THE VOTE IS IN

Snacktime Readers met last night at the Central Library to talk about Grace Lin's The Year of the Dog and the general comments about this one were very favorable.

Celina: "I thought that this was a good book and it was the third time that I read it." Rated it a 9 (10 is the highest).

Crystal: A good story of friends, family and traditions. Rated it a 7.

Michael: "It was great. I liked the story and it was a really great book. Rated it a 20.

Yusenia: "Everything's good." Rated it an 8.

Allisyn: "I really liked the book. I didn't know much about Chinese culture before I read it." Rated it an 8.

THE HISTORICAL BOOK CLUB RETURNS

The Mother Daughter Book Club is BACK! And this time, they're reading Anne of Green Gables. The four girls and their mothers get together once a month to discuss what they've read and participate in exciting "Anne"-related activities. The unfortunate thing is, this year the snob Becca and her rude mother are joining the group. Outside of the book club, there's skating and school, camping and craziness that keeps them all busy! MUCH ADO ABOUT ANNE by Heather Vogel Frederick is the second book in the "Mother-Daughter Book Club" series, and won't disappoint those that loved the first one! For grades 5 and up.

THE CONTEST

Two robbers happen to be in love with the same woman who is hiding the fact that she is two -timing them. Both of the robbers are determined to make this woman their future wife and they will do all that is possible in their power to achieve this. However, things become more complicated and twisted when they agree to make this quest as part of a contest. Whoever wins the contest out of the two will be able to marry her. The contest is not going to be easy to win since both of them are clever and full of good ideas. However, after winning the contest, things start going in different directions. Could it be that neither of them want her anymore? Or is it just one of their clever games? THE CONTEST: AN ARMENIAN FOLKTALE by NONNY HOGROGIAN is a fun read that will be enjoyed by everyone.


For grades 2nd and up.

IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT

The Patron Saint of Butterflies by Cecilia Gallante

A novel told by two intricately connected friends yet of completely opposite points of view. All Agnes wants is to live the life of a saint just like her namesake. Honey wants to get away from the religious commune they had been born into and live a life free of rules. Everyone's lives and relationships are tested when Agnes' grandmother drops by for a surprise visit and a serious accident compels her to take Agnes, her brother and Honey away to safety. Agnes, Benny, Honey and the adults must face up to their past and misdeeds.

SNACKTIME READERS - MAY

Come and join us at the Central Library, 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale, CA 91205 on Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m. for the May meeting of the Snacktime Readers. This month's book, THE YEAR OF THE DOG by Grace Lin is the story a year in the life of a Taiwanese-American girl and her struggles with both cultures.

This reading group is for students in the fourth through eighth grades and their parents. Come for tasty snacks and a conversation about the book.

For additional information, please call (818) 548-2035

THE MAGIC HALF OF YOURSELF?

Imagine if there was another you, living in a different time period with a different family, in the same house! That's what happens to Miri when her family moves to a new house in the country - well almost. Miri finds the lens from a pair of eyeglasses taped to the wall in her bedroom, and when she looks through the lens, she ends up in the past! From the author of the "Ivy & Bean" series, THE MAGIC HALF by Annie Barrows is a delightful quick read that's just great for readers just starting out with longer chapter books. For grades 4 and up.

INTERNET+13+BOY=TROUBLE

Puberty hits Eddie like a sledge hammer but when his mother finds out he's printing and looking at inappropriate pictures behind her back and lying to her on top of it, she ships him off to her uncle's farm. A farm where there's nothing to do. Nothing that is until he sees a gorgeous girl working in the store across the field. Intrigued by her but not sure how to approach her, he watches and begins to notice the things and people around him. And what he notices and finds out aren't always pretty.

Double Click for Trouble by Chris Woodworth is a worthy coming of age novel for mature readers 6th & up.

THE MONEY BUSH

What's a girl to do when she finds a huge wad of cash in the bushes? After an internal ethical struggle, she spends it of course. A little for Grandma, a little on herself, something for a few friends. Before Sammy gets to spend it all, suspicious things start to happen.

Another great mystery where Sammy learns a lesson- money doesn't grown in bushes. Sammy Keyes and the Cold Hard Cash by Wendelin Van Draanen is perfect for readers in 6th & up.

THE WATCHER

"In this uncertain life, of these two things we are certain: the holiness of the heart's affections, the truth of the imagination" and so begins the story of THE WATCHER by JAMES HOWE...

The watcher is a thirteen-year-old girl who observes others without a smile, or a word. But nothing in life is what it seems... So we start seeing what is inside of the mind of the watcher and the watched. Perceptions, imaginations and the human need together intervene in this great story that ultimately is about survival. You will not want to put down this book until the very last word is finished.

For grades 4th and up.

THE IMAGINARY PRAGUE

THE CABINET OF WONDERS by Marie Rutkoski begins a new series called The Kronos Chronicles. Set in Prague in an undetermined point in time, Petra lives with her father who has the amazing ability to move and shape metal just by thinking! Unfortunately, when her father's eyes are removed after he builds an astronomical clock of magical proportion for the local prince, Petra sets out to retrieve them. She experiences some great adventures along the way, and learns quite a bit about who she is and her own special powers. Hopefully the rest of the series will be as entertaining and enjoyable as this book. For 6th grade and up.