ONE MAGICAL SUMMER

A review by Theresa:  

Summer is supposed to the best time of the year. It should be a time of no school, no homework, and no schedules just lots of free time to do what you want and hang out with your friends. For Ashley it is just the opposite. Her best friend is going off to camp and then moving across the county. They had planned to spend their last weeks together but instead Ashley has to entertain some strange little girl her mother has invited to come and stay with them for the first three weeks of summer. 

Life looks bleak for her as she faces the worst summer of her life. Without her best friend Lucy she wonders how she will cope with the rare condition that causes her brain not to recognize people even if she knows them well. But cope she does even when Claire, the summer visitor, turns her life upside down and Ashley finds a magic wish jar in the basement that has the power to send her back to a time of two girls very much her and Lucy. Before she knows it the three weeks she had dreaded and all the changes this summer brought to her life mean that her worst summer might just be the best one ever. 

Dreamer, Wisher, Liar by Charise Harper is best for readers in grades 5-8.

MRS. NOODLEKUGEL-- BABYSITTER FOR HIRE

 

Nick and Maxine are naturally curious about the little house next to their high-rise apartment building.  When they decide to pay a visit to the sweet lady next door, they discover that she has some lively characters living with her.  Nick and Maxine are surprised with the day's events but when they return home, their parents have an even bigger surprise for them. 
For more Mrs. Noodlekugel adventures, reserve a copy of Daniel Pinkwater's Mrs. Noodlekugel and Four Blind Mice today. 

For 3rd grade and older. 

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