REAPERS, TROLLS, AND GOBLINS, OH MY!

Jack lives in a land of mystical creatures. When one of the creatures takes his best friend away forever, he is determined to find out why. In the midst of his investigation, he encounters a slew of fairies and like creatures who are being targeted, sorted, and taken away; another mystery for him to solve!  

Jack is a ten year old who learns that his father is Death, and he's not to interfere with whatever is going on. It's troubling to him to see innocent lives being drastically affected, so with the help of a few friends he's able to learn more about what it will take to stand up to injustice and his father.

M.L. Windsor writes a story for those interested in mystical creatures or would like to enjoy a Lemony Snicket read-alike.  Jack Death is a fast paced novel that's sprinkled with humor and unforgettable characters, but note that there are also grisly scenes (Spoiler Alert: bad guys can eat their victims in three bites) that will leave readers bug-eyed and maybe wanting a sequel. 

For grades 6-8, not for the faint of heart.

SURE BEATS BOILING OIL

If you read Harry Potter or the Hunger Games, and you like stories where society is out to destroy the lives of children, then THE UNWANTEDS by Lisa McMann is a good book to read along the same lines. In the dark, dreary land of Quill, some kids become "wanteds" and some are relegated to "unwanted" status, which means they are sent to die in a giant pit of boiling oil. Only the unwanteds actually end up in a magical world of creativity and free thought, something completely frowned upon in the land of Quill. Kids learn magical fighting techniques, in preparation to fight for their beliefs in a battle that comes when not everyone is prepared to fight. It's not to difficult to read, it is action-packed, and reflects positively on those that are more creative than calculating. For grades 4 and up.

THE FANCIEST CAR IN THE UNIVERSE

LOWRIDERS IN SPACE by Cathy Camper is a unique graphic novel because the illustrator Raul the Third did all the art work with three colors of ball point pen! He does a fantastic job of helping to tell the story of Lupe Impala, a female mechanic, El Chavo Flapjack, a car detailing octopus, and Elirio Malario, a Zoot Suit wearing mosquito who does amazing car paint jobs! Why do they do all of this? Because they love cars. All they need to do now is win the Universal Car Competition so they can open their very own garage instead of working for "el jefe". Their lowrider turns out being out of this world! Many car lovers and those that appreciate great drawing will be drawn to this book, but it's especially good for 4th - 8th grades.

REFORMED FAIRY TALE VILLAINS?

OUR MISSION:  TO TURN WICKED DELINQUENTS AND FORMER VILLAINS INTO FUTURE HEROES.  

Can "baddies" really be reformed?
All is not as it seems at Fairy Tale Reform School just outside of Enchantasia where the teachers are former fairy tale villains and the new student, Gillian, knows something strange is happening.
Flunked is new a fast-paced fantasy adventure for 4th-6th grader readers by Jen Calonita.  

IMAGINARY FRIENDS MEET THE REAL WORLD

Rudger is Amanda Shuffleup's imaginary friend. No one else can see him but her, and that's just fine by him--Amanda is the only one with enough imagination to dream him up in the first place. But when a suspiciously creepy man comes to the door one day asking Amanda's mum to take a survey, it appears he can see Rudger too, and that's when things begin to go amiss. He sees the man lurking everywhere, determined to get his hooks on Rudger. And then--worst of all--there is an accident that causes Amanda to be rushed to the hospital, and for the first time in his life, Rudger is all on his own. How will Rudger escape the nefarious grasp of the sinister man, and, perhaps more importantly, without a real person to imagine him, can an imaginary boy even exist? 

This fantasy by A.F. Harrold told from various points of view is at turns whimsical and downright spooky, and proves no one is too old to tap into their imaginations and let them run wild. Emily Gravett's striking illustrations--some in black-and-white and occaisionally in color--add just the right balance of eerieness and eccentricity. 

An exciting and offbeat read for 4th to 6th graders. 

TELLING TALES - NEWBERRY 2015?

Thirteen-year-old Astri has a head full of fairy tales, but her life is far from being one itself. Sold off by her aunt to work for a vicious "goatman," Astri bides her time until she can figure out a way to escape the goatman, get her younger sister from her greedy aunt and uncle, and find a way to get to America to join their father. Along the way, she meets a girl who may or may not be a changeling, a brush that may or may not make coins fall out of hair, and what appears to be a troll's treasure. Though her journey is fraught with many perils, the dangers outside are not the only thing Astri needs to fight. Eventually, she has to face the barrier she created around herself and the fairy tales that threaten to take over her reality.

West of the Moon is inspired by the Norwegian folktale "East of the Sun, West of the Moon," and also by the author's great-grandparents, who met a young girl on their journey to the United States from Norway. Through lyrical prose, Margi Preus tells a story that is a combination of fairy tale and historical fiction, but most importantly it is a story about a girl who may not always do the right thing, but who always manages to find a way out through her courage and wits.

THE FORBIDDEN LIBRARY

Talking cats? Alice knew something strange was going on when she heard a talking cat. Intrigued, twelve-year-old Alice follows the strange feline and is eventually convinced into entering a mysterious library she was forbidden to enter and opens one of its books!  How could an obedient girl who had never been defiant brake such a rule? It was the love for reading that was so strong she could not resist. Upon entering the library, Alice also meets an arrogant boy who brings just as much trouble as the talking cat.  It did not take Alice long to figure out the book she opened was magical.  Accidentally, Alice and the cat are sucked inside the book.  But Alice’s troubles continue as she must now defeat a creature living within the book.  How did Alice get caught up in so much magic?  Well, it all started one night while Alice was sneaking around and she sees her father talking to a bumble bee fairy.  The following day Alice’s father disappears as the ship goes down at sea.  Alice is sent to live with an unheard of uncle named Geryon and it is Geryon who forbade Alice from going into his library. 

As the pages turn Alice becomes less and less trusting of the characters she meets.

The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler is a mix of genres of adventure, mystery and fantasy. The author incorporates magic just enough where it is not overwhelming. Wexler also brings the book to an end as he leads the reader towards the sequel.

Read the book and find out what happens to Alice.

For readers in 5th grade and up. 

SCHOOL OF MAGIC

There is a new wizard boy on the block.

And his name is Callum Hunt. Raised by his magic-hating father, Call grows up thinking that all magicians are evil, and were responsible for his mother's death when he was merely a baby. So when he is called to take the mandatory exams that might lead to his acceptance to the Magisterium, he is carefully coached by his father to do everything in order to fail. But although he tries very hard to fail (to fail), Call is picked nonetheless and has to attend his first year - the Iron Year - at the Magisterium. Together with his new friends Tamara and Aaron, Callum is coached by Master Rufus in magic skills in preparation for the Iron Trial, which will signify the end of the school year. But there is more to the world of magic than Callum knows, and he slowly starts to wonder if his father was right in cautioning him against it. There is an enemy that has been hidden for years waiting to resurface - calling himself the Enemy of Death -who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

The Iron Trial is the first book of a projected five-book series from popular children's and young adult literature writers Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. Readers will find many similarities with the Harry Potter series, but whether this is a bad or a good thing is up to the reader to decide.


For grades 5 and up.

SOARING AND OTHER MATTERS

If you like a bit of adventure, magic and the possibility of people flying on their own in your stories, then The Art of Flying by Judy Hoffman is for you. 

It all starts when Fortuna Dalliance’s mother sends the eleven-year-old off to help the very old and strange pair of ladies who live down the street. Not your typical neighbors, the live not only in a very unusual and creepy house but also may possess magic powers. Though this encounter with the sisters, or should we say witches, Fortuna becomes involved in a fantastical adventure that includes birds that have been transformed into boys, cats that are not what they seem and a question of friendship.

For readers in 5th-8th grades.

THE NEXT LAST DRAGONSLAYER

In case you were fascinated-and a little horrified-by the creature that is "one tenth Labrador, six-tenths velociraptor and three-tenths kitchen food blender," from the Last Dragonslayer, you can find out more in the second book, The Song of the Quarkbeast. With the Great Zambini still missing, Jennifer Strange continues to be the acting manager of Kazam Mystical Arts Management, and it is not the easiest of jobs. With the rise of Big Magic, Jennifer, Tiger Prawns, and the accompanying cast of strange but generally well-meaning magicians are the only ones who can prevent King Snodd and iMagic from using magic for personal gain, rather than the common good. The troubles start when a mysterious client recruits Kazam's talents to find a ring that does not want to be found, and only escalate when King Snodd appoints Blix from iMagic to Court Sorcerer, requiring Kazam to obey all of iMagic's wishes. Will Jennifer and Kazam be able to resist Blix and King Snodd against all odds? And most importantly, why is there a mysterious Quarkbeast roaming in the streets of Hereford?
 

The Song of the Quarkbeast  by Jasper FForde is as lough-out-loud witty as its prequel. In fact, it is possible that it might be even better. If you like a good deal of laughs with your fantasy and science fiction, you might have just met your favorite new series.

For readers in 4th-8th. 

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A WATER MONSTER?

Official Apprentices' to do list: 

• Do not go beyond this point! 
• Cut Sasquatch's toe nails.
• Do not do anything else!!

Pearl's to do list: 

• See what's beyond those doors. 
• See what that big green thing is outside the window.  
• Get a leprechaun with a nasty cold becayse Ben's been taken hostage by the Lake Monster.  

And this is their first day as official apprentice's to Dr. Woo's Worm Hospital.  Oh, Dr. Woo will not be happy with these two apprentices that's for sure. 
The Lonely Lake Monster : The Imaginary Veterinary Book 2 by Suzanne Selfors for those who love animals (imaginary of course) and not following the rules.  

For readers in 2nd-4th grades. 

MATH ALL THE TIME

Who says math is only used during math class or that math is dumb? Well, Logan and Bennedict found out the hard way that math is everywhere, in every subject and it certainly isn't dumb.  In Numbed by David Lubar, the boys return from a math field trip completely unable to solve the most ordinary and mundane math problem such as adding and subtracting;  trying to figure out what time it would be 2 hrs. from 4:15 or if they have enough money for a sticky bun.  

A fun short follow up to Punished!  but you don't need to read it in order to enjoy this book.


A beginning chapter book for readers in 2nd-4th grades.  

SO MANY SECRETS

Cassandra and Max-Ernest are 11-year-old students who decoded a message from a magician which spelled out “Help” from a magician who had mysteriously vanished .  The two students set out on a mission to find out what happened to him.  While searching the magician’s house, they found a notebook and realized that they were not the only ones looking for it.  When their investigation led them to a secret spa,  the truth they were searching for would only lead them to more danger.  Is the investigation more important than their lives?  

The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch is a mysterious and humorous story, suitable for students in grades 4.  This is the first book of the Secret series. 

PICKED UP YOUR BOOK FOR ONE BOOK YET?

The Aviary by Kathleen O'Dell is our 2013 One Book One Glendale for Younger Readers.  She will be our guest speaker this coming Thursday evening, November 21 at 7p.m. 

Perfect fantasy novel for readers in 5th-7th grades.  

Central Library 
222 E. Harvard St. 
Glendale, CA 
Free parking at the structure across the street for 3 hrs. 

STEAMPUNK FUN

Sophronia is 14 years old, tomboy and middle child of a family of girls who is suddenly told that she will be going to a finishing school, but this isn't any ordinary finishing school.  Unbeknownst to her, Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has vampires, werewolves, and flying airships.  There she learns to fend off all types of foes and becomes embroiled in adventures unlike any she has known before.

Etiquette and Espionage:  Finishing School Book the First by Gail Carriger is a fun steampunk action adventure story.   

For readers in 6th -9th grade

SEPTEMBER, A GIRL, AND SATURDAY, AN "ALMOST HUMAN" BOY

I like adventure. I like traveling to new and exciting places I've never been before. I do not, however, want to solve all the problems when I get somewhere. Maybe one or two small problems, like giving some first aid cream to a kid with diaper rash, or food for a homeless person. This is how September felt when she ended up in Fairyland, hoping for a nice, calm, relaxing adventure. Instead she is faced with evil creatures and a bunch of Fairyland problems that she is asked to help with. She meets a dragon who loves books more than she does (reading them, not eating them), and a boy named Saturday who is blue. Like blue as in color, not as in he's sad. Together they defeat evil and triumph over Fairyland. 

If you like Alice in Wonderland or The Chronicles of Narnia, you will definitely love THE GIRL WHO CIRCUMNAVIGATED FAIRYLAND IN A SHIP OF HER OWN MAKING by Catherynne Valente. For grades 5 and up.

JULY 2013

THE WORM HOSPITAL THAT WASN'T

What he thought was going to be a boring summer turns intriguing when Ben sees a dark shadow flying overhead.  It looks like a bird, but with a really long tail.   What was that thing he saw in the night sky?  Did that girl mouth the word dragon?  By the morning's bright light, an injured bat like creature is dropped onto his bed by his grandpa's cat and the only vet in town is a worm vet in the abandoned old button factory. 

The veterinarian seems to treat all types of animals not just worms, but not your typical dog or cat either.  Strange creatures seem to lurk in this down and out Oregon town with mostly senior citizens who look forward to pudding day. 

The Sasquatch Escape :  the Imaginary Veterinary:  Book 1 by Suzanne Selfors is the beginning of a new series for those reluctant readers who love animals and fantasy. For readers in 4th - 6th grades.   

A DELICIOUS CAKE TALENT

Everyone has a talent.   Cady's talent is figuring out what kind of cake is right for a person.  Orphaned for what seems like forever, Cady is the only one left at the orphanage until an accident leads her to a special building, an old peanut butter factory, where one person is searching for her talent, another steals talents but where everyone seems to be tangled together somehow.  In this fantastical tale by Lisa Graff, A Tangle of Knots,  the knots become untangled as Cady finds the family she is meant to be with.  
The book includes recipes for each person's special cake.  I haven't any of them yet, but you can check out the book and try one out...maybe Miss Mallory's Peach Cake or something more unusual like Zane's Garlic Cake. 

For readers in 4th-6th grade.  

ONE BOOK ONE GLENDALE IS COMING

Our special ONE BOOK ONE GLENDALE for Younger Readers will be coming this Thursday, November 21, 2013.  This year's book is The Aviary by local author, Kathleen O'Dell.  Mark your calendar and join us for an evening with a great children and YA author. 

This book is for readers in 4th grade and up.  

DECLICIOUS CHOCOLATES ARE SPECIAL

The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop by Kate Saunders have  two of my favorite elements, chocolates and cats.  Twins, Oscar and Lily, move into a new home, in a new city that their father has inherited.  Long thought to be dead, their evil great uncle wants to capture the twins' magic in order to continue his diabolical plan to make a chocolate that would make other villains immortal.   Along with a secret sector of MI6, the twins are helped by Caydon, Demera and Spike, immortal cat and rat, to stop their great uncle's evil plans.  

This is a highly improbably story, especially when Demera, the cat, turns into a giant and  binges on McDonald burgers, but a lot of fun nonetheless.  
For readers in 4th -6th grade.