POOR MOE

Moe is a button on Mattie's nightgown in a book called HOUND DOG TRUE by Linda Urban. Mattie is a shy girl who lives with her mother and her Uncle Potluck. Uncle Potluck is a Custodial Arts professional at the school Mattie will be starting in a few weeks. Only Mattie would rather be her Uncle's custodial apprentice than go to yet another school. Her Uncle tells great stories, that he swears are "hound dog true." Mattie is hoping that her mother doesn't pick up and leave any time soon, because she's finally found a place she can be comfortable instead of worrying all the time. Worry is what got rid of Moe in the first place! For grades 4 and up.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

All of the Glendale Libraries will be closed for the New Year holiday starting Saturday, December 31 and remain closed until Tuesday January 2, 2013 when the regular schedule will resume.

MOM IS A ZOMBIE… NOW WHAT?

From Jennifer at the Montrose Branch Library:

Zombie Mommy (Pals in Peril Tale) by M.T. Anderson 

Now that Lily is showing up in books (as a character), her mom is worried. Why do all the moms get killed? Is her own life in danger? After reading an about the “Undead Capitol of the U.S.,” Lily’s mom decides she’d be safer there. At least for a few days. What she doesn’t realize is that the “capitol,” Todburg, is actually home to vampires, zombies, and ghosts. Lily is relieved when her mom returns home. But her mom is acting strange, no— possessed. 

Lily and her friends go to Todburg to find out where Lily’s “real mom” is. Things don’t go according to plan. In a comedic turn of events, however, an Adirondack tarantula becomes the story’s heroine. The fifth book in Anderson’s “Pals in Peril Tale” series, this book delivers. While the writing isn’t perfect, there’s enough humor and adventure to keep kids eagerly turning pages.

A funny, fast-paced adventure. For grades 4-6.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

All of the Glendale Libraries will be closed from Saturday, December 24 through Monday, December 26. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, December 27.

ONE LIBRARIANS FAVORITE CHRISTMAS BOOK

Every year a family makes a pilgrimage to decorate a certain tree in the forest. They make peanut butter pine cones, apples on strings and other tasty treats for the animals to have for Christmas. When finished hanging the treats on the tree, they stop to drink some cocoa and sing a few Christmas carols though the youngest child wants to sing Old MacDonald instead. Night Tree by Eve Bunting is a lovely story about what Christmas is really about, sharing and it's a real treat to share this with a favorite child at this time of the year.

For all ages.

THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS GIFT

Several years have passed since Johnny’s parents announced that they would be spending Christmas with Johnny’s grandparents in Connecticut. One of his cherished memories was riding a beautiful hand-carved wooden horse on wheels. Johnny loves his little brother Liam and he would love to give that horse to his brother as a Christmas present. When the family arrives, Johnny discovers that the wooden horse has vanished. His grandfather tells him that the horse had never been returned from an antique toy exhibition where it was on display. Johnny wishes and wishes that the horse would be returned so that his little brother could experience the same joy that he had years before. Just before Christmas, Johnny wanders into his grandfather’s attic and search through some old trunks. In one of these trunks, Johnny finds the horse, but to his surprise, it was broken in pieces. Nevertheless, his father and grandfather offer themselves to restore the horse on time for Christmas to give to Johnny’s little brother as a gift. It would certainly make an excellent Christmas gift.! Classic Christmas book for family holidays and grandparents would love to share with their young grandchildren. Colorful book with beautiful pictures . Recommended for children 4-8. The Magical Christmas Horse written by Mary Higgins Clark, illustrated by Wendell Minor.

WHAT'S LUCK GOT TO DO WITH IT?

The Button family doesn't seem to have much going for them. In fact, they haven't ever really accomplished much of anything. But Tugs (middle name Esther) is bound and determined to make a name for herself and her family. With Brownie camera in tow, and a new rich and popular friend to hang out with, she's well on her way to fame and glory. As Tugs spends her summer taking pictures around town, she suddenly finds herself involved in a great mystery as well. THE LUCK OF THE BUTTONS by Anne Ylvisaker is a really cute historical fiction, with a fast pace and great dialogue. For 4th grade and up.

HOW LOUD CAN YOU BURP?

I am sure there are a lot of more challenging questions in this world than the noise level of our burps. However, this very intriguing book caught my attention so fast, that I just had to tell you all about it. So here it is...HOW LOUD CAN YOU BURP? by GLENN MURPHY is one of the funniest and coolest books that I've read in a long time. It has tons of very fascinating questions with some very hilarious but factual answers. So if you want to know...
How loud the loudest burp is?
Why grass is green?
Why we need sleep? and much more, than you need to read this very funny but all so true book.

For grades 5th and up!

LITTLE MAN

Little Man is a city boy with a big dream. He wants to be a drummer. He wants to take drum lessons and he needs a bike to transport him there. Little Man keeps practicing every day while taking on odd jobs to earn money for the bike. Despite his brother and friends making fun of his drum playing, he doesn’t get discouraged.

Soon he has enough confidence to play the drums at the local block party. His drumming not only has everyone up and dancing, it also turned his dreams into reality when his neighbors take up a collection for him. Now Little Man has money to buy a new bike to transport him to the drum lessons.

Motivating story full of ideas for kids to find good ways to get what they want. Little Man also includes an audio CD narrated by Dianne Warwick and also a demonstration of the parts of a drum set. Ages 4 and up. Written by Dianne Warwick and David Freeman, illustrated by Fred Willingham.

THE SILENCE OF NO BIRDS SINGING

SYLVIE AND THE SONGMAN by Tim Binding sounds musical and uplifting. But really it is about a world without music. That is, the music we take for granted - the birds whistling in the trees, the crickets chirping, the woof of the dog who's happy to see you are home. Sylvie is on a quest to find her father, who's been taken by the Songman. The Songman has taken many animals' songs, and there is no telling what other music he is out to destroy! Once the adventure begins in this story, it continues at a frenzied pace until the very last few pages. It introduces you to the animal kingdom as you've never known it before, taking you into their inner most thoughts. There's beautiful places and touching scenes, and there will be times when you just want to put the book down and not continue. But it is important to remember that even when things are uncomfortable, there might be something we need to learn. Grades 6 and up.

ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL!

In this story, you will meet Jason who is an autistic boy trying to get through his usual day. What might look very simple to a person of no mental challenges looks extremely difficult for him. However, at least there are some things that he enjoys doing, such as writing stories and publishing them online.
He connects with a girl who often provides with the appropriate feed backs on his stories… The rest of the story, I am sure can be easily guessed…However, there are some twists and turns that will make you not put down the book until you have learned of them. This is a serious book which will allow you to think outside of the box and make you understand of people who might act or be different in your environment.
ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL is by NORA RALEIGH BASKIN and is anything but a typical book!

For grades 7th and up.

R MY NAME IS RACHEL

This is the story of Rachel, a brave, loving and responsible twelve-year old girl, who lives in the time of the Great Depression. Rachel’s mom died when she was 2 years old and her father is a single dad. Pop loses his job at the bank and there isn’t any job available in the city., Rachel tries to find comfort in her books, and at school, but the more support she gets is with Miss Mitzy the lady who owns the flower shop. Rachel and her brother and sister hope that their father and Miss Mitzy will get married one day. Miss Mitzy seems to be the closest thing they have to a mother. One day Rachel and her family receive the good news that Pop has been offered a bank job in a town upstate and they have to move away from the city to a lonely farm. When they arrive at the farm, they realize that life in the country is as hard as in the city. Unfortunately the family hopes are ruined when the job is offered to somebody else. The father, more desperate than ever, and with no money to move again, decides to leave the kids to survive on their own while he finds a job. Rachel finds herself in charge of her two siblings who must learn to work together in order to survive, plant a garden, fish in the stream, and raise chicks and a goat. It’s very scary to be on their own, but somehow they manage. They’re determined to run the farm by themselves, and survive until Pop gets back. Sweet and charming historical fiction filled with strength and hope. Written by Patricia Reilly Giff .Recommended for children 8 and older.

A SURPRESENT FOR ANY READER

Delaware Pattinson, who goes by Delly, is always getting in trouble for one thing or another. She doesn't MEAN to get in trouble, but it seems to always find her. So when the principal and her parents threaten to send her off to reform school, she has to learn to straighten up - AND QUICK! TRUE (...SORT OF) by Katherine Hannigan is a dellylicious story about a girl coming to terms with being responsible, meeting new friends, learning patience, and feeling loved. The characters each have their own issues to deal with, and the author does a fantastic job of letting each one take the spotlight in some way. For grades 4 and up.

A CIVIL WAR GOTHIC

Jennie's fiance died under suspicious circumstances in the war, however, she believes that his spirit is angry and is trying to tell her something. Only her fiance's twin brother made it back alive, and is showing her kindness unlike before the war. Is it possible that can she love both brothers? Jennie isn't certain about anything, anymore. Was her fiance the wonderful person she remembers or in reality a criminal? She must find out what truly happened that day her beloved Will died.

Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown is told mostly through letters and photographs (illustrations). This Civil War gothic romance takes you through twists and turns and comes to a satisfying end. For mature middle school - high school readers in 7th-12th grade.

THE CASE OF THE MISSING CHICKS

J.J. is an old retired rescue dog who can find anyone, even missing chicks. When Moosh's chicks begin to disappear from the farm, J.J., for a well done cheeseburger, reluctantly takes the case where the scent leads to the house dog, Vince the Funnel.

The Trouble With Chickens: A J.J. Tully Mystery by Doreen Cronin is a fun and quirky beginning chapter book for readers in 3rd-4th told from two dogs' points of view.

GHETTO COWBOY

Cole is twelve years old. Having been raised only by his mother, Cole is getting in trouble again at school for the last months. He’s bored in classes and between not attending school for the last four weeks and staying out late wandering around the streets with his friends, he’s at risk of getting kicked out of the school. Cole is pushing his mother too far; therefore she is driving Cole to Philadelphia where she intends to leave him in his father’s care, Harper, whom he never met before. Cole finds himself abandoned and rejected by his mother in the ghetto and left with a stranger whom he is told to be is his father. This is the last place Cole would expect to find a horse. He does not like horses cause he finds them large and intimidating. It is also hard for him to accept the fact that someone can be a black cowboy in the middle of the ghetto. Harper his father, is one of the Philadelphia’s urban cowboy, building stables and rescuing old racehorses to bring into the neighborhood where he lives. There, the cowboys care for horses, teaching the neighborhood kids to ride and care for the horses as well. Even the gang members respect the area not bringing guns and fights to the area.
In one occasion, a storm causes great damage to the stables, and the city’s authorities moves in and claims neglecting of the horses. When some horses are taken away, including Boo, the horse that Cole was slowly growing attached to, the young boy decides it’s time to act.
Written by G. Neri, illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. Real life scenario. Recommended for 6th graders and up.

NO ROOM OF HER OWN

Lucy Wu thought that with her older sister going off to college she would get a room all to herself. NOPE! Her beloved grandmother's long lost sister has been invited to come to visit, all the way from China and of course Lucy will be expected to share her room. Her great aunt doesn't speak English and Lucy's Chinese is... well,you'll see.

Things as you know, in books and in life, never turn out the way you plan them. The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang is a journey of family, love and understanding. A beautiful well written book for readers 5th - 8th.

ROBIN HOOD!

I am pretty sure that you are already familiar with the story of Robin Hood. However, if you want to read it in a different format, than here is a great title for you! OUTLAW- THE LEGEND OF ROBIN HOOD: A GRAPHIC NOVEL by TONY LEE. The young Robin Hood witnesses the shooting of his father’s friend by non other than his own father… Shocked and confused, he asks his father why he did the unimaginable…The answer to that question confuses and shocks him even more. Hence, begins his adventures and his countless victories, including taking money from the rich and giving it to the very poor! The story is well written and the graphics have a very realistic look to them.

For grades 4th and up!

A HOB IN THE ABBEY

After finding a hob (hobgoblin) trapped and injured in the woods, Will, take it back to Crowfield Abbey to heal. And so begins the strange events and visitors to the Abbey. It all harkens back to something that happens many many years ago waiting to be unearthed.

The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh is an fantasy suspense thriller set during the end of the Middle Ages when people had their faith, believing in the good, the evil and the fantastical. For readers in 6th-8th grade.

LIFE IS JUST CRUEL SOMETIMES

Being grounded by her mother saved Daralynn's life. Her brother, sister and father die in a plane crash the day Daralynn is forced to stay home because she doesn't listen. And now, even though she still lives with her mother, who's angry all the time, and her grandmother, who's just crazy, Daralynn feels completely alone. She helps her mother do hair for the local townspeople, and comes up with some inspiring ideas to keep the town lively, but a shady character comes to town and disrupts the lives of a family already disrupted, and a gullible town looking for progress. GROUNDED by Kate Klise is historical, sad, quirky, and creative, with a little mystery thrown in to boot! For 5th-8th grade.

SURVIVING GIRL DRAMA

From Vivian at the Casa Verdugo Branch:
When two sets of best friends (Ida and Stacy; Jenna and Brooke) struggle for attention, the harmony of the entire class is disrupted. It isn't until the most humble girl, Ida, finds the courage to forgive that the class begins to heal.

My Forever Friends by Julie Bowie

A PAULSEN PAIR

Two companion stories by Gary Paulsen, Liar, Liar: The Theory, Practice and Destructive Properties of Deception and Flat Broke: The Theory, Practice and Destructive Properties of Greed, tell the story of Kevin who tell a pile of lies in order to win the heart of a girl. He lies to everyone: his family, his best friends, his acquaintances. He couldn't lie to a little boy though and that's when the pile of lies came tumbling down. If you like Liar Liar, then you must read Flat Broke.

Two very short novels for readers in 6th-8th grade about the questionable act of lying and making amends in order to win back everyone's trusts and friendships.

DEADLY WATERS

Want to read something adventures but at the same time mysterious?
Get ready to solve one situational problem after another and find yourself deeply lost in the story that you might even forget you’re reading a book.Going on a vacation with parents and friends is usually fun ; however going into the wild without your parents and without a map can become a challenge, especially in a huge forest. Now imagine all the things that can go wrong and multiply that by hundred... Than the unexpected happens, and not only now your need to find your way back, you also need to solve few great mysteries...DEADLY WATERS by GLORIA SKURZYNSKI.

For grades 5th and up.

IRENA SENDLER AND THE CHILDREN OF THE WARSAW GHETTO

This is an inspiring story of courage of Irena Sendler, a young Polish Catholic social worker that smuggled hundreds of children out of the Warsaw Ghetto.

When the Nazis invaded Poland during World War II, Irena joined the resistance movement to fight the German occupation and worked tirelessly to save the lives of hundreds of Jews, mostly children. She joined Zegota, the code name for the Council for Aid to Jews in Occupied Poland. Working undercover as a nurse, she used a medical pass to enter the Warsaw Ghetto to bring Jewish children to safety. She constantly moved the children from one home to another or placed them into Roman Catholic convents and orphanages, hiding the little ones in trunks, suitcases, or sacks under the ambulance back-seat. Sendler also arranged for babies and children to be sedated and smuggled out with merchants in potato sacks, under their loads of goods. Sometimes, she even sneaked sedated children out in body bags, telling the guards that they were dead.
She buried jars containing the children’s real names in a friend’s garden, so that they could one day, learn the names of their biological families after the war.

Called the female Oskar Schindler for her courage and daring in smuggling over 2,500 children from the Holocaust, This is an amazing story of bravery and compassion. Ages 8-9. Written by Susan Goldman Rubin, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth.

A NEW SPY ADVENTURE

Q, short for Quest, and his newly minted stepsister are quickly thrown into a world of spies and lies when their parents' honeymoon/music tour turn into an adventure in dodging agents from the Mossad, the Israeli spy agency. Angela has been led to believe that her mother, a secret Service agent, died protecting the United States. All that is being questioned now as foreign spies follow them in order to track down her mother, believed to be still alive and one of the world's most deadly terrorist.

I.Q.: Book One: Independence Hall by Roland Smith is a fast pace thrilling spy adventure for readers in 7th-9th grade. A new spy series.

NOT JUST FOR CRAZY PEOPLE

If you hear the word "asylum" it's most often preceded with the word "insane." But in the early 20th century, asylums were not just for the insane, but were also there for depressed or out-of-sorts people. Verna and Carlie, and their widowed father come to live upon the grounds of an asylum, where he serves as a resident psychiatrist. Also in tow is their dead mother's sister, Aunt Maude, who is strict and unpleasant. When one of the depressed patients, Eleanor, comes to work as their maid, the girls are whisked into the world of mental health and experience all sorts of factors contributing to what might make a person end up in an asylum. THE LOCKED GARDEN by Gloria Whelan tells a beautifully sad story about different kinds of loss and how people recover from such sadness. For 5th-8th grades.

DANCING HOME

Margie is the only child living with her Mexican-Americans parents in California. Mexico is the country of their parents, but not for Margie. She was born in Texas, feels proud to be an American and tries to convince the other kids at school that she is one hundred percent American, just like them. But all of that changes when Lupe her Mexican cousin arrives from Mexico to live with Margie’s family. Margie thinks that it would be fun to have her cousin there as she doesn’t have any brother and sisters, but she finds herself embarrassed by Lupe in school and jealous of her at home. Even though Margie’s parents were born in Mexico and speak Spanish at home, Margie has been speaking mainly English since preschool. At school the Principal insists that Lupe should join Margie in her 5th grade class. Margie tries to tell her teacher that she doesn’t really know much Spanish and will not be able to translate for Lupe, but the teacher doesn’t seem to understand the situation. From that moment the image that Margie has created for herself starts falling apart. On the other hand, Lupe situation is not easy either. She feels her home is in Mexico and learning a new language in a new school represents a great challenge for her. Lupe realizes the dilemma that Margie is living and try to find ways to help her rediscovery her heritage. Nice story about family values and friendship and the experience that the immigrant has to go through to retain its own identity. Ages 8-9.

Dancing Home by Alma Flor Ada and Gabriel Zubizarreta.

THIS TIME IT'S OKAY TO SPY!

Did you know that squirrels can deliver some very top-secret messages?

Or that way back when there were no phones, birds were used to carry important messages?

From THE BIG BOOK OF SPY STUFF by BART KING, you are going to learn how to write in codes, how to tie your shoelaces in codes and also how to break codes...

Additionally, the book has tons of information on spies, secret agents and such.

For example, did you know of the confusion agents? They are spies who do not spy. Instead, they spread misinformation to confuse enemy agents.

For grades 5th and up.