HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Library will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, December 31 through January 1, 2013.  We will be open Wednesday, January 2.   

THIS BOOK MADE ME DO IT!

Do you want to explore you inner creativity and make things out of your hands which you never thought was possible? How about if you hold ghosts hunt at your school while walking down an invisible stairs? There are so many other interesting and really cool activities that you can do and blame it all on a BOOK!

This Book Made Me Do It: Cool things to make, do, and explore by John Woodward is the book for you! The book itself has so many activities to do that you for sure will get inspired and find it very motivation to start making and building things that you will want to turn off yocell phone, log off from facebook and start becoming creative and inventive…Overall, this is a great book that it not only will inform you but also inspire you to get busy with your hands...  For grades 4th and up.

A SERIES OF FORTUNATE SUPER SATIRES

A book review by Mr. B. at the Grandview Branch: 

With an unstated nod to Harry Potter, arm-chair storyteller/narrator Greg Trine has created the humorous chapter-book level series Melvin Beederman Superhero.   Let’s take as look at the first and (randomly) the fourth books in the series.  Volume 1, “The Curse of the Bologna Sandwich,” begins as orphan Melvin is graduating from The Superhero Academy.   His assignment is to set up shop in Los Angeles, “where there hasn’t been a hero since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.”  When the cleaners mistakenly sends his super powers cape to Candace Brinkwater, third-grade actress, Melvin gallantly gives her half his cape, and inherits a partner in un-crime.  Together, they discover that their super-weakness is not Kryptonite, but bologna. In the remaining chapters, they must overcome a bologna trap set by the villainous McNasty Brothers, as well as an interfering narrator.  

In Volume 4, “Terror in Tights,” the dynamic duo faces more bologna; country music; Melvin’s former Academy classmate, Carl, who has turned Superbad; and that pesky narrator.  Running gags abound from chapter to chapter and book to book.  This silly, popular series of nine titles features a self-conscious narrator, puns and jokes, real and imagined Los Angeles area landmarks, and the singular warmth of a “favorite uncle” storyteller.

RL: Grades 3-4

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CLOSURE

The Libraries will close December 24 and December 25.  We wish you and your family a happy holiday.

A ONE-GALLON JUG DOG

When Zelly's family moves to Vermont, she can see no reason why she shouldn't have a dog. She's DYING to have a dog, and her annoying grandfather attempts to help her prove she's responsible enough to have one - by giving her a fake dog made out of a juice jug! At first, Zelly thinks it's a little silly to treat something plastic like a living thing, but she'll do whatever it takes to prove to her parents that a dog will make her life complete! When Life Gives You O.J.  by Erica S. Perl is a funny, entertaining story that will appeal to most kids in 5th-7th grade, especially animal lovers.

SEPTEMBER 2012

THE KID WHO WENT TO SPY SCHOOL

Ben has just been recruited to become a spy and train at a very secret spy school but he soon realizes that he is in way over his head.  His personal file lists skills he doesn't have and as soon as he walks onto the school campus, he has to fight for his life.  

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs author of Belly Up.  If you liked the intrigue and adventure of Belly Up then you will also enjoy reading this fast paced story of a middle school spy wannabe.  

For readers in 6th-8th grades.  

ELEPHANT IN THE BATHTUB!

 One day, an elephant filled the bathtub with water and got in... but there was still "plenty of room left", so the cat also got in with his toys then the ducky, then the mice and then the bear... However, there was still plenty of room left for a variety of other animals...

And the bathtub gets fuller and fuller with more animals than imaginable...Where will the bathtub take them and how can they navigate through their journey and will this be even possible? This is such an adorable and sweet story that one would want to read it over and over...The illustrations are simple, colorful and inviting. Elephant in the Bathtub by Kristina Andres is a must read for the whole family.

For  preschool - K

TINSEL TREES, DANCING DREIDELS AND SANTA ELVIS

A book review from Mr. B. at the Grandview Branch: 

Once upon a time, teachers in children’s books were nearly perfect people. In The Last Holiday Concert, Andrew Clements portrays choir director Mr. Meinert as a troubled teacher facing a budget-induced layoff. So troubled is Mr. Meinert, he turns his last holiday concert over to his 6^th graders; who elect most popular student (and no fan of Mr. Meinert) Hart Evans as their director. It’s far from smooth sailing for Hart as he loses favor for actually “directing” while his classmates vie for the spotlight and Mr. Meinert just watches from his desk. In a conclusion worthy of a 6^th grade GLEE Christmas episode, it comes warts-and-all together at the “Winterhope” concert.  This seasonal romp with a message of peace and hope makes good reading any time of the year.

RL: 5-6 ; age: 10-12

SAY GOOD NIGHT GRACIE

You might not know this, but it really hurts when one of your parents dies. Especially when it happens unexpectedly. Especially when it's your Dad, the only one in your family that understands you. So it doesn't seem like a very good thing when your sister decides to adopt a dog. Especially when that dog talks to you and only you. Grace wonders if she's losing her mind, but at least takes the time to listen. You won't believe what this dog has to say! WHAT THE DOG SAID by Randi Reisfeld is a story that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions, but in the end you will be filled with love. 

For grades 4 and up.

OCTOBER 2012

HEROES AND VICTIMS

A review by Mr. B. from the Grandview Branch: 

Earthquake based stories have a special significance for California readers, as do depictions of firestorms.  With The Earth Dragon Awakes ; The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, Laurence Yep takes us to the torn and burning wreckage of San Francisco, April 17-29, 1906. The fiction portion of this stark historical concerns an affluent banker’s family and the family of their Chinese houseboy. The sons of these two families (ages 8 and 9) have become good friends, sharing dreams of heroes, and dime store novels about them. Separated by the great quake, hoards of urban refugees, and Chinese segregation policies, we watch the boys’ families in alternating chapters as they struggle to survive and re-unite despite the panic, the aftershocks, and the great fire that leveled San Francisco. The historical portion is well researched and presented in lively, gritty detail. While The Earth Dragon Awakes makes an exciting solo read, it may also make an excellent shared read-aloud.

Reading level: 4; Age: 8-12

HE'S ALIVE!

He's alive!  "He" is Benjamin Franklin.  And he's not alive in the way you might think.  He survives on a battery charge and has been sleeping in a complex, scientific chamber for over 200 years and was only to be awaken in the event of a dire emergency or problem that he could help solve.  When he is awoken in modern day Philadelphia, however, he encounters only Victor, a kid who is super into science and super into succeeding based upon statistical probabilities.  Together, Ben and Victor try to find the Modern Order of Prometheus, who are in charge of taking care of Benjamin in his Leyden Casket, and also build Victor the largest, most explosive Science Fair Volcano in the history of Philly.

Benjamin Franklinstein Lives! by Matthew McElligott and Larry Tuxbury is an adventure in scientific discovery that will entice kids in fourth through sixth grade.

FRANKIE JOE IS NOT A FREAK, JUST LONELY.

Frankie Joe is a total misfit within his new family.  His mom will be in jail for awhile. He's being sent to live with a dad he barely knows all the way in Illinois, far far away from his trailer park home on the border of the Chihuahua Desert in Laredo, Texas.  His half-brothers are not very welcoming, especially the oldest, who is now bumped to the second place and boy does he hate that.  There's nothing more important to Matt than being number one.  Come the first day of school and Frankie Joe finds out he hasn't been going to school enough to put him in the sixth-grade, so he's going to be demoted and be in the same class as Matt!  Arrrghhh!  The injustice and loneliness sets him on a path to scheme and plot his way back to Laredo.  

Frankie Joe is trapped in a small town with all kinds of rules not suited to a young free spirit like himself.  All he wants is to be reunited with his mom and go back to the trailer park and hang out with his retired friends just like before.  Life just threw him a curve ball and all he can do is be Freaky Fast Frankie Joe and make a new start for himself.  

An endearing coming of age story by Lutricia Clifton for readers in grades 6-8th.  

BUG OUT EVERYBODY!

Middle school can be fun and full of excitement or it can be dull and boring. Annebelle, who is one of the main characters in this book, is still trying to figure this out for herself. She, like any other middle schooler is preoccupied with her life’s activities and is distracted with things that most middle school activities. However, when the school’s dance approaches, she is sure to know who to ask and is certain that she will not be turned down.  For her, this is very comforting to know.  There is a catch though...One of her friends has already snatched her crush away from her…and in doing so, has also crashed Annebelle's heart.  In addition to all this, a potential science project might be a great indicator if her crush and her have a chance in the future?  How is this possible you ask? Everybody Bugs Out by Leslie Margolis will not bug you for sure!  A fun read.

For grades 4th and up.    

WHAT A RACE!

It feels like I've been in a race after reading this book. Lily LOVES horses. Just like her mom. But since her mom was killed riding a horse, her father hardly lets her near them, especially the horse that threw her mom! How will she convince her father to loosen the reins and let her do what she loves so much? ASTRA  by Chris Platt is a great, easy-to-read book about Arabian horses, endurance racing, love and loss, and it is action packed! 

For grades 3-6.

OCTOBER 2012

THEY'VE BEEN WORKING ON THE RAILROAD

A book review by Mr. B.  from the Grandview Branch Library: 

Tracks by Diane Lee Wilson

At the conclusion of TRACKS, thirteen year-old Irishman and sometimes thief Malachy; Malachy’s former adversary seventeen year-old Keung, a Celestial (read: Chinaman); bulldog mutt Brina; and blind work horse Tom, are traveling down life’s road together. It wasn’t always like that.

TRACKS is the warts and all story of how they met on the construction crew finishing the Transcontinental Railroad. Wilson’s well researched historical details the hard-scrapple life of the rail workers as they tunnelled west to east, as well as the open bigotry - and the language of that bigotry - that existed between cultures and races within each crew. At times, Wilson proves to be a bit wordy, but it’s a solid adventure that works on several levels.  

For readers in 6th and up. 

BIGGER THAN A BOOK

Ernest is a moose who just doesn't fit.  He's so big that he doesn't fit into his own book!  In Ernest, the Moose Who Doesn't Fit, author Catherine Raynor takes us on a journey to figure out how to get this gigantic moose into this average-sized book.  Through team work and determination, Ernest's little friend gets a big idea and the perfect solution appears.  Recommended for toddlers and pre-schoolers, this book is sure to delight and surprise readers of all ages.

OUR ONE BOOK HIT

THANK YOU WENDELIN AND MADELINE for making our One Book One Glendale for young readers such a success!  Our auditorium was overflowing with young readers.  See all you readers next year. 

Wendelin and Madeline signing books for what seems like forever. 

But always with a smile! 

Watch Madeline in the movie Flipped.

A big thank you to Theresa and Leon (Friends of the GPL) for making  the event possible.  

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY CLOSURE

All Glendale Public Library branches will close at 5 p.m., Wednesday, November 21 through Sunday, November 25.  We  will reopen Monday November 26.  

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!  

WEDNESDAY WARS

A book review by Mr. B. From the Grandview Branch: 

Holling HoodHood is the only 7^th grader in Camillo Junior High School not excused on Wednesday afternoons for religious lessons. Presbyterians don’t have special training, so he’s assigned to an extra hour every Wednesday afternoon with his English teacher, Mrs. Baker.  In The Wednesday Wars, Gary D. Schmidt documents those awkward, silly, touching, growing afternoons, from chalk dust powdered cream puffs to escaped rats, to reading Shakespeare together, and an unfortunate life lesson at the hands of Mickey Mantle. We also meet Holling’s ambitious father, budding Flower Child sister, and housewife Mom.

In this subtle historical, we see the Stateside 1967-1968 turmoil surrounding the Viet Nam War and its effects on the families it touched as well as the deaths of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy. Obviously in touch with his inner seventh grader, Mr. Schmidt has written a funny, tender, immensely readable historical suitable for seventh graders and their parents.

Reading Level: 5+ / Age level: 11+

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL SAFE

Gemma has a rough life. Going from foster parents to family she didn't know existed, she is thrown into the world of her mother, who abandoned her at a young age. She is tormented by dreams of "Redboy," has an interesting yet distant relationship with her new-found twin brother, and a strained relationship with her new family. Typical life of a young girl, right? Gemma does have hope - and she hopes to get back to her foster family as soon as possible. Her life may be upside down, but she ends up right where she should be. I'll Sing You One-O by Nan Gregory is for grades 6 and up.

August 2012

WENDELIN VAN DRAANEN HAS A SURPRISE FOR US!

Author Wendelin Van Draanen has a surprise for us tomorrow night, November, 15, 2012. Come and hear her talk about Flipped, our One Book One Glendale choice for younger readers.  Join us at 7p.m. in the auditorium at the Glendale Public Library, 222 E. Harvard St.  Wendelin will be signing books after her talk. 

FROM AN INNER CITY APARTMENT TO A HOUSE IN THE SUBURBS

An unexpected move into a suburban neighborhood creates mixed feelings for a teenage boy who was forced to leave his closest friends.  After growing up in a tough inner-city neighborhood, Socrates and his mother must face the challenges of relocation.  Adrian Fogelin vividly captures the life of teens in an inner-city neighborhood in Summer on the Moon.  Her story offers a glimmer of hope for inner-city youth.  

For 6th grade and above.

THE AUTHOR IS COMING!

Wendelin Van Draanen will be coming to the Glendale Public Library on Thursday, November 15 to talk about Flipped, our One Book One Glendale... for younger readers book choice for 2012.  It will be at 7:00 p.m. at the Central Library in the auditorium.  She'll talk about her writing and life as the author of many many books and one of my personal favorite series, the Sammy Keyes series.   

EARWIG AND THE WITCH

She is called Earwig, however her given name is Erica Wigg and she is an orphan who never knew her parents.  Earwig is not the stereotypical orphan who is sad and lonely, on the contrary she is a happy girl, living in the orphanage and getting everything she wants.There is pretty much no chance for her to be adopted since she is older than the other children and her ordinary looks wouldn’t usually make her an ideal pick for an interested family.  However, life is unpredictable and so Earwig’s life is no exception…  Because one day, an unusual couple while visiting the orphanage hand picks Earwig as their daughter and as they say, the rest is all magic…(literally speaking, that is…)  Now, Earwig needs to learn all the secrets of witch crafting and magic, the question becomes...will it be possible?   EARWIG AND THE WITCH by DIANA WYNNE JONES is illustrated by PAUL O. ZELINSKY is an inventive and fun story that will amuse and entertain you.

For grades 4th and up. 

WHAT KIND OF A NAME IS STELLA BATS?!

This is a cute story about a girl in third grade who is getting teased about her name - a boy keeps calling her Smella! Seeing as her name is actually Stella, she starts thinking of a new name right away! It's bad enough her last name is Bats! The story is written like an autobiography, and Stella tells all about her parents' candy store, her annoying little sister and all of the good things and bad things about being in the third grade. STELLA BATS NEEDS A NEW NAME by Courtney Sheinmel will appeal to those just starting to read chapter books. For grades 2-4.

AUGUST 2012

NOT TIRED OF ALL THINGS PRESIDENTIAL, YET? THEN READ THESE.

Here are three ridiculous election stories for your reading pleasure in anticipation of November 5th:  

In Bad Kitty for President by Nick Bruel, Bad Kitty runs for president of the neighborhood cat association. For readers in 2nd-4th. 

Fake Mustache: Or  the story of “How Jodie O'Rodeo and Her Wonder Horse (and Some Nerdy Kid) Saved the U.S. Presidential Election from a Mad Genius Criminal Mastermind by Tom Angleberger is so absurd. A kid super villain plots to take over the United States just by sticking a fake mustache on his face.  

How Not to Run For President by Catherine Clark, takes you on the campaign trail with an unlikely clarinet hero.  for readers in 6th - 8th.

ZOMBIES FOR HALLOWEEN!

If you're feeling the need for some fresh zombie reads this Halloween season but don't want to be scared out of your mind, try a few of these titles:
  
Enter the Zombie is new in the Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie series where Nathan's secret status as a zombie is in danger.  

In Dinkin Dings and the Frightening Things Dinkin is afraid of everything but ghosts and zombies.  

In the latest title in the Pals in Peril series, Zombie Mommy, Lilly's mom is possessed by a zombie that wants to take over the world.  


Remember, don't read at night and keep the lights on while you sleep otherwise creepy things might visit you this Hallow's Eve. 

For readers in 4th and up.

NO ROOSTERS HERE, JUST HENS!

When Ms. Lopez announced to her class that they were going to hatch eggs as a science project, Daniel was very excited.  Not only were they going to know how to hatch eggs but after the project, a raffle was going to be drawn and the lucky students, with two dollars and a parent permission note would be able to take one home.  Their city allowed them to keep hens but NO ROOSTERS.  At the end of the project, the students who had enthusiastically signed up for a chick, for one reason or another were no longer available to care for a chick, except for Daniel.  Who instead of one chick, ended up adopting all the others.  Five total!  When Daniel took the chicks home and his siblings each named one, Primrose, Twinkie, T-Rex, Daffodil and Peeper.  They all worked as a family to take care of the chicks and keep them away from trouble.  When Daniel finds out his chicken, Peeper is actually a rooster; he and his siblings create a secret chicken society to help protect Peeper from people finding out that he is a rooster and not a hen.  How will the secret society try to keep such a secret from their parents and neighbors?

The Secret Chicken Society by Judy Cox is a cute modern story of a family trying to live an urban farm lifestyle.  Not only does Daniel's family raise chickens for eggs but they also plant their own fruits, vegetables and flowers.  This is a great story for grades 1-3.

AUTHOR WENDELIN VAN DRAANEN IS COMING TO GLENDALE

IS THE 2012 ONE BOOK ONE GLENDALE ... 

FOR YOUNGER READERS

Come to the library and pick up a copy of Flipped.  Read it and join us Thursday, November 15, at 7p.m., at the Central Library to hear author Wendelin Van Draanen talk about her award winning book.  If you haven't read Flipped, maybe you've read one of her other series: Shredderman,  Sammy Keyes or Gecko & Sticky.     

 Running Shoes is her latest book about a high school runner who loses her legs and has to readjust to life and make some new dreams.   

THE ACCIDENTAL CANDIDATE

In a world where every action is captured and posted on YouTube, Aidan's video went viral and he is declared the Clarinet Hero! There was no escaping his most embarrassing moment where he tackles the governor of Minnessota/ presidential candidate, being taken down by Secret Service and sucking it with his clarinet solo.  But it's not all bad because  The Fresh Idea campaign wants to jump on this instant celebrity status and take him on tour with them and help them win over the Midwest vote with his honesty and small town ideas.  

How Not to Run For President by Catherine Clark is a fast and funny read for 6th-8th graders just right for the current political climate.  

RAISING A GOURMET EATER

The number of books and ways to parent a child in America are as endless as the combinations of individuality and uniqueness of people and families in America.  Adding to this list of parenting advice is Pamela Druckerman's book Bringing Up Bebe:  One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting.  Bringing Up Bebe is a well-researched, amusing view at French parenting from an American perspective.  Druckerman notes all of the typically American experiences she has as she raises her first child - She feels as if her life is devoted to this sole being, she is getting no sleep, and cannot have a decent meal in a restaurant with her child in tow.  She notices that French parents don't seem to have this problem.  They enjoy adult conversations, their babies sleep through the night around 3-4 months old, and their children calmly enjoy a multi-course meal in public (surprisingly eating the same things as their parents).  Pamela Druckerman is astounded and a bit jealous.  How do French parents do this?

Through a series of observations, interviews, and research of France's parenting experts, day-care staff, and French parents, Druckerman discovers and practices the art and wisdom of French Parenting.  From "doing their nights" to teaching children autonomy at an early age and acting courteously to adults and one another, Druckerman explores the benefits of government subsidized childcare and a parenting style which most of Parisian society seems to agree on in a humorous and honest way.

BEFORE I WAKE

A book review by Mr. B. from the Grandview Branch: 

Because ghost stories often involve storms, blood, creaky houses with new residents, dreams, and dysfunctional families, it’s really all in the telling. E. E. Richardson tells it intensely and well in The Intruders. The recently cobbled together Wilder family moves into a deserted two-story fixer-upper in the country. Adolescing Cassie and her slightly younger brother Joel resent new step-brothers Tim (a little younger than Joel) and adolescing Damon (a year older than Cassie). Each of the younger step-brothers has the same recurring bloody nightmares, and hears the same whispered prayer, “If I should die before I wake,” which lead to the expected discovery of the ghosts, a long-ago bloody crime, and the unexpected bonding of the children. 

Older readers may catch on to the horrors hiding in the house before younger readers, but all will be caught up in the gory details as the children confront the ghosts in a séance that nearly destroys the house before releasing the  trapped spirits. Beware the Richardson touch: you’ll be checking under the bed for ghosts even if you read this one in the mid-day Sun.

Tags: 

for readers in  grades 6-10 and age 11-16.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT?

Antonia is excited to be a peer counselor. But when she's paired up with Jazz, she's not so sure it's going to be a very good match. How can Antonia, a "nerdy" over-achiever, have anything that she can relate to with this drugged-out punk-rock girl? As it turns out, Antonia and Jazz have more in common than one would expect, and it turns out they both end up helping each other through some pretty tough situations. The content in DEFINE NORMAL by Julie Anne Peters is more appropriate for middle school, grades 6-8. 

SEPTEMBER 2012

AS BAD AS PICKLE JUICE ON A COOKIE

When Eleanor finds out her babysitter Bibi has to leave to care for her father, she is devastated.  Bibi has been there her whole life and she cannot image her life without Bibi.  Once Bibi is gone, Eleanor does not want to do anything because everything reminds her of Bibi and that makes her feel very sad.  Eleanor has to overcome the challenges of change.  Not only does she have to prepare herself for a new school year but also her new babysitter, Natalie.  

Like Pickle Juice On a Cookie by Julie Sternberg , narrated by Eleanor and written short chapters of free verse, with simple illustrations.  Eleanor demonstrates all the steps a child goes through in processing change.  From accepting, that Bibi has gone to trying to move forward with her new babysitter Natalie, Eleanor still manages to stay connected with Bibi through writing letters.

This is a great story for children experiencing change.  For grades 2^nd through 4^th

NOW AND THEN

T.J has always taken care of his sister, Angela.  In and out of foster homes, T.J. was the only one who could coax his sister out of her bad moods.  He was the only one who knew why she made origami paper cranes and let them fly whenever she could.  He tried to protect her from the truth about their mother until neither of them could bear the lies anymore.  Now, though, T.J. is waiting in the Emergency Room for his sister to wake up from a bad fall.  They have a new life now, with new parents, and a new house, but their painful past still haunts them.  As T.J. sits waiting for Angela to wake up, he remembers all of the things - good and bad - that got them to this point and will shape their future - if she ever wakes up.

Waiting to Forget by Sheila Kelly Welch is a heart-breaking story of a young boy coming to terms with his past and looking toward a brighter future.  This book would be great for middle school fans of A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer.

ZOOZICAL MUSICAL

Zoozical by Judy Sierra pictures by Marc Brown.

It's winter time and families are staying in their homes and the usual field trips are no longer taking place at the local zoo.  The animals are getting rusty and restless, no one to entertain and no one to take pictures with…”Owls did not give a hoot, pandas quit being cute.”  And so begins the ever fun production of an animal show at the zoo, put together by none other than the animals themselves, hence zoozical…

The illustrations are deep in colors with vibrant and colorful characters that dance, sing and entertain one another until summer arrives.  One of the things that you will learn from this beautifully crafted book is that a person should never feel bored, because no matter what, we can always find ways to entertain us, we just need to look  around us for a little bit of inspiration… Pre-k to 1st grades. 

READING IS NEVER EASY

Travis is new to the middle school, new to the area and not happy at all.  When he meets outspoken, Velveeta, a classmate, things begin to look up until he has to read out loud in class.  He feels like a Bluefish all over again.  

Bluefish by Pat Schmatz is a hopeful story of new friendships and hidden secrets.  A realistic look at how middle schoolers deal with death, alcoholism, parents, neglect, bullying, and school.  For mature readers in 6 grade and up.  

DADS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN!

When fathers finish a long day at work they do what’s close to their heart—Play!!

When Dads Don’t Grow Up by Marjorie Blain Parker for babies, toddlers and their dads. 

FURRY THIEVES

Max and Maddy's parents were two of the best detectives in the world until Professor Claude Sardine ruined their business.  Now, the detective work is left to Max and Maddy who, after winning a town-wide Clue tournament, have been asked to get to the bottom of bank robberies in Switzerland.  The case isn't what they expect, however, when they find themselves tracking down furry St. Bernards who seem to be the bank robbers.  Just remember, things are not always what they appear...

Max & Maddy and the Chocolate Money Mystery by Alexander McCall Smith is a detective's delight.  Action packed with an unusual twist, any young crime-solver is sure to enjoy the journey to finding out whodunnit.  Recommended for 3rd and 4th graders.

ALLIE FINKLE’S RULES

This book is number 3 in the series (Allie Finkle's Rules For Girls) but if you haven’t read the first two, no worries, you will still be amused and entertained.

Allie is a typical fourth grader who after the winter school vacation is really excited to go back to school and be with her friends again. When she finds out that in addition to her usual friends, there is going to be a new girl, she becomes even more excited. Unfortunately as she starts her regular week at school, she realizes that the girl, whom she hoped could have become one of her own friends, is the exact opposite of her.  Cheyenne, the new girl, is rude, angry all the time and has the tendency to bully people around her. She tries to replace Allie‘s and her friends’ innocent recess games with inappropriate games such as chase and kiss, hoping to ‘recruit’ friends.  Allie of course, being the smart and kind person finds many ways to fight her rival.

You will fall in love with Allie and her friends and would want to read the entire series…

BEST FRIENDS AND DRAMA QUEENS by MEG CABOT For grades 3rd-5th.