GOOD CHANGES

Ben the Inventor isn't really about inventing as such, but about Ben and his best friend, Jack, and the end of their friendship.  Jack's mother just got a new job and the family will have to sell their house and move to Vancouver, a nearby city.  This is a very sweet beginning chapter book about how the two boys come up with all kinds of plans to make the house unsaleable and thereby remain neighbors and friends forever.  

Ben the Inventor by Robin Stevenson is a good introduction into the world of  beginning chapter books and for those looking for a solid boy book.  For readers in 2nd-4th.

A CHAPTER BOOK CHAT selection--SKY HIGH

Charlie has many creative ideas and considers himself an inventor. When his most awesome invention, the Zinger Winger gets out of control, Charlie finds himself in a sticky situation, especially with the school's lunch lady. Patricia Reilly Giff writes an adventurous and humorous school story. A must read for invention fans! Take a look at the other titles in the Zigzag Kids series.  

Join the Chapter Book Chat at Central and Casa Verdugo Libraries. We'll read the book together at the first meeting and then discuss it at the second meeting. Best for 3rd thru 5th grade. Check our Family Events or visit glendalepubliclibrary.org for dates and times.`

ABRACADABRA!

This is a story of two boys, Darren Jackson and Jamie Jenks, who are looking for the quickest way up the millionaire ladder. Darren works as a giraffe at a nearby pizza joint, miserably dealing with rude, abusive children. Jamie works at a nearby deli, annoying patrons with his great puns and catchy rhymes. When one of the boys' inventions goes crazy, it looks like a pretty dim future. One day, when things are at their worst, the boys stumble upon something that sends their magician careers soaring into fame and fortune! JACKSON & JENKS: MASTER MAGICIANS by actor Dan Frischman is a hilarious book for grades 4 and up.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD SUPER SHOES?

Who could have sent Freddie the awesome purple shoes with silver wings? With them he could run faster than a train! He's got ZAPATO POWER! They make him feel like a superhero able to help anyone. Was it his fabulous uncle? Or his hard working mom?

Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Takes Off by Jacqueline Jules is a great beginning chapter book for readers in 2nd to 4th grade.

A CROOKED SCIENTIST

Graphic novels (also known as comic books) are not like the Archie and Veronica or even the Garfield strips of old. You can see it in the new crops of books like this one: The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis.

The drawings are really sharp and dynamic and printed on heavy glossy papers in hardback so it will last as you read and reread this story. You will definitely want to pore over the many diagrams of our clever heroes' inventions.

It's a story we've seen before, a nerdy kid finds like-minded friends and overcomes the odds and fights the bad guys. But what makes this better than your average story is the illustrations, color choices, details and panel layouts or in some cases lack of panels.

For readers in 4th and up.