fast paced thriller that is a real page turner and one that teens will definitely relate to and perhaps to think about when they pull out their electronic devices. Nicely enough, it is a well-written stand-alone novel with no cliffhanger ending enticing you to purchase another book. However, I will be looking for other books by this author!
Reviewer: Linda Solberg retired, Castle Rock High School, Castle Rock, Washington
Montgomery, Lewis B. TITLE: The case of the buried bones RATING: R
PUBLISHER: The Kane Press, 2014 PRICE: $NA
ISBN: 9781575656403 INT. LEV: Gr2
ILLUSTRATOR: Amy Wummer PAGES: 108
The town of Westview having its city celebration and opening the time capsule buried 75 years ago. However, when it is
dug up there is a skeleton and not a capsule. It is “Herman!” said Miss Adler. It was the school skeleton that disappeared.
Milo and Jazz fell into this mystery and began trying to solve it. They have any suspects. They figured out that the skeleton
was hiding the hole for the time capsule. Also, they discover that there was a young detective who was hunting down the
disappearance of the school skeleton. Miss Adler was so pleased to discover that her mystery was solved.
Milo and Jazz mysteries have a perfect plot for the beginning chapter book reader.
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Montgomery, Sy TITLE: Chasing Cheetahs: Race to Save Africa’s Fastest Cats RATING: R
ISBN: 9780547815497 INTEREST LEVEL: Gr. 2-7 ILLUSTRATOR: Nick Bishop PAGES: 77
Laurie explains the plight of and the solutions for saving the cheetah. She first set out to help cheetahs when she found many were being lost to farmers’ guns. The information is presented in chapters with quick guides about cheetahs. The vocabulary itself is difficult for younger readers but they will enjoy the photos and captions which capture the gist of the story. The photos add much to this beautiful book. There is also a very good index to help readers.
REVIEWER: Ginny Flegel, Beacon Hill Elementary
Mora, Pat & Libby Martinez TITLE: I Pledge Allegiance RATING: R+ PUBLISHER: Knopt, 2014 PRICE: 16.99
Celebrated author Pat Mora and her sister Libby Martinez collaborate in creating this lovely picture book based their aunt Lobo becoming an American citizen, saying the Pledge of Allegiance at the ceremony. Little Libby is so excited for her great aunt and shares with her teacher that on Thursday the ceremony will happen. Mrs. Adams invites her to lead the pledge on Thursday in the classroom. Not only does she lead her class, but Libby accompanies her great aunt to the ceremony and pledges with all the new citizens. Patrice created the luminous pencil sketches that were painted digitally. This book celebrates the history of the Pledge of Allegiance and illustrates a slice of a personal family history which is now preserved for the authors’ family to cherish. We all have a coming to America story; what is yours?
REVIEWER: Joan Enders, Librarian and Educational Consultant, http://bookbevy.wordpress.com
Murguia, Bethanie TITLE: Zoe’s Room (No Sisters Allowed) RATING: R PUBLISHER: Authur A. Levine, 2013 PRICE: $16.99
ISBN: 9780545457811 INTEREST LEVEL: Pre-K-2nd ILLUSTRATOR: same PAGES: 28
Roommates what a pain especially when it’s your sister! Zoe learns that sharing her space with her sister can be very difficult. However, Zoe finds a reason to like having her roommate. This is a great book for girls that have to share a room. The illustrations are feminine and Zoe has tea parties and wears a crown. The dust cover has glitter in the words and will catch the attention of any little girl. The simple text is a great read a-loud and the message is simple but can be really helpful.
REVIEWER: Tyra K~Smith, LCC Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
Muten, Burleigh TITLE: Miss Emily RATING: R
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2014 PRICE: $15.99
ISBN: 9780763657345 INT LEV: Gr3
ILLUSTRATOR: Matt Phelan PAGES: 134
Written in free verse, Miss Emily is the tale of the adventures of Emily Dickinson’s neighbor children and their relationship
with her. The children are beckoned often to join Emily in the garden to hear of her plan. The circus is coming to town and
Miss Emily would like to go visit the train as it arrives at the station. Alas, the narrator, Mac, son of the Reverend falls and
injures his ankle and the group is fearful all will know their sneaky adventure. What the children learn is that Miss Emily
did not choose to go to public places and only dreamed and imagined such adventures as seeing the circus. Father
Jenkins takes the children to the circus. So to share the wonderment of the circus show they put on a performance in
the barn for Emily.
The minimal words in the tale are filled with joy, bravery, imagination, awe, fear, life lessons, and love. A wonderful read!
REVIEWER: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Neri, G. TITLE: Knockout Games RATING: R+ PUBLISHER: CarolRhoda Lab, 2014 PRICE: $17.95
ISBN: 9781467732697 INTEREST LEVEL: 8-12
ILLUSTRATOR: NA PAGES: 293
Erica's move to St. Louis, Missouri has been anything but easy. Her father's parting gift is a mini video camera engraved with her name. That little camera is destined to become the bane of Erica's existence. Kalvin Barnes is what many little kids in the hood aspire to become, and he takes his position as role model seriously. His "gang" has developed the Knockout Game as a method of "character development." Members of his group select unsuspecting victims and deal them one blow designed to knock them out. His discovery that Erica has skills with the camera are enough to provide her with entrée into his group. As the violence of the game escalates, Erica becomes more and more disenchanted by what she is filming even as her romantic link to Kalvin keeps her from taking a firmer stand against it. When the game ends in the death of a beloved art teacher, Erica must face the greatest test of her courage by exposing what she knows about the game. Like one of Neri's previous books, Surf Mules, the underside of juvenile criminal behavior is explored with gritty realism. Neri does not shy away from profanity, violence, or sexuality in Knockout Games, even though his protagonists are only in the eighth and ninth grades. It is that same unflinching approach that imbues this story with a sense of truth. Written for a generation that documents its violence using cell phones and social media, this story provides ample opportunities to discuss the growth of characters as they wrestle with concepts of art, morality, body image, racism, and hatred.
