HAMLET, YOU ARE SPECIAL

Hamlet's parents are Shakespearean professors. Not only do they teach about Shakespeare, they wear the clothes, speak in the style and eat the food of Shakespeare's time. You get the idea. Shakespeare fanatics. And that's how Hamlet came to be called Hamlet and her sister Desdemona. But, it doesn't end there.


Hamlet thought eighth grade was going to be her year to be at the top of the heap and everything would go smoothly, but no. Her genius seven year old sister, Dezzie, who needs to fulfill her arts requirement before going off to college will be going to be going to school AND attend classes with her. What's worse, in English and Social Studies, they will be studying all things Shakespeare. And just when she thought it couldn't get any worse, it does.


Read all about The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet by Erin Dionne. A tragic comedy for readers in 6th - 8th grade.

MAKE A MASK

WHEN: Saturday, October 30, 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Central Library Children's Room
222 East Harvard Street
Glendale, Ca 91205

For children ages four and older and their families, come and make a mask, share some Halloween stories and treats.

GRIFFIN BING, IS A MAN WITHOUT A PLAN

Griffin's new start in middle school is not going well. The principal is all about football and seems to have it in for Griffin and his friends from the beginning. Being framed for stealing a valuable and significant Super Bowl ring from the glass display case of the school, he and his "team" have to prove his innocence, and figure out who really stole the ring but every single plan lands Griffin in even more of a mess - until he's under house arrest - with an electronic device around his ankle .

Framed by Gordon Korman is next in the Griffin Bing series and perfect read for 4th -6th graders.

MY HAVANA

In 1954, Secundino Fernando (Dino) is six years, and he lives in Havana, Cuba.
Dino feels a deep attraction for the beautiful architecture of his city. He is always seen drawing buildings, monuments, cathedral domes and courtyards in his sketchbook. The Fernandez family decides to leave Havana and moves to Spain for 3 years. Dino’s father should help his brother’s family while he recovers from an accident. The length of stay in Spain is painful and Dino is constantly thinking when to return to Havana.
In 1956 the family moves back to Havana. Dino’s parents go back to work at the restaurant they own. In 1959 when Castro and the Communist Party take over the Cuban government, it’s time to say good-bye to Havana definitely. They move to New York city. Dino carries his sketchbook with him but mostly of the time the pages stay empty. He longs every day to come back to his home country, so he tries to find a solution to his homesickness building a model of the Cuban capital on his bedroom floor.
The bestselling children’s author, Rosemary Wells, was moved to tell the story of “Dino” after hearing and interview with the architect Secundino Fernandez in 2001. Grades 3-4 – Ages 8-9. Written by Rosemary Wells with Secundino Fernandez, illustrated by Peter Ferguson.

FUN WITH YOUR FACE

Katherine from the Pacific Park Branch enjoys reading this title to classes that visit the library:

Reluctant readers don’t stand a chance with Can You Make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas. From four years old to 4^th graders, this book will have them standing, sitting down, dancing and making faces at the direction of a lady bug narrator. With the characteristic humor of Thomas, this short but sweet book makes storytimes and reading fun!

MR B. AT GRANDVIEW LIKES...

This “High School Musical” for the younger set by Dan Gutman is a page turner from the tornado that destroys the school library (and a lot of the rest of the Kansas town) through the trials, tribulations, and auditions for the benefit talent show, to the tornado that nearly whisks away the talent show itself and the rest of the town in the concluding pages. Between the storms are some great-hearted, believable, and talented youngsters, as well as some not so talented but ever so sympathetic. Adventurous humor amid natural disaster – a timely theme and a great read.

LIKE, I AM TOTALLY NOT AFRAID OF GHOSTS

Sherry is SO not afraid of ghosts. Well, most ghosts that is, because her mom is a ghost. But someone, or something, is out to get Sherry's step mom Paula, and Sherry has to help before something really bad happens. So, on top of celebrating her 2 month anniversary with her boyfriend, and trying to keep a good friendship with her BFF Junie, NOW she has to solve the mystery of who or what is ruining her step mom's life. I SO DON'T DO SPOOKY by Barrie Summy is a fun yet suspenseful story for grades 5 and up.

A FAVORITE FROM THE MONTROSE BRANCH

Children's Librarian Jennifer from the Montrose-Crescenta Branch likes this laugh out loud and thinks that you will as well.

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker is a laugh-out-loud chapter book. Clementine, a quirky third grader, has trouble paying attention. She frequently gets in trouble. This week has been especially bad. Okay, disastrous. First she cut her best friend’s hair. Then she cut her own hair to make her friend feel better. Clementine has good intentions. But she can’t seem to stay out of the principal’s office.

An endearing, unforgettable story. For grades 2-3.

THE BABY BEEBEE BIRD

The zoo is a noisy place - during the day that is. But when this nocturnal bird becomes the zoo's latest edition, he must conform to their night-napping ways or be kept awake all day! Will any animals get any sleep ever again? THE BABY BEEBEE BIRD by Diane Redfield Massie is a hilarious NOISY story to read aloud to big groups or small, and definitely loved by kids from age 2-10.

CASA VERDUGO BRANCH LIBRARY LIKES

Vivian the children's librarian AT Casa recommends the following new book:

Thomas and the Dragon Queen

By Shutta Crum

Thomas, a rather small boy, won’t let his size get in the way of fulfilling his dream of becoming a knight. This fantastical tale of knighthood, princesses, and dragons is sure to delight the child who has the everlasting hope of becoming someone important; and, in Thomas’ case, to become a knight and serve his King because size really doesn’t matter!

PIZZA OR FISH GUTS

CAMILLE MCPHEE FELL UNDER THE BUS... by Kristen Tracy is a good book and a surprising book, but never a dull book. Camille is in fourth grade. She knows life is not fair. But she just didn't realize how unfair life could be! Falling under the bus is only one of the many unfair things that happen - some of them funny, some of them sad. She tries being a Dingo about it...until she realizes Dingoes aren't as tough as she thought. In the end, she realizes it's not about dwelling in the unfairness, but how you move past it. This book will remind some readers of Beverly Cleary. For 4th - 6th grades.

I REPEAT, DON’T CHEAT!!!

Jessica and Lizzie are good friends. They share the playground at school and do activities together, but Jessica starts to worry when she realizes that Lizzie is a cheater. Lizzie tries to cheat by copying from Jessica’s spelling test and she gets very confused and don’t know what to do…. Jessica cares about the consequences she may receive from accusing her friend. If she talks, her friend would be angry with her, and if she says nothing she will feel dishonest . Lizzie returns to cheat one more time and that is when Jessica loses her temper. The teacher intervenes and Jessica tells the whole truth. The message that this book presents is excellent for a class discussion. Ages 4-8. Written by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Arthur Howard.

PACIFIC PARK LIKES...

Katherine the Children's Librarian from the Pacific Park Branch suggests:

Shoe Baby by Joyce Dunbar is perfect for storytimes and one-on-one sharing. With this tale of travel and adventure, storytellers can practice character voices and get audience participation with the repetitive phrase, “How do you do?” The charming illustrations of Polly Dunbar beautifully compliment the lyrical words of her mother, Joyce. A surprise ending will leave children clamoring for more.

For Preschool – 2nd grade.